Hair Loss and Scalp Massage

Many people prefer to opt for alternative medicine, holistic remedies and more natural treatments for some conditions.

Occasionally hair experts at Belgravia are asked whether there is a more natural treatment for hair loss, such as regular scalp massage.

Here we explain why scalp massages may be beneficial for hair growth, but will not treat hair loss.

Scalp massage can increase blood flow to the hair follicles

Certainly a scalp massage can help to increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, which will nourish the hair follicles and can strengthen the hair roots. This is why Belgravia's clinical treatment sessions include scalp massage. In addition, any type of massage is great for relaxation and de-stressing, which can also be a contributing factor with hair loss.

Although good blood circulation is an important component for healthy hair, there is no scientific indication that scalp massage can help hair grow. According to Belgravia's senior hair loss specialist, Leonora Doclis: “Scalp massage enhances general blood circulation and relieves scalp tension. However, massage alone has neither effect on hair growth nor helps to stabilise hair loss.”

While it is a commonly held belief that improved blood circulation from regular scalp massage will help to stop hair loss there is no evidence to support this.

Furthermore, if you are suffering from Male Pattern Baldness or Female Pattern Hair Loss, helping the testosterone-byproduct - DHT - which causes the symptomatic thinning hair, to circulate may, in theory, increase hair loss.

Effective hair loss treatments

There are only two clinically-proven treatments for hair loss. First there is Minoxidil which is used topically on both men and women.  Propecia - finasteride 1mg - is the second hair loss treatment, which is just for men and is taken as an oral tablet.

These are the only hair loss treatments that are currently licensed by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We find that when used alongside the appropriate hair growth supporting products, these two treatments - in tandem, or individually - can provide a safe and highly effective solution for hair loss.

As Minoxidil  is used as a topical solution some clients wonder whether massaging the scalp with this product will make it more effective. Doclis warns that whilst “massaging these products into the scalp may aid absorption, it does not boost the effectiveness of the products.  However, some of our clients complain that their scalp is sore or it feels tight.  This is where a scalp massage may help.”

While scalp massage isn’t a solution for hair loss, regular gentle massaging of the scalp can help to reduce tension. For clients that are experiencing a dry itchy scalp gentle massaging with a bit of warm oil can help to relieve dryness and increase suppleness.

How to do a traditional scalp massage

Slightly warm a small amount of oil.  Start along the hairline with your fingers spread out along the crown.  Apply a small amount of pressure and move your fingers in a small circular motion. Slowly massage over the head and down towards the neckline. 

Next, complete the same circular motion on each side of the head by massaging above the temple, behind the ears and down to the neck. 

Once you have covered the whole head you can repeat the process with slightly more pressure. 

For extra conditioning you can leave the massage oil in the hair for up to 30 minutes before shampooing out.   If you have any cuts, swelling or irritation on the scalp you should forgo the scalp massage until it has healed.