Massaging your scalp as part of your regular self-care could give you many benefits, including lowering the stress hormone cortisol, improving your immunity and reducing physical fatigue. In my research I found one study that showed improvements in hair growth, although that was carried out on men, (so I haven’t found anything on hair loss associated with the menopause). That said, head massage brings improved circulation to the scalp and that can only be a good thing in terms of hair health overall. See the study below which showed reduction in anxiety, anger and depression, using self-scalp massage.
Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2023;29(4):992-1005.
Published online: August 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52660/JKSC.2023.29.4.992
We can carry a lot of tension in our heads, neck and shoulders. This tension can lead to worry lines on the forehead, as the large forehead muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows, and frowning. This muscle is also part of a much larger muscle that extends over the scalp to the back of the head (occipitalfrontalis muscle). Helping the whole scalp to relax helps to relax the forehead and relax forehead lines.
Here are a few simple techniques to use to massage your own head. It’s great to do at the end of the day before you go to bed to help to reduce stress, anxiety and good for a sleep routine. Begin by sitting up and lengthening the spine
- Take a slow breath in and out.
- Rake your fingers through your hair working front to back.
- Then mimic shampooing your hair and aim to move and mobilise your scalp.
- Then use your thumbs to make circular movements at the very base of your skull. You can try pressure points here too just pressing a little deeper into the base of the skull on the bone (occipital bone)
- Make your hands into fists and tap all over the head
- Finish with gentle tapping, like raindrops all over the head and face. You’re done!
I like to add a jade comb too or a crystal mushroom to this routine. Jade is known for its protective and antiaging properties and the crystal mushroom made of quartz or rose quartz add another aspect to this lovely self-care ritual.
I’ve recently added Indian Head massage to my list of treatments offered, and it’s been quite popular too. But on reflection I’ve been doing head massage in one form or another since I was little. My sister Mandy used to pay me about 10p to massage her head. And at primary school, I used to get into trouble for plaiting my friend’s long hair at story time. If I only knew then what I know now, perhaps the teachers would have encouraged me instead!