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Promote hair thickness and soothe your nerves with these straightforward methods
Scalp massages offer a quick, effortless, and cost-effective means to alleviate head tension, unwind after a taxing day, or even alleviate headaches. They’re also known to enhance hair thickness by stimulating the blood circulation in your scalp. We’ll demonstrate how to conduct a simple yet blissful self-scalp massage and suggest incorporating oils into your routine for ultimate relaxation and hair care. Additionally, we’ll outline all the advantages of regular scalp massages, empowering you with the knowledge that you’re pampering yourself properly.
Procedures
Performing a Basic Massage
Glide your fingertips along your scalp from front to back. Apply gentle pressure as you move your fingers from your forehead through your hair. Ensure to exert moderate downward pressure, attentively covering all the contours of your scalp, but avoid exerting excessive force to prevent discomfort. Repeat this process 10 times, aiming for each stroke to last around 10 seconds.
- Before you commence, ensure your hair isn’t pulled back into a ponytail or bun. Prior to initiating the massage, brush your hair quickly to prevent tangling.
- Choose a serene spot to sit, such as a comfortable chair with sturdy back support. For heightened relaxation, dim the lights and play some soothing music.
PRO TIP
Marty Morales
Certified Massage Therapist
Certified Massage Therapist
Elevate yourself with pillows and recline to minimize strain on your arms and shoulders. Performing a self-head massage requires constant arm elevation, which can strain the shoulder muscles.
Massage your scalp in circular motions from back to front.
Utilize your thumbs to gently press the base of your skull for 1 minute, moving them in small circles. Then, use your other fingers to create small circles higher on your scalp, gradually progressing towards your forehead. Once at your forehead, work your way back to the base of your neck. Continue these circular motions across the top and back of your scalp for 4-5 minutes.
- If desired, opt for a scalp massage tool instead of your fingers. Scalp massagers ensure more uniform pressure application without causing hand fatigue.
Massage circular motions along the sides of your scalp. Use your fingertips to create small circles near your temples, then move over your ears and down to the base of your neck. Afterwards, gently run your fingers through the hair on the sides of your head. Alternate between circular motions and running your fingers through your hair for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- If you're short on time, perform your massage in the shower. A scalp massage in the shower provides the additional benefits of soothing water and relaxing suds.
Apply gentle tension to your hair by grasping or rubbing it with your palms. Run your fingers through the hair on the sides of your head, then gently grip your hair and pull it away from your scalp. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat on a different section of hair, continuing for 3-4 minutes. If your hair is too short to grasp, simply rub your scalp firmly with flat palms. Alternatively, take a small section of hair in your hands, twist gently, and pull.
- Avoid excessive pressure to prevent discomfort; aim for enough tension to shift your scalp slightly forward and backward when you tug on your hair.
- This technique aids in myofascial release, which relaxes and loosens the muscles in your face and scalp.
- If possible, gather your hair into a ponytail and gently tug to stimulate a larger portion of your scalp at once.
Conclude by massaging behind your ears with your thumbs. Use your thumbs and fingertips to create gentle circles behind your ears, moving downward toward your neck. Massage behind your ears for 1-2 minutes. This relaxing method helps to drain lymph nodes in your scalp, promoting blood circulation.
- Repeat this routine 3-4 times per week, or even twice daily for added relaxation.
- For hair growth benefits, maintain consistency with this routine for 3-4 months before expecting visible results.
Enhancing Your Massage with Essential Oils
Combine your preferred essential oil with a carrier oil. Directly applying essential oils to your scalp may cause irritation and ineffective absorption. Instead, create an essential oil blend by adding 8-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to approximately 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. Coconut oil effectively combats dandruff and promotes a healthier scalp, while castor oil may aid in hair thickening, and jojoba oil provides lightweight moisture for dry scalps. Consider the following essential oils:
- Peppermint oil offers a cooling sensation and may stimulate hair growth.
- Lavender oil is beneficial for moisturizing dry scalps.
- Rosemary oil reduces greasiness in hair.
- Chamomile oil soothes and relieves itchiness.
- Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for dandruff, as is lemon oil.
Apply 3-5 drops of oil onto the central part of your scalp. Divide your hair down the middle as evenly as possible, then administer 3-5 drops of your oil blend directly onto the apex of your head, where you've parted your hair. Maintain a slight forward tilt of your head to prevent the oil from dripping into your eyes.
- For precision and ease of application, utilize a pipette or an oil dropper to dispense the oil onto your scalp.
Massage the oil into your scalp for 3-5 minutes. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp. Begin at the point where you applied the oil, then gradually expand outward across your scalp. Run your fingers from front to back through your hair, then massage in circular motions all over your scalp. These actions ensure even distribution of the oil across your scalp, aiding its absorption into your hair follicles.
Lean forward and apply oil to the back of your head, then massage it in. Tilt your head forward until your chin touches your chest, then dispense another 3-5 drops of oil onto the area just above the base of your neck. Using circular motions, massage the oil into your scalp for 3-5 minutes, working outward. Add 2-3 more drops of oil as needed to cover your entire scalp.
- Additionally, run your fingers through your hair from roots to tips for about 2-3 minutes to distribute the oil evenly along the length of your hair.
Allow the oil to remain for at least 10 minutes. For optimal results, leave the oil in for a minimum of 10 minutes, or overnight if preferred. Wrap your hair in a towel to contain the oil while sleeping or engaging in other activities. If leaving the oil in overnight, place a towel over your pillow to prevent messiness.
- To enhance the spa-like experience, warm your towel in the dryer for a few minutes before use.
Shampoo and condition your hair. When ready to remove the oil, take a shower. Thoroughly cleanse your hair with your regular hair care products to eliminate excess oil from your scalp. While washing, indulge in an additional scalp massage for a few minutes.
- Massage essential oils into your scalp 1-2 times weekly to promote hair health.
- If any oil comes into contact with your face, promptly wash it off to prevent blemishes. Also, wash your hands immediately after completing the massage.
Advantages of Scalp Massages
Mytour Video: How to Perform a Scalp Massage on Yourself
Pointers
Cautions
- Before applying any essential oils to your skin, conduct a patch test by placing a drop on the inside of your wrist and waiting for 2-3 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
- If your skin starts to feel warm or irritated, rinse the essential oils off your scalp immediately.
