Healthy hair starts at the scalp taking care of your scalp creates a healthy environment for hair growth and makes the scalp less likely to be flaky, irritated and itchy. Scalp massages are a great way to keep the scalp healthy and in today's blog we are going to dive into the 5 Benefits of Scalp Massage and why you should be incorporating them into your hair regimen.
Helps to Promotes Hair Growth/Improves Hair Thickness
According to a 2016 study, research concluded that regular scalp massages may lead to thicker hair. Scalp massages can increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of the hair follicles. This stimulation cause follicles to produce thicker hair. It is also said that scalp massages may also dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thus encouraging hair growth.
Helps to Relieve Stress
At home head massages have been said to help reduce stress, tension, condition the scalp and improve blood circulation, in your head and neck area.
Helps to Get Rid of Dandruff
If your struggle with dandruff, begin gently massaging your scalp to loosen flakes and rinse thoroughly. Incorporating regular scalp massages to your hair care routine will help you notice a difference in a reduction in dandruff. Scalp massages can also help to reduce your risk of developing dandruff and or to control it.
Scalp build up can often present as a flaky scalp and closely resemble dandruff. Scalp buildup can be caused by a few things including scalp psoriasis, eczema, product build up, skin cells, sweat and oils. Scalp build up can unfortunately also cause hair loss, if left untreated. This happens because these previously listed substances can clog the hair follicle, leading to a condition called folliculitis. Folliculitis causes inflammation of the hair follicle, which can result in an infection ultimately leading to hair loss.
How to Get Rid of Scalp Build up.
Washing your hair regularly and making sure your scalp gets a thorough clean can prevent build up and flaking. Depending on your hair type ex: dry or oily you may need to wash your hair more or less often.
Ways to Massage your scalp.
1. Scalp massage with fingers
This scalp massage method is the traditional way to massage your scalp this can be done with or without oil. We recommend accompanying your massage with our Grapefruit & Mint Hair Growth Oil for added benefits. Grapefruit oil is rich in vitamin C and has been said to strengthen the hair follicle and to reduce hair fall. While peppermint oil is a natural vasodilator which means it opens up the blood vessels and feeds your hair follicle. Peppermint oil also helps to increase blood flow to the scalp which has been said to aid in helping reduce shedding and promote hair growth. Here are some tips on how to do a scalp massage 1.) Use the pads of your fingertips and apply slight pressure moving in circles. 2.) Move your fingers in this motion across all areas of your scalp 3.) Continue for at least 5 minutes, this can be repeated multiple times throughout the week.
2. Massage while shampooing hair
You can use the same traditional scalp massage method as mentioned above while you are washing your hair. Some dermatologists recommend that you use a scalp massage tool like our Scalp Massage Brush. This can be used while shampooing or outside of the shower with or without oil. This tool can help to exfoliate the scalp, and ensure the scalp is cleaned thoroughly when shampooing. This brush also helps to stimulate growth and buff away dry flaky skin. This device is a gentle alternative to scrubbing your scalp with your nails which is not recommended due to its possible damaging effects to the scalp.
References:
1. Scalp Massage for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work? (healthline.com)
2. Dandruff - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
3. Scalp Buildup: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention (healthline.com)
4. Do Scalp Massagers Stimulate Hair Growth? Dermatologists Weigh In (cosmopolitan.com)