Can Massaging Your Scalp Improve Hair Growth?
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Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD
Scalp massage involves using your fingertips or massage tools to apply soothing pressure to your scalp. Many people massage their own scalp at home, but you can also get a scalp massage from a licensed massage therapist.
Research suggests that regular scalp massage may promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and improve hair thickness for some people. Other potential benefits of scalp massage include reduced stress, increased blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduced heart rate.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of scalp massages for hair growth, as well as why and how it can work to improve the appearance and thickness of your hair.
Are Scalp Massages Good For Hair Growth?
Some research suggests that scalp massage can stimulate hair growth. One 2016 study, for example, found that men who received a daily scalp massage had significantly thicker hair after six months. The study participants didn’t have a history of hair loss.
Meanwhile, a 2019 survey found that scalp massage could also be beneficial for people with androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss. The survey found that nearly 70% of people who massaged their scalp for up to 20 minutes per day experienced hair loss stabilization or hair regrowth after about six to eight months.
How Does It Work?
It’s not entirely clear why scalp massage can improve hair growth. Some researchers believe that massaging your scalp helps to stretch the hair follicles, spurring them to promote faster, thicker growth.
Like other forms of massage, scalp massage may help to improve blood flow by dilating (opening up) blood vessels in the subcutaneous tissue. This may also stimulate hair growth and help to prevent or slow down the process of hair loss.
How to Massage Your Scalp For Hair Growth
Follow these steps to massage your scalp at home:
Make yourself comfortable. You can massage your scalp either when your hair is dry or in the bath or shower with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
Using your fingertips only, apply moderate pressure to your scalp and massage the area in tiny circles.
Repeat this across your entire scalp for five to 20 minutes. For best results, massage your scalp twice per day.
You can also use scalp massage devices, which include electric handheld appliances as well as specially designed combs and brushes.
If you’d like, you can also incorporate essential oils into your scalp massage for a boost. Research suggests that peppermint oil may help to speed up the hair growth process. Animal studies indicate that lavender oil could also increase hair follicle thickness, volume, and depth. Some studies have found that rosemary oil could help with hair growth when applied topically to the scalp due to its antioxidant qualities and how it promotes blood flow to the scalp.
How Often Do You Need to Massage Your Scalp For Hair Growth?
When it comes to how often and for how long you need to massage your scalp for hair growth, your individual preferences and needs may vary. There’s no specified, agreed-upon perfect timing.
However, most studies demonstrate that massaging your scalp for around 10-20 minutes at a time is doable and effective in promoting hair growth. For optimal results, it’s best to massage your scalp twice a day, but once a day may also be effective.
Other Ways to Promote Hair Growth
In addition to scalp massage, here are a few ways to get thicker, healthier hair, protect your hair follicles, and prevent hair damage:
Applying shampoo into the entire length of your hair
Using conditioner after cleansing your hair, and applying leave-in conditioner when possible
Wearing a swim cap while swimming and rinsing your hair right away when you’re done
Avoiding harsh styling products and processes, such as perms, hot oil treatments, extensions, and chemical straightening
Letting your hair air dry
Brushing your hair only as much as necessary
Quitting smoking
Avoiding tight, pulled-back hairstyles
If you have hair loss, here are some ways to promote hair growth:
Getting plenty of key nutrients through food and supplements, such as biotin, zinc, and vitamins B, C, and D
Applying topical medication, such as Rogaine (minoxidil)
Laser therapy
Microneedling, especially when combined with minoxidil treatment
Corticosteroid injections
Hair transplants
Related: The 14 Best Hair Growth Serums for Fuller, Thicker Hair, Tested by Our Editors
A Quick Review
When incorporated into a healthy hair routine, scalp massages may be an effective way to improve hair growth and increase thickness. It may also help to slow down the process of hair loss for some people.
If you are dealing with hair loss or other hair problems, consider talking to a board-certified dermatologist. They can recommend hair care tips and treatment options that fit your needs.
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