Daily scalp massages are one of the main ways I’ve been able to thicken my hair and lower my hairline. They are absolutely essential if you’re serious about getting back your healthy hair.
But most people do it all wrong.
And getting it wrong might even make your hair worse! In this article I’m going to share with you the best, time-tested and proven massage techniques that will powerfully boost your hair’s ability to regrow. First I’ll explain what scalp massages are and how they work. Then I’ll teach you what has worked for me, and what works for other visitors to this website. Next I’ll share some tips for getting the most out of a 10 minute daily massage session so you can maximize your results for the fastest possible recovery.
What Is Scalp Massage?
Simply put, scalp massage (or head massage) is the manual stimulation of the scalp using hands or specially-designed devices. It’s a practice used for a variety of purposes, including headache relief and stress reduction.
Another purpose that head massage serves is the growth of newer, stronger hair. This is a popular practice among the hair loss community, and one that can provide you with numerous hair-related benefits.
1. It Stimulates Blood Flow
When hair loss occurs as a result of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), it’s due to the presence of DHT. However, this triggers a process known as hair miniaturization, and this leads to decreased blood flow to the follicle. Essentially, inflammation occurs when DHT attaches to hair follicles that are sensitive (typically on the hairline and crown). This causes the follicle to miniaturize, and eventually the hair can no longer push through the scalp. If not treated, this leads to permanent baldness.
2. It Promotes Hair Growth
As a hair loss sufferer, the growth of new hair may be your biggest concern. You’ll be happy to know, then, that regular scalp massage can have a beneficial effect on your hair growth efforts. In a Japanese research study, 9 healthy men received four minutes of daily scalp massage on one side of their head (3). This was done with a massage device, the Panasonic EH-HM75. The total hair number, thickness, and growth speed were measured for each participant at 0, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. A folliscope was used for measurement. While the hair growth rate and total hair number were not improved significantly, a noticeable improvement in hair thickness was seen at 24 weeks.
3. It Reduces Stress and Tension
Stress is a common cause of hair loss, and it can occur acutely (a one-time event) or chronically. There are many ways to combat stress, but one of the more popular methods is massage. As we stress, our bodies tend to become tenser. This tension can then lead to feelings of more stress, and the vicious cycle continues. The effects of stress on hair loss have been proven and, most recently, in a 2017 study.
4. It Promotes Sebum Production
The regular production of sebum – simply the scientific term used for skin oil – is an important part of a healthy and well-nourished scalp. However, the use of harsh chemical products and daily contact with outside pollutants can lead to a lowered sebum level.
For obvious reasons, low levels of sebum production can lead to dryness and flaking. This can exacerbate hair loss due to itching and rubbing. Similarly, low levels of sebum can lead to an oily scalp. This is because your scalp will try to overcompensate and produce more oil that you need.
Scalp massage is a great way to regulate the production of sebum and keep the levels on your scalp at a healthy and beneficial level.
