Does scalp massage help with hair growth?
When it comes to maintaining healthy hair and scalp, incorporating scalp massage into your routine can work absolute wonders. Scalp massage is a simple yet powerful technique that promotes blood circulation, relieves tension, and nourishes the scalp. In this article, we will explore the benefits of scalp massage and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to perform this therapeutic practice for improved hair and scalp health.
Is scalp massage good for hair growth?
Let us tell you that scalp massage is truly beneficial for hair growth. The act of massaging the scalp stimulates blood circulation, which in turn nourishes the hair follicles and promotes healthy hair growth. The added benefit of relaxation is also helpful for healthy hair by reducing overall stress levels and therefore keeping hair in its active growth phase for longer. When my hair was falling out back in 2017, head massage became my self-care ritual that not only helped me regrow my hair but also gave me those much needed moments or calm and relaxation.
Here are some key points on why scalp massage is good for hair growth:
Increased Blood Flow: Scalp massage improves blood circulation to the scalp, delivering vital nutrients, oxygen, and growth-promoting substances to the hair follicles. This enhanced blood flow nourishes the hair follicles, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to produce healthy hair strands.
Stimulation of Hair Follicles: Scalp massage activates and stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging them to enter the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. This stimulation can awaken dormant hair follicles, potentially leading to new hair growth in areas that were previously thinning or experiencing hair loss.
Reduced Scalp Tension and Stress: Scalp massage helps relax and relieve tension in the scalp muscles, reducing stress levels. Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss or hinder hair growth, so relieving tension through massage can create a more favourable and balanced environment for hair growth, helping you feel a little more CENTRED.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Through massage, the scalp's absorption capacity improves, allowing hair care products and essential nutrients to penetrate deeper into the scalp. This can optimise the effectiveness of hair growth-promoting ingredients and provide better nourishment to the hair follicles. We developed our En-Root Scalp Oil and 'Squishy' Scalp Massager for this very reason.
Removal of Scalp Buildup: Scalp massage, when done with gentle pressure, can help exfoliate the scalp and remove buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells. By keeping the scalp clean and free from debris, hair follicles can function optimally and support healthy hair growth.
Promotion of Relaxation: Scalp massage promotes relaxation and reduces overall stress levels. Stress can contribute to hair loss or hinder the hair growth cycle, so incorporating scalp massage as a relaxation technique can indirectly support healthy hair growth.
It's important to note that while scalp massage can provide benefits for hair growth, individual results may vary. Consistency and regularity is key along with other healthy hair practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, supplementing and proper hair maintenance will all contribute to optimal results.
How often should you massage your head for hair growth?
The frequency of scalp massage for hair growth can vary depending on your individual preferences, scalp conditions and goals.
It is generally recommended to incorporate scalp massage into your hair care routine at least once or twice a week for optimal results and consistency is key. It is also advised to aim for a minimum duration of about 5 minutes during each session to allow for sufficient stimulation and relaxation of the scalp.
If you have a healthy scalp and are looking to maintain hair growth, a weekly scalp massage will be ideal. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning, you may want to consider increasing the frequency to two or three times a week to really boost your follicle activity.
With that being said, it’s important to pay attention to your scalp's response and adjust the frequency accordingly. Find a frequency that works best for you and fits into your routine comfortably.
Remember to be gentle during scalp massage and use scalp-friendly products such as our Scalp ritual Bundle.
What is the best oil for scalp massage?
Oils are fantastic for scalp massage, especially diluting essential oils like rosemary and peppermint in a carrier oil as these are known to nourish and stimulate the hair follicles which further enhances the effectiveness of scalp massage.
There is a downside however to using raw oils on your scalp, particularly heavier oils such as castor and coconut as these can be difficult to remove from your hair and require a lot of washing out which can undo some of the benefits.
This is where our award winning and hero En-Root Scalp Oil comes into its own. We designed En-Root specifically for scalp massage in order to encourage healthy hair growth and optimal scalp health.
The unique formula magically transforms from an oil to a milk when rinsed with water, allowing you to remove the oil from your hair easily with water alone and leaving absolutely no residue.
Containing a potent blend of essential oils, herbal extracts and antioxidants, En-Root is a 3-in-1 scalp treatment that helps to stimulate blood flow, exfoliates dead skin cells as well as product build-up and deeply nourishes, rebalancing moisture levels. Glamour dubbed En-Root Scalp Oil - “a facial for your scalp”
For more on hair growth oils check out this article: Do hair growth oils actually help your hair grow faster and thicker?
How to Perform Scalp Massage:
Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position, ensuring you have good access to your scalp.
Optional: Why not light a candle or burn incense, palo santo or some sage to enhance the ritual and help you relax.
Relax: Using En-Root Scalp Oil twist the nozzle to open it and hold it under your nose for 3 deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. The spa-like aroma of Lavender and peppermint is soothing and will help you to relax your body.
Warm up your hands: Rub your palms together to generate some warmth. This will enhance the relaxation and soothing effect of the massage.
(optional) Apply oil : If desired, apply En-Root Oil directly to your scalp using the nozzle applicator. The oil comes out slowly and can be encouraged by gently squeezing the bottle as you run the nozzle over your scalp to apply evenly.
Start with gentle pressure: Begin by using your fingertips to make gentle circular motions on your scalp. Gradually increase the pressure as you feel more comfortable and expand the circles over your head. It is nice to start at the temples then radiate the circles down the back of your head then up to your crown and forehead.
Top Tip: Go slow: Move at snail's pace with the gentle pressure, this feels more relaxing and helps the oxygen-rich blood to rush to the surface
Cover the entire scalp: Move your fingers in small circular motions, covering the entire scalp area. Pay special attention to areas where you feel tension or dryness.
Use 'Squishy" scalp massager: Placing 'Squishy' Scalp Massager in the palm of your hand, start to place the silicone bristles on you head and with gentle pressure, create small circular motions around your head. You can also use squishy's flexible bristles to brush your hair, helping to distribute the oil through your ends.
Vary the pressure and movements: Experiment with different pressures, including gentle kneading, tapping, or long sweeping motions. Listen to your scalp and adjust the movements according to your comfort level. For areas you enjoy the feel of try using your thumbs to apply deeper pressure.
Massage for 5-10 minutes: Aim for a minimum of 5 minutes of massage time, but feel free to extend it to 10 minutes or longer for a more indulgent experience. Some people find the process more preferable to meditation, just try to keep your body relaxed and let your mind relax and become quieter too.
Rinse or leave-in: It is ideal to leave En-Root in to penetrate into the scalp for at least 20 minutes. You can however leave it in for longer if you have the time to do other things whilst the treatment works its magic. Once you are ready, simply rinse the oil thoroughly and follow with your usual hair care routine.
Incorporate scalp massage into your hair care routine at least once or twice a week to experience the full benefits. Adjust the frequency based on your preferences and scalp condition.
Conclusion:
To summarise, scalp massage is a simple yet hugely effective way to promote better hair and scalp health. By incorporating this technique into your routine especially alongside our scalp care products, you can stimulate hair growth, relieve tension, enhance product absorption, exfoliate the scalp, and nourish the scalp and hair. Take the time to indulge in the therapeutic practice of scalp massage and reap the rewards of healthier, happier hair and scalp.
If you have any questions we encourage you to get in touch with us and we will get back to you as soon as we can. You can reach us by emailing our team:
Follow our journey and stay up to date with the latest healthy hair tips and tricks by our experts via our social channels - @wearecentred