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The one thing higher than freshly coloured hair is the mind-clearing head massage you get during your shampoo and conditioner. The most effective scalp massagers allow you to take pleasure in that sensation in your personal home — so that you don’t need to wait till your next hair appointment for a deep clean and a pleasant head rub.
The self-care space has no limits as of late, and we’re all for it. Whether it’s dry brushing before you shower, exfoliating our skin with luxurious body scrubs, or sweating out stress in a sauna blanket, guys and girls are devoting more time than ever to our wellness routines. So it’s no surprise that scalp health has skyrocketed as a hair care category, with brands offering goods that exfoliate, calm, and nourish the skin beneath our hair. Scalp massagers are a preferred tool within the scalp health space.
Most of those palm-sized scalp tools feature chubby, cone-shaped silicone bristles which you can use for a head massage on dry hair, or within the shower to distribute shampoo, conditioner, or hair masks. Scalp massagers are considered secure to make use of, in line with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. “Nevertheless they ought to be used with caution, as applying an excessive amount of pressure could be irritating to the skin.” To avoid tangles when you’re massaging, use light pressure as you’re employed the comb side to side or in large circles around your head. Those with sensitive skin should use the scalp brush not more than once per week; others can use it two to thrice weekly. If you may have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema in your scalp, chat together with your dermatologist before you start.
Do Scalp Massagers Work?
Yes! Scalp massagers’ advantages transcend rest (although they’re outstanding for that purpose). “Scalp massage might help boost circulation and reduce tension within the scalp, which could be helpful to advertise hair growth and a healthy scalp,” says Garshick. She notes that scalp massagers can even enhance the absorption of topical products like hair serums and medicated or over-the-counter foams. One other big advantage of scalp massagers: exfoliation. “A buildup of dead skin cells and products on the scalp can result in flaking, itching, and inflammation, and depending on how thick the construct up is, it might impact hair growth,” Dr. Garshick explains. Winter is an excellent time to try one out, as dry temps and fewer frequent washes can exacerbate this buildup. A superb scrub helps you cleanse all of it away for a relaxed, balanced scalp.
Keep reading to ascertain out the perfect scalp massagers, together with expert shopping suggestions to search out the best option on your needs.
Top Scalp Massagers of 2022
Vegamour Gro Scalp Massager
Best Overall
- Material: Silicone
- Style of hair: All hair types
- Special features: Ergonomic handle for comfortable massaging
- Pros: Secure to make use of on dry or wet hair
- Cons: Stiff bristles may feel rough on sensitive scalps
The Vegamour Gro Scalp Massager is Dr. Garshick approved. “It uses a series of bristles that help to stimulate scalp circulation, helping to scale back tension while also helping to boost penetration of other haircare products,” she explains. Vegamour takes a holistic approach to healthy hair, and that is just certainly one of the brand’s pretty offerings to spice up hair health. It’s secure to be used on all hair types and could be used on wet or dry hair, too.
What reviewers say: “I like using scalp care products however it’s at all times hard to get the product right where I want it. This does such an excellent job at delivering the product exactly where I want it and this feels so good on the scalp!”
Courtesy of Sephora
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Best Scalp Massager for Curly Hair
- Material: Silicone
- Style of hair: Thick hair
- Special features: Silicone bristle pad detaches for straightforward cleansing
- Pros: Softer bristles than some silicone scalp massagers
- Cons: Silicone bristle pad may detach while using on dry hair
Briogeo offers amazing shampoos and conditioners for curly hair. So it’s no surprise that their Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager works well on the tightest coils. The semi-firm bristles can seep through the thickest hair, too, so it’s an excellent alternative for individuals who have a tough time getting an excellent wash at home. Try it with a pre-shower hair oil for bouncier, shinier ringlets.
What reviewers say: “I actually have a dry scalp with thick hair and wash my hair once per week, so shampoo doesn’t often froth with the primary wash. Not only does this feel luxurious as a head massage, it actually works products higher into your hair so you wish less product. It lessened my scalp dryness.”
Courtesy of Sephora
Ceremonia Scalp Massager
Best Gentle Scalp Massager
- Material: Silicone
- Style of hair: All hair types
- Special features: Cushioned bristle pad for gentler massage
- Pros: Secure for sensitive scalps
- Cons: Slippery to carry within the shower
The Ceremonia Scalp Massager features an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to wash tricky to achieve areas like behind your ears and on the nape of your neck (that are necessary areas to focus on for buildup). The malleable bristles are gentle in your head, so you’ll be able to apply good pressure without overdoing it.
What reviewers say: “Exactly what I used to be on the lookout for. I take advantage of a pre-wash scalp serum and post serum as well. I take advantage of this to assist massage them in so I don’t need to use my finger nails. I’ve had other ones that were harder and so they never worked. This one feels so good on my scalp.”
Courtesy of Sephora
Fable & Mane Scalp Massager Comb
Best Scalp Massaging Comb
- Material: Ebony wood
- Style of hair: All hair types
- Special features: Rounded points for gentle massage
- Pros: Wide-tooth style works well on thick, curly hair types
- Cons: May not lather shampoo enough on positive hair types
For a mild scalp massage without messing up your hair style, Fable & Mane’s Scalp Massager Comb is the one for you. Unlike some silicone scrubbers, it won’t cause static in your strands while you apply it to dry hair. You’ll be able to take it within the shower to rake conditioner through your lengths, just make sure you store it in a well-ventilated area outside of the shower to maintain the wood in fine condition.
What reviewers say: “It’s well made and delightful. I actually have a variety of thick hair and most hairbrushes get caught up and create knots or don’t reach right down to my scalp. This does an exquisite job of gently combing out knots while also massaging my scalp.”
Courtesy of Sephora
Heeta Hair Shampoo Brush
Best Scalp Massager for Dandruff
- Material: Plastic and silicone
- Style of hair: Medium-thick to thick hair
- Special features: 10 colorways available
- Pros: Travel-friendly size
- Cons: Bristles may break with firm pressure
Heeta Hair Shampoo Brush’s firm bristles make it a wonderful option for those coping with dandruff. The bristles will help exfoliate buildup, dead skin, and product out of your scalp, so that you’re less more likely to brush off the flakes throughout the day. Try it together with your favorite dandruff shampoo and conditioner to make their advantages go the space.
What reviewers say: “I actually have extremely thick, long hair that was having a difficulty with construct up, totally on the back of my head where the hair is the thickest. I could scrub until my fingers were sore but my hair just never felt clean. I’m so glad I purchased this. My scalp feels clean like I just left the salon. I don’t have construct up or dandruff flakes anymore. My hair has more volume and just looks healthier.”
Courtesy of Amazon
Comfier Cordless Scalp Massager
Best Electric Scalp Massager
- Material: Plastic and soft silicone
- Style of hair: Medium-thick to thick hair
- Special features: Cordless, waterproof, 4 massage modes
- Pros: Deeper massage than manual scalp brushes
- Cons: May tangle positive, delicate hair
An electrical scalp massager is as heavenly because it sounds: The Comfier Cordless Scalp Massager makes a tremendous wellness gift for anyone. The high-tech option is cordless and waterproof so you’ll be able to take it within the shower, and it packs 21 massage suggestions that rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to level up your head rub. The massage suggestions are detachable for straightforward cleansing, too.
What reviewers say: “This head massager helps relieve the muscle tension on my scalp and could be very soothing. It’s ergonomic and simple to carry. I actually have long, thick, straight hair and have had no issues with this device tangling my hair to this point, which is sweet. I also like that it’s rechargeable.”
Courtesy of Amazon
Virtue Labs Flourish Manta Healthy Hair Brush
Best Scalp Massager for Thinning Hair
- Material: Silicone
- Style of hair: Superb hair
- Special features: Fully flexible
- Pros: Massages narrow areas, like behind the ears and on the nape of the neck
- Cons: May not lather shampoo on thick hair types
This fully flexible scalp brush is the perfect bet for those coping with thinning hair or hair loss — even the best hair types can use it safely. It features positive, gentle bristles and a malleable bristle pad that won’t tug in your strands. We love how this brush molds to your palm and your scalp for a seamless experience, and that it’s anti-static.
What reviewers say: “I actually have very positive and thin hair and I really enjoy using this brush. The bristles feel good against my scalp, the ergonomics of the handle are perfect for me, and I find only a few — if any — hairs in the comb after I finish styling. It’s also wonderful on wet hair to spread product like conditioner to your ends.”
Courtesy of Sephora
Act + Acre Scalp Gua Sha
Best Scalp Gua Sha
- Material: Natural jade mineral stone
- Style of hair: All hair types
- Special features: Individually hand cut from jade stone
- Pros: Weighty feel is soothing on the scalp
- Cons: Not meant for lathering shampoo
Those that can’t start their day without an excellent gua sha session will probably be thrilled to introduce the modality to their scalp. You need to use this luxury, hand-carved jade stone comb to distribute scalp serums or hair oil. Or flip it over to make use of the solid curved edge to release tension at the bottom of your skull or near your temples. The stone feels cool to the touch for extra soothing advantages.
What reviewers say: “I believed I’d use this occasionally with a scalp treatment but I now use it daily. Great for the scalp and using it with treatment — and likewise helps relieve scalp and neck tension (flip it and use the opposite side for this). I can’t go without this well-made comb.”
Courtesy of Bluemercury
Hairstory Scalp Massage Brush
Best Scalp Massager for Washing Your Hair
- Material: Silicone
- Style of hair: All hair types
- Special features: Flexible silicone bristles permit you to use firmer pressure
- Pros: Easy to grip within the shower
- Cons: Not to be used on dry hair
“Designed to be used within the shower, this scalp brush might help gently exfoliate and promote circulation,” Dr. Garshick explains. She likes this Hairstory Hair Scalp Massage Brush since the silicone bristles are gentle on the scalp and the tool is simple to make use of. This selection is great for individuals who need a deep clean without ruining their manicure — it lathers shampoo beautifully.
What reviewers say: “It’s not too wide to carry in your hand, and the little handle works perfect to maintain the comb in your palm when you scrub. The bristles are the right combo of firm and soft so it does the trick without over-stimulating your scalp.”
Courtesy of Hairstory
What to Search for in a Scalp Massager
Most scalp massagers have the same circular shape, but pay attention to the materials, bristles, and venting to search out the perfect option.
- Materials: Silicone is a commonly used material since it’s gentle on the scalp, Dr. Garshick notes. Some scalp brushes feature synthetic bristles much like what you’d find on a hair brush, but those kinds are tricky to make use of without tangling your hair.
- Bristles: Most scalp massagers employ cone-shaped bristles for gentle scrubbing, but yow will discover a variety of options in various degrees of thickness. “Thicker bristles are higher for fragile or curly hair and thinner bristles are higher to assist exfoliate and reduce product buildup,” explains Garshick. Also consider firmness — go for soft, pliable bristles to scale back your odds of scratching up your scalp.
- Venting: Scalp brushes which have detachable bristle pads are convenient for cleansing, but be wary of venting within the pad. Those tiny holes allow water and product to seep into the bottom of the massager, which may grow mildew and mold without proper cleansing and drying.
Meet the Expert
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a number one board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, Latest York at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, in addition to an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – Latest York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Garshick provides a wide selection of cosmetic and medical procedures and services including treatments for pimples, eczema, hyperhidrosis, moles, psoriasis, rosacea, signs of aging, skin cancer, skin tags, vitiligo, and wrinkles.
Meet the Creator
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She has five years of experience covering the beauty industry, so she knows a thing or two about hair care tools. To seek out the perfect scalp massagers, she interviewed a dermatologist for her insights on the protection and efficacy of those tools. She researched options for various hair textures and kinds, checked for high-quality materials on each option, and browse verified customer reviews to narrow down the list.
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