After about a couple of minutes, you can move on to the next massage, the so-called squeeze. In the one-handed squeeze, you squeeze the skin together, without creating friction on the skin. Just like a pinch. Pinch and hold for a couple of seconds, along the entire head. Scalp massagers are typically handheld, brush-like devices that work to stimulate and exfoliate the scalp like my. They tend to have soft silicone or synthetic bristles that help massage the scalp and buff away dry, flaky skin, product buildup and excess oil," says award winning hairdresser Lee Stafford. “The result is an environment for a happy, healthy scalp making them a great addition to anyone's routine." How do scalp massagers work?

Even better news: A scalp massage has real benefits besides just feeling amazing — and can be done at home. So why is a head massage worth it? The process "can stimulate the scalp and increase blood flow," says Sadah Saltzman, a hair stylist at Salon AKS in New York City. " Massaging can release tension, exfoliate scalp skin, and remove excess oil and buildup." Kim I-H, et al. (2016). The effect of a scalp massage on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy female. Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager: This massager didn’t make the cut for us due to its long, wiery bristles that were uncomfortable to use on dry hair. The handle space was also too small, making for a cramped grip. The diverse, thin spikes are supposed to be its highlight, but ultimately, became its downfall. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there isn't any scientific evidence that scalp massagers can stimulate hair growth (ugh, I know). “While scalp massagers can help increase blood flow—which brings more nutrients to the hair follicle— there are no studies to show they're effective in stimulating hair growth,” says Blaisure.If you have very short hair you can use both brushes simultaneously, one in each hand. With circular motions, brush and glide across the entire scalp. Pay special attention to the areas you want to treat. There aren't any hard and fast rules,” says Stafford. “Some scalp massagers are meant to be used on dry hair, while some of the most popular devices are used in the shower – which offer a gentle alternative to scrubbing and exfoliating your scalp with your fingers and nails. My top tip is read the instructions on your scalp massager so you know how to get the best results. The one I designed should be used in the shower, though, as I like to do the massage on wet hair so that any build-up is removed by the shampoo," he adds. Do scalp massagers work to stimulate hair growth? If you’re pressed for time, you can use the traditional scalp massage method outlined above while you’re washing your hair. Scalp massagers can help debride the scalp from buildup and sediment. They also can stimulate circulation to the scalp,” Dr. Singh says. “These features can be helpful to anyone that desires a healthier, cleaner, more exfoliated scalp. Scalp massagers can also create an environment that helps any topical treatments penetrate better.”

And as an added bonus, they feel really, really great—and isn't that what self-care is all about? “A head massage feels good because there are many nerve endings in the scalp," says Francesca Fusco, MD, of Wexler Dermatology. "Individuals who experience stress in the muscles of the scalp report feeling better after a massage because it relaxes their scalp muscles." What is the best scalp massager? For example: "For curly, tightly coiled hair types, it's best to use a scalp brush as a pre-shampoo treatment step performed weekly, biweekly, or monthly," says Hill (or whenever you plan to have a wash day). She recommends sectioning the hair into quadrants and applying your scalp treatment section by section, gently massaging each region lightly with your fingertips until each is generously coated.

1. Conair The Basik Edition Scalp Massage & Detangle Brush

English RS, et al. (2019). Self-assessments of standardized scalp massages for androgenic alopecia: Survey results. DOI: Although some dermatologists recommend using a scalp massager, others believe that a fingertip massage is just as effective. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which method works best for you. Scalp massagers are typically handheld, brush-like devices that work to stimulate and exfoliate the scalp, says New York-based dermatologist, Hadley King, MD. They tend to have soft silicone or synthetic bristles that help massage the scalp and buff away dry, flaky skin, explains Michelle Blaisure, certified trichologist for Bosley Professional Strength. While some scalp massagers are meant to be used on dry hair (see: those antenna-like massagers everyone was obsessed with in middle school) some of the most popular devices are used in the shower (aka shampoo brushes, which offer a gentle alternative to scrubbing and exfoliating your scalp with your nails). Can scalp massagers stimulate hair growth? Yet simplicity is not a minus to any treatment. On the contrary, the simplest treatments are often the most effective. For example, researchers found that high blood pressure drops the most by fasting for a few days. Eating literally nothing and consuming only water gives better results than the newest wonder drugs ( 19). Men and women with hair loss are increasingly turning to scalp massage as a treatment. It is easy, effective, free of side effects, and can be combined with any other treatment. If you are interested in learning more about how scalp massage can help you regrow hair, you are at the right place.