A head massage is one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward rituals. It feels amazing, it costs nothing, and you can do it in five minutes with your own hands.
Below I go through what a head massage can do for you, what it probably can't, and how to give yourself a good one.
Head Massage Benefits
1. Stress Relief & Relaxation
This is the big one. A head massage is just plain relaxing, and it's a nice way to release the tension that builds up along your hairline, behind your ears and in your neck when you're stressed.
Taking a few quiet minutes for yourself every day is good for you, full stop.
2. Tension Headache Relief
If you get tension headaches, massaging the back of your head and neck can feel like a real relief.
The American Massage Therapy Association points to research suggesting massage may help with tension headaches. If you get frequent headaches or migraines, though, talk to your doctor too.
3. What About Hair Growth?
This is where I want to be careful, because it gets overpromised a lot. The study people usually point to is a 2016 study where nine healthy men got a four-minute scalp massage every day for 24 weeks. At the end, their hair was slightly thicker.
That's interesting, but it was a tiny study, in men without hair loss, and the change was in hair thickness, not in how much hair grew. So I'd call scalp massage a lovely habit, not a hair loss treatment. If you want to read more, here's what I think about caring for your hair and scalp.
4. A Better Mood
Massage in general is relaxing, and a lot of people find it lifts their mood. Taking a few minutes for yourself every day is a small thing that adds up.
Just know a head massage isn't a substitute for real support. If you're dealing with ongoing anxiety or low mood, please talk to someone.
5. A Cleaner-Feeling Scalp
Massaging your scalp while you shampoo helps loosen product buildup, dead skin and dirt so it rinses away more easily.
A scalp massaging brush is great for this. It gives your scalp a gentle exfoliation and leaves it feeling fresh. If you're dealing with real dandruff, though, you'll want a proper dandruff shampoo too.
6. Easy & Convenient Self-Care
No booking, no fancy equipment. Five minutes and your fingertips, or a scalp massaging brush if you have one, is all it takes.
How To Perform A Head Massage
It's simpler than you'd think. Here's how I'd do it:
- Get comfortable: Find a quiet spot where you can sit or lie down. Soft music is a nice touch.
- Pick your tools: Your fingertips work great, or use a scalp massage brush. If you want, add a little massage oil or argan oil for extra slip. Put a towel around your neck to catch any drips.
- Work in sections: Start at your front hairline and work your way back, spending a minute or so on each area.
- Start gentle: Use light to medium pressure. Don't forget your hairline, the back of your head, and behind your ears.
- Use small circles: Move your fingertips or brush in small circles all over your scalp. Try to move the skin, not just rub the hair.
- Spend extra time on tension spots: The temples and the base of your skull tend to hold a lot of tension. Go slow there.
- Make it a habit: Five minutes a day is a great goal. Consistency is what makes it stick.
- Finish up: If you used oil, wash your hair afterward. If not, just enjoy it.
One more thing: if you have a scalp condition like psoriasis or eczema, or any irritation or open skin, check with a dermatologist before massaging.
Final Thoughts
A head massage won't fix your hair on its own, and I'd be wary of anyone who says it will. What it will do is help you relax, feel good, and take care of your scalp, all in five minutes a day. That's reason enough.
For an inside-and-out routine, our customers love adding Goldie Locks Hair Supplements to their daily ritual.