Scalp Massage: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD
A scalp massage involves movement and pressure to promote blood flow to your scalp. The treatment can be self-administered as a way to relax. It can also be received from a partner or licensed massage therapist.
There is little formal research on scalp massage. However, there is some evidence that the treatment may offer health benefits such as hair growth and stress relief.
This article describes scalp massage benefits and drawbacks. It also explains how to do a scalp massage, ways to enhance the treatment, and concerns to consider.
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Is Scalp Massage Worth Trying?
Scalp massage may be worth trying if you are interested in a natural treatment to relax and improve scalp health. Scalp massage can deliver immediate results. It may also lead to long-term effects when practiced regularly over extended periods.
Possible Benefits
The primary benefit of a scalp massage is the relaxing feeling that it delivers. Though this treatment has not been studied extensively, there is some evidence that a scalp massage may also offer the following benefits:
Hair Growth Support
Results from two small studies show that there may be some correlation between scalp massage and hair growth patterns.
In one study, hair thickness increased in nine males after receiving a four-minute scalp massage once daily for 24 days. Researchers proposed that mechanical stress on the cells of the hair follicles (dermal papilla cells) stimulates the hair follicles to produce thicker hair.
A second study confirmed these results based on the responses of 340 participants with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). The participants performed two 20-minute scalp massages daily for at least six months. In self-reported results, about 69% of participants noted improved hair regrowth.
Lower Stress Hormones
Scalp massage may lower blood pressure and stress hormones. A study involving 34 female office workers who received twice-weekly scalp massages for 10 weeks. Researchers observed positive effects on stress hormones (norepinephrine and cortisol), blood pressure, and heart rate.
Relieve Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches cause significant head and facial pain accompanied by nausea, photophobia (light sensitivity), and vomiting. In one small study, scalp massage, along with massage in other areas, improved some participants' migraine symptoms.
Relieve Tension Headaches
Tension headaches involve head pain and pressure. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, scalp massage may help reduce the perceived pain, tension, intensity, and duration of these types of headaches.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources do.
Possible Downsides
The risk of harmful effects from any type of massage therapy appears to be minimal. However, it is also important to note that researchers who reported an increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks of scalp massage also reported a temporary increase in hair shedding during the first 12 weeks of treatment.
If you have a chronic health condition such as cancer or epilepsy, consult your healthcare provider before performing regular scalp massage. To avoid further damage, the following scalp conditions should also be diagnosed or resolved before performing a scalp massage:
Undiagnosed lumps or bumps on your scalp
Cuts, abrasions, or other skin damage on your scalp
Undiagnosed pain or inflammation on your scalp
Sunburn on your scalp
How to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage
Though there isn't one specific way to perform a scalp massage, you should limit yourself to light to moderate pressure. Start with the following technique and incorporate changes such as kneading to accommodate your preferences:
Put the tips of your fingers on the top of your scalp and your thumbs on each side of your head.
Move your hands in a circular motion around your scalp and apply moderate pressure at the same time.
Work all parts of the scalp for maximum relief.
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Other Ways to Enjoy Scalp Massage
Though you can learn to self-administer scalp massage, you may find the experience to be more relaxing and satisfying with the following alternatives:
Massage your scalp while showering. Use shampoo or conditioner to help your hands glide along your scalp.
Use a scalp massager. A scalp massager is a handheld tool covered with soft teeth or nubs. It is used on the scalp to stimulate blood flow, loosen flaky skin, and lather shampoo. This may be beneficial if your hands tire easily or you have a condition like arthritis that affects your manual functioning.
Use essential oils. Research indicates that incorporating the following essential oils into your scalp massage may help you achieve the following benefits:
Use peppermint oil to help speed up hair growth.
Use lavender oil to increase hair follicle thickness, volume, and depth.
Use rosemary oil to help with hair growth due to its antioxidant qualities and ability to promote blood flow to the scalp.
Perform a couples scalp massage to share the experience with your partner. Research indicates that mutual massage can benefit your well-being in areas of emotional stress and mental clarity whether you are giving or receiving a massage.
Visit a spa to have a scalp massage administered by a licensed massage therapist who can provide professional treatment. Most states require that massage therapists complete an approved educational program and pass an examination to earn a license before practicing massage.
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Special Scalp Massage Considerations
Though it may be beneficial for some ailments, scalp massage and any form of massage therapy should not be used in place of medical treatment.
Getting an accurate diagnosis for disorders such as tension headaches, hair loss, or stress is the best way to address these issues. Based on your condition, scalp massage may be a useful complement to your treatment plan.
Though you can learn to self-administer a scalp massage, a licensed massage therapist may provide a more relaxing and effective treatment. When choosing a massage therapist, consider the following to get the best results:
The massage therapist's training, experience, and credentials
What the treatment involves
The number of treatments advised to achieve optimal results
Cost of treatments, including the price of options such as essential oils
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Summary
Scalp massage can be a worthwhile addition to your daily wellness routine. The treatment can be relaxing and soothing as it increases blood circulation to your scalp. A scalp massage may also provide benefits that include stress relief, headache treatment, and better hair growth.
Scalp massage involves little health risk for most people. However, it should not be used to forgo the proper diagnosis and treatment of any health problem, such as scalp lumps and bumps or pain. You should also consult with a healthcare provider before doing a scalp massage if you have a chronic health problem.
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