Do Scalp Massages Stimulate Hair Growth?
Have you ever tried giving yourself a scalp massage? It’s not hard, and you can do it while watching TV, reading a book, or walking on a treadmill (just remember to hang on once in a while!).
It’s a great way to relax and soothe stress, and bonus — there is talk that scalp massages can help hair growth. But is it true?
Menopause and other age-related factors contribute to poor circulation and reduced nutrient delivery to our scalp and follicles. When this happens, we start producing brittle, fine-textured hair. Some follicles die off, and strands fall out.
Studies suggest a regular scalp massage can end up stimulating hair growth. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is a Scalp Massage?
A scalp massage involves a gentle squeezing of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that nourish and support your hair. This type of massage entails the use of mild pressure and is typically performed without oil, though you can include it if you’d like.
A standard scalp massage involves your fingertips; however, you can also use a massager. Scalp massagers are handheld, brush-like devices that stimulate and exfoliate your skin.
When done correctly and consistently, a scalp massage will ease muscle tension around your head and shoulders while stimulating the nerves and blood vessels beneath your skin.
Scalp Massages and Hair Growth
Growing new hair or preventing its loss are chief concerns for most of us, and limited research has shown that consistent scalp massages may help.
The condition and appearance of your hair are directly affected by the health of your skin. This is because your strands form in microscopic pocket-like organs called hair follicles situated in the layer of skin called the epidermis.
The majority of growth benefits resulting from regular massages happen in and around your hair follicles. Massaging dilates or enlarges the capillaries in your skin, boosting blood flow to the follicles.
Study Shows Daily Massages Produce Thicker Strands
In 2016, a Japanese study involving nine men who received four-minute daily massages for six months took place.
Papillae cells, situated at the base of the follicle, are crucial for hair formation and growth. Study researchers believed that using mechanical force to stimulate these dermal papillae cells would cause follicles to produce thicker strands.
When the study ended, the researchers concluded the men had thicker hair than when they started.
Study Shows Potential for Standardized Scalp Massages
Androgenic alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by medical disorders, hormone changes, heredity, or the natural aging process.
In 2019, scientists organized a survey study called the Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia to investigate whether standardized scalp massages (SSMs) could stabilize or reverse this hair loss condition.
The participants viewed a video demonstrating how to perform the massages: hand-generated pinches, stretches, and presses for 20 minutes, twice a day.
The 327 respondents who followed through with the SSMs said they performed their scalp massages for 11 to 20 minutes, up to 14 months. Nearly 70% of the participants said they experienced regrowth or that their hair loss stabilized after surpassing 36 hours of SSMs.
The study organizers stated that more research would be needed; however, the survey results line up with previous studies and indicate scalp massages may improve androgenic alopecia.
Ways to Massage Your Scalp
There are various methods you can use to massage your scalp and stimulate blood flow to your follicles. Here are a few:
Standard Scalp Massage
Imagine your scalp divided into four or eight separate segments.
- Massage each section for an equal amount of time.
- Use your fingertip pads or knuckles and make small, gentle circular motions. Avoid scraping your skin with your fingernails or using too much pressure.
- Start either in the back or front of your head and work slowly and systematically across each segment, making sure to cover all areas.
- Try to do a fingertip massage for a minimum of five minutes at a time, a few times a day.
If you choose not to or cannot massage yourself, you can hire a licensed massage therapist. The length of your massage will determine the cost.
Massage Your Scalp While Washing or Conditioning Your Hair
If you are too busy during the day, you can adopt the standard scalp massage method mentioned above while you shower.
Once again, use a light touch and massage your conditioner or shampoo into your tresses for at least five minutes. When you have covered your entire head, rinse as you ordinarily would.
Scalp Massaging Tools
You can find massaging tools in the form of light handheld rubber devices or brushes. They work in place of your fingertips to exfoliate and stimulate follicle function and blood circulation.
Some massagers (or shampoo brushes) can be used in the shower, while others are meant only for dry scalps.
They typically have synthetic or silicone bristles or may double as a serum applicator like Better Not Younger’s Superpower Liquid Comb Massaging Serum Applicator.
Combine Better Not Younger’s Liquid Comb and Superpower Serum
Better Not Younger’s Liquid Comb Applicator was created to be used with their Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum. Achieve denser, healthier hair over time with a robust combination of a relaxing scalp massage and liquid serum containing hair and scalp regenerating ingredients, including:
- Chamomile extract
- Caffeine
- Ginger
- Niacinamide
- Centella Asiatica
The massaging applicator’s widely spaced comb “bristles” have smooth, retractable aluminum ball tips to evenly spread the liquid closer to your roots and follicles.
You can use Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum and Superpower Liquid Comb with all textures and types.
How to Use the Superpower Liquid Comb
The Superpower Liquid Comb Massaging Serum Applicator stimulates scalp microcirculation and can be used at any point throughout the day without liquids.
When using the Liquid Comb with the Superpower Hair & Scalp Serum, we recommend applying before bed:
- Set the bottom of the Liquid Comb on the transparent cover before and
- Open the Liquid Comb by pulling off the black silicone cap by the small tab.
- Use the Superpower Serum’s built-in dropper and load the filling port (it holds a maximum of one fluid ounce or half a bottle of serum.)
- Replace the silicone cap. Make sure to press lightly while closing to avoid dispensing the serum too soon.
- Cup the rounded device in your hand and use light pressure to slide it smoothly across your scalp. (Refrain from pressing on the silicone cap while applying so excess serum does not leak unevenly onto your scalp).
- Comb the liquid through your hair to ensure even serum distribution. Be sure to cover your entire head.
- Enjoy a relaxing scalp massage while feeding your strands with stimulating and nourishing ingredients.
Boost Hair Health with a BNY Scalp Massager
It's no secret that the key to thriving, vibrant hair starts with the condition of your scalp. By giving yourself daily scalp massages, you not only set the stage for a healthier mane, but you also decrease stress and boost your mood.
Try our new Better Not Younger Superpower Liquid Comb Massaging Serum Applicator today and check out the rest of our hair care solutions on our Shop page.