The Benefits of Scalp Massage
By Gregg Allen, Staff Writer
Investing a short amount of time into giving yourself a scalp massage can give you a world of benefits. I don’t know too many that would refuse a massage, and one on the scalp can create ultra relaxation, improve your mood, and potentially improve the health of your hair. It’s also a great way to treat a special someone and (hopefully) get a massage in return!
Because massage promotes blood circulation, by running your hands through your own hair or a special someone, blood flow increases and hair follicles are nourished better. It is thought that with improved blood flow, hair will have an increase in growth by strengthening the roots and reduce hair loss. If you are using a hair oil while doing the massage, it can also ease the tight, itchy feeling of a dry, flaky scalp– all while improving shine and flexibility of the hair, double bonus!
Scalp massage is also a great way reduce stress by reducing the tension we hold in our head and neck. Many of us do it without realizing but tightening of the muscles that hold our head up can cause neck pinches, backaches, and headaches. By zoning out during a scalp massage for just a good five minutes you’re able to relax that non-stop mind and loosen tense muscles that hold our stress.
To treat yourself or another to a awesome scalp massage prepare a quiet area where you can relax for anywhere between 5 to 20 minutes. Plan to do this before you shampoo and shower. If you would like to use oils, you can purchase a organic jojoba oil and/or essential oils from your local health store for extra benefits. Jojoba moisturizes hair and skin wonderfully while ylang-ylang relaxes the scalp and peppermint can energize it. Keep in mind essential oils should be used at minimum amounts, only add a few drops to a small bowl of jojoba oil and gently work your oiled up fingertips into the scalp and hair.
You can divide your scalp into four regions by parting the hair and clipping it out of the way. Work the scalp by making gentle circles and use your fingernails to stimulate. Don’t scratch the scalp though! Be sure to massage the neck all the way up to where it meets the skull and if you have time, do the tops of your shoulders to relax those muscles. After oiling up the scalp and working it through the hair, do one last step to give all over relief. Pull your hair. Thats right, grab hair close to the scalp and pull gently for 3-4 seconds at a time and release. This is usually the best part of a scalp massage for me and you really feel the release and relaxation all over. Once done, take a warm shower if oils were used and shampoo your hair to remove extra oil sitting on the scalp. You can skip the conditioner since you gave yourself a pre-treatment with oils.
Treat yourself to a scalp massage once a week and see how that goes for you. You may see that tension and stress from work will feel less unbearable and you are able to sleep better at night. You’ll also have moisturized shiny hair to show off because of it.
Are there techniques for scalp massage that work for you, or a special oil you like to use? Share in the comments below.
I agree…had a professional facial done a week ago and the head massage was just what I needed for the stress I was under.
I don’t often get headaches or anything like that. However, this scalp massage idea sounds like it would relieve so much stress and any headache. It would be nice to lay back and let someone massage your scalp to your hearts content.
Soothing music plays softly in the background as your massage therapist begins to work away the stress of your busy day-to-day responsibilities, in a relaxing quiet atmosphere… Thanks for sharing this post. 🙂
Soothing music plays softly in the background as your massage therapist begins to work away the stress of your busy day-to-day responsibilities, in a relaxing quiet atmosphere…
I usually never do the scalp massage unless they specifically ask me to, but I sure will now. Thanks
These are awesome reasons to get scalp massages. I definitely don’t need to be persuaded to get a scalp massage, but this has given me even more reason to get one. I didn’t know that it could relax the tension in our necks and backs.
Thank you for sharing this nice article and many people don’t know about the benefits of scalp massage.
This is a great write up. I have been practicing head massages for a number of years now. I find there is a high return rate of clients than with normal massages.
It’s so relaxing and rejuvenating, get out there and give it a try people!
thank u for sharing useful and helpful article. I and many people don’t know about this.
It sounds like massage therapy has great benefits for all aspects of health. I never considered how it could help your mind, too, though! The relaxation that comes with a massage would be a great way to really help yourself stay emotionally healthy as well. I’ll have to look into getting one of these as soon as possible!
Scalp massage is one of the most efficient way which gives u relieve from stress…… i know some benefits of scalp massage but don’t know all of them mentioned by you ! really appreciate your hard work on this article ..
I get headaches often. However, the scalp massage idea sounds like it would relieve so much pressure to my headache.
Love a good head massage as part of a full body routine!