10 best scalp massagers to help stimulate hair growth
Anyone else on a constant quest to make our hair grow faster and longer? While it might seem like an impossible task, scalp massagers may be the (very affordable) key.
Yes, those funny looking plastic things that have thick, silicone bristles can actually work wonders to help stimulate hair growth. And that’s not all. The best scalp massagers can also work to help relax you – we all know there’s no greater feeling than having somebody, anybody, play with your hair, and using a scalp massager can imitate that very satisfying motion.
If you’re wondering how exactly that’s possible, how (and when) to use scalp massagers, or which scalp massager you should spend your hard-earned money on, then keep reading, because we’ve got all the answers that you’re looking for.
What is a scalp massager?
“Scalp massagers are typically handheld, brush-like devices that work to stimulate and exfoliate the scalp like my. They tend to have soft silicone or synthetic bristles that help massage the scalp and buff away dry, flaky skin, product buildup and excess oil," says award winning hairdresser Lee Stafford. “The result is an environment for a happy, healthy scalp making them a great addition to anyone's routine."
How do scalp massagers work?
“Using a scalp massager stimulates the hair follicles and dilates the blood vessels beneath the skin encouraging thicker and healthier hair regrowth and a deep scalp cleanse,” explains Marina Binichis, Global Executive Vice President Marketing & Innovation at WetBrush.
What’s the best way to use a scalp massager?
“There aren't any hard and fast rules,” says Stafford. “Some scalp massagers are meant to be used on dry hair, while some of the most popular devices are used in the shower – which offer a gentle alternative to scrubbing and exfoliating your scalp with your fingers and nails. My top tip is read the instructions on your scalp massager so you know how to get the best results. The one I designed should be used in the shower, though, as I like to do the massage on wet hair so that any build-up is removed by the shampoo," he adds.
Do scalp massagers work to stimulate hair growth?
“The key to healthy hair starts with the scalp. When your scalp is laden with lingering dead skin cells and product build up, it makes it much harder for your hair to grow and thrive properly,” explains Stafford. “According to research, scalp massage increases hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles. This, in turn, stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. It’s also thought that a scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby encouraging hair growth as more nutrients go the hair follicle.”
Is it OK to use a scalp massager every day?
In short, yes – it is OK to use a scalp massager every day, or each time you wash your hair because there's no such thing as using one too often. But if that feels like too much effort or you don't always have the time for an indulgent head massage, Stafford says you can get away with using a scalp massager every week. And remember light to medium pressure is best; anything rougher or harder can (and will) irritate your skin.
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Best scalp massagers at a glance:
- Best scalp massager for sensitive scalps = Denman Be-Bop Massager, £5 lookfantastic.com
- Best scalp massager for thick hair = Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, £16 cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best scalp massager for itchy scalps = Flora & Curl Scalp Refresh Massager, £12 lookfantastic.com
- Best scalp massager to exfoliate = Hello Klean Exfoliating Scalp Brush, £8 cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best scalp massager for scalp health = Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator And Massager, £8 lookfantastic.com
- Best high street scalp massager = Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush, £6 boots.com
- Best scalp massager to remove product build-up = Tropic Scalp Massager, £8 tropicskincare.com
- Best scalp massager to use with shampoo = Wetbrush Scalp Brush, £12.99 lookfantastic.com
- Best scalp massager for a deep cleanse = Centred Signature Scalp Massager, 12.50 feelunique.com
- Best affordable scalp massager = Kent Shampoo And Scalp Massage Brush, £3.30 feelunique.com
Scroll for our full edit of the best scalp massagers of 2022.
Best scalp massager for sensitive scalps
Denman Be-Bop Massager, £5 lookfantastic.com
A brand loved and trusted by hairdressers for years, this scalp massager is made with extra soft plastic pins, and the secure, easy-to-hold handle makes it good for a gentle, stimulating effect and can be used while you’re shampooing, or post-wash to help distribute styling products like gel and wax. Plus, it’s super affordable – a win, win situation.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best scalp massager for thick hair
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, £16 cultbeauty.co.uk
Briogeo is a brand inspired by New York, and it’s aim is to simplify every part of your hair care routine, and this scalp massager is no exception. Continued use will help boost overall hair health, as well as improving strength and growth. Featuring rubber bristles that can be pressed into the scalp with light or medium pressure, you can use it alone on wet and dry hair, or use it to help massage in your usual shampoo, oil or other treatment.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best scalp massager for itchy scalps
Flora & Curl Scalp Refresh Massager, £12 lookfantastic.com
Made with silicone bristles, this scalp brush-cum-massager works to help exfoliate the scalp, sloughing away dead and dull dandruff-causing skin cells. It also helps cleanse the scalp whilst reducing the risk of having unwanted product build up thanks to the innovative bristle design that helps to unclog dirt and sebum.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best scalp massager to exfoliate
Hello Klean Exfoliating Scalp Brush, £8 cultbeauty.co.uk
Fresh from the brand that brought us the water purifying shower filter, Hello Klean has launched its Exfoliating Scalp Brush designed go help boost hair health right from the very first go. It’s moulded to fit snugly in the palm of your hand to quickly and easily get rid of dull, dead cells to ensure hair is as healthy as it can be.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best scalp massager to for scalp health
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator And Massager, £8, lookfantastic.com
This scalp massager comes recommended by The International Trichology Congress, a world-leading educational and networking platform for specialists with interest in hair and hair loss, and it’s something of a multi-tasking wonder. It's made with dual teeth that not only work to help detox the scalp and get rid of any build up of product, but it works to give your scalp an incredibly satisfying massage too. The unique design fits in all hand sizes and won’t ever slip away – not even when you use it in water. Clever.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best highstreet scalp massager
Lee Stafford Shampoo Massage Brush, £6, boots.com
You can always rely on Lee Stafford to inject a bit of fun into your shower routine, and this pink scalp massager will do just that. Ideal for cleansing and exfoliating your scalp with, you can pair it with your usual shampoo to work up extra lather – plus, the handle has been designed ergonomically so it’s easy to hold, even when your hands are wet.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these Boots discount codes.
Best scalp massager to remove product build-up
Tropic Scalp Massager, £8, tropicskincare.com
Consider this the perfect shape to sit in the palm of your hand, this tool has tips made from silicone that will work to stimulate the scalp follicles by boosting blood circulation, encouraging all the nutrients to rush to the surface, which will – over time – encourage hair to grow longer, stronger and healthier.
Best scalp massager to use with shampoo
Wetbrush Scalp Brush, £12.99, lookfantastic.com
The most unique of the bunch, this scalp massager from Wetbrush has flexible, soft silicone bristles to gently exfoliate your scalp without pulling or tangling hair, plus it can be loaded with shampoo, conditioner or other hair treatment for your best hair wash yet.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best scalp massager for a deep cleanse
Centred Signature Scalp Massager, £12.50, feelunique.com
As chic as it is useful, this massaging brush will thoroughly cleanse every part of your scalp for the best hair wash of your life. Apply medium pressure to help increase overall blood circulation while also exfoliating away dead skin and any product build up.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these FeelUnique discount codes.
Best affordable scalp massager
Kent Shampoo And Scalp Massage Brush, £3.30, feelunique.com
The most cheap and cheerful of the lot, Kent is a brand that creates some of the best and most well-loved hair brushes in the world. This one is perfect for applying and evenly distributing both shampoo and conditioner in order to make hair easier to brush and more manageable.
Save when you shop for the best scalp massagers with these FeelUnique discount codes.
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