Do Scalp Massagers Actually Work? The Science Behind Scalp Massage for Hair Growth
- OOF!
- Oct 3, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Scalp massagers—hair growth or hype? We've got the deets.
I’ve always kept my hair routine super simple, but hearing from experts that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp made me curious. Does scalp massage actually make a hair grow faster and healthier?
Could just a few minutes of gentle scalp massage really help reduce shedding and encourage new growth?
The OOF! team has researched, analyzed user feedback from our Boho Heart Silicone Scalp Massagers, and spoken with experts to determine whether scalp massagers really live up to the hype.
Ahead, everything you need to know about scalp massage— tldr ;) And YES, they can stimulate hair thickness and growth!
Want to Jump Ahead?
How to Choose the Right Scalp Massager
Scalp massagers come in various types, including metal, wood, and silicone.
Metal massagers have spider-like prongs and are used for relaxation. Wooden scalp massagers have wooden prongs or beads which are more natural and eco-friendly, but they can't be used in the shower or with the benefits of hair oil.
Silicone scalp massagers are the most versatile and recommended by dermatologists and trichologists especially if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid irritation.¹
With flexible bristles that can be used both on dry hair and in the shower, they effectively exfoliate the scalp while stimulating circulation.
Dermatologist Dr. Aleta Simmons recommends silicone bristles "to help prevent breakage and reduce tangles or knots in the hair."²
Silicone scalp massagers are best utilized in the shower. Often referred to as "shampoo brushes", they are a comfortable and effective alternative to scrubbing your scalp with your nails.
These shower-friendly versions not only exfoliate but also help evenly distribute shampoo and conditioner, ensuring a deeper clean and healthier scalp environment.
Silcone scalp massagers can also be used in combination with growth boosting hair oils. Rosemary oil was shown in one 2015 research study to be as effective as the pharmaceutical product Minoxidil.³***
Applying hair oil before using a scalp massager helps nourish the scalp while improving circulation. This combination can support healthier follicles, reduce dryness, and promote overall hair strength.
What are the Benefits of Scalp Massage?
Scalp massages offer a wide range of benefits, from improving circulation and exfoliating the scalp to relieving stress and distributing natural oils, all of which contribute to healthier, stronger hair.
Scalp Massage Improves Circulation
Using a scalp massager enhances blood circulation in the scalp. Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist explains this "can nurture and deliver the necessary nutrients to the hair follicle for optimal hair growth.”⁴
Further, expert Dr. Jennifer Weinberg has noted that scalp massage stimulates lymphatic capillaries surrounding each hair follicle.
This stimulation is believed to help remove excess fluids and toxins, supporting healthy hair follicle development and potentially increasing hair growth.⁵
Using a Scalp Massager Exfoliates
Scalp massage, particularly when done with tools like silicone massagers, can help remove dead skin cells and product buildup from the scalp.
This exfoliation keeps the scalp clean and healthy, creating a better environment for hair growth.
Scalp Massage Relieves Stress
Scalp massage can also lower stress levels.
Since stress is a well-known factor that contributes to hair loss (through conditions like telogen effluvium), managing stress through massage can have indirect benefits for hair health.
Stress relief from scalp massage also promotes overall well-being, making it a simple yet effective self-care practice.
Scalp Massaging Distributes Natural Oils
Massaging the scalp helps to evenly distribute the scalp’s natural oils, which can moisturize and protect the hair.
By moving these oils from the scalp down the hair shaft, scalp massage can enhance shine and prevent dryness, keeping hair strong and healthy.
Can Scalp Massagers Stimulate Hair Growth?
Multiple studies have explored the link between the health of the scalp and hair growth, revealing that there is a close connection between scalp health and the growth of healthy hair.
Let's look at the scientific research supporting how scalp massagers can mean longer, thicker, stronger hair.
Scalp Massage for Hair Thickness
One study from examined the impact of scalp massage on hair thickness. Scientists carried out a randomized controlled trial with participants undergoing scalp massage sessions for 24 weeks.
The findings indicated an increase in hair thickness in those who received consistent scalp massages.
This means scalp massage can enhance hair growth by applying stretching forces on dermal cells in the hair follicles which leads to thicker hair growth.*
Further insights and scientific references are available on the official Growband site.
Scalp Massage and Better Circulation
Another study looked at the effects of scalp massage on circulation and blood flow. Participants in the study received scalp massage treatments while changes in circulation to the scalp were measured using a Doppler flowmeter.
The research found a significant increase in scalp circulation.**
Enhanced circulation contributes to scalp health by promoting nutrient delivery, oxygenation, and waste removal. This creates the ideal environment for hair growth.
How do I Use a Scalp Massager?
Now that you know scalp massagers are idea for a healthy scalp, you might be wondering how long and how often you should use one.
How Long Should I Massage My Scalp?
According to scalp experts, a good 3-5 minutes is best if your massaging on dry hair. If you're massaging your scalp in the shower or while shampooing, you should aim for 5-10 minutes.
The golden rule for all scalp massage is—always use light to medium pressure with a scalp massager. If you massage too hard, it can (and will!) irritate your skin.
How Often Should I Do Scalp Massage
How often you use your scalp massager depends entirely on your lifestyle, BTW—lazy folks like me can get away with once a week, but there's no reason why you can't use one with every wash.
Pairing Scalp Massage With Nourishing Hair Growth OIls
Want to level up your scalp massage? Experts agree that scalp massage combined with hair oil can offer significant benefits for both scalp health and hair growth.
Scalp oiling can help seal in moisture, promoting healthy hair and enhancing blood circulation to the scalp. This helps stimulate the hair follicles and can lead to better hair growth.
Essential oils, such as rosemary oil, have been shown to improve hair growth when used in scalp massage due to their ability to increase blood flow to the follicles.
If you're looking for a natural, science-backed way to support your hair growth journey, rosemary oil is 100% worth a try.
So, What is the Best Scalp Massager?
We're convinced that silicone scalp massagers are the best choice for scalp massage.
The OOF! Heart Shaped Silicone Scalp Massager is not only cute, but it's also a great choice for scalp massage.
Silicone bristles are soft and flexible, which makes them great for stimulating the scalp, improving circulation, and promoting hair health without irritating the skin.
Our massager is also good for sensitive scalps or fine hair, since the silicone bristles reduce the chances of irritation or breakage.
So, Do I Really Need a Scalp Massager?
My vote is YES! It's an inexpensive and easy way to add some relaxation and healthy scalp benefits to your self-care routine.
Scalp massaging, especially with the derm-approved OOF! silicone scalp massager, means better scalp health and healthy hair growth.
Exfoliating your scalp helps removes dry skin and creates an environment for a happy, healthy scalp.
And (like me) if you're lazy when it comes to your hair, you'll see how easy it is to fit a scalp massager into your routine (personally, I use one during every wash day!).
FAQs on Scalp Massage
Should I use a scalp massager with products?
Absolutely! You an use it with shampoo, conditioner or use it with a lightweight oil, serum, or scalp treatment to distribute the product and enhance absorption, making treatments more effective.
Can it damage my hair or scalp?
When used gently, silicone scalp massagers are safe for all hair types. Avoid pressing too hard or dragging the brush, as this could cause breakage or irritation.
Will scalp massage reduce dandruff or dry scalp?
Regular scalp massage can help exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation, which may reduce flakiness and dryness. Pairing it with a nourishing oil or scalp treatment can maximize benefits.
How do I clean my silicone scalp massager?
Rinse it with warm water and mild soap after each use. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing to prevent bacteria buildup.
Can I use a scalp massager with hair extensions or braids?
Yes, but be gentle and avoid pulling at the roots. Focus on massaging between braids or along exposed scalp areas.
Can scalp massage help with scalp tension headaches?
Yes — many people find scalp massage relaxing and helpful for relieving tension headaches.
Meet the Experts
Aleta Simmons, MD
A board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Bridgette Hill
a certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis.
Jennifer Weinberg, MD MPH MBE
a preventive and lifestyle physician, Professor of Public Health, and specialist in mind-body medicine.
Cited Studies
*Scalp Massage for Hair Thickness
Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, 16, e8.
**Scalp Massage and Better Circulation
Yan Tan, Fang He, Ce Zhang, Jiani Zhang, Ziwei Chen, Xu Wang, Peng Wei, Yinan Nan, Louis Lei Jin, Qian Hua. (2020). Mechanical stimulation of the scalp improves the extra- and intracranial blood circulation in humans and mice. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, Volume 7, Issue 4.
***Rosemary Oil as Effective as Minoxidil
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21. PMID: 25842469.
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