10 best scalp massagers to help stimulate hair growth

Anyone else on a constant quest to make our hair grow faster and longer? While it might seem like an impossible task, scalp massagers may be the (very affordable) key.

Yes, those funny looking plastic things that have thick, silicone bristles can actually work wonders to help stimulate hair growth. And that’s not all. The best scalp massagers can also work to help relax you – we all know there’s no greater feeling than having somebody, anybody, play with your hair, and using a scalp massager can imitate that very satisfying motion.

If you’re wondering how exactly that’s possible, how (and when) to use scalp massagers, or which scalp massager you should spend your hard-earned money on, then keep reading, because we’ve got all the answers that you’re looking for.

What is a scalp massager?

“Scalp massagers are typically handheld, brush-like devices that work to stimulate and exfoliate the scalp like my. They tend to have soft silicone or synthetic bristles that help massage the scalp and buff away dry, flaky skin, product buildup and excess oil,” says award winning hairdresser Lee Stafford. “The result is an environment for a happy, healthy scalp making them a great addition to anyone’s routine.”

How do scalp massagers work?

“Using a scalp massager stimulates the hair follicles and dilates the blood vessels beneath the skin encouraging thicker and healthier hair regrowth and a deep scalp cleanse,” explains Marina Binichis, Global Executive Vice President Marketing & Innovation at WetBrush.

What’s the best way to use a scalp massager?

“There aren’t any hard and fast rules,” says Stafford. “Some scalp massagers are meant to be used on dry hair, while some of the most popular devices are used in the shower – which offer a gentle alternative to scrubbing and exfoliating your scalp with your fingers and nails. My top tip is read the instructions on your scalp massager so you know how to get the best results. The one I designed should be used in the shower, though, as I like to do the massage on wet hair so that any build-up is removed by the shampoo,” he adds.

Do scalp massagers work to stimulate hair growth?

“The key to healthy hair starts with the scalp. When your scalp is laden with lingering dead skin cells and product build up, it makes it much harder for your hair to grow and thrive properly,” explains Stafford. “According to research, scalp massage increases hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles. This, in turn, stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. It’s also thought that a scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby encouraging hair growth as more nutrients go the hair follicle.”

Is it OK to use a scalp massager every day?

In short, yes – it is OK to use a scalp massager every day, or each time you wash your hair because there’s no such thing as using one too often. But if that feels like too much effort or you don’t always have the time for an indulgent head massage, Stafford says you can get away with using a scalp massager every week. And remember light to medium pressure is best; anything rougher or harder can (and will) irritate your skin.