Scalp massage for hair growth stimulation—does it really work?

If you’ve ever had a scalp massage, you no doubt recall how relaxing it felt. Besides easing stress and tension, there’s also buzz around scalp massages being able to promote hair growth.

Is this just a myth or is there truth to this additional benefit of a scalp massage? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at scientific evidence around scalp massages and hair growth.

We put this question to a test and asked Trichologist Dr. Nick Fisherman of Wyndham Private Specialist Clinic. “Certainly—a scalp massage using the right technique can help hair growth by stimulating and improving the blood circulation within the hair follicles,” he explains.

There are also various studies proving this point as every hair starts in the hair follicle, where the bulb of the hair sits, and a good blood supply is essential for healthy hair growth. According to research, scalp massage causes blood vessels under the skin to dilate, generating more blood flow to the area. The stimulation stretches out the cells of hair follicles, which causes them to produce thicker hair strands.

This, in turn, stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. It's also proven that a scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby encouraging hair growth.

How to massage your scalp

There are several ways to give your scalp a massage to help stimulate hair growth. Here are three options:

A traditional scalp massage involves the use of your fingertips only.

1) Use the fingertips of both hands to apply light to medium pressure to your scalp, moving in small circles.

2) Work your way across your scalp to cover all areas.

3) Try to massage your scalp using your fingertips for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day.

You can also get a scalp massage from a licensed massage therapist. The cost will vary depending on the length of the massage.

If you’re pressed for time, you can use the traditional scalp massage method outlined above while you’re washing your hair.

Using your fingertips, gently massage your shampoo or conditioner into your hair for 5 minutes. Then rinse your hair as usual.

Therascalp™ is an intelligent scalp massager that was designed to provide the most efficient scalp massage optimized for hair growth. With it's distinctive 360-degree rotation and 96 massage points it provides a much deeper and effective scalp massage than using your fingertips or a regular scalp massager.

Being completely waterproof it can be used both in the shower, at work, or right before bed. It provides a relaxing experience while stimulating blood circulation in the scalp which results in thicker and healthy hair growth. 

In just 10 minutes a day, users have found reduced tension, improved hair health and growth, and promoted relaxation.