Table of contents:
- Scalp massage is effective for treating hair loss?
- Head massage relieves stress
- Then how do you massage the scalp to treat hair loss?
Hair loss is a normal thing that can be experienced by anyone, whether old, young, woman or man. Hair loss will become more visible as you get older. Then is it true, the myth of the benefits of scalp massage can prevent excess hair loss?
Scalp massage is effective for treating hair loss?
Quoted from Reader's Digest, Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist in New York, said that massage can increase blood flow to the scalp. In the same article, dr. Abraham Armani, MD, who is also the director at Armani Medical Hair Restoration, said that diligent scalp massage can widen the arteries in the scalp thereby increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and prolonging the hair growth cycle.
After the massage, this smoother flow of blood to the head will provide more oxygen and nutrients needed by the hair follicles. Hair follicles that have been filled with oxygen and nutrients from the blood can work more effectively to repair damaged cells in them.
So later on, the hair roots can grow stronger and won't fall out easily. The smooth blood flow to the hair can also trigger the formation of new hair follicles on the head which in turn can stimulate the growth of new, healthier hairs.
To be more convincing, a study from the journal ePlasty said that massaging the scalp for 4 minutes a day can trigger the appearance of substances in the body that promote hair growth.
Recent research in 2019 also found similar results. This study shows, the rate of hair loss in people who are nearly bald has slowed down quite dramatically. Their hair actually experiences hair growth that is quite fast.
Head massage relieves stress
Dr. Jaliman added another benefit of diligent scalp massage which can reduce psychological stress.
Just right. Research results from the Journal of Physical Therapy Science also found the benefits of gentle massage on the scalp. Performed for 15 and 25 minutes twice a week, head massage helps lower stress hormone levels and blood pressure, thereby making the heart rate more stable.
Stress, as we know, is one of the factors that trigger or can exacerbate hair loss. Dr. Jaliman thinks massaging the head can increase blood circulation to the brain, which can have a relaxing effect.
Then how do you massage the scalp to treat hair loss?
Still citing Reader's Digest, Jessie Cheung, MD, doctor and director of a dermatology clinic in Illinois, United States, suggests scalp massage to treat hair loss after shampooing.
You can massage the scalp for at least 3 minutes and don't need to use oil or serum. Here are the correct head massage techniques for dealing with hair loss:
- Massage using your hands
- Start massaging from the edge of the hair, then slowly towards the back or towards the center of the head
- Massage back using your fingertips with gentle but consistent pressure
- You can massage with a circular motion afterwards
Dr. Cheung also allows the use of candles or aromatherapy fragrances such as lavender, eucalyptus or mint leaves which when inhaled can improve body relaxation while massaging the scalp in the shower.
