Having a scalp massage is relaxing and helps relieve tension and stress. Still, another buzz about scalp therapy massages is that they help promote hair growth.
Still, is there any truth that a scalp massage can help your hair grow? Or is it just a myth? Well, scalp massage therapy seems promising, but it depends on your hair growth needs.
What is a Scalp Therapy Massage?
A scalp massage is the same as a neck, body, or back massage. The only difference is that it is gentler without oil, but you can include oil.
Here at Häste Urban Hair Spa, we massage scalps using our fingertips. But you can also use a scalp massaging device that emulates the same pressure as using your fingertips at home.
The great thing is that such a massage also helps relieve stress while promoting relaxation and stimulating the blood flow to your scalp. At the same time, studies show that it increases hair thickness and can help men reduce male pattern baldness.
It can also prevent female-pattern hair loss, but there is limited evidence of this. Another great thing is that the scalp massage is part of the scalp treatment when visiting our salon. So check out what you can expect with this fantastic treatment.
Scalp Massage Benefits
Have you ever wondered what the best part of visiting a hair salon is? It is getting your head massaged at the wash basin and feeling the tension slip away.
The massage makes you feel calm while your whole body relaxes, but this is not its only advantage. The biggest benefit is that it is an anti-aging remedy, as hair fibers decrease and become less dense after age 45.
A scalp therapy massage before your shampoo session can help with hair growth by activating blood microcirculation. Massaging the scalp gives your hair more oxygen, blood, and vitamins to grow healthier. Furthermore, it prevents hair aging.
Does a Scalp Massage Help The Hair Grow?
There is evidence that massaging the scalp helps boost hair growth. Still, this is not a one-and-done treatment; you must massage it daily to see any improvement.
Furthermore, it can take months for hair growth to become visible, as the cycle must catch up with the new routine. A hair-shedding phase can last up to five months, and you will need your shedding phase to pass before you notice any difference.
Is a Scalp Massage Effective?
Studies have shown that if you massage your scalp for up to 50 hours over a few months, you will see improvement along your frontal hairline and crown.
When using a five-point scale to help measure hair loss & growth from -2 to +2, where the zero refers to a hair loss stabilization, the results did show an improvement in the following areas:
Area Of Hair Loss | Hair Change After 50-Hours Of Scalp Massage | Hair Change After 152 Hours of Scalp Massage |
Crown | +0.19 | +0.47 |
Diffuse Thinning | +0.00 | +0.12 |
Frontal Hairline | +0.24 | +0.48 |
People who participated in the study and committed to more than 152 hours of scalp therapy massage saw double hair changes, suggesting that the more you massage your scalp, the more effective it will be.
4 Ways to Massage The Scalp
You can massage your scalp in many ways to help stimulate hair growth.
1. Traditional Scalp Therapy Massage
This type of massage is only using the fingertips by doing the following:
- Take both hands and use the fingertips to apply light or medium pressure to your head in small circles.
- Do this over your scalp to reach all areas.
- Do this for up to five minutes a few times a day.
2. While Washing Your Hair
Using the same steps above, you can perform a traditional scalp massage while you wash your hair. With your fingertips, gently massage the shampoo and the conditions into your hair for up to five minutes, then rinse as usual.
Or you can book an appointment with us to give you a relaxing scalp massage while washing your hair.
3. Scalp Therapy Brush
As with a body massage, scalp massage requires special tools. These tools can be brushes or light handheld rubber forms. You then use the tools over your scalp as you would with your fingers.
4. Essential Oils
Another alternative is to use essential oils like lavender or peppermint to promote hair growth. Mix one to two drops with one tablespoon of carrier oil like melted coconut or jojoba. Then, apply it directly to the scalp using your fingertips or the scalp massager to work the oil into it.
Or you can also invest in the Paul Mitchell Scalp Therapy Drops. Another important thing is to do a patch test before using any essential oil to avoid an allergic reaction.
4 Tips For Hair Growth
While scalp therapy can help improve hair growth, other ways can help as well:
- Limit chemical treatments, heated hair styling tools, dyes, and excessive brushing and shampooing. These can weaken hair cuticles and result in breakage.
- Talk to a doctor about testing you for nutritional deficiencies, as low iron, biotin, and zinc levels can lead to hair loss.
- In severe hair loss cases, you can ask your doctor for prescription medication that includes Propecia, finasteride for men, and spironolactone for women.
- Alternatively, you can talk to a dermatologist about hair growth treatments like hair transplant or laser therapy.
The Pressure Points For Hair Growth
You find specific pressure points on your scalp that can help grow your hair. So, if you want to give yourself a scalp massage, it helps to concentrate on the thinning areas and occurs mainly as:
- Frontal Balding and Temple Hair Loss
- Vertext Hair Loss, Known as Crown Hair Loss
- Diffuse Thinning that is a thinning across your scalp
Side Effect Of a Scalp Massage
In most cases, a scalp massage is a natural treatment with very minimal side effects, but you still need to be aware of some things:
- If your hair is fragile, using improper techniques or an overly aggressive massage can lead to more hair breakage.
- An intense scalp massage can irritate the skin, resulting in soreness or inflammation, especially if you have eczema or psoriasis.
- Oils on your scalp can clog up the pores, leading to small pimples.
Wrap-Up: Are You Ready For a Scalp Massage?
A scalp massage is more than just a soothing treatment; it is a powerful tool that can stimulate blood flow, increase hair thickness, control dandruff, and potentially promote hair growth over time.
While it may take consistent effort to see visible results, the benefits to your hair and overall well-being make it worth the investment.
Regular scalp massages can be a simple yet practical addition to your hair care routine, whether incorporating essential oils, a scalp therapy brush, or simply using your fingertips.
So, why wait? Embrace the rejuvenating benefits of a scalp massage and give your hair the nourishment it deserves.
Visit Häste Urban Hair Spa today and let us guide you toward healthier, fuller hair. Book your appointment now and experience the difference for yourself.
FAQ
What is the best way to massage your scalp, wet or dry?
The best way to massage your scalp will depend on your preference. A dry scalp massage stimulates blood flow and can be done anytime, while a wet scalp massage, performed while shampooing, helps cleanse the scalp and distribute natural oils. Both methods are effective for promoting hair growth.
Are there disadvantages to massaging the scalp?
Yes, disadvantages include potential hair breakage, skin irritation, and clogged pores if the massage is too aggressive or oils are misused.
How can you speed up hair growth?
To speed up your hair growth, maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, reduce heat styling and chemical treatments, regularly massage your scalp to improve blood circulation, and consider using hair growth products like minoxidil or essential oils. Consult a doctor if you suspect any nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions.
What is hair tapping?
Hair tapping is a gentle technique involving tapping or drumming your fingers on the scalp. This method stimulates blood circulation, promotes relaxation, and enhances hair growth by encouraging nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. It’s often done in conjunction with other scalp massage techniques.
Why have I lost hair after a scalp massage?
Hair loss after a scalp massage can happen if the massage is too aggressive, causing fragile hairs to break or shed. It might also coincide with the natural shedding phase of the hair growth cycle, known as the telogen phase. Also, improper techniques, too much pressure, or massaging on an irritated or sensitive scalp can lead to temporary hair loss.