By technique · Sub-chapter 04
How to massage the scalp.
Two minutes, consistent pressure, circular. Not the spa version — the one that actually moves the tissue.
89 how-to's · Updated 28 April 2026 · Avg. 4 min per piece · Edited by Nelly · Beauty & Style Director
Editor's note
Scalp massage became a trend because it's unusually immediate: you can feel it working in under a minute. What it does is less complicated than the marketing suggests. Consistent mechanical pressure increases blood flow to the follicle, loosens product and sebum build-up, and — with long-term practice — may increase follicle diameter. You don't need a device. You don't need oil. You need two minutes and the right hand position, done regularly enough to matter.
What scalp massage actually does
Scalp massage works through mechanical stimulation: fingertips applying consistent downward pressure in small circular movements increase dermal blood flow to the hair follicle. Secondary effects include loosening of product residue, temporary sebum redistribution, and — reported in several small studies — an increase in hair shaft diameter after daily practice over 24 weeks.
Myth, meet fact
- Myth: You need oil or a serum for massage to work. Fact: The mechanical action is what drives the benefit. A dry massage done correctly outperforms a slip-assisted sloppy one.
- Myth: Harder pressure means better results. Fact: Medium consistent pressure in small circles. Pressing harder moves less tissue, not more.
- Myth: Massaging the ends and mid-lengths helps too. Fact: This is scalp tissue massage, not hair shaft massage. Keep contact at the roots.
Other techniques
Everything we've published on scalp massage
- The two-minute scalp massage — the correct technique
- Does scalp massage actually grow hair?
- Scalp massage tools — who needs them and who doesn't
- The best time to massage — before wash or during?
- Scalp massage with rosemary oil — what the research says
- How to build a daily massage habit that sticks