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Scalp Massage for Hair Growth: Can It Make Your Hair Thicker?
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There’s no denying that a scalp massage relieves stress and tension, but does it also stimulate hair growth?
Have you ever had your hairstylist massage your scalp while shampooing your hair before a blowout or a cut? It undeniably feels heavenly. But, the delightful sensation may be more than just a relaxing treat at the salon.
Besides relieving stress and tension, a scalp massage is associated with hair growth. Not only does it nourish and stimulate your scalp, but it also promotes better blood circulation, enhancing faster development and thicker hair.
But what does the research say about scalp massage and its benefits for hair growth?
Scalp Massage for Hair Growth: How Can It Help?
A scalp massage may promote hair growth by stimulating and increasing blood circulation within the hair follicles. Every strand begins in the hair follicle, where the bulb is located, and a sufficient blood supply is required for healthy and faster hair growth. Therefore, scalp massages may be beneficial to you if you have thinning hair or hair loss.
According to studies, scalp massages also dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, improving blood flow to the area. The stimulation activates hair follicle cells to stretch out, resulting in thicker hair strands.
In another study of balding men, scalp massages were found to enhance hair thickness on the massaged side of the head. This research also proves that stretching human dermal papilla cells may result in healthier hair.
Scalp massages have likewise been shown to deliver nutrients that promote hair growth and diminish hair loss. Almost 70% of study participants experienced more hair regrowth and improved alopecia.
Although research on scalp massages and hair growth is limited, what is known so far shows some promise.
What Is a Scalp Massage?
As the name suggests, a scalp massage is aimed at stimulating your scalp. It is similar to a massage for your neck, back, or entire body, except that a scalp massage involves milder movements.
A scalp massage is often done with the fingertips and palm or using a scalp massager. Oil is sometimes applied to the scalp to increase relaxation and nourishment.
We tend to store a lot of stress in our heads and necks, particularly the jaw and behind our ears. This strain can extend to the head, causing headaches or migraines. Scalp massages relax the nervous system and relieve pain or discomfort by releasing tension from these areas.
Benefits of Scalp Massages
Scalp massages not only feel great, but they also have numerous benefits. These massages can increase hair growth for men and women if done correctly and regularly. The following are some of the other benefits:
- Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. The scalp massaging process generates total body bliss and positively affects the stress hormone, reducing stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and increasing relaxation. It is important to note that stress can cause hair loss.
- Relieves migraines and tension headaches. Massaging your scalp in circular motions and exerting pressure on your temples can help relieve migraine pain. Not to mention that a relaxed and stress-free condition can help minimize migraine symptoms.
- Helps loosen dead cells. Massaging your entire scalp regularly can be a very effective exfoliating treatment. If you have dead skin on or around your hair follicles, use a massager to break it up a few times a week or daily. A regular massage in circular movements will quickly clear dead skin. It may even aid in the removal of dandruff.
- Increases product absorption. Scalp massages may be beneficial if your strands are thin or you are experiencing hair loss. Because of the increased circulation, massaging your scalp causes blood vessels to widen, increasing the absorption rate of your conditioners, treatments, or serums.
Can Massaging Your Scalp Help Regrow Hair?
Because scalp massaging supplies a good amount of oxygen, it stimulates the growth of hair follicles. When done on a regular basis, this can help with hair restoration, even on thinning or bald areas of the scalp.
A scalp massage can help relieve stress by providing a calming sensation and deep relaxation. Given the impact of stress on your system, this alleviation technique can aid in hair regrowth.
Scalp massages not only improve circulation but also aid in cleansing congested hair follicles that prevent strands from sprouting through. Hair follicles are like pores, and they can become clogged with extra sebum, grease, dead skin, and dirt, slowing down natural hair growth.
Regular scalp massages help distribute the natural oils, which protect and condition the hair.
How to Massage Your Scalp: A Complete Guide
With the right techniques, you can enjoy all the benefits of massaging your scalp without leaving your home. Discover the different methods you can use and make sure you’re doing it right.
#1 With your fingertips
Fingertip massaging, also known as the traditional scalp massage, is the most common and oldest method of massaging your scalp. It’s also one of the most effective hair growth scalp massaging techniques.
It is a great way to activate dormant hair follicles and boost hair growth and thickness using only your fingertips. This method also has benefits for your nails if you are massaging your scalp with oils. Natural oils are moisturizing, restoring, and have strengthening effect.
Starting with the sides of your scalp, apply gentle pressure with your fingers, moving in small, circular motions. For visible results, massage your entire head, ensuring you don’t miss a spot, and continue for at least 5 minutes twice a day.
Another great time to massage your scalp is when washing your hair. This allows the nutrients in your shampoo or conditioner to nourish your scalp and clear away the accumulated dirt and grease. After lathering on the shampoo, use the fingertip massage technique to give your scalp a good massage.
Another great option is to use your favorite essential oils to massage your scalp. Pampering your locks with an oil massage promotes hair growth and alleviates various hair and scalp issues, from stress and migraines to hair loss reduction.
Blend a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, or peppermint with carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil. Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, then gently massage it in using your fingertips.
#2 With a scalp massager
Apart from a fingertip massage, you can purchase a scalp massager. This tool comes in various forms like brushes and handheld rubber or electric massagers.
While using these tools, gently massage your scalp in circular motions for the best results. You can use a scalp massager every time you wash your hair. Begin with a couple of times per week and see how you feel. However, be sure to not overdo it straight away. Your scalp should get some rest in between the messages, as well.
Remember that a scalp massager isn’t meant to replace a regular hairbrush, so avoid brushing your hair from roots to ends. Concentrate just on the scalp, applying delicate movements and mild pressure.
You can also use a scalp massager with oils. Mix your favorite essential oil with a carrier oil as described above, and use your scalp massaging device to massage your scalp in small circular motions.
FAQs
Try to incorporate a scalp massage into your regular routine. You can do it when you’re washing your hair, watching TV, or when you do a face mask. Regular scalp massages will produce the best outcome.
Depending on your preferences and schedule, scalp massages can last as little as 5 minutes or as long as 20 minutes. It is essential to perform scalp massages regularly rather than only on occasion.
We recommend doing a scalp massage once or twice a week. This allows your scalp to rest and repair between massages.
Yes, due to the small molecular size, emu oil can be used for scalp massages to boost hair growth rate.
A Word From a Trichologist
Regular scalp massages increase blood circulation, enhance hair growth and reduce hair loss, as well as relieve stress and soften skin. But learning how to massage your scalp properly is the key to achieving the desired results.
The most common mistake to avoid when massaging your scalp is using too much pressure and using your nails. While some pressure is required, applying too much of it may damage your hair and scalp. It’s important to use gentle, circular motions to prevent tugging on your hair.
When using essential oils to massage your scalp, it’s critical to rinse thoroughly to remove any extra oil or product. If you do not fully rinse your hair, it may become greasy, heavy, and flat.
It’s also important not to massage your scalp too often. This is because excessive scalp massaging can cause irritation and inflammation, limiting hair growth. You should allow your scalp to rest between massages.
Remember that your scalp has unique needs based on pH level, oil production, and sensitivity. To promote healthy hair growth, paying attention to your scalp’s needs and applying suitable products is critical.
Conclusion
Regular scalp massages have numerous benefits. With just a gentle touch, they can help prevent hair loss, enhance relaxation, boost hair thickness, and promote healthier hair growth.
You can do them yourself with your fingertips or use a scalp massager, have a professional scalp massage, or ask your loved ones to perform one.
While a relaxing scalp massage might be beneficial, remember that hair growth is a complex process enhanced by several factors, including genetics, nutrition, and overall health. A scalp massage is an excellent addition to a healthy hair care routine, but it will not result in faster hair growth.
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