If you haven’t heard, a scalp massage should be part of your regular wellness routine. Not only does it feel amazing, there are numerous benefits to massaging your scalp, from boosting circulation to reducing stress and promoting hair growth. A scalp massage- using your hands or a hand-held scalp massager- is easy to add to your wash day routine and you’re going to love the results. Take a look at 13 scalp massage benefits and techniques.
What is a ‘Scalp Massage’?
A scalp massage is simply what it sounds like- a massage focused and localized on your scalp area. If you’ve ever got a scalp massage at a hair salon or spa, you know just how incredible they feel. And the good news? You can do them yourself at home.
We hold a lot of tension in our head area (across our hairline, behind our ears and in the neck), due to stress and posture. When your scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded. Regular scalp massages are key to relieving stress, removing product build up and dead skin cells and keeping your scalp healthy and happy.
What Are the Benefits of a Scalp Massage?
1. Releases serotonin, improving your mood and making you feel uplifted
2. Helps balance blood circulation in the head and neck area
3. Strengthens the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair shafts, promoting growth
4. Helps relax the scalp and muscles in the neck area
5. Reduces product build up and removes dead skin cells
6. Promotes a calm and relaxed overall mood
7. Improves the nervous system, promoting healthy blood flow and helping your body better balance and harmonize
8. Helps you feel more relaxed, energized and focused
4 Scalp Massage Essentials to Invest In
1. Scalp Massager Shower Brush
This waterproof silicone scalp brush helps remove dead skin cells and dry scalp, improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. After applying your shampoo, circle the scalp scrubber around your hair until the shampoo starts to froth. Apply the amount of pressure that works for you and massage in small circles for 5 to 6 minutes. It feels amazing and supports a healthy scalp.
2. Divi Scalp Serum
This lightweight scalp serum is infused with amino acids and peptides to detox follicle build up, support thicker hair and encourage overall scalp health. With ingredients like caffeine for inflammation and stimulating hair growth, tea tree oil to prevent dead skin build up and rosemary leaf extract to boost circulation, this hair serum should be part of your regular round up. Apply it to a dry or towel dried scalp and massage it in.
3. Jade Comb Scalp Massager
This jade scalp comb provides scalp stimulation, helping you relax and relieving your stress. The smooth surface won’t hurt your scalp and you can use it to reduce headaches and tension in your scalp. Make sure your hair is detangled before using it for a seamless massage (we have tips on how to use it below!).
4. Pacifica Rosemary Detox Scalp Scrub
If you’re interested in scalp massages to detox and exfoliate your scalp, this scrub would be great to use along it. It will help scrub away stubborn build up, loosening the accumulation of products on your scalp. With natural ingredients like sea salt, jojoba, charcoal, and mint, all these elements work together to restore and cleanse your scalp. Massage it into your scalp before you shampoo, then rinse clean.
5 Scalp Massage Tips and Techniques
1. Use Your Finger Pads
To give yourself a scalp massage, use your finger pads, not your nails! Apply medium pressure to your scalp in a circular motion. Play with the strength of your fingers- you may find yourself needing more pressure if you have a tight or tense scalp, or you may prefer a lighter hand. Use your thumb pad for the back of your head, down to your neck.
2. Heat Things Up
While massaging your scalp in a warm shower is great, you don’t need to take a shower to give yourself a massage. Before you start massaging, try heating up a towel in the microwave and wrapping your head in it for a few minutes. This will open up your pores and help get you into a relaxed state. For the full spa experience, consider adding some jasmine or eucalyptus essential oil to the towel.
3. Use an Oil
Take an essential oil, such as rosemary or peppermint oil and rub it between your palms before giving yourself a scalp massage (remember to always mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil). Use your fingertips to create circular movements along the scalp and neck. You can even give yourself little hair tugs, just make sure to be gentle and apply steady pressure.
4. The Jade Comb Technique
If you’re interested in using a jade comb to help you massage your scalp, follow these steps. First, bring the comb up to the hairline creating little strokes toward the back of your head. Work in small areas and breathe deeply for greater benefits. Then, clip your hair up and start massaging from the nape of your neck, moving upward. Keep the motions short and gentle. Finally, run the comb through the hair in one motion from front to back. Do this for 10 minutes daily or weekly and start noticing the benefits.
5. Your Scalp Massage Schedule
You can give yourself a scalp massage as often as you like – daily, weekly or even multiple times a day. Like most beauty treatments, consistency is key, so if you’re looking for hair growth benefits, doing massages daily will likely give you the best results. If you’re using them to unwind and relax, you may choose to do them less frequently.
Scalp massages are an incredible way to relax, detox your scalp and reap awesome health benefits. Try these tips and techniques and massage your scalp on the regular!
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