Scalp massage (or scalp exercise) is an effective hair loss treatment that can be practiced at home. It has been proven to increase the number of blood vessels in your scalp, which aids in the growth of new strands.
How to do a scalp massage
To exercise your scalp, simply place your fingers below your hair line and massage your scalp in a circular motion. You should do this exercise every day to promote the development of new hair strands.
Scalp massages can be done with your fingers or a scalp massage tool. Using preferably warm and clean fingers, start at the base of the skull and rub in circular motion all over your scalp, for several minutes. Then move up toward the front of your head and repeat. Start by using gentle pressure as you would with applying shampoo to your scalp while massaging, and add pressure according to your own preference. A scalp massage should feel pleasurable and relieving. If it hurts, you are applying to much pressure.
If you decide to use a scalp massage brush, then gently slide it through your hair. Try not to tug at your strands because this will cause breakage and therefore lessen the chance of healthy growth.
Why it works
The reason why scalp massage works is because it helps hair follicles receive more blood flow, oxygen and nutrients which get rid of hair loss and promote healthier hair growth. This activity has been around for years, but it has just recently started to get noticed by hair loss treatment centers.
It was first used by Chinese acupuncturists who claimed that it can help treat alopecia due to its ability to remove blockages in the scalp’s meridian. Scalp massage is a safe hair loss treatment that will not do any harm to your hair or scalp, as long as done properly and with the right amount of pressure.
It’s backed by modern science too. A study in 2016 found that a daily four-minute scalp massage in a small group of men increased their hair thickness.
Doing scalp exercises correctly may take some time getting used to, but it’s worth it since you’ll have healthier hair strands without spending too much on pricey treatments.
Benefits of a scalp massage
Scalp massaging can help deal with the different kinds of hair loss, including temporary and permanent types. By increasing blood flow to your scalp, it promotes healthier and stronger strands. It’s also a good way to promote blood circulation which removes dead skin cells and other debris that may be blocking nutrient-rich blood from reaching your hair follicles.
Normal hair fall is around 100 strands per day, which can be increased if your scalp massage routine is effective. This could also work for people who are experiencing thinning hair problems due to stress or anxiety. Not only does it help stimulate blood flow, but it also reduces the negative effects of stress through its soothing action.
It also comes with an extra benefit of helping you lose excess weight. Letting go of some pounds is very beneficial for your overall health, especially if you are experiencing hair loss due to stress or other factors that can be related to obesity. Scalp massage will help improve the conditions of your scalp and helps release toxins in your body. Keep in mind that you should seek a professional opinion from your trusted health care professional if you want to try scalp massage as a hair loss treatment.
Tips for getting the most out of your scalp massage
- Make sure your scalp is clean and dry before you begin.
- Use a natural-bristle brush meant for scalp massage to stimulate the skin and increase blood flow around the hair follicles which can lead to healthier hair in time.
- The circular motion stimulates blood flow in the scalp, which benefits hair growth since many nutrients are delivered directly to the roots.
- Do not massage too hard or in a way that pulls at your hair. This can actually damage the hair and skin, leading to hair loss in some cases.
- Do not comb, brush, braid or tie up your hair for at least an hour after doing a scalp massage. This ensures that the blood flow to your scalp remains active and does not stagnate. This helps you in growing more hair.
- It is not necessary for you to do a scalp massage multiple times a day because too much stress on hair follicles can cause more damage than good. Once a day should be enough if performed correctly.
Final thoughts
As a hair loss treatment, scalp massage is affordable and you don’t have to go through any painful procedures. The only thing that you need to do is to massage your scalp for ten minutes a day and wait for it to work its magic on your strands.
Scalp massage is the perfect natural remedy if you want to grow thicker and healthier locks without spending too much money. It doesn’t cause any side effects and it’s suitable for both men and women who are experiencing hair loss.