Can Massaging Your Scalp Help Hair Growth?

Have you ever noticed your hair thinning out or maybe you have observed some bald spots on your scalp? Thinning hair and hair loss is a common concern, for both men and women. It can be very frustrating especially if you have tried multiple hair growth products, only to acquire no positive results.

In the previous article, we discussed 7 Tips to Promote Hair Growth and scalp massaging was mentioned as one of the ways to do just that. In this article we will dive deeper into the art of scalp massage and how it can actually reverse hair loss and promote thicker, healthier hair.

Potential Benefits of Scalp Massage

In one study done of Japanese men with male pattern baldness, they investigated the effects of scalp massage on hair growth at a cellular level. They focused on the concept of “mechanobiology” and found that scalp massage temporarily decreases hair loss and can lead to increased hair thickness in the long run.

They inferred that by massaging your scalp improves blood flow to the hair follicles, thus affecting hair growth. They also suggested in this study that this increased mechanical force and blood flow to the hair follicles may actually alter gene expression and hair growth. And those genes linked to the increased hair growth and hair thickness were found to be affected through the stretching forces during the massage.

How to Perform Scalp massage

To perform a scalp massage, you may simply use your hands and fingers, however, using a specific scalp massage tool or your regular brush may work as well. You can also take some essential oils such as rosemary oil, castor oil, or argan oil to lubricate your scalp.

1. If massaging without tools, use your hands and fingers to apply light to medium pressure around your scalp.
2. When using tools and oil, you may use 1 to 2 drops of the oil and brush it out using your scalp massager of choice. Make sure to patch test the oils on your arm to rule out allergies before using it on your scalp.
3. Spend at least 1 minute in each section of your head, moving in small circles.
4. Work across your whole head and try to do this for at least 5 minutes each day.
5. Another tip is to massage your scalp thoroughly when you wash your hair, if you aren’t doing it already. The suds from your shampoo can help your fingers glide through your hair, making it easier to perform the massage.

Does Scalp Massage Work for Everyone?

Although the study about scalp massage done on Japanese men seemed to provide promising results, the research on scalp massages to promote hair growth is still fairly limited. However, there is no proven loss of trying out this method either. It doesn’t hurt to try, and at the very least you can give yourself a relaxing treat.

Other tips for Healthy Hair Growth

There is no one size fits all for reversing hair loss. But there are a bunch of healthy habits that we can engage in to promote a healthier scalp. Some of those habits are washing your hair regularly to remove debris build up on your scalp, which may hinder hair growth. Another is to get regular trims to prevent further splitting and thinning out of hair. Eating a healthy and balanced diet with carbs, protein, and good fats also promotes healthy hair growth. Overall, having and maintaining healthy hair takes a multitude of daily habits. Adding scalp massage to increase blood flow and stretch out your scalp regularly may support your hair growth journey. So, just give yourself 5 minutes each day and see how it works for you.

If you are dealing with severe hair loss, it is highly recommended to see a professional to assess your condition.