Do Scalp Massagers Help Promote Hair Growth?

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

While there's so much to look forward to when going to the hair salon (the haircut! the root touch-ups! the fresh blowout!), the scalp massage at the sink is arguably the most enjoyable part. That feeling of someone running their fingers through your tresses and gently stroking your scalp while simultaneously washing your hair? Goosebumps. The good news is you can achieve that same level of relaxation straight from home with a scalp massager.

Not only does the beauty tool deliver a deep sense of calm, but according to Dr. Iris Rubin, dermatologist and founder of SEEN Skin & Hair Care, it works as a great scalp treatment too. "A scalp massager can provide exfoliation and help loosen product buildup to make it easier to wash out," says Dr. Rubin, but it also "promotes circulation for a healthy scalp" which can potentially boost hair growth and slow down hair thinning. And isn't the desire of having a long, full, healthy-looking hair something we all strive for?

Ahead, we rounded up the best scalp massagers to incorporate into your haircare routine for the most soothing, utterly relaxing, and beneficial experience at home.

Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager

Briogeo's scalp massager gets top marks for several reasons. For starters, the applicator has ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand as you run it through the scalp. Secondly, it can be used alone or in tandem with your favorite shampoo or scalp serum (I'm obsessed with the brand's new Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Buildup Detox Spray). But perhaps most noteworthy? It's guaranteed to send shivers down your spine (in the best possible way) no matter how you use it.

Hair Types: All

Materials: Silicone & Plastic

SEEN Scalp Massager

Dr. Rubin's silicone scalp massager will be a welcome addition to your scalp-care routine because it gently exfoliates, helps slough away product buildup, and invigorates and revitalizes the scalp all while providing a luxurious spa-like experience.

Hair Types: All

Material: Silicone

Better Not Younger Super Power Hair & Scalp Duo

Most scalp massagers are sold solo, but Better Not Younger's version comes with a refreshing hair growth serum (specially formulated with biotin, niacinamide, and patented ingredient Procapil) that is designed to be added into the hair tool's vessel to evenly distribute product across the roots. Ulta shoppers are obsessed and many report positive results.

Hair Types: Aging, thinning hair

Material: Aluminum ball-tipped dispenser

The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager Brush

Treat your scalp to a bit of TLC with the Tangle Teezer massager, which simultaneously detoxes the scalp and clears product buildup, while providing a shiver-inducing massage.

It has over 1,300 raving reviews on Nordstrom, with one shopper saying: "I did not know how much I needed this until I used it and loved it! I was afraid it would pull on my hair but it doesn’t and it feels great! It massages my scalp and exfoliates it and I feel like my scalp has never been cleaner!"

Hair Types: All, except sensitive scalps or inflamed/broken skin

Material: Plastic

Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager

A dry, flaky scalp will be a thing of the past when you incorporate this silicone massager to your routine. Its gentle silicone teeth promotes circulation and supports healthy-looking hair, plus the massager is designed with a handle, making it easier to grip.

Hair Type: All

Material: Silicone

Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager

Unlike other scalp massagers on the market, the Aveda option features thin, long bristles that not only provide deep relaxation for both the hair and the scalp but also deep exfoliation, leaving your mane squeaky clean post-shower.

Hair Types: All

Material: 50% post-consumer recycled polypropylene, excluding bristles.

Flourish Manta Brush

The genius of this brush? It has firm yet flexible bristles that are tender on the scalp, but it also helps detangle hair, minimizing breakage or damage. Better still, the brush is uniquely designed to mold to the shape of your hand and scalp.

Hair Type: Fragile hair

Material: Silicone

Cloud 9 Head Massager

This scalp massager feels like a dream against the scalp. It comes equipped with soft rotating heads and vibration settings that lightly massage the head, as well as red light therapy technology, which is known to help with hair loss and promote blood circulation in follicles.

More: The Best Hair Growth Devices for Achieving Thicker, Fuller, and Healthier-Looking Strands

Hair Types: All

Material: N/A

Do scalp massagers stimulate hair growth?

"Scalp massagers help promote a healthy scalp and increase circulation, which is important to healthy hair," says Dr. Rubin. "Not only is the scalp skin, the hair follicles are the manufacturing plant for the hair, and they live on the scalp. A healthy scalp and healthy follicles are important for healthy hair growth."

How do you use a scalp massager?

According to Dr. Rubin, it's really up to you! You can use it with your favorite hair products in the shower or you can use it alone on dry hair. Some may like to use it daily, while others once a week.

That said, Dr. Rubin advises using one more often during the colder months: "Scalp care is important year-round, but some people see an increase in the flaking associated with dry scalp once the weather starts to get cooler, so you may find yourself needing to pay more attention to your scalp during the fall and winter."

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game