How To Massage Your Scalp: A Step-By-Step Guide (+ Benefits)

Every beauty enthusiast knows that giving your scalp a little TLC is a crucial part of any great haircare routine.

If you’ve scrolled through BeautyTok as of late, you’ve likely come across a video or two about scalp massages, and heard about some of the many benefits that this practice can bring.

We checked in with a hair and scalp expert to learn more about this trend and how it can help your tresses look shinier and healthier.

Read on for essential tips, suggestions and insight when it comes to scalp massaging from Miranda Furtado, professional hair stylist and owner of Love’s In The Hair Extension Studio.

READ MORE: Hair Experts Swear By These Scalp Treatments For Thicker, Fuller Hair

A scalp massage, Furtado explains, is a therapeutic technique that involves “gently massaging the scalp with the fingers.” This can be done using a variety of techniques, she notes, such as “circular motions, long strokes, and kneading.”

Scalp massages can be performed on their own, or as part of a personalized haircare routine. “I would recommend getting a scalp massage, or trying it yourself, for a variety of reasons,” Furtado continues.

When it comes to health benefits, firstly, Furtado points out that a scalp massages can help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.

Secondly, they can help to unclog hair follicles, which she says can “improve hair health and reduce the risk of hair loss.” Thirdly, scalp massages can help to reduce stress and tension, which can lead to a more relaxed and peaceful state of mind.

The main pros for your health after practicing scalp massages include “promoting hair growth, improving hair health, reducing stress and tension, and relaxing the mind,” as she sums up. 

In order to perform a comforting, relaxing and rewarding scalp massage, Furtado recommends following these five steps:

1. Start by using your fingers to gently massage your scalp in a circular motion.

2. Use long strokes to massage the entire scalp, including the temples and the base of the neck.

3. Use your fingertips to gently knead the scalp, focusing on areas that feel tense or tight.

4. Use a gentle, oil-based hair care product to help lubricate the scalp and make the massage more comfortable.

5. Take your time and be gentle, as excessive force can cause irritation or damage to the scalp.

Scalp massages can be done daily, Furtado concludes, or as often as you would like. It’s also important, she stresses, to use clean hands when giving a scalp massage (and consider using a gentle shampoo after the massage) to “remove any oils and dirt” that may have been worked up during it. The more you know!