Healthy Hair Benefits of Scalp Massages

Who else LOVES that feeling of getting your hair done at the salon and the scalp massage you get at the shampoo bowl? Oh, you too?? I knew it! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen asleep in the chair while getting my hair washed. It is usually my favorite part of the whole visit.

We all know that scalp massages are very relaxing, but did you know that scalp massages are beneficial to your overall health and hair growth? Scalp massages help to relieve stress and increase the levels of serotonin in your body, increasing your overall mood. They also release tension in the forehead and scalp areas to improve mental function. Who wouldn’t want that??

In addition, scalp massages help your hair to grow. Talk about a WIN-WIN situation! They encourage hair growth in 2 ways:

1. Increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Blood flow to the follicles means increased oxygen supply and improved suppleness of the skin. In turn, there will be overall healthier hair growing out of the follicle.
2. Reducing the amount of dandruff and flakes on the scalp. Dandruff and flakes clog the follicles and block the hair from growing through the scalp. Regular scalp massages will help to remove this build-up and make way for the healthy hair to push through.

Scalp massages should be done one to two times per week for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, however, you can do them as often as you please (isn’t that great news?). A product like our "Ooh Baby" oil should also be used to provide lubrication for your fingers. When massaging your scalp, try not to use your fingernails as the scalp is a very delicate area and it is easy to break your skin. The last thing you want is sore or scabbing scalp! Instead, use the pads of your fingers. There are many different tools out there that you may use if you’d like, but you can’t go wrong with your fingertips.

The amount of pressure you apply is also very important. Use less pressure around your edges (temple and nape) as it is a very delicate area and using too much pressure may cause breakage. SAVE THEM EDGES GIRL! On the other sections of your head, apply pressure and use a circular motion. Also, make sure not to tangle your hair in the process of massaging your scalp as this could cause tension and breakage, the opposite of what we want. Detangle your hair completely beforehand or carefully glide your fingertips on your scalp without disturbing the ends of your hair.

As an added benefit and to create an overall relaxing experience, you can add deep breathing techniques to further increase the oxygen flow to the blood. This will help your cells function at their maximum potential.

If you have some areas of hair that may have thinned or broken off due to weaves, braids, etc., scalp massages may be just what you need! Do not look for scalp massages to be your saving grace, but when paired with other hair growth promoting techniques, scalp massages have proven to be extremely effective with this process.

Try scalp massages out and let us know how they work for you! You can even ask ‘bae’ to do it for you. He/she may be honored to play in your tresses and help your hair grow! Have you tried "Ooh Baby"? How's it working for your scalp massages?