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Incorporating a scalp massager into your hair care routine can offer you a wide range of benefits for your scalp and hair. This may seem like a new trending hair care routine, however, scalp massagers have been around for centuries. They hold a deeply therapeutic and cultural history across many civilisations for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Indian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine practices. In Egyptian and Greek civilisations, the use of natural oils became common practice, such as castor oil or argan oil to stimulate growth and encourage hair growth. They have been recognised to increase overall well-being by reducing stress, stimulating acupressure points and improving circulation throughout the body. In this comprehensive blog, we will guide you through the many health benefits scalp massaging can offer as well as what the best practices are when it comes to scalp massaging.
What is a Scalp Massager?
A scalp massager, also known as a shampoo brush, is a handheld tool specifically designed to massage your scalp as the silicone bristles gently stimulate blood flow to your scalp, encouraging hair growth. They come in various forms, electric and manual, and are a relaxing tool to incorporate into your hair care routine.
Benefits of Using a Scalp Massager
Massaging your scalp is just one of the many ways you can promote hair growth and presents a wide range of benefits to achieve healthy hair and scalp, which are as follows:
Improved blood circulation
The soft bristles gently stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles by enhancing circulation and oxygen to the scalp. This can encourage hair growth and promote a healthier scalp environment.
Scalp exfoliation
Shampoo brushes are a great tool to use in the shower to gently exfoliate your scalp without causing damage or irritation. In small circular motions, gently move your shampoo brush around your scalp to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and products from clogging your hair follicles.
Reduced stress and relaxation
By using a scalp massager on your head and pressing into different acupuncture points, will encourage different muscles in your body to relax. The soft, bristle brushes work to reduce stress and increase relaxation as it offers your body a calming effect. Adding in your favourite smelling hair oil will also add an olfactory sensation to further help you relax.
Product absorption
By gently exfoliating the scalp, scalp massagers help to remove dead skin cells and product that has been building up on the scalp. This enhances oxygen to the hair follicles and stimulates blood flow. Your scalp is then primed for new products as it is rid of any build-up.
Hair growth
As your hair follicles become stimulated, this can encourage hair growth as more oxygen is brought into the follicles. For a comprehensive guide on encouraging hair growth, we recommend reading up on our blog on 5 tips to grow your hair longer.
How to Use Scalp Massager Properly (to Promote Hair Growth & without Tangling Hair)
1. Choose the right massager
As you begin to incorporate scalp massaging into your hair care routine, it is important to think about which scalp massager is best for your hair and scalp. Opting for a scalp massager with soft silicone bristles or nodes is beneficial if you are looking to use it in the shower. If you have curly hair, it is best to choose a shampoo brush that is specifically designed for curly hair.
2. Use a hair oil or conditioner
Using a shampoo brush in the shower is a great place to start as the warm water and products can assist in removing product build-up and stimulating your scalp. After shampooing your hair, apply a hair oil or conditioner to your scalp to help reduce friction and help the shampoo brush glide through your hair without tangling or pulling at it. There are several hair oils you can use for hair growth and scalp health, here is how each hair oil benefits:
Jojoba Seed Oil
Jojoba seed oil is an excellent choice as it closely resembles the natural oils we produce in our scalps. It is lightweight and it is suitable for all scalp types as it moisturises the scalp without clogging the pores.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the scalp while supporting it with antimicrobial properties. It can soothe a dry scalp and alleviate irritation from dandruff.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a thick, deeply nourishing oil that supports hair growth and stimulates the scalp. As it is quite thick, it is best to mix it with another lightweight oil to not clog your hair follicles on the scalp. Incorporating a mix of hair growth oil such as the Pump’s Liquid Gold Growth Oil is a great alternative as it contains castor oil but is well balanced with other deeply nourishing hair oils to support your hair growth.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is another fantastic lightweight oil to mix into your hair care routine when scalp massaging. You can also add a few drops to your conditioner for a soothing and nourishing effect.
3. Massage technique
After shampooing your hair and applying a hair oil or conditioner. Start with a light pressure and in slow motion to ensure your hair doesn't tangle. In circular motions, gently move the shampoo brush across your scalp; beginning at the front and moving towards the back of your scalp rhythmically. This ensures the entire scalp is massaged evenly without over-focusing on one section.
4. Time and frequency
Covering the entire scalp should take you 5-10 minutes in total. It is best to not go longer than that as it can over-stimulate your scalp, leading to increased oil production or your scalp becoming irritated.
5. Rinse thoroughly
Once you have completed the scalp massage, rinse your scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water and finish with a cold snap to seal in your hair cuticles. This ensures any product residue is removed and promotes a healthy, happy scalp.
FAQs about Using a Scalp Massager
Can you use a scalp massager on dry hair?
Yes you can! However, if you have mid to long hair it is best to use hair oil or conditioner as it will reduce friction and your hair won't tangle as easily.
How long should you use a scalp massager?
It is best to limit your scalp massage to 5-10 minutes as overstimulation could cause issues such as irritation or cause your hair to overproduce oil. Best to start a couple of times a week and increase the frequency based on how your scalp responds.
What is the best time to use a scalp massager?
The best time to incorporate scalp massaging into your hair care routine is in the shower or when you have time to relax as this is a gentle, relaxing routine to incorporate into your daily life and you shouldn't rush through it.
Can scalp massagers help with hair thinning or hair loss?
Scalp massagers can help those experiencing hair loss or thinning as they improve blood flow to the hair follicles and efficiently deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones to the hair follicles. As hair loss is also due to stress, scalp massaging can help reduce stress levels by offering a relaxing and stimulating activity to your hair care routine.
