On a quest for thick, shiny and shampoo-commercial worthy hair? Here’s a method that doesn’t involve expensive concoctions or hair-drying chemicals.

All you need are…your fingers.

You know that fantastic rubdown you get from your stylist before he chops off your hair? That does so much more than just relax you.

You see, scalp massage is a hair growth method that’s been used in traditional societies for centuries. Many women in India still believe that scalp massages – especially when combined with a hair growth-promoting oil – will make your hair grow thicker and healthier.

And it’s not just an old wives tale – more and more research is backing up the claim that scalp massages can improve hair growth and health. Hair experts also testify to its effectiveness: “Prior to washing, massage your scalp for 30 seconds,” says New York and London trichologist Philip Kingsley. “In one year, your hair can grow an extra inch.“

How Does a Scalp Massage for Hair Growth Work?

The healthy hair perks of hair massages are directly tied to your blood circulation. Blood circulation can be likened to your body’s version of the subway line for nutrients. The faster and more efficient it is, the more nutrients reach all the different parts of your body.

Scalp massages, in particular can ensure that your hair follicles get an ample supply of the nutrients it needs for thick, healthy hair.

That’s ’cause hair follicles reside in your dermis (under the skin’s surface), and the very base of it is a structure called a papilla. This papilla is directly connected to tiny blood vessels, where it gains access to much needed nutrients.

Consistent scalp massages means a steadier supply of blood and nutrients to the capillaries that feed your follicles. In turn, healthy follicles grow into healthier hair.

Another benefit of constant scalp massages is that they physically help remove build up in your scalp. Hair constantly produces sebum, which is a good thing since it acts as a natural conditioner. However, excess sebum when combined with pollution and hair products can build up a hard layer of plaque on your scalp that blocks hair follicles from growing.

This plaque buildup can also be a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to acne and a variety of other skin conditions that disrupt the growth of hair by irritating and damaging your hair follicles permanently.

So if you’re a fan of just smearing shampoo to hair and quickly rinsing it off, you might have to think twice – take the extra minute to give your scalp a good massage before you shampoo and continue to do so as you lather up.

Any Other Benefits of Scalp Massage?

Here’s another reason to do regular scalp massages, both in and out of the shower: A scalp massage also helps spread the natural oils of the scalp down to the tips of your hair.

Aside from preventing sebum buildup, it is also beneficial because sebum can provide hair with a natural coating that makes it more impervious (remember that hair doesn’t have its own natural defense mechanism) to harsh elements.

Spreading natural oils also helps tame those dreaded “fly-aways”. Think of your hair’s cuticles like translucent shingles on a roof. If your hair is healthy, it lies flat and has the appearance of shinier hair. However dry unhealthy hair has open hair cuticles that are constantly rubbing against other hair strands, causing a static discharge which results in frizz and ragged ends.

Spreading hair’s natural oils to the entire length of your hair coats the hair strands with oil so they don’t rub against one another, plus the natural acidity of sebum will help the cuticles lie flat on your hair strands. Less friction between hair means less split ends and decreased breakage.

How to Do a Scalp Massage for Hair Growth

Now that you know how awesome scalp massages are for your tresses, let’s find out how to actually do one!

The easiest, most effortless way to make sure you get your daily scalp massage is to use a little machine. This vibrating scalp massager is hands down the best pick. It’s super relaxing while doing a great job stimulating your scalp and getting your circulation flowing with very little work on your part.

It’s also a really easy way to evenly distribute the best hair growth oils across your scalp.

Speaking of which, whether you’re doing scalp massage with a machine or your fingers, you can simply add in a few of the most potent hair growth ingredients to maximize the hair benefits you get from each scalp massage.

We recommend using a carrier oil like castor oil, Bhringraj oil, or olive oil and then adding in a couple drops of the most effective ingredients for hair growth, like…

• Rosemary oil. Rosemary oil is one of the most infamous herbal oils for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. You can use it on its own or combine it with other hair growth-promoting oils and herbs for a more potent mix.
• Nettle extract. Nettle leaf extract moisturizes dry scalp, strengthen hair strands, and promotes growth. Sure, it doesn’t smell as great at rosemary oil but just a few drops is perfect and it can easily be combined with either rosemary oil or any one of the best hair oils.
• Green tea extract. You can always brew a cup of green tea and use it for your scalp massages, but we prefer the green tea extract as it’s much more concentrated. Green tea is particularly great if you’re massaging to block hair loss since it contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which prevents production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), which has been heavily associated with hair loss.
• Saw palmetto extract. The saw palmetto berries are potent hair growth herbs, great for preventing hair loss as well as encouraging thickness and growth. Mix a few drops of saw palmetto extract with a hair oil of your choice and use it during your scalp massage for best results.
• Horsetail extract. Horsetail is a great hair herb as it’s one of the most abundant sources of silica, which moisturizes while strengthening the keratin in your hair. Add a few drops into a hair oil of your choice!

At this point, you’re probably wondering how to do a scalp massage for hair growth with your very own fingers. Good question 🙂

Here’s a great video outlining a super simple technique you can use. This one incorporates oil into the massage which you can totally do using a hair growth oil but you don’t absolutely need to use an oil to do this technique.

Your choice. The important thing is to do the massage 🙂