There is no question that the scalp massage at the salon is the best part of our visits. In addition to being great stress-relievers, scalp massages promote blood circulation in the scalp, encourage hair growth and dislodge gunk from pores. For the days when you’re looking to release tension or give your strands extra TLC, treat yourself to a scalp massage. Continue reading for five scalp massaging tips to give yourself a salon-quality massage from the comfort of your home.
Why is Scalp Massaging Important?
Scalp-care plays a crucial role in supporting strong, healthy locks in your 40s. The benefits of scalp massaging include:
Increased Blood Circulation
Scalp massages are known to improve blood circulation, which may improve hair growth. Increased blood circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting a healthy environment for optimal hair growth.
Removes Buildup
Oil, dirt, dead skin cells and hair products build up on the scalp and clog your pores. Scalp massages help loosen the gunk, so it can be washed away by your shampoo. The removal of scalp buildup is essential to fortify shiny, weightless strands.
Thicker Hair-Growth
Scalp massages stretch the cells of hair follicles, which stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. They also help dilate blood vessels beneath the scalp, which encourages hair-growth.
Distributes Natural Oils
Every hair follicle on the scalp has an oil gland that produces an oily substance, called sebum. Massaging your scalp can help spread these natural oils from your scalp to your hair strands, which provides the perfect boost of moisture and shine.
Good for Well-Being
Scalp massages help release tension by relaxing the muscles under the scalp. A massage works to release muscle spasms or knots in tight areas of the scalp. Additionally, research demonstrates that scalp massages lower blood pressure and reduce levels of stress hormones.
5 Scalp Massaging Tips You Need to Know
Make Your Fingers a Massage Tool
Not only are scalp massages relaxing, they’re also convenient. The only tool you really need is your fingers. If you are using your fingers to massage your scalp, avoid using your fingernails. Scratching your scalp can cause burning and irritation. Any dirt or bacteria left underneath your nails can transfer to your scalp and cause infection. Only use the pad of your fingers applying light to medium pressure. Below you will find two scalp massaging techniques that will benefit your hair’s health:
Effleurage Technique
Effleurage is a light friction technique using your finger pads and thumbs. Effleurage uses consistent back and forth oblong movements starting at the front hairline downwards to your nape. Stroke your scalp like this at the beginning and end of your massage. The effleurage technique is often used to prepare your scalp for the petrissage technique.
Petrissage Technique
Petrissage is a deeper pressure technique using your fingertips in slow, circular motions on the scalp. Circular motions will help remove debris from the scalp, while giving you a relaxing massage at the same time. Use petrissage movements to massage your entire scalp. By doing so, you will gently knead its underlying muscles.
Reach for a Scalp Massager
Take your at-home scalp massages to the next level with a scalp massager. As the name indicates, a scalp massager is a device that massages your scalp. It comes in different shapes and sizes, but most are portable and handheld. Some massagers can be used in the shower on wet hair, whereas others should only be used on dry hair. A scalp massager increases the efficacy of serums and hair products. They also exfoliate the scalp, increase blood circulation and help release tension.
Typically, a scalp massager can be worked through your hair the way you use your fingers. They work as combs or brushes naturally parting your hair and hugging your scalp. A massage device, like the one from Better Not Younger, has smooth, aluminum ball-tipped dispensers to distribute serum close to the roots.
Try the Inversion Method
Take a seat and let your head fall backwards. Once you’re in position, massage as normal. This position promotes blood flow to the hair follicles and increases circulation. Blood is rich in nutrients that nourish the scalp, so this technique is known to enhance hair-growth. The blood supply to your scalp leads to better oxygenation and rejuvenates follicles.
Massaging with Oils or Serums
Massaging the scalp with oil boosts blood circulation and soothes capillaries and nerves. Regular oil massages are known to deep condition the hair and relieve stress. Natural oils and serums contain essential vitamins and nutrients promoting healthy hair. Hair serum will help open and unclog the pores, moisturize your scalp, and add shine to your locks.
The perfect time to massage your scalp with oil is right before a shower. Oil attracts oil, so rubbing some into your scalp will help remove the grease. Consider mixing your essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. You can warm the oils or a serum and apply it to your scalp using effleurage and petrissage movements. Allow your scalp to soak up the oils for a few minutes before washing with shampoo. The oil will help protect your wet hair from any damage.
Massage Daily or Weekly
It is up to you to decide how often you will massage your scalp. Generally, the more scalp massages the better. According to research published in the journal Eplasty, participants that used a scalp massage device for four minutes a day for 24 weeks experienced improvements in blood flow to their scalp and hair thickness. Try dedicating a few minutes a day to giving yourself a scalp massage, but a few times a week will offer benefits as well. If you are scalp massaging daily, be gentle to avoid scalp irritations or hair breakage.
Conclusion
A routine scalp massage may be just what your hair-care regimen needs to support healthy, aging tresses. From using a gentle scalp massager to a moisturizing serum, we’ve rounded up the best tips for you to give yourself the ultimate at-home scalp massage.