Scalp massage: what benefits does it bring?
The scalp massage is one of the Ayurvedic massages and is primarily used to stimulate blood circulation. In addition to this, it is also useful for relaxing at the end of the day, and some say it can solve headaches. But how is it done? What products are used and what is the right technique? Before answering, here is a video with 10 useful tips for healthy and strong hair.
Why is scalp massage important?
Scalp massage is an important treatment if you want to benefit both skin and hair. First, by using the right products, you will easily be able to eliminate dry skin, stimulating the production of sebum and getting rid of dandruff once and for all in case you suffer from it.
The movement of the fingers will be essential to reactivate the circulation of the blood and lymphatic vessels, strengthening the hair, which will be stimulated to grow.
Furthermore, the scalp massage will help delay the onset of white hair and prevent certain ailments such as folliculitis.
Last but not least, the hair will appear brighter and full of vitality, and the cranial muscles will also be relieved.
See also
Dry scalp: how to get rid of dryness Sore scalp: remedies for burning and itching DIY Scalp Scrub: Naturally Good! © GettyImagesScalp massage to reactivate circulation
Massaging the scalp, in general, is always a good habit to slow down the process of thinning hair, as well as the receding hairline. In fact, any alteration of the scalp can lead to possible imbalances that would weaken the hair.
It only takes a few minutes: the hair will immediately appear better, healthy, shiny, thanks to the stimulation of blood circulation at the level of the hair follicles.
If you suffer from nervous tension or stress, the scalp massage, in addition to strengthening the hair, will have a relaxing effect on the whole body, allowing you to find some healthy relaxation and mental balance. The cranial muscles and the scalp will be the first to benefit, but with a little persistence this will be extended to the whole body.
Strengthen your hair with scalp massages
To prevent hair loss and strengthen it, the starting point is the scalp massage.
Many people complain of an itchy head, which sometimes turns into real pain, and is a sign of suffering from the hair; the cause is to be found in the occlusion of the hair follicles due to excess sebum. In these cases, a scalp massage is extremely useful for promoting the flow of blood to the area, and in some way helping the hair to breathe.
If you already suffer from overproduction of sebum, you must pay attention to the massage and prefer one that is not too prolonged, because in this case it would make the situation worse. In this case, the advice we give you is to use lotions to regulate the sebum and to be able to cleanse the hair in complete tranquility, without having to give up the beneficial effect of the massage.
Massaging the scalp also favors the elimination of toxins that are deposited in this area due to the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands, mixed with the sweat produced by the sweat glands.
If after taking all these precautions or having "tried them all" you still feel pain or itching in the scalp and the production of sebum is always abundant, it is appropriate to use specific products perhaps recommended by the doctor after a thorough examination.
If, on the other hand, you suffer from dry skin and dandruff also occurs, the scalp massage is even more useful: with a specific oil and lotions you can gently massage the area bringing further benefit that is added to the others described above.
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How is a scalp massage done?
Surely after all these premises and preliminary useful information, you are still wondering: but how is a scalp massage done? Does the hair have to be dry or wet? Let's answer this second question right away by saying that the massage can be performed on both wet and dry hair. Let's see how.
On wet hair, you can massage while you are washing it preferably with warm water. Just pause with your fingertips on the skin and make gentle, basically circular movements.
On dry hair, on the other hand, our advice is to first use a product such as a specific lotion, to moisten the area and facilitate the movement of the hands.
The correct way to perform the hair massage is to start with the fingertips from the nape of the neck and go up to the hairline. It is also important to apply light pressure to stimulate circulation in the scalp.
What is the ideal duration for an effective massage? About 3 to 4 minutes. In addition, it is advisable to practice it about 3 times a week.
For the massage you can also use a brush with rubber bristles that stimulates the blood microcirculation in order to allow a greater flow to the hair root.
The step by step tutorial
The fundamental rule for scalp massage is to move the scalp itself and not your hands while you are doing it; this is very important to ensure greater reactivation of the microcirculation at the level of the skin.
After you have moistened your hair with warm water and applied the right amount of shampoo diluted with water, do this:
- Place both hands on your head, keep your fingers resting towards the center so that your fingertips are in contact with each other.
- Apply light pressure while maintaining this position.
- Tap the entire surface of the scalp with your fingertips.
- Make circular movements using the fingertips of both hands.
- On the other side of the head, go down to the nape of the neck and then to the neck, and then go back up. You can also perform this massage starting right from the neck and going up.
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What results to expect after scalp massage
After having mentioned it in the previous paragraphs, let's see which are all the results that you will be able to see by simply having a little patience and perseverance.
- Circulation of blood and lymphatic vessels activates, therefore stronger hair that does not fall out and does not break.
- Hydrated skin and regularized sebum production.
- Bright and vital hair.
- Hair that grows with greater frequency and speed.
- Much less white hair.
- Dandruff cleared.
- Folliculitis and alopecia prevented.
- Relaxed cranial muscles.
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Scalp massage with oils: which ones to choose?
Depending on the type of hair it is good to use the right products so as not to find yourself at the end of the treatment with greasy hair. This is the case with those with oily hair, for example. But we reveal a secret: you can use oils!
- Castor oil
Strengthening and nourishing, it promotes rapid hair growth. It also has an antibacterial and antifungal function useful for preventing frequent hair problems.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil prevents hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. It is recommended in case of itching and dandruff.
- Jojoba oil
It is one of the best for promoting scalp massage. Thanks to its characteristics it does not penetrate the hair and therefore it is not greasy. It seals the hair follicle while keeping moisture inside.
© GettyImages- Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil stimulates hair growth, as well as making hair soft and voluminous.
- Olive oil
Product that we all have at home, but often do not exploit enough. It contains important antioxidant substances that fight the action of free radicals, stimulate blood circulation and provide nutrients useful for healthy hair growth.
All the oils mentioned must first be heated in the hands and more distributed with a massage on the skin. Better not to overdo the quantities: a teaspoon will be enough. Finally, always remember to rinse well.
Examples of scalp massager
Scalp Massager - FReatech on Amazon for € 9.69.
It can be used on dry or wet hair, it is made of silicone and performs a valid head massage to promote hair growth and reduce stress.
Head Massager - Paloma on Amazon for € 11.95
It has 20 "massaging fingers" and is able to promote extreme relaxation by relaxing the muscles.
Electric Scalp Massager - Marnur on Amazon for € 15.99
Equipped with interchangeable accessories, it runs on batteries. The vibration emitted stimulates circulation in the hair follicles. Also suitable for the body.