The Scalp Massage: Benefits and Tips for Fine Hair
Last updated on November 13th, 2024 at 05:31 pm
There are times during the year when your hair seems to grow and flourish. I’m talking about sprouting like weeds, doing the sexy hair growth dance!
Then, there’s those times when you have to question if your hair is really growing at all. It’s as if your hair decides to take a break from doing anything productive to help you reach your hair length goals.
During the warmer months, my hair seems to be gaining in length and looking fuller. Then it seems like as soon as winter rolls around my hair goes on “vacation” and refuses to cooperate and grow. I know you know what I’m talking about.
Even if winter isn’t your season, you DO have a season!
Well, I don’t know about you but I’m tired of my hair slowing up on the growth when it feels like it (or when the weather dictates). So, it’s high time to wake up those hair follicles and encourage them to do what they do during the rest of the year.
Enter the Scalp Massage…
It seems like such a mundane task but the scalp massage is an important part of a healthy hair regimen and it has two main benefits:
- Increasing blood flow in the scalp
- Encouraging the stimulation of sebum in the scalp
Each of these benefits leads us to reaching an ultimate goal of hair growth. The increased blood flow in the scalp stimulates hair growth. The increased sebum production helps strengthen the roots of the hair while also providing your strands with “nature’s moisturizer.”
The more sebum your scalp produces, the more likely that sebum can travel down your strands to moisturize and lubricate them.
Now, this is not easy for those of us with curly hair but the scalp massage can improve those odds. Plus, when you are massaging your scalp, you can run your fingers down your hair to distribute some of that sebum.
Tips for Doing Scalp Massages When You Have Fine Hair
Now, that you see how beneficial the scalp massage can be, here are some tips for doing it so that your fine hair is protected:
- Make sure your nails are trimmed. A hang nail can wreak havoc on even the thickest of strands but when your hair is fine, all it takes is a small piece of nail to rip a strand in two.
- Remove all hand jewelry. This includes rings and bracelets. Just like with the hang nail, jewelry can cause your hair unnecessary breakage if it’s caught in your strands.
- Use a light oil or no oil at all. While using an oil during a scalp massage can be helpful to some, it can also weigh fine hair down. In some cases, an oil can even hinder some of that sebum production just using the pads of your fingers devoid of any added product is best. If you must use an oil, try Jojoba (which really isn’t an oil. See: What is Jojoba? ) It’s the closest substance to your natural sebum.
- Avoid scalp massagers made with metal or end pieces that can come apart like this one:
This type of scalp massager tangles terribly in fine natural hair and causes breakage. If you want to use a tool to massage your scalp other than your fingers, use one made of rubber and/or plastic like this one:
Let the scalp massage get you through those slow periods of hair growth. Show those strands who’s boss!
A Prayer for Our Hair:
Lord God Almighty, you have created us in a fearful and wonderful way. Please never let us take for granted the beauty of your creation. In Jesus Name Amen.
