Scalp massage for hair growth: what the small studies show

Scalp massage is a popular home remedy for thinning hair. It costs little, feels relaxing and is easy to do while washing your hair. But can rubbing your scalp actually help your hair? The research is limited, so it is worth looking at what has been studied and what has not.

Study 1: massage and hair thickness

A small study in Japan looked at nine healthy men who did not have hair loss ¹. Each man received 4 minutes of standardised scalp massage a day for 24 weeks, using a scalp massage device.

• After 24 weeks, the average hair thickness increased from 0.085 mm to 0.092 mm.
• The study did not report a meaningful change in the number of hairs.
• In the lab, the researchers stretched cells from the hair follicle (dermal papilla cells) and found changes in the activity of thousands of genes, including some linked to the hair cycle.

The authors suggested that massage may send a stretching force through the scalp to these follicle cells ¹.

The limits

• Only nine men took part, and there was no comparison group.
• The men did not have hair loss, so the results do not tell us about people with thinning hair.
• One of the authors was affiliated with a hair-care company.

Study 2: a survey of people with pattern hair loss

A second study surveyed people with self-assessed pattern hair loss who had learned a twice-daily scalp massage routine from an online video ².

• Of 1,899 people contacted, 340 (17.9%) answered the survey and 327 said they had tried the massages.
• They reported a median of 11 to 20 minutes of massage a day, for an average of about 7.4 months.
• 68.9% reported that their hair loss had stabilised or that their hair had improved.
• People who massaged for more minutes and more months tended to report better results.

The limits

• The results were self-assessed. No one measured hair counts.
• Fewer than 1 in 5 people answered, so those with good results may have been more likely to reply.
• The survey looked back in time, with no comparison group.
• The lead author was affiliated with a hair-loss website.

The authors themselves said that further research is needed ².

So, does scalp massage help hair grow?

Here is a fair summary:

• There is early, low-quality evidence that regular scalp massage may slightly increase hair thickness.
• There is no strong evidence that it increases the number of hairs or treats pattern hair loss.
• It is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have pattern hair loss, approved treatments and a proper diagnosis matter more. See genetic hair loss.

On the plus side, scalp massage is low cost and low risk for most people. Many people find it relaxing, and it can be part of a gentle hair care routine.

How to massage your scalp safely

There is no proven "best" method. These tips keep it gentle:

• Use your fingertips, not your nails. Scratching can irritate the scalp.
• Use gentle pressure. Press and move the skin of your scalp in small circles, rather than rubbing the hair.
• Keep sessions short to start, for example a few minutes a day, and build up if it feels comfortable.
• Do not pull or tug on your hair. Pulling can damage hair and, over time, cause traction hair loss. See traction alopecia.
• Massage during washing if you like. The AAD suggests gently massaging shampoo into the scalp rather than rubbing it into the length of the hair ³.

Using a massage tool

Handheld scalp massagers and rollers are widely sold. The Japanese study used a device ¹, but there is no evidence that one tool works better than another, or better than fingertips. If you use a tool, choose one with soft tips, keep it clean, and stop if it causes redness or soreness.

Massage with oil?

Some people massage with oil. Evidence for oils on hair growth is limited. See hair oils and rosemary oil. If you use oil, a small amount is enough, and wash it out if your scalp is oily or flaky.

When to avoid scalp massage

Skip massage or check with a doctor first if:

• Your scalp has a rash, open sores, scabs or an infection
• Your scalp is very itchy, red or painful
• You have recently had a scalp procedure or surgery
• You have patchy hair loss or sudden heavy shedding that has not been checked by a doctor

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or dermatologist if your hair is thinning steadily, you notice bald patches, or your scalp is sore or flaky. Many causes of hair loss can be treated, and the earlier you find the cause, the better. See sudden severe hair fall.

The bottom line

Scalp massage is safe and pleasant for most people. A tiny study found a small increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks, and a survey found many users felt their hair improved. But the evidence is weak, and massage is not a proven treatment for hair loss. Enjoy it as part of your routine, and see a doctor for ongoing hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Does scalp massage make hair grow faster?

There is little evidence. A small study of nine men found a small increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks, but did not report more hairs ¹.

How long should I massage my scalp?

There is no proven ideal. In a survey, people reported a median of 11 to 20 minutes a day, but results were self-assessed ².

Can scalp massage treat pattern hair loss?

It has not been shown to. Survey results were self-assessed, and the authors said more research is needed ².

Is a scalp massage tool better than fingers?

There is no evidence that tools work better. The Japanese study used a device, but did not compare methods ¹.

Educational content. Not medical advice.