What started as a TikTok phenomenon could quickly become a beauty staple: scalp massagers. And with the best-proven scalp massagers to stimulate hair growth, this could be more than a passing trend.
But do they actually work? Keep reading to find out, below.
First, what is a scalp massager?
A scalp massager is a device that’s designed to provide therapeutic pressure on the scalp – sometimes for relaxation purposes and sometimes to stimulate hair growth. They are:
- Made of rubber or silicone, they can also be plastic.
- Most effective at stimulating hair growth when one’s hair is dry, according to specialists at Shape Magazine
- Can also be used on wet hair or an oiled scalp
Does it actually work?
While a scalp massager might not make your hair grow any faster, it’s scientifically proven to make it thicker. And one of the ways it does so is by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. When the scalp is massaged, it increases blood flow to the area, which, in turn, provides the hair follicles with the stimulus and oxygen needed to grow healthy hair.
Studies also show that scalp massagers actually help to change the DNA of the hair. The change of gene expression in the study occurred with four minutes of scalp massage per day over 24 weeks. Hair texture became thicker and stronger even before it was visible outside the follicle due to the manipulation of subcutaneous tissue (right beneath the skin’s surface.)
In addition to promoting hair growth, scalp massagers can also help to reduce stress and tension in the scalp muscles. When the scalp is tense, which can be caused by jaw, neck, or shoulder tension, it can lead to hair loss and thinning. Massaging the scalp can help relax these muscles, facilitating a healthier scalp and thicker, fuller hair.
I tried a scalp massager and this was my experience
I used my AIMIKE silicone scalp massager on my dry hair in the morning, occasionally with hair oil at night, and to work in my shampoo and conditioner on days when I washed my hair.
I was concerned that it may result in some hefty tangles, as I already have thick, dry hair that’s prone to knots, but I was able to work it through my hair as a brush in between massaging movements. Did my hair get thicker after just a few weeks of use? The answer is, surprisingly, I think so.
Like anyone, some areas of my hair are thinner than others, typically around my hairline. Those were the areas I focused on with the scalp massager, and those are the areas I noticed the most difference. What used to be light and fluffy baby hairs now are beginning to look like full-grown adult hairs.
Reviewers are also raving about how well this device works, from Amazon to social media. And since it’ll only set you back a few dollars and a few minutes a day, I can’t recommend this tool enough for those who need a little excitement in their haircare routines.
However, being brand loyal isn’t necessary. I don’t think there’s a huge difference between this brand or any other scalp massage you’d find online – other than AIMIKE’s scalp massager is made from recycled materials, and the package includes a chic gold silk scrunchie. Just try not to buy a scalp massager made from metal if you have thinner hair, as experts say it can be a bit too rough.
