Can Head Massage Regrow Hair? Do Scalp Massagers Work?
I have been doing a lot of research as I was wondering can head massage regrow hair? I had Alopecia areata, which is a condition that causes hair loss in round patches on the scalp.
This is an autoimmune reaction and hair often grows back after 6 months. Obviously this was very distressing but my hair did grow back!
I did try massaging the bald patches but was unsure if this had any real effect. I believe the regrowth of the hair was probably a natural regrowth after the stress that caused it had passed but regular head massage did help to relax me… so maybe massage is just part of the picture?
Androgenic alopecia, which is male and female pattern baldness is different from Alopecia areata. The classic thinning on the top of the head in men and also women is rarely reversible, especially for men, but can be reduced with drugs as well as massage.
Some of my other articles on handheld massagers –
- Are There Any Eye Massager Side Effects? Are They Safe?
- Best Handheld Massager Reviews [Buyers Guide] 2020 – Top 25
Can hair grow back after balding?
This depends on whether the follicle has disappeared or closed. In this case, as it stands, the hair will not grow back.
There are some things you can do to slow down the hair loss however.
These include, oral medication such as finasteride which is the generic name of Propecia. This has to be prescribed by a physician. Research has shown that use of this drug can slow down or even delay hair loss. 90% of patients in clinical trial either gained hair or did not lose any over a 5 year period (source)
Topical medication such as Rogaine is an over the counter medication which stimulates hair growth by prolonging the growth cycle. If you need a higher percentage formulation you will need to see your doctor for a prescription.
Herbal supplements such as palmetto are also very popular and available over the counter without a prescription.
Head massage has been shown in research trials to thicken and also regrow hair. (source)
Increasing blood flow to the hair follicles during the growth phase can promote nutrition to the cells. Massaging the scalp regularly can achieve this very successfully.
How often should I massage my head for hair growth?
Regularly massaging your scalp every day for at least 5 minutes will be beneficial to hair growth and slowing down any loss of hair. Increasing the blood flow to the follicles will promote thickening and reduction in follicle death.
How do you massage your head to regrow hair?
Circular motions with light pressure is adequate to increase blood flow and beneficial nutrients to the affected areas. If you can get someone to do this for you then win win or you could try a head massager machine which will do the same job but with less stress getting someone to do it for you!
How to stimulate hair growth in a bald spot
Any form of massage on the sclap has been shown through research to promote hair growth, the health of the hair follicles and reduce the rate of hair loss.
Regular daily massage of the scalp with your fingers will help but can be difficult to maintain. The circular motion and gentle pressure necessary is easier to do by using a specific head massager.
You can use the handheld massagers or the full head massage machines. They all do the same job but the electric head massagers will obviously be more effective as they are provide consistent pressure to the thinning or bald areas.
Will the hair regrow on bald spot with natural treatments?
Natural suppliments such as palmetto can help to reduce thinning and baldness as can regular scalp massage.
A combination of the two will be more beneficial and the added relaxation produced by a head massage will increase feelings of well- being and reduce overall stress.
How can I regain my lost hair?
Much recent research has shown that there are a number of ways to regain lost hair for certain types of hair loss. If the hair follicle is still able to produce hair then you can try oral medication such as finasteride or topical creams, herbal remedies and of course regular daily scalp massage.
Are head massagers safe and Can Head Massage Regrow Hair
Hand held massagers for scalp massage are very safe, effective and fun to use! The massage provided by an electric head massager will stimulate blood flow and nurtients to the hair follicles.
Many modern head massagers are extremely effective for this and have the added heat settings to further stimulate the scalp.
Are head massagers good for you
Apart from the proven success of regular scalp massage for hair growth, the added relaxation and stimulation will produce the ‘feel good hormone’ (Dopamine). This will give a feeling of well-being and promote restful sleep.
Best head massager for hair growth
*Some of the following links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
This will depend on your budget but I like this one from LATME – Electric Scalp Massager (Amazon link) as a lower priced hand held head massager.
A top of the range full head massager such as the Breo iDream5 (Amazon link) would be a fabulous gadget to have but it is significantly more expensive, but you’re paying for the functionality and effectiveness plus the added advantage of an eye massager.
If you want an effective regular scalp massage to reduce or even regrow hair then the top of the range full head massager is the best massager you could chose.
You could start off with the budget handheld massager to see if you actually like a head massager (though who wouldn’t?!) then if you do enjoy it and find improvement, you could invest in one of the more sophisticated electric full head massagers.
References:
- Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss) (source)
- Adverse Effects and Safety of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride): A Systematic Review (source)
- Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue (source)