Experimenting with and sharing hair styling product recommendations and haircare tips is pretty commonplace. But, it's only recently that scalp care has entered the chat. In addition to ways to keep your blonde bright, frizz at bay, and curls intact, it's now the norm to chat with friends about the best scalp oils and exfoliation routine.
At the end of the day, scalp care should be an essential part of any haircare regimen, which is why scalp-centric scrubs, oils, and tools have taken the industry by storm. Also making waves? Scalp massagers. The question is: Can the spiky-looking tool actually deliver the hair-loving benefits they claim, or are they yet another device to be added to our cluttered drawer of beauty castaways?
To get the full scoop on scalp massagers, we went straight to the experts. Read on to find out what to expect from the buzzy scalp tools and how to properly use one at home, according to dermatologists.
Meet the Experts
- Aleta Simmons, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Sheis the Assistant Professor and Diversity Champion of Dermatology atVanderbilt University Medical Center.
- HeatherWoolery-Lloyd, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida and the creator of Specific Beauty, a skincare line designed to treat hyperpigmentation.
- Mansha Sethi Thacker, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at St. Luke's University Health Network in Pennsylvania.
- Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant DermatologyAssociates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Alexandra Bowles, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What Are Scalp Massagers?
A scalp massager is a tool used to massage the head and scalp to increase blood circulation and release tension in the area, and with boosted circulations come claims of stimulating hair growth. Usually made of silicone or wood, scalp massagers look like a hairbrush—either with a handle or fitting directly in the palm of your hand—but instead of bristles, they have thick (sometimes spiky, sometimes rounded) nodules to rub against the head. Those with spiked ends claim to perform double duty by breaking up any product buildup at the root of the hair.
Benefits of Scalp Massagers
It's important to note that there is little scientific evidence of their ability to grow hair. However, experts say that massaging your scalp can help increase blood circulation, positively impacting your hair and scalp. "Scalp massagers can cause mechanical stress on the scalp, potentially leading to alterations in gene expression,"says dermatologist Aleta Simmons, MD. "These changes may lead to increased hair thickness."
Scalp massagers can help reduce dandruff by physically exfoliating the scalp, which encourages the shedding of dead skin cells. "Dandruff usually comes from a combination of things, like oil buildup, yeast overgrowth, or your skin’s natural shedding cycle being a little out of whack," explains dermatologist Alexandra Bowles, DO. "A scalp massager can help by gently exfoliating your scalp, removing flakes and excess oils, and keeping things from getting too irritated." With regular use of dandruff-fighting scalp treatment, "This can help clear up any flakes and minimize buildup on your scalp," adds dermatologist Mansha Sethi Thacker, MD.
Beyond the claims that scalp massagers may enhance hair growth, they ultimately just feel really good. Many brands and experts encourage people to use scalp massagers in tandem with a scalp treatment to help product application and absorption, which anecdotally may help encourage growth. Additionally, scalp massagers are great for relieving tension and itching, or incorporating another form of massage into your routine.
Byrdie Tip
"Make sure to be gentle with a scalp massager, as over-scrubbing can sometimes make things worse, especially if your scalp is already sensitive," says Dr. Bowles.
How to Use Scalp Massagers
Using a scalp massager might sound as simple as rubbing the tool onto your skin. Still, dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, says it could damage your hair follicles if done improperly. As with most beauty treatments, being gentle with your scalp is essential. You can use a scalp massager in gentle circular motions on wet or dry hair. It's recommended to incorporate a scalp massager in your shower routine to maximize the benefits of products like scalp scrubs and serums.
Dr. Thacker has many tips for incorporating a scalp massager into your routine, from using oils as a pre-treatment to exfoliating products on the scalp. "Another tip I recommend is double-cleansing my hair once a week," she adds. "First, I use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of build-up, then follow up with my regular shampoo. After that, I apply a deep conditioner to my ends and use the scalp massager to work it in while the conditioner sits. It's such a great way to give my scalp some love and boost circulation at the same time."
Byrdie Tip
"For patients struggling with dandruff, I recommend washing with an antifungal shampoo and allowing it to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing [and going in with a scalp massager]," says Dr. Bowles.
How to Choose the Right Scalp Massager For Your Hair
We all have different hair textures and scalps, so finding the right scalp massager for you is key to getting the most out of the tool. The popularity of these handy tools means plenty of options to consider.
For example, using a brush with thinner bristles to quickly exfoliate the scalp might work if dealing with regular product buildup. If you've experienced hair loss or have a sensitive scalp, Drs. Simmons and Woolery-Llyod recommend silicon bristles to help prevent breakage and reduce tangles or knots in the hair.
Scalp massagers to avoid? Ones with hard plastic bristles, as "they can be a bit harsh and might irritate your scalp," Dr. Bowles adds. "Glass massagers can look nice, but they can be slippery in the shower, so I don’t usually recommend them. Metal ones can be soothing if they're smooth, but just make sure the edges aren't too sharp. If you have sensitive skin, go for something soft and gentle—it'll help you avoid any unwanted irritation."
Potential Side Effects of Scalp Massagers
Scalp massagers are generally safe to use, but undesired side effects could result from user error. A gentle hand goes a long way here, as too much pressure or too vigorous a rhythm could not only damage the hair follicles but elicit skin injury or bruising in the area, as well. Scalp massagers should not be used on open wounds or infections. If you have any pre-existing scalp conditions or head trauma, talk to your doctor before incorporating a scalp massager into your beauty routine.
The Final Takeaway
When building a routine for your scalp, it's important first to assess your needs, and then find products that help accordingly. There's a large selection of scalp tools that claim to be the best, so reading reviews, consuming content, and asking an expert if you're unsure is the best route. Still, if you've just taken down a protective style, feel some trapped tension, or have an itch that your fingers won't fix, a good scalp massage might be a game-changing part of your hair care routine.
FAQ
What are the benefits of LED scalp massagers?
LED scalp massagers serve as light therapy, using specific wavelengths of light—red and blue—to penetrate the scalp and stimulatehair follicles, says dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD. "Blue light reduces inflammation and bacteria [and] can lead to a decrease indandruff. Red light can reduce inflammation by increasing circulating, soothing the scalp, and decreasing itching and flaking associated with dandruff," she adds.
