Massage is a powerful tool in keeping physical stress low. A simple back massage can improve posture, ease back and core pain, increase confidence, and improve sleep. Can scalp massage have a similarly powerful affect on your hair and scalp?
The Mechanics of Scalp Massage
Scalp massage can be completed by a professional, but is just as effective when done in the comfort of your own home. Using simple massage techniques, you can improve the strength and growth rate of your hair. This is achieved primarily via the increased circulation to your scalp.
When your scalp’s circulation increases, your hair follicles are healthier and more active, which means that your growth and rest cycles are more easily regulated. Healthy hair cycles mean less shedding, more growth, and a thicker head of hair.
Scalp massage is also useful for reducing stress. Like a standard back massage, scalp massage has the potential to decrease stress hormone production and blood pressure. A stressed body is a body in crisis, which can lead to abandoning “fringe” systems, such as your hair, in order to devote time and effort to more important bodily functions.
How to Massage Your Scalp
Happily, a scalp massage does not require special tools or skills. Taking 3-5 minutes and using your fingertips, you simply start from your hairline and work your way up toward the crown of your head. You can complete this exercise in the shower as you shampoo to help your fingers move through your hair easily, or can be completed on a dry scalp. Moving your fingertips in firm circles over your scalp, you can start with gentle pressure and gradually increase both the time and pressure you use.
If you prefer a more spa-like experience, you can add warming or relaxing oils to your shampoo to increase circulation and relaxation, or your can simply apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips and wash it out after you’ve completed your massage.
Results of Scalp Massage
Scalp massage will not eliminate hair loss altogether, but it is a proven useful tool in thickening hair. One study found measurable differences in thickness after only 24 weeks of daily 4-minute massages. Although the study was only completed in men, the basic mechanics of massage and growth apply to women as well, and it can be a wonderful tool in your beauty and self-care arsenal.
[expand title=”References“]
NCBI. Accessed 10/14/17.
Reader’s Digest. Accessed 10/14/17.
Livestrong. Accessed 10/14/17.
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