Key takeaways
You’ve experimented with essential oils, given coffee treatments a red hot go, and tried really hard to make onion juice happen — but your hair just isn’t growing back.
After going through dozens of hair growth solutions, you might be looking at a scalp massager: a pocket-sized gadget purported to support hair health and possibly even stimulate hair growth.
But do they actually work to get your hair growing? Let’s find out more.
Do scalp massagers help hair growth?
Scalp massagers are practically everywhere on TikTok and Instagram, with supposed benefits ranging from improved hair health and reduced dandruff to hair growth. These tiny tools come in all shapes, sizes and styles, too, from basic scalp brushes to LED devices that pulse or vibrate.
But is there any truth to the trend? Possibly.
There’s already some research suggesting that scalp massage could be a viable hair loss treatment. One study from 2016 required a group of men to perform a daily scalp massage with a specialised device for 24 weeks. At the end of the study, the men’s hair got thicker. Computer modelling showed that massage could activate genes that help hair grow and suppress genes linked to hair loss [1].
Another survey from 2019 examined people with androgenetic alopecia (AKA male pattern baldness, or hair loss that’s caused by genetics) and found that 69% of respondents experienced a reduction in hair thinning or even hair regrowth after engaging in regular scalp massage for several months.
The more they massaged their scalps, and the longer they kept it up, the more likely they were to see improvements [2].
There may be several reasons why using a scalp massager regularly can support hair growth:
- It can boost blood flow: Massage increases blood circulation to the scalp, delivering a decent boost of oxygen and nutrients
- It can gently exfoliate the scalp: Light exfoliation can get rid of dead skin cells, oil and product build-up, reducing dandruff and creating a healthy scalp
- It can lower stress: A relaxing scalp massage just feels good, possibly helping to curb your stress levels (in case you didn’t know, chronic stress is linked to hair loss)
Despite promising research, it’s not a given that a scalp massager will help you regrow your hair.
In that same 2019 study, researchers found that while there were improvements among men who experienced hair loss in specific areas (like the temples or crown), results were slightly less impressive for those who experienced all-over hair thinning.
It’s also worth pointing out that the 2016 study was done on only 9 test subjects. Most experts will agree that such a small sample size isn’t enough to draw a solid conclusion.
Plus, many of the factors that contribute to hair loss can be really difficult to overcome with a scalp massager alone. Hair loss caused by genetics, health conditions like thyroid problems and autoimmune disorders, medications or other more complex factors often requires a comprehensive or targeted solution. This is particularly the case if your hair loss is more advanced.
So while a scalp massage may do your hair and scalp some good, there are no guarantees that it’ll combat balding.
Do dermatologists recommend scalp massagers?
Many dermatologists agree that using a scalp massager can be a beneficial way to support scalp health thanks to its blood flow-boosting, dandruff-reducing, stress-relieving abilities.
But, many also agree that promoting scalp massagers as a hair loss remedy is overstated, because there’s simply not enough evidence backing up the claim.
Some also suggest that there’s no need for a dedicated scalp massager and that massaging your scalp with your fingertips provides much the same benefit, without the need to fork out for a specialty device. There’s also the risk that using a scalp massager could irritate your scalp, potentially making hair loss worse.
If you are convinced that you need a dedicated scalp massager in your haircare line-up, experts suggest getting one made with the right materials. The best scalp massagers have flexible bristles that are firm enough to encourage blood flow but gentle enough that they won’t irritate your scalp.
Silicone and rubber are solid bets, while hard plastic, glass and massagers with sharp metal spikes are best avoided.
What are the disadvantages of scalp massagers?
Scalp massagers might seem innocent enough, and generally, they’re fairly safe tools if operated properly. But they can be used the wrong way, possibly leading to some pretty unpleasant side effects.
Some of the risks to consider include:
- Applying excess pressure: Going too hard with a scalp massager can irritate both your scalp and hair. As far as your scalp is concerned, you might experience skin irritation, bruising or a worsening of certain conditions like eczema or dandruff. If you’ve got thin or brittle hair, vigorous massage could lead to hair breakage — probably not what you want when you’re trying to combat hair loss
- Using one on an open wound: You might have cuts, abrasions, an infection or some other kind of irritation on your scalp, which could be made worse when you introduce a scalp massager
- Using the wrong materials: As we’ve already outlined, go for soft silicone bristles and avoid hard plastic, glass and sharp metal, especially if you’ve got a sensitive scalp
Your best bet is to start slowly and gradually, with light pressure and brief massage sessions. As long as you can tolerate them, you can then work your way up to more intense and frequent massages. Gently massage in circles and keep to the scalp, not your hair.
If you’ve got a scalp condition or another health concern that might be impacted by scalp massage, chat to your doctor before using a massaging device.
How often should I use a scalp massager for hair growth?
Ready to introduce scalp massage to your hair care routine? If you’re aiming to foster hair growth, you’ll want to do it at least daily — if not twice a day. Aim for sessions of about 5-20 minutes each, ideally on the shorter side if you’re just starting out or have a sensitive scalp.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to be consistent. The odd massage here and there is unlikely to produce much benefit, so try and make scalp massage a daily thing.
How to encourage hair growth
Beyond using a scalp massage, there are plenty of ways to support hair growth. Here are a few to consider.
Implement some lifestyle changes
Getting enough (good-quality) sleep, maintaining a balanced diet and keeping your stress levels in check are the cornerstones of good health. They not only make you feel great, but they’re crucial in helping to ward off illness, serious health conditions and even hair loss.
Sleep is an essential part of your body’s cellular regeneration process, which helps to repair and strengthen tissues. This process includes your hair and scalp. If sleep’s a bit of a struggle, you can try and improve it by setting up a dark, cool and quiet sleep environment, minimising screens before bed, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol.
As far as diet goes, go for foods that contain a lot of iron, zinc, niacin (vitamin B3) and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support overall hair health and possibly lower your risk of hair loss. On the other end of the spectrum are high-sugar and high-fat foods, which may make hair loss worse [3][4][5].
Stress is a big one, too, and is one of the leading causes of hair loss. Stress negatively impacts the hair growth cycle and can worsen conditions like androgenetic alopecia. To manage your stress levels, give techniques like meditation and deep breathing a go.
While we’re at it, if you’re a smoker, consider giving up the cigs. Research has demonstrated a link between nicotine and hair loss, with the toxins in cigarettes restricting blood flow to hair follicles, damaging DNA and increasing oxidative stress and inflammation [6].
Complement your scalp massager with targeted products
Many dermatologists suggest using a scalp massager alongside other hair health-supporting products like serums, shampoos and conditioners. A scalp massager can maximise the effects of these topical treatments and help your body use them more efficiently.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one haircare solution, Pilot’s Hair Growth Booster Kit could be a solid option. It contains Growth Shampoo & Anti-Dandruff Conditioner that cleanses and nourishes, Biotin Hair Capsules packed with vitamins that support hair health, and a nifty Derma Roller, which works to stimulate the hair follicles in a similar way to a scalp massager (but slightly more directly and intensely).
Try a professional procedure
If you’re thinking of taking the more clinical route, there are plenty of professional procedures to choose from. Some of the most popular include:
- Hair transplant: A hair transplant involves taking healthy hair follicles from your own head and placing them in bald or thinning areas. Hair transplants can be super effective, especially if you’ve experienced significant hair loss, but they’re not cheap and are fairly invasive
- Low-level laser therapy: LLLT uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It’s painless but requires multiple sessions and can take a long time for results to appear
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy: PRP therapy takes your blood, processes it to concentrate the platelets and reinjects the solution into your scalp. The idea is that the growth factors help stimulate your hair follicles and encourage hair growth. PRP therapy can be expensive and requires several sessions
- Scalp micropigmentation: This involves applying a cosmetic tattoo that mimics the look of a shaved head or thicker hair. It can last for a few years, but it often needs to be touched up
Consider a tailored hair loss treatment
Looking for a hair loss solution that’s simple, straightforward and sees some seriously good results?
You might want to try Pilot’s hair loss treatment. Pilot offers different treatments for different stages of hair loss, with personalised plans designed to meet you (and your scalp) where you’re at. Your treatment is also delivered free to your door each month, and you can access unlimited text-based consults with Pilot’s practitioners.
Data shows that 90% manage to keep their hair and 66% can regrow it using Pilot’s treatment, and many blokes notice visible results after just 3-6 months.
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