Head massages have benefits such as hair growth promotion, lowered blood pressure, and more. They may be beneficial for headaches as well.
A head massage feels fabulous. In addition to the sensory pleasure it offers, it may also ease headache symptoms, reduce stress, and possibly boost hair growth.
The best part? You can learn how to do one at home or visit a massage therapist for an expert head massage.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of a head massage, how to do one yourself, and what to expect if you get a professional head massage.
Sarah Monreal, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Wayfare Wellness, says the benefits depend on the type of head massage you get.
For example, she offers cranial-sacral massage therapy, which is a gentle massage technique that focuses on the central nervous system of the head, spinal column, and sacrum.
This type of head massage is often used to:
- release tension
- ease migraine and headache pain
- reduce stress
- promote relaxation
That said, Monreal points out that even less specialized massages, like the type you do at home, may help reduce stress and tension, condition the scalp, and improve blood circulation in your head and neck area.
Here are a few other benefits of a head massage.
Many people turn to head, neck, and shoulder massages as a natural remedy for alleviating headaches and migraine episodes.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point massage, self-massage, and acupressure can help relieve tension headaches by relaxing strained muscles and alleviating pain.
While specific research on head massages for headaches is limited, some studies suggest that massage therapy, especially at certain points in the upper neck and back of the head, could reduce headache frequency and intensity.
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If your hair is thinning or not as thick as it used to be, you may want to consider a scalp massage.
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The authors of the study believe this may be because a head massage can help promote blood circulation, which has a positive effect on the relaxation of blood vessels and neck muscles.
The beauty of a head massage is that you can do it yourself. All you need are your fingertips — massage oil is optional.
If you prefer, you can use a scalp massaging tool instead of your fingertips. These tools come in the form of brushes or handheld silicone massagers. You can work the massaging tool all over your scalp in the same way you’d use your fingertips.
To give yourself a head massage, follow these steps:
- Sit down in a comfortable chair. If you’re using oil, make sure to put a towel around your neck and on the chair to catch any drips.
- Begin by applying light to medium pressure on your head with your fingertips or massage tool. If you’re using oils, dip your fingertips in the oil, then proceed with the massage.
- Move around your scalp in small circular motions.
- Massage for a minimum of 5 minutes, making sure to cover your entire head.
- You can wash the oil out with shampoo.
Scalp massages are also a good way to connect with your partner. Try giving each other an at-home head massage with these tips from Monreal:
- Have your partner lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. If you’re using essential oils, start with just a few drops and always dilute in a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil). Dip your fingertips in the oil.
- Focus on delivering slow, gentle strokes on your partner’s head and work up to light circular motions that go across their head.
- Use your thumbs to gently massage their neck as well.
Although you can do a head massage without oil, you may like the aroma and added benefits of using essential oils.
While you can use any oil of your choice, some essential oils seem to pair better with this relaxing massage.
“We love to use essential oils whenever possible,” says Monreal. “Two of our favorite essential oils for a head massage are lavender oil and peppermint oil, but you can even opt for coconut oil if you prefer.” Coconut is a carrier oil good for diluting essential oils. Jojoba and sweet almond are a few others.
Kathy Sadowski, MS in aromatherapy and registered aromatherapist says if you want to use oil for a head massage, jojoba or sweet almond are both good choices because they won’t clog your pores.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Trying out a new-to-you essential oil on a large area of skin? It’s important to do a patch test to see how your skin will react. Here’s how to do one:
- Wash your forearm with mild, unscented soap, then pat dry.
- Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil onto a small patch of skin on your forearm.
- Cover the area with a bandage and keep it dry for 24 hours. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, irritation, or discomfort, immediately remove the bandage and wash the area with soap and water. Discontinue use of the essential oil. If you don’t experience any irritation within 24 hours, the essential oil is likely safe for use.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should review the pregnancy guidelines from the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) to avoid oils that could cause problems.
Giving yourself a head massage is both easy and very affordable. But sometimes, you may want to have a professional do the work.
If you’re interested in a professional scalp massage, there are a few things you should know before booking an appointment.
“When you seek out a professional cranial-sacral massage, you can expect a very soothing and relaxing massage,” says Monreal. During your session, the massage therapist will focus on delivering light strokes to your entire skull and neck.
Monreal says they may also work to gently manipulate the bones of your skull and spine to normalize the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system.
“With a more normal flow, that fluid will help enhance your body’s natural ability to heal itself,” she explains.
Monreal says you can expect a professional massage session to last about 45 minutes to an hour. “Throughout the session, you will communicate with your massage therapist to ensure that your needs are being addressed appropriately and effectively,” she says.
At Monreal’s clinic, a 45-minute cranial-sacral massage would likely cost around $60.
The exact cost can vary depending on where you live. Before making an appointment, check with the massage therapist about pricing.
A head massage offers many benefits, whether you use your own fingertips or you get one from a professional.
A head massage may help relieve stress and reduce tension. It may also ease migraine or headache pain, lower blood pressure, improve circulation to your head and neck, and promote hair growth.
Before using essential oils, make sure they’re diluted, and do a patch test before using on a large area of skin. If you’re pregnant or nursing, be sure to review the types of oils to avoid.