Q&A for How to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage

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  • Question
    Can scalp massage stimulate hair growth?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    A scalp massage can stimulate blood circulation, bringing more nutrients to the hair roots. This may help to stimulate hair growth when done daily over a period of time (Koyama, Kobayashi, Hama, Murakami and Ogawa, 2016). A massage for stimulating hair growth can be found here: How to Stimulate Your Hair Follicles .
  • Question
    Can I massage my hair with oil every other day?
    Community Answer
    Yes, every other day is perfectly fine. Make sure hair is damp before applying oil. Try using a light oil to avoid a greasy look.
  • Question
    Should I put the oil on heat before using it on my head?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Heat the oil before you put it on the scalp. Only warm it, though. If it's too hot it will be really uncomfortable at best and cause damage at worst. If it's too hot, wait for it to cool down until it's just warm.
  • Question
    Does scalp massage increase blood flow to the brain?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Massaging your scalp can increase blood flow of your scalp, promote hair growth, and de-stress. It can also prevent grey hair.
  • Question
    How much time should I keep the oil in the scalp?
    Community Answer
    Keep it in for as long as you do the massage. If you're putting it in without a scalp massage, use only a little bit of oil (a penny-sized glob should do the trick). Leave it to be absorbed. Do not use a lot, and wash your hair in a couple of days so it doesn't look greasy.
  • Question
    What does it mean if I have a black, dandruff-like substance on my fingernails after scratching my itchy scalp?
    Community Answer
    The substance that is appearing in your fingernails is actually the natural oil your hair produces. The substance is most likely your hair's natural oils mixed with dandruff.
  • Question
    Can I put only extra virgin oil in my hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Which oil should I use for a scalp massage?
    Community Answer
    It depends what your hair type is. For dry hair, coconut, olive, or jojoba is recommended. For oily hair, argon oil is good. For hair growth, castor oil directly on the scalp (combined with rosemary and peppermint essential oil) works wonders.
  • Question
    Will a massage help to regrow my lost hair?
    Community Answer
    Massage can help stimulate the folicles, so massage away.
  • Question
    How can I get healthy hair if mine is damaged?
    Community Answer
    Stop coloring, ironing, curling, and rebonding your hair. Condition it regularly.
  • Question
    Can using essential oils too much cause hair to thin?
    Community Answer
    Using essential oils shouldn't cause your hair to thin. If you're experiencing hair loss or thinning, there could be something else going on. Consider calling your doctor to get it checked out.
  • Question
    Can I do the scalp massage on dry hair?
    Community Answer
    Sure. You could use oils and wash you hair afterwards.
  • Question
    My scalp feels weirdly 'healthy' after giving it a massage. Could this mean I am stimulating hair grow?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Massaging your hair stimulates your scalp, so what you are feeling is correct!
  • Question
    My dad is bald and I want to give him a head massage. How would I do that?
    Community Answer
    Just apply warm coconut oil to his head and massage his scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips.
  • Question
    What other essential oils could I use?
    Community Answer
    Castor oil, coconut oil, chamomile, Lemongrass, Rosemary can all help. Clarysage is another great option, as is peppermint.
  • Question
    What happens if I put undiluted essential oils on my scalp?
    Community Answer
    It could burn and/or make your hair fall out.
  • Question
    Is argan oil good for the scalp?
    Community Answer
    Argan oil is very good for the scalp. It increases blood flow to your scalp, making your hair grow more quickly.
  • Question
    Is coconut oil safe for heating, and what is a good conditioner for curly, frizzy hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, coconut oil is one of the oils most resistant to heat. It is generally safe to heat up to 350-400 degrees (but of course you wouldn't go anywhere near that high if you're putting it on yourself). Conditioner preferences vary widely, but a couple of well-liked ones you could try are Ouidad Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy (on the pricier side) or, if you're on a budget, John Freida Frizz Ease Dream Curls Conditioner.
  • Question
    Can I massage my scalp without essential oils?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Oils can help your hair grow and be stronger, so you may want to consider using them.
  • Question
    Can I use this as a leave in without washing it out?
    Community Answer
    Sure, you could leave it in, but your hair will be really greasy. It's not a great look unless you have very short hair and slick it back anyway.
  • Question
    How would I massage my scalp with individual box braids?
    Community Answer
    This may make the massage slightly more difficult, but not impossible. First off, if you're able to, consider taking out the braids, as this is the only way you'll really be able to cover the entire surface of your scalp. If you want to leave the braids in, pay special attention to the base of the braids, and move across the areas of your scalp that are exposed. Take care not to snag your fingers on any individual braids.
  • Question
    I didn't use any oils, but my scalp feels warm after a massage. Is that because blood is going to the scalp?
    Rey Starchaser
    Top Answerer
    It could be, yes. Also, the friction from rubbing your hands over your scalp during the massage can cause your scalp to feel warmer than usual.
  • Question
    Will my hair grow if I use this method?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will, but it takes time to see the results.
  • Question
    Can this help if I am having trouble sleeping?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it is done in the right way and in a comfortable, dimly lit environment. Playing relaxing music or sounds, combined with orange sunset light and a massage, might help you sleep much easier.
  • Question
    Why is my hair is falling out while I'm massaging my scalp?
    Community Answer
    Hair falling out is a natural occurrence, and happens so new hair can grow. You probably are only noticing now because it's happening as you massage your scalp.
  • Question
    Can I massage my hair with oil daily?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't do it daily, but you could do it once or twice a week.
  • Question
    Can I use ghee instead of oil?
    Community Answer
    You certainly can use ghee, considering there are plenty of great benefits that come with it.
  • Question
    Why do they say not to work or drive after a scalp massage?
    Community Answer
    Because after massaging your scalp, you may feel very drowsy.
  • Question
    Can I use this method for a scalp massage if I have a lot of dandruff and hair loss?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just be extra gentle. Apply castor oil, aloe vera and vitamin e for thicker hair.
  • Question
    How do I do a scalp massage daily without washing my hair daily?
    Community Answer
    You can do a scalp massage without oils, then there will be no need to wash your hair.
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