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Scalp massage is an excellent relaxation technique, helping to relieve stress after a long day. Before starting, take a few preliminary steps to ensure the recipient feels at ease, such as warming the scalp, applying oil, and brushing the hair. Once you're prepared, you can proceed with the massage. You can also learn techniques to massage your own scalp. A massage eliminates tension, leaving you feeling happy and relaxed.
Steps
Help the recipient relax
Wash your hands. Before massaging someone, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them with soap and warm water, taking at least 20 seconds to thoroughly clean your hands.
Warm up with moist heat methods. Moist heat helps to relax the body. You can suggest the person take a warm bath or moisten a towel, heat it in the microwave, and then wrap it around their head for 10-15 minutes.
Detangle the hair. Before starting the massage, gently comb through their hair to avoid getting your fingers tangled. You can also use your hands to untangle any knots before proceeding with the massage.
- If you accidentally hit a knot while massaging, don't pull on it, as that will prevent the person from relaxing.
Apply oil. Cooking oils can also be used for massage. You can choose oils like avocado, coconut, almond, or canola oil. Begin applying the oil to both sides of the head. Use your fingers to massage the oil into the scalp, working your way from the sides to the top of the head. Be sure to massage both the front and back of the head.
- Warm a small amount of oil in your hands first. You can always add more oil if needed, as it’s easier to add than to remove excess.
Start the basic massage technique
Start slowly. When massaging someone’s head, begin gently and move slowly. Soft strokes are always more soothing than fast movements. Plus, slow movements help the recipient to relax.
- The person receiving the massage can either sit or lie down during the head massage.
Marty Morales
Massage Therapy Expert
Massage Therapy Expert
Try to convey a sense of peaceful energy. Scalp massage is incredibly relaxing and helps to relieve stress and clear the mind. To achieve these benefits, when massaging someone else, place yourself in a calm and comfortable state of mind.
Massage in circular motions. Use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp in circular motions. Keep the motion consistent and move from the front to the back, then from the back to the front. You can repeat this motion across the entire head a few times.
Massage the neck. Place the palm of your hand gently on the person's neck. Use your thumb to massage one side of the neck while the other fingers massage the opposite side. Move up and down along the neck, aiming to shift the skin rather than simply rubbing in place.
- You can also use this technique to massage the nape of the neck, near the hairline.
- If you're massaging yourself, use your thumbs to massage the nape of your neck. Place one thumb on each side and massage in small circular motions. This area carries a lot of pressure, so massaging it can help relieve tension.
Scalp massage with the heel of your hand. Slide your hand underneath the hair near the temples. This technique can be used to massage others as well as for self-massage. The heel of your palm should rest on the temples. Massage with gentle pressure in an upward motion for a few seconds. You can apply this technique all over the head.
Perform deep tissue massage
Have the person lie on their back. For deep tissue massage, you will be applying more pressure, so it's easier to perform when the person is lying down. Their face should be facing up, and you should be positioned at their head.
Massage the neck and nape. Place your hand under the person's head. Begin by gently stroking from the neck up to the nape. Your fingertips should pause at the nape for a few seconds, then gently massage in circular motions. This technique differs from basic massage, which requires using the palm on the neck. Here, only the fingertips are needed.
Massage upwards to the head. When you start massaging upwards towards the head, the motion becomes broader, and you can apply a bit more pressure. While basic massage involves softer strokes, deep tissue massage uses both thumbs in combination with other fingers to create movement, and don’t forget to massage the top of the head. At the temples, slowly and deeply massage the hairline in circular motions.
Grab the hair. Gently massage the person's head from the back to the front using your fingertips. Then, gently pull a small section of hair and hold it. Continue doing this all over the head.
- Not everyone may enjoy this massage style, so it’s best to ask beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable with it.
