Key takeaways
If you have noticed your once-glorious head of hair beginning to thin or recede over the years, you're certainly not alone. Hair loss is a very common part of ageing, especially for men, and is estimated to affect around half of all men aged over 40 [1].
But just because it's common, that doesn't make it any easier, or appealing.
Male pattern hair loss is largely down to genetics, but some other factors can influence it, and there are even some steps you can take to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.
In recent years, several new technologies have emerged like red light therapy (also known as laser therapy), hair transplants and platelet rich plasma, which have been developed to combat hair loss. These kinds of treatments can be great, but they can also be a little intimidating or inaccessible.
If you're not quite ready to commit to a procedure or more intensive treatment, the good news is there are home remedies you can explore which may promote hair growth.
One of these is scalp massages. Not only do they feel great, but they are also used by many people to improve hair growth.
In this article we'll explore the hair growth cycle, the science behind the scalp massage, whether they can really boost hair growth, other benefits of scalp massage, and how to do it at home.
Can scalp massage stimulate hair growth?
There is some evidence to suggest that having a regular scalp massage can improve hair growth if done correctly.
This is largely due to stimulation of hair follicles, which are the key to hair growth. Hair follicles go through regular cycles of rest, growth and shedding [1]. But in male pattern baldness, they become more sensitive to hormones and develop a shorter growth stage, and fall out more quickly.
The research into whether a scalp massage encourages hair growth is somewhat limited, but does show positive signs.
In one study, 300 people with hair loss performed a scalp massage on themselves for 11-20 minutes per day for around 6 months [2]. Almost 70% reported either hair loss stabilisation, or improvements in new hair growth.
Another small study examined scalp massage in men without hair loss [3]. It found that after about 6 months, the men did have increased hair thickness.
Another study examined reflexology (a type of massage) in people with chemotherapy-induced alopecia (a type of hair loss) [4]. Patients in the experimental group were given a reflexology massage 3 times daily for 3 months, and were found to have a significant increase in hair regrowth compared to the control group.
While this is clearly a different case than typical male or female pattern hair loss, it could be a positive sign for the benefits of scalp massage.
In addition to these studies, massages in general can improve blood flow, blood circulation, and deliver more nutrients to hair follicles — all of which could improve hair health and growth. So, while more research does need to be done in this area, it appears that daily scalp massage may promote hair growth and improve hair thickness.
Other benefits of massaging your scalp
It's not just about hair growth though — there are also other scalp massage benefits.
For one thing, it can reduce dandruff and improve a dry or flaky scalp. Regular scalp massage is good for your scalp skin, and can help remove dead skin cells. Massage therapy is also believed to improve chronic headaches, so a scalp massage could be beneficial if this is something you struggle with.
How often to massage your scalp for hair growth
If you are trying to promote hair growth, the results from studies appear to suggest you should massage your scalp at least once per day (but you can do it several times).
There is not a strict time limit, but the general recommendation is for each scalp massage to last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
How long does it take to notice results from scalp massage for hair growth?
As you can probably guess, healthy hair growth is not something that happens overnight, so you won't notice instant results!
According to research, it typically takes several months to notice improvements in hair growth after doing daily massages — and it's important to remember that we cannot guarantee that scalp massage works to make hair grow faster.
While the evidence for scalp massage and hair growth remains debatable, one tried and true evidence-based option is Pilot's clinical-strength hair loss solutions.
The treatment options are designed to suit either thinning hair, receding hair, or advanced hair loss, with each containing proven ingredients to suit different needs. These clinical solutions are backed by both doctors and patients, with 90% of users either keeping or regrowing hair when using one of the treatment options Pilot can provide, with progress noticed in as little as 3 to 6 months.
How to massage your scalp
A scalp massage can be done either by a professional, or at home yourself.
If you are doing it yourself, you can use fingertips to apply gentle pressure to your scalp. Move your fingers in circular motions and work your way across your entire scalp. If it feels too gentle, you can increase and apply moderate pressure. Repeat up to 2 times per day.
A scalp massage can be done to either wet or dry hair depending on your personal preference. However, if you are doing it on wet hair, make sure to be careful as hair is more fragile when wet, so a vigorous massage could lead to hair breakage (which is probably the last thing you want!).
If you would like to level up your at-home scalp massage, you can add in a massage device or essential oils. Oils such as cedarwood, lavender, thyme and rosemary have been used to treat alopecia and are believed to support healthy hair [5].
Other ways to tackle hair loss
There are some other common methods for treating hair loss and improving hair growth. These can vary depending on the cause of your hair loss, and it could be beneficial to understand the root cause before beginning treatment.
Common causes or things that can exacerbate hair loss include genetics, stress, some illnesses and some medications [1]. Over-brushing, over-washing, and using the wrong shampoo can also be harmful for your hair and lead to it breaking or falling out.
Depending on the cause of your hair thinning or loss, you may be able to improve hair density or increase hair growth through taking vitamins and improving your diet, reducing your stress, and improving your hair care routine (for example, avoiding any hair products that contain harsh chemicals).
One product that can help support healthy hair and growth is Pilot's Hair Growth Shampoo & Conditioner. The shampoo has been developed alongside experts and is designed to target thinning hair, minimise breakage, and support hair follicles to thrive. The conditioner complements the shampoo, and helps to hydrate and thicken hair, while also keeping dandruff at bay.
The set contains active ingredients such as saw palmetto, ginseng, caffeine, niacinamide, zinc, biotin and piroctone olamine. Together, these work to not only support deep-cleaning action but also target dandruff and improve scalp health.
As a bonus, the shampoo and conditioner are free from silicone, sulphates, parabens, mineral oils and palm oil. They also do not contain any artificial colours or fragrances, so they're perfect for sensitive scalps.
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