While a massage seems a simple enough practice, there are right and wrong ways of doing one. For best results, take a look at the instructions outlined below.
The easiest method of scalp massage involves nothing but your hands. This can be done at home or on the go, and it’s a great introduction to the beneficial practice.
To start, I recommend getting into a comfortable, quiet area. This may be your bed, your couch, or your desk at work. However, try to find a place where you can be uninterrupted.
Begin at the sides of your head (just above the ears) and use four fingers on each side to work your hands in a circular motion. Apply varying levels of pressure, alternating throughout the routine.
Slowly work your way up from the sides of the head to the crown. You can either go straight from sides to crown, or trace back every so often to the sides.
Once you’re at the crown, continue working in a circular motion. Slowly work your way towards the front of your scalp (the hairline). You’ll then start at the very top of the hairline, and slowly move down and back to the sides of your head.
At minimum, I recommend doing this for 10 minutes per day. This will provide you with enough time on each area of your scalp, and also ensure the experience is relaxing and stress reducing.
Hacks to Improve Your Massage Technique.
1. Use Your Fingertips, Not Your Nails
A common mistake made by many is the use of their fingernails during a scalp massage. This can significantly damage the scalp and hair follicles, as well as negatively impact the results of the massage.
2. Perform Massage for At Least 10 Minutes Per Day
A common mistake is inconsistent massage sessions that leave much to be desired. If you aren’t spending the time and effort, you won’t see the positive results.
For best practice, I recommend 10 minutes per day. You can easily fit this in at any point, whether upon waking, at your desk, or while using the HairHack Shampoo and Conditioner set.
3. Vary Your Routine
When you perform the same routine day to day, it’s easy to become lax. Additionally, you may be missing areas of your scalp.
This is why I recommend you vary your routine from time to time to ensure the entirety of your scalp is receiving equal attention.
What do I mean by varying routine?
First, you can use different techniques (such as those outlined above) and incorporate them into your regular massage routine. Second, you can work “backwards” (starting at the hairline and moving to the crown and sides) as a way to mix it up.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Apply Pressure
While it’s important to avoid applying excessive pressure (this can pull out hair and damage the follicles), pressure is necessary to see positive results.
So, how much pressure should you apply?
Simply, you want to apply enough pressure to be worthwhile, but not so much that you’re in pain (either your scalp, or your fingers).
If your hands or fingers are cramping during/after a session, you’re likely applying too much pressure. Similarly, if your scalp doesn’t feel like it’s even been massaged five minutes after your session, you’re likely applying not enough.
Determining the right amount will take some experimentation, but it’s important to find that happy middle.
The Benefits of Scalp Massage
It Stimulates Blood Flow
When hair loss occurs as a result of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), it’s due to the presence of DHT. However, this triggers a process known as hair miniaturisation, and this leads to decreased blood flow to the follicle.
Essentially, inflammation occurs when DHT attaches to hair follicles that are sensitive (typically on the hairline and crown). This causes the follicle to miniaturise, and eventually the hair can no longer push through the scalp. If not treated, this leads to permanent baldness.
Under the surface, however, another issue is occurring. This is the cutting off of blood flow.
As the hair follicle miniaturises, the connection between the bulb and the blood vessels is weakened. This is largely due to inflammation.
When this happens, oxygen and nutrients are less able to make their way to the hair. In addition, waste (such as DHT and CO2) cannot be removed.
So, while decreased blood flow isn’t the cause of hair loss, it’s a major contributor to continued hair growth issues. What’s the solution?
Fortunately, scalp massage can improve blood flow to the scalp. If DHT is targeted simultaneously, it’s possible to return your hair follicles to their former health.
Is Scalp Massage the Real Deal?
A common problem that hair loss sufferers have with scalp massage is that it seems too easy. This leads them to avoid the practice altogether.
However, I recommend you give it a shot for at least three months. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain (namely, hair).
Conclusion
Massage is a common alternative health practice, used to improve blood circulation and decrease tension. However, it can also be a good hair growth stimulate.
Of course, scalp massage alone won’t get you the results you crave. Instead, I recommend you combine hair growth methods – including diet change and Products – to see a noticeable difference.
