Do Scalp Massagers Actually Work? | As Featured in Byrdie
Dr. Alexandra Bowles weighs in on whether or not scalp massagers actually stimulate hair growth. Read more and discover if this would be a good addition to your routine in Byrdie’s article.
What are the benefits of LED scalp massagers?
LED scalp massagers are a great tool to add to your routine. The red LED light helps increase blood flow to your scalp, which can promote healthier hair follicles. Blue light, on the other hand, has antibacterial benefits, so it can help keep the scalp clean, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or dandruff. The massage itself is really good for loosening up any product buildup, evenly spreading your natural oils, and even helping to relax any tension that could be affecting your scalp. It’s a nice way to treat your scalp with some extra care!
How do scalp massagers reduce dandruff?
Dandruff usually comes from a combination of things, like oil buildup, yeast overgrowth, or your skin’s natural shedding cycle being a little out of whack. A scalp massager can help by gently exfoliating your scalp, removing flakes and excess oils, and keeping things from getting too irritated. If you’re using a dandruff shampoo, like one with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione, the massager can help those ingredients really get to work. But make sure to be gentle with a scalp massage. Over-scrubbing can make things worse if you already have a sensitive scalp.
What materials for scalp massagers should one use/avoid?
When choosing a scalp massager, I tend to recommend silicone bristles. They’re soft, flexible, and easy to clean, which is important for maintaining good hygiene. I’d avoid massagers with hard plastic bristles, though—they can be a bit harsh and might irritate your scalp. Glass massagers can look nice, but they can be slippery in the shower, so I don’t usually recommend them. Metal ones can be soothing if they’re smooth, but just make sure the edges aren’t too sharp. If you have sensitive skin, go for something soft and gentle—it’ll help you avoid any unwanted irritation.
What routine + product/ingredient pairings do you recommend?
This depends on the patient! For patients struggling with dandruff, I recommend washing with an antifungal shampoo and allowing it to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. Using an LED scalp massager can help lift flakes, gently exfoliate, and refresh the scalp.
For those experiencing hair loss, I suggest washing gently two to three times a week, followed by the LED scalp massager. This helps improve blood flow while the red light therapy supports hair growth. If done gently, this routine can be performed daily. However, patients with brittle or thinning hair should avoid excessive manipulation, as it can lead to increased shedding.