Nightly Scalp Massage: Secret to a Stimulated Scalp
If you aren’t familiar with having a nightly scalp massage routine, let me introduce you. I find that massaging the scalp nightly is the key to stimulating blood flow in your scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth and, at times, an increased rate of growth. Using a DIY scalp massage oil can boost those results even further, and I’ll share three of my favorites later in this post.
Here’s a Quick Video Demonstrating The Scalp Massage
Sometimes I will use the Vanity Planet Scalp Massager, but I don’t always use it. You can totally massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers like I’m doing in this video. It’s just as relaxing and just as effective.
It’s worth the effort to develop a nightly scalp massage routine. You don’t always have to use an oil, but massaging your scalp with a warm oil containing natural herbs known for promoting hair growth will really keep your scalp stimulated.
Benefits of a Nightly Scalp Massage
Taking the time to massage your scalp nightly yields great benefits for your scalp and overall well-being:
- Improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair growth
- Reduces stress, which can lead to premature hair shedding
- Strengthens the roots of the hair shaft
- Helps distribute natural oils in the scalp
- Reduces overstimulation of natural oil in the scalp
- Promotes better sleep
It’s the actual act of the massage that helps with the stimulation, not the application of an oil. When using an oil, you’re boosting the effects of the massage because the oil will penetrate your scalp, feeding your cells and tissues vital nutrients.
While the scalp massage routine shared is a nightly routine, I suggest you only do it nightly for a week. Then, you want to take a break for a few days and consider changing up the oil you use.
You don’t want your hair to get too used to certain nutrients. While it won’t hurt, it’s good to change the oil you use once in a while.
If you have fine natural hair, there are some specific things to keep in mind when doing your scalp massage. See: The Scalp Massage: Benefits and Tips for Fine Hair
DIY Scalp Massaging Oils
In the video, I’m using one of my favorite herbal hair oils: Shar Naturals Fresh Herbs & Ayurvedic Oil. It contains oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender, basil, green tea, shikakai, bhringraj, Brahmi, and so much more.
While that oil is great for stimulating the scalp, I do sometimes like to create my own herbal hair oils.
There are many DIY oils you can create to massage your scalp, but below I share three that are great for stimulating your scalp. Simply mix the ingredients in the measurements as directed and massage away.
DIY Amla Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp. amla powder
- 1 tbsp. fenugreek powder
Combine ingredients into a saucepan and warm on the stove over a low flame to allow the coconut oil to melt. As the mixture warms, it will change to a brownish color. Stir with a spoon, allow to cool, and pour oil into an applicator bottle.
Optional: Strain out any undissolved herbal powders using a cheese cloth or coffee filter.
Want to purchase amla oil? Henna Sooq carries an organic Amla oil here.
DIY Pure Oil Mix
- 2 tbsp. jojoba oil
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 15 drops of peppermint oil
- 3 drops tea tree oil
- 3 drops rosemary oil
DIY Hair Growth Oil
- 4 oz of Castor Oil
- 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- Dash of MSM Powder (optional)
- Dash of Vitamin C Powder (optional)
Mix well and use warm. Do not microwave.
Note: Opt to use organic oils and herbs whenever possible. Purity = potency and better results.
Hair Oil Ingredient Benefits
The ingredients used in my DIY hair growth oils are potent. So that you have a clearer understanding of each, the benefits are listed out for you:
| Oil/Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Castor Oil | Rich in ricinoleic acid; improves blood circulation in the scalp; slows down moisture loss; may reduce excessive hair shedding |
| Coconut Oil | Penetrates the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight; reduces protein loss, prevents breakage, and adds shine |
| Jojoba Oil | Closely mimics natural sebum; balances scalp oil production, softens hair |
| Olive Oil | High in vitamin E and other antioxidants; conditions strands, seals in moisture, and increases elasticity to reduce breakage |
| Peppermint Essential Oil | Contains menthol, which stimulates circulation and may awaken dormant hair follicles; leaves a cooling, tingling sensation on the scalp |
| Tea Tree Essential Oil | Antimicrobial and antifungal properties help clear clogged follicles; soothes itchy scalp; reduces dandruff |
| Rosemary Essential Oil | Boosts circulation to the scalp; often compared to minoxidil for promoting thicker growth; reduces shedding |
| Amla Powder | Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants; strengthens hair roots, boosts collagen production, and helps prevent premature greying |
| Fenugreek Powder | Rich in protein and nicotinic acid; strengthens hair to reduce breakage; helps combat dandruff |
| MSM Powder | A sulfur compound that supports keratin production; strengthens hair structure; may improve elasticity and growth rate |
