The benefits of a scalp massage
Your hair follicle is the only 'alive' part of your hair strand. In the interest of a long-term solution to healthy hair, you want to make sure that the hair follicle is as healthy as it can be. One of the ways to help is a scalp massage. It not only feels good, but it is also one of the keys to healthy hair growth. Rooted in ancient traditions this practice has made a comeback in the trending scalp care space, and for good reason. In this article we’ll walk through the basics of scalp massages, the benefits and the correct technique to massage your scalp.
Why Are Scalp Massages Important?
Scalp health is a critical step in your hair care routine, and with that comes scalp massages. The reason why scalp massages are so important is because they help to relax your hair follicles (which live beneath your scalp surface, increase blood flow which promotes efficient nutrient delivery to your hair follicles, and contributing to the overall health of your precious locks. Let’s break down the benefits.
The Benefits of Scalp Massages
Improved Blood Circulation
The gentle pressure you apply during a scalp massage can facilitate good blood circulation. The improved blood circulations allow for your hair follicle to be “fed” better. Bringing oxygen, minerals, and nutrients to your hair follicle.
Stress Reduction & Relaxation
When you experience stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can interfere with the natural hair growth cycle. Cortisol can cause hair follicles to enter a "resting phase" prematurely, which can lead to hair thinning or even hair loss. Scalp massages does what other massages do for your body. You take a moment to relax, and this has great benefit to relieve stress, promote relaxation and subsequently help your follicles.
Click here to learn about the effects of stress on your hair
Enhanced Product Absorption
Pairing your massage with a high-quality scalp oil, like our Scalp Elixir, is a match made in heaven. You get the topical benefits of your scalp oil along with the mechanical benefits of your scalp massage and together they are the true powerhouse to an effective scalp treatment.
Clinical Studies Supporting Scalp Massages
A study by researchers in Japan analyzed the effect of scalp massages on hair and it was found that daily 4-minute scalp massages over a period of 24 weeks increased the thickness of hair.
The Correct Way to Massage Your Scalp
One of the biggest mistakes I see during scalp massages if people being too rough and rubbing their scalp surface. This is not an effective massage and on the contrary, it could negatively affect your hair as you are “pulling” at your hair follicles.
I want you to think about a scalp massage as a skull massage. So, you aren’t massaging the surface of your scalp, you’re trying to massage your skull. In doing this, you will notice that you move your scalp surface over your skull. The video below will walk you through the steps:
How often should you massage your scalp?
Ideally, every day. But if you can do it 4-5 times a week that is great, all it takes is 4-5 minutes.
Conclusion
I cannot stress enough how this simple practice can really change everything for your hair. The benefits for your hair follicles are immense and you need healthy, happy hair follicles to grow healthy hair, happy massaging!
Reference
Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, 16, e8.
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