Why Are Scalp Massages The Latest Viral Hair Trend?
Why Are Scalp Massages The Latest Viral Hair Trend?
By Anupriya Jamuar
We’ve all grown up getting champiis from our grandmothers and mothers and while you might not have liked them a lot as a child, and forgotten about them as an adult, did you know scalp massages play a vital role in keeping your hair healthy and happy?
Not to forget, with all the viral hair trends and hair care routines, it looks like scalp massages are coming back in fashion, if they ever even left. From overnight masking or hair slugging, which is basically oiling your hair to using hair massage tools, they are a bunch of ways to treat both yourself and your hair.
So, let’s dive into everyone’s obsession with scalp massages and why you should too give it a try.
Benefits of scalp massage: Relieves stress
Who doesn’t enjoy a good champi? One of the most popular benefits of a scalp massage is that it relieves stress. When you massage your scalp, it aids in releasing all that muscle tension. Scalp massages also stimulate blood flow in the area; decreasing feelings of anxiety and stress. So, the next time you feel stressed, treat your scalp to some extra love and see the difference.
Watch: A dermat’s advice on dealing with scalp build-up
Benefits of scalp massage: Increases hair growth
When you massage your scalp, it increases blood flow and circulation to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to the follicles, which in turn promotes hair growth. Also, scalp massage can help to remove build-up and stimulate the scalp, which can further promote healthy hair growth.
Reap the many benefits of scalp massage
Don’t skip on your champiis as it can be really beneficial for your hair’s health.
- Promotes relaxation: Hair massage can help to release pent-up tension in the muscles and promote feelings of relaxation and calmness.
- Promotes hair growth: By increasing blood flow and circulation to the hair follicles, scalp massage helps to bring more nutrients and oxygen to the roots of the hair, which can promote healthy hair growth.
- Removes build-up: Scalp massage can help to remove build-up from the scalp, which can promote a healthier scalp and hair. This can be anything from dirt, dust, debris, hair oils and product leftovers.
- Alleviate headaches: By targeting pressure points on the scalp, hair massage can help to relieve tension and reduce pain associated with headaches and migraines.
- A little bit of selfcare: Finally, hair massage can simply feel amazing. It can be a wonderful way to show your scalp a little love and pamper yourself.
Read more: Your guide to oiling long hair
How to massage your scalp?
If you’re confused on how you can massage your hair using your fingertips, here is what you need to do:
- You can dry massage your scalp or use a hair oil. We suggest picking a preferred hair oils as massaging the oil into your scalp helps with the absorption.
- Sit comfortably with your back straight, preferably have a mirror in front of you so you can see what you’re doing.
- Place your fingertips on your scalp, with the pads of your fingers touching your scalp. Remember, do not scratch it with your nails.
- Apply gentle pressure and move your fingertips in a circular motion, working your way from your hairline to the back of your head.
- Repeat this process across your scalp, focusing on areas that feel particularly tense or sore.
You can also use a comb or brush to help distribute the pressure more evenly. The key is to use gentle pressure and work slowly, allowing your scalp to relax and enjoy the massage.
Can I massage my scalp during the shower?
Yes, you can also massage your scalp during your hair wash. Here’s how:
- Start by wetting your hair and applying a mild shampoo to your scalp.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions, starting at the hairline and working your way back. The lather from the shampoo will help your fingers glide smoothly.
- Take your time and be sure to cover your entire scalp, including the sides and back of your head.
- Rinse the shampoo and apply conditioner.
- While the conditioner is in your hair, you can continue to massage your scalp.
- Once you've finished, rinse your hair thoroughly and towel dry.
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How to use scalp massagers & brushes?
Using a scalp massager or hairbrush is also a great way to increase blood flow, promote healthy hair growth, and remove build-up from your scalp. They also feel amazing and are a great way to relax and de-stress.
- Make sure your hair massager or brush has soft bristles or nodes. Anything too hard can irritate your scalp.
- Begin at the hairline and use gentle circular motions to work your way back across your scalp. Similar to how you rotate your fingertips.
- Adjust the pressure as needed, but it's important to use gentle pressure to avoid damaging your scalp.
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What hair oils should you use to massage your scalp?
Here are some great oils you can use for your hair massage. These are packed full of benefits that keeps your hair healthy and glossy.
- Argan oil: Argan oil is considered champagne for your hair and is great to keep your hair healthy. It's rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can nourish your scalp, reduce frizz and improve the overall health of your hair.
- Coconut oil: Our grandmother’s favourite, we’ve all grown up getting coconut oil champiis and for a good reason. It's rich in fatty acids that nourishes your scalp, and it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce dandruff and other scalp conditions.
- Jojoba oil: Great for a greasy scalp, jojoba oil is similar to the natural oils produced by your scalp, so it can help to balance your scalp's oil production. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals that can nourish your scalp and hair.
- Rosemary oil: Yes, this interesting herb has benefits outside your kitchen as well. It has antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce dandruff and other scalp conditions, and it can also help to stimulate hair growth.
- Peppermint oil: It has a cooling effect that can help to soothe an itchy scalp, and it can also help to stimulate hair growth. However, you cannot it peppermint oil directly onto your scalp as its too harsh. Dilute it with a carrier oil, like argan oil or coconut before applying it.
It's important to choose an oil that works best for your hair type and scalp condition, and to apply it in a gentle circular motion to avoid damaging your hair or scalp.
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How often should you massage your scalp?
While you should massage your scalp at least once a week, but you can do it more frequently if you like. Massaging your scalp helps to increase blood flow, which can promote healthy hair growth and reduce scalp tension. It is also a great way to remove build-up from your scalp and improve the overall health of your hair. But too much of anything is bad, over-massaging your scalp, or being too harsh can damage your hair and cause breakage so it's important to use gentle pressure and limit it to 2 times a week.
What does an expert say?
Keep these 5 expert tips in mind while you massage your hair.
- Be patient: Massage for at least 5 minutes: It improves blood flow and stimulate hair growth.
- Focus on problem areas: If you have specific problem areas on your scalp such as dandruff or hair loss, focus on massaging those areas.
- Use the right tool: A scalp massager or a soft-bristled brush are great but avoid using tools with sharp edges or hard bristles that can damage your scalp.
- Hair oils are your MVPs: This helps to nourish your hair and scalp and prevents hair breakage during the massage.
- Use gentle pressure: Massage your scalp with gentle pressure in circular motions. Avoid using too much pressure or massaging too hard, as this can damage your hair and scalp.
FAQs
Q. Can scalp massage help with dandruff?
- Yes, it does. Massaging your scalp removes build-up that can cause dandruff. Using an oil such as tea tree or rosemary oil can also help to reduce dandruff.
Q. How long do I keep the hair oil before washing my hair?
- You can overnight mask your hair or apply it 30 minutes to 2 hours before showering and then rinse it off.
Q. Can scalp massage help with hair growth?
- Yes, scalp massage can help to improve blood flow to your scalp, which can promote healthy hair growth.