Hair, often referred to as our crowning glory, is a symbol of beauty and vitality. We all aspire to have thick, lush, and healthy hair, but achieving thick hair can sometimes feel like an elusive goal. While there’s no magical potion that guarantees luscious locks overnight, there is a little-known secret that can significantly contribute to hair growth and overall hair health: scalp massage. But how does scalp massage help hair growth?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the science behind this practice, uncover its many benefits, and learn how to perform a scalp massage to grow hair effectively. We'll also discuss how other hair treatments like the Theradome laser hair growth helmet can be used in conjunction with a scalp massage to promote hair growth.
The Science Behind Scalp Massage for Hair Growth
Understanding the science behind scalp massage is essential to appreciate how the simple head massage can promote hair growth. The concept is relatively simple but incredibly effective. Scalp massage works by enhancing blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn nourishes hair follicles. The increased blood flow provides hair follicles with more oxygen and vital nutrients, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. Furthermore, stimulating the scalp can encourage the hair follicles to remain active and not enter the dormant phase, potentially preventing hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be caused by various factors. Understanding the underlying causes is essential to determine the appropriate treatment methods or management strategies. Here are some common causes of hair loss:
Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common cause of hair loss and is often referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. It is primarily hereditary and related to genetics. Hormonal changes and aging play a significant role in this type of hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss is often triggered by a significant stressor like childbirth, illness, surgery, or emotional stress. It causes a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase simultaneously, leading to shedding. It is usually temporary and reversible.
Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. It can manifest as small, round, bald patches on the or other areas of the body.
Medications: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, anticoagulants, and antidepressants, can lead to hair loss as a side effect.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly iron, biotin, and zinc, can contribute to hair loss.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills, can impact hair growth and cause temporary hair loss.
Age: As people age, hair growth can naturally slow down, and the hair may become thinner and more susceptible to shedding.
5 Benefits of Scalp Massage for Promoting Hair Growth
The advantages of incorporating scalp massages into your hair care routine are numerous. Here are some key benefits:
1. Improved Blood Circulation
Scalp massages boost blood flow to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the nutrients they need for healthy hair growth. During a head massage, the gentle pressure stimulates the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. The increased supply of these essential elements nourishes the hair follicles and hence promotes healthier hair growth.
2. Stress Reduction
Massaging your scalp can help alleviate stress and tension, which is crucial since stress is a known contributor to hair loss. When you receive a soothing scalp massage, it helps to relax your mind and body, reducing stress levels. Lower stress levels can positively impact hair health, as chronic stress can contribute to hair loss and hinder hair growth.
3. Exfoliates the Scalp
One way scalp massage can help hair growth is by exfoliating the scalp. Head massage helps remove dead skin cells and any build-up of products, keeping the scalp clean and healthy. A clean scalp allows hair follicles to breathe better, promoting healthier and faster hair growth.
4. Enhanced Hair Quality
Regular scalp massages can improve the texture and quality of your hair, making it look and feel healthier. Stimulating the scalp helps remove buildup and improves the health of the hair follicles. Hence, it can result in stronger, shinier, and more vibrant hair.
5. Reduced Breakage
Head Messages can help reduce hair breakage by strengthening the hair follicles and reducing tension in the scalp. A scalp massage helps increase the elasticity and strength of hair strands, making them less prone to breakage. The gentle manipulation of the scalp also helps distribute natural oils, which provide nourishment and protection to the hair shafts.
How Effective Is Scalp Massage for Promoting Hair Growth?
According to a survey conducted between October 2016 and October 2017, around 69% of the 340 respondents reported signs of hair loss stabilization or regrowth after standardized scalp massages.
Head massage helps with hair growth a bit. Gently rubbing the scalp gets more blood flowing to the hair follicles, which brings in nutrients that hair needs to grow. Massage also helps relieve tension that can restrict blood flow. However, massage alone is insufficient to regrow a lot of lost hair. You can feel your hair growing when scalp massage is combined with other hair growth treatments like LLLT or nutritional supplements.
How to Massage Head for Hair Growth
Performing a scalp massage is easy, and you can do it yourself in the comfort of your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide for scalp massaging techniques:
Step 1: Sit in a comfortable position and gather your tools, such as a comb or your fingertips.
Step 2: You can use a natural oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Apply a small amount to your fingertips.
Step 3: Begin by using your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in a circular motion. Ensure you cover your entire scalp, from the hairline to the nape of your neck.
Step 4: Adjust the pressure to your comfort level. It should feel soothing, not painful.
Step 5: A typical scalp massage session can last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. You can do this a few times a week for best results.
How often should you massage your scalp?
Consistency is key to getting the maximum benefits of massaging the scalp to grow hair. Try to include scalp massages in your weekly hair care routine. Regular massages, when done correctly and consistently, can lead to noticeable improvements in hair health and growth.
It is recommended to massage your scalp with your fingers 2 times every day if you want to improve the growth and thickness of your hair. Also, you can just massage your scalp whenever you feel like it if you want to relieve stress and relax.
How long should you massage your scalp?
You should try massaging your scalp using your fingertips for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day. Massaging your scalp will enhance blood flow and even strengthen your follicles. However, make sure that you do it gently, not vigorously, which can cause your hair to break.
Other Ways to Promote Hair Growth and Thickness
Promoting hair growth involves a combination of good hair care practices and maintaining overall health. Here are some ways to promote healthy hair growth along with head massage:
Maintain a balanced diet: Eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that support hair health. Focus on foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Pay special attention to nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote hair growth.
Proper hair care: Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that can damage hair. Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Be gentle when combing or brushing your hair to prevent breakage.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments: OTC treatments for promoting hair growth can be a convenient and accessible option for many people. While they may not work for everyone, some OTC products have been found to be effective in certain cases.
LLLT Devices: Low-level laser hair therapy devices are available OTC and can be used at home. The devices are designed to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth through low-level laser therapy. These devices are considered non-invasive and safe approaches to address hair loss and hair thinning. Some commonly used OTC laser therapy devices include laser caps, laser helmets, and laser combs.
Theradome: An FDA-approved OTC Laser Therapy Helmet
Theradome is an FDA-cleared, over-the-counter laser therapy helmet that can be used with a scalp massage to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. The Theradome LH80 PRO and LH40 EVO use low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It emits red laser light at a specific wavelength, which is believed to improve blood circulation in the scalp, reduce inflammation, and enhance hair health and hair thickness.
Theradome laser helmet is worn on the head, which contains a grid of lasers and uses 80 laser diodes (PRO LH80 model) to deliver therapeutic light to the scalp. It is designed for home use and is hands-free, making it convenient for individuals who want to incorporate laser therapy into their daily routines.
