If you’re noticing more chunks of hair on your hairbrush than usual, it’s no reason to panic. Just take a minute, breathe, and think about whether some of the things you are doing or the food you are eating (yikes!) could be contributing to hair loss. There could also be preventable measures, like scalp treatments, you could take to bring back your voluminous hair. Experts recommend scalp massages and hair serum treatments if you are suffering from hair loss.
We spoke with hair expert Jean Lopez, co-founder of LilyHair, and Dr. HariKiran Cheruki, a dermatologist and the medical head of ClinicSpots, about the benefits of daily scalp massages and hair serums. They said these scalp treatments help stimulate growth at the root by targeting the hair follicles. Find out more below!
Scalp massages
One way you can stimulate hair growth and volume is with daily scalp massages. Researchers believe that scalp massages promote blood flow to the scalp, leading to fuller strands and thicker hair. Massaging your scalp every day or so can help encourage hair growth—and it feels so good, too. You can either use your hands or a specific scalp massager brush (if you're looking for a massager, read about a five-star reviewed scalp brush).
"The blood flow and hair development can be improved by gently massaging your scalp with hair oil or masks," Lopez says. "As it specifically targets the dermal papilla cells, which are crucial for the growth of new hair, a massage can increase hair thickness." Perfect! Just make sure you massage your scalp gently and don't rub vigorously because this can cause your hair to break.
Hair serums
Scalp massages are great for hair growth, but the hair serum you choose to massage in is crucial. Not to be confused with hair oil, hair serum is a silicone-based product designed to coat the hair's surface to help with shine, smoothness, and hydration. Intended to be used on wet or dry hair, the silicone in hair serums also helps reduce hair loss. Experts agree that the best scalp serum ingredient for thicker hair is pumpkin seed oil, according to Dr. Cheruki, because it has a high content of nutrients that can help nourish and thicken the hair follicles.
"It contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, K, E, and zinc which all contribute to healthy hair growth," he says. "Additionally, it also helps to reduce dandruff and scalp irritation that can lead to thinner hair. Pumpkin seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that [help] reduce inflammation on the scalp and thus improve overall hair health."
Dr. Cheruki notes that the best way to use pumpkin seed oil is with other natural ingredients like jojoba or coconut oil (which is also ideal for erasing wrinkles and softening skin). "Mix a few drops of the oil with one teaspoon of another natural oil and massage your scalp with it in circular motions," Dr. Cheruki says. "Leave it on overnight, or for at least 30 minutes, before washing off. Doing this regularly will help nourish and thicken your hair follicles while reducing scalp irritation. Additionally, you can also mix a few drops of pumpkin seed oil into your regular shampoo and conditioner to get maximum benefit." Nice!
Although it's no doubt scary, hair loss doesn't have to be inevitable. Scalp treatments, like daily massages and hair serums, could give you thicker hair in 2023! And if you're still suffering from thinning hair, there are many hairstyles that experts recommend to hide gaps in the hair so you can feel more empowered with your hair.
