Do This Scalp Massage Daily for Hair Growth and Scalp Health - InStyle

[Emily Kelleher]

Everyone wants longer, stronger hair, and the number of solutions being sold number just as many. From hair oils to serums, supplements, and more, hair-growth lotions and potions are a dime a dozen. You may have tried taking biotin, coating yourself in rosemary oil, or upping your caffeine intake, And though those methods all have their place, one of the easiest, most low-cost hair-growth habits is a simple scalp massage. Whether you massage hair oil in with your fingers or use a scalp tool while you shampoo, a daily scalp massage can deliver serious benefits. Besides the obvious stress relief and relaxation, a scalp massage can support scalp health and boost hair growth.

Meet the expert​

Ahead, two trichologists explain the benefits of scalp massages and how they recommend doing so.

Benefits​

Beyond basic relaxation, scalp massages can boost blood flow to the scalp, supporting hair health more broadly. "Scalp massage aids with reducing tight muscles and tendons that are located in the scalp in addition to improving circulation to nurture and deliver the necessary nutrients to the hair follicle for optimal hair growth," Hill says.

In fact, one small study of Japanese men found that six months of daily four-minute scalp massage increased hair thickness. And there's evidence that longer massages could deliver more noticaeble results. A 2019 study followed 327 (mostly male) participants as they performed twice daily 20-minute scalp massages over the course of 10 months. In practice, participants only massaged their scalps for an average of 11-20 minutes per day, but they still saw benefits. About 37 percent of participants reported that their hair loss stalled, and 32 percent reported new hair growth.

Emmanuel cautions that "Massaging your scalp alone will not make a significant difference with hair growth." Which isn't to say there's no use, just that there are limits. "Scalp massages are used as a technique in conjunction with other treatments such as detox treatments to exfoliate the scalp or to massage a scalp oil or scalp treatment into your scalp," says Emmanuel.


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How to Massage Your Scalp​

Hill says to make sure your neck and shoulders are free of restrictive clothing. Emmanuel recommends using a scalp treatment with essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, geranium, or chamomile and massaging it in before you shampoo. Alternatively, you can forgo an oil and just massage your scalp as you lather-rinse-repeat.

Hill explained her go-to scalp massage technique below:

1. Start your massage at the nape of the neck, using both hands and working your fingers up the head to the crown.
2. Make use of your entire hand for different sensations; The finger tips can be used to apply direct pressure to pressure points while the base of the wrist can be used to loosen and roll out the muscles around the temples.
3. There’s a lot of area to cover so take your time. Spend three to five minutes massaging the appropriate oil into the scalp to soften skin cells, exfoliate and remove debris to encourage blood flow, and use a scalp brush for another three to five minutes. Begin brushing at the nape of the neck on either side of the head and brush forward towards the heart. Repeat that action working around the entire head.