Scalp massage has proved to be a useful tool for increasing blood circulation to the scalp, which can help a range of issues such as hair loss and hair thinning. It can also improve the texture of your hair and growth rate.

We’ll go through the optimal way to massage your scalp to maximise the benefits from higher circulation in your hair follicles, as well as address common mistakes people make.

These methods are popular in folk medicine in the East however their application has been limited past being a stress reliever, in the Western world.

You’ll start to feel improvements instantly but visibly you’ll need to consistently work on it for at least a month before anything is apparent. It costs nothing and, if you are doing properly, has no side effects.

Supplies

Oil (preferably sesame oil) ((Optional))

A pair of hands

15 minutes a day

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Firstly, prepare the oil by pouring around 10ml of oil into a bowl or as required. We recommend using sesame oil however it’s not essential and you can use olive oil or if nothing else vegetable oil.

Note, this step is optional, but it does have a few benefits:

- It will make the massage more enjoyable and relaxing

- Lubrication makes it physically easier to stimulate the scalp

- You will benefit from any additional properties of the oil

Step 2: Massage the Scalp for 15 Minutes

Mentally divide your scalp into 3 sections to ensure all areas are being sufficiently stimulated; the top, sides and back.

Dip your fingertips in the oil and start massaging the scalp, spending 5 minutes massaging each section by using a light scratching motion as shown in the video.

If you need more oil at any point, simply dip your finger back in and continue. Don’t go overboard and wet your hair, you are only trying to ease friction at the scalp.

Step 3: Don’t Miss Any Section of the Scalp

It is easy to just massage the affected areas thinking this will maximise the results however you have to massage all three sections equally, especially the back of the head.

The scalp is a network of capillaries and vessels, all linked to each other. If you stimulate them simultaneously, it will help unblock faster and thoroughly improve circulation. Since the back of the head is where muscles tighten from stress, it will also be the most blocked.

Section 1 is where most people give attention to, whereas sections 2 and 3 need it the most.

Step 4: Wash Off Oil

If you decided to massage with an oil, wash it off no more than 4 hours after you’ve completed your scalp massage.

It may be tempting to leave in the oil longer out of laziness or by thinking it will help, but some oils can start to clog your pores if left too long. Moreover, oils can become rancid at skin temperature fairly quickly so they lose their beneficial properties.

Step 5: Be Gentle But Consistent

Scalp massage is not a one-hit wonder. It won’t work overnight in recovering your hair loss or thicken your hair instantly but it is very effective when done consistently.

Don’t be too aggressive on the massage itself, which is likely to happen when you first start and desperately want it to work. The movement itself should be light and enjoyable, there should be no pain involved.

Once everyday for 15 minutes is plenty to start seeing improvements in 1 month.