Scalp massage: the secret to luscious hair
Scalp massage: the secret to a healthy scalp and luscious hair
I really love a good scalp massage, it is so relaxing and such an easy tool to get luscious hair. Your haircare regime needs to incorporate steps that keep your scalp and hair moisturised, conditioned and clean, as this helps it to grow healthy and vigorous.
Including regular scalp massages to your holistic and natural hair-care routine can really make a difference to the condition of your hair. It can help prevent hair loss and increase hair growth, improve stimulation and circulation in the scalp; making your hair stronger, shinier and glossier.
Scalp massage is super relaxing and I never miss this step
I NEVER miss this step as I find that it gives my roots a much-needed boost and helps me to feel relaxed after a long day. If you can find someone to do it for you even better! You should aim to massage your scalp at least once a week – twice is even better.
But if you can stretch it 3 – 5 times a week it will accelerate hair growth and make it much stronger and healthier.
As well as increasing blood flow, massage can help reduce fatigue and headaches. As more blood circulates on to the scalp, the hair follicles become stimulated, helping it to grow faster.
Add oils and essential oils to your scalp massage to nourish and soothe you
Supercharge your scalp massage by adding oils and essential oils to the mix. This incredibly pampering treat, not only nourishes your scalp and follicles, but it also helps to soothe and relax you.
Scalp massage promotes strong and healthy hair
Women hailing from South Asia have been massaging oils on to their roots for years to help promote, strong and healthy hair. The University of Maryland Medical Centre found that essential oils were best to use as they increase circulation, help moisturise dry scalps and are also used to treat alopecia.
Hang your head upside down when massaging it
Another trick that I picked up is to hang your head upside down when you massage it – yes, you read that right! This helps the blood reach the scalp much faster, and as a bonus, your arms work a bit harder, so they get a little workout too!
A lot of us suffer from dry scalp and dandruff, which can inhibit hair growth as it blocks the pores. Massage helps to condition and lubricate the scalp, preventing dryness, itching and flaking and leaving you with hair that grows faster and stronger.
Do you dream of long luscious hair and a healthy scalp?
Many of us wrongly believe that the only way to achieve this is by buying expensive serums and potions when in reality the answer lies at our fingertips – literally! Massaging your scalp can immediately give roots a boost, and in time you’ll notice the length and quality of your hair improve. The pressure we apply when we massage our scalp instantly warms it up, opening up the blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.
This means that more nutrients can reach our hair follicles and help it grow.
Scalp massage is a healthy therapy
Massaging your scalp and body isn’t only for relaxation, it’s therapy for your body and mind. It increases blood flow, helps with fatigue, stress, headaches, skin-health, muscle improvement, and so much more.
A scalp massage releases feel-good chemicals
Massage also promotes relaxation, which in turn releases ‘feel good’ chemicals (endorphins) to help decrease the number of stress hormones in our body. When we’re less stressed our organs function much better, thus boosting the health of our hair follicles.
Hair also feels softer and looks shinier through regular scalp massage as the natural oils are spread throughout the hair.
Some other benefits of scalp massage include:
- Helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical
- Helping to enhance blood circulation in the neck and head area, which promotes new growth. Remember, a tight scalp means little oxygen, which equals less hair
- Your hair recovers faster from environmental factors, sun damage and harsh
- Promoting new growth and improving the strength of your
- Helping the scalp to relax and increase in
- Increasing vibrancy and hair lustre as the natural oils are distributed throughout the
Scalp massage is so simple and won’t take much time
Here are some steps and tips to get started
Begin by finding a comfortable spot at home where you can relax without being disturbed. You could lower the lights and do this just before bedtime to help you sleep better.
Then, with your fingertips, gently start rubbing your scalp in circular motions. Spread your fingers apart so that it reaches your entire head and remember to cut your nails as this can damage your scalp!
To ensure you massage your entire scalp slowly, extend your fingers, one or two at a time. Then, move your hands towards the dimples of the skull (just above your ears) and gently apply pressure for a few seconds before releasing. Continue massaging your scalp for 3-4 minutes, or even longer if you want.
Use essential oils to increase the benefits of your scalp massage
To really reap the benefits of your scalp massage, use essential oils. Starting at the roots lightly gently rubbing and massaging the oils all over the scalp.
When massaging, remember to treat your scalp with gentle care and love as our scalp is more delicate than we think it is. Keep your movements deep, slow and deliberate to ensure that the blood flows properly.
If you’ve used an essential oil with your scalp massage, you can either wash it out now but I recommend leaving it on for a few hours (sometimes I leave it overnight) so that the nutrients from it can penetrate deeply into your hair follicles.
Due to the intense relaxation that it induces, it is also a good idea not to schedule any important work or appointment immediately after the scalp massage.
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Most common mistakes of scalp massage
The most common mistake is rubbing superficially; in fact, the scalp massage should be slow and deep, and should “detach” and move the scalp to stimulate blood flow.
Also, remember that when using an essential oil you must dilute it with a carrier oil as they can be too powerful on their own and could irritate the scalp or provoke an allergic reaction if applied directly on the skin. I always team my essential oils with a blend of carrier oils such as castor, emu, argan, rose-hip oil etc. This has so many moisturising benefits and makes my hair super shiny and soft.
Another way of stimulating the scalp is with herbal gels or oils. If you buy anything over the counter, it’s likely to cost a lot and be full of chemicals that won’t benefit your scalp and will penetrate your body. It is simpler to make up your own recipe which is effective and natural. There are so many natural oils and gels that promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.
Only use oils that won’t clog your hair follicles pores
As I mentioned in previous chapters, I only use oils on my scalp that won’t clog the pores as this can disrupt the hair-growth cycle. This is because oils that cause clogging on the scalp can further contribute to hair loss.
For gels, a firm favourite of mine is aloe vera gel, which is antiviral, antibacterial and a precursor of vitamin B12. Most essential oils can also be used to target specific hair or scalp problems. But remember to only use a few drops of the essential oil, and NEVER apply it undiluted.
A great way to ensure your scalp is clean and unclogged is by using my DIY Aloe Vera serum once or twice a week.
If you would like to learn more about hair loss, please check out my hair loss causes page.
Or, if you would like to discover more natural and holistic solutions to regrow hair ensure to check out the regrow hair solutions page.
Empowering others via my anti-ageing wellness platform and holistic health books
I hope you liked this scalp massage article. If you would like to learn more about my tips and tricks on how I saved my hair from falling to regrowing shiny luscious locks ensure to check out other pages of this anti-ageing wellness platform.
For a few years, I suffered from thinning, lifeless hair that was falling out at a rapid rate.
Enough was enough – I decided to take drastic action and switched to a completely natural, non-toxic, healthy and holistic haircare and health routine. The results were astounding, and after a lot of hard work, my hair is now healthier and glossier than ever before!
Now, through my holistic wellness books and anti-ageing health platform, I want to empower people around the world do the same and regain their health, hair, life, vitality and beauty!