Electric Scalp Massagers 101: A Buyer’s Guide (Recommendations Included!)
Table of Contents
You Gotta Check Out This Video!
Head massage has been around for ages; according to leaf, as long as some 1000 years ago. While browsing YouTube, I came across an epic video that I had to share with you. Words can do it no justice, so you’ll just have to watch it! (all credit to: Hitesh Pankuta)
Hows about that for a head massage!? Having a bad day, here let me make it even worse! Bam! And if that wasn’t enough, here’s another. If that doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed, I’ve lost all hope for you my friend!
On A More Serious Note….
Head and scalp massage not only feels ridiculously good, but has tons of benefits also (more on that later).
If you’re not already doing it, you best get on that bandwagon and join the rest of us!
Scalp Massage & Head Massage Are 2 Different Things
Before we go any further, is there a difference between head and scalp massage or are they essentially the same thing?
And the answer is….no, they’re not quite the same. When people refer to head massage, they really mean to say Indian head massage (or IHM for short). IHM is a seated massage in which a therapist will focus on the neck, head, shoulders and back. Here’s some cool IHM benefits if you’re interested in reading more.
A scalp massage on the other hand is entirely focused on the scalp. Both IHM and scalp massage are awesome, but it’s important to remember they’re not the same thing.
Right, now that we got that outta the way, let’s look at 4 of the best electric scalp massagers for hair growth!
My 4 Best Electric Scalp Massagers!
After extensive research I have come up with a shortlist of the 4 best electric scalp massagers. The table below compares all 4.
The Breo I-Scalp is my personal favorite electric scalp massager. It’s sleek, portable, very easy to use, and travel friendly!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
Designed To Be Used In The Shower
The device is made of IPX7 waterproofed material, which means shower use is 100% safe. I love the fact that this can be used while in the shower, as it allows me to massage my scalp with shampoo or conditioner even!
Massage Heads Are Detachable!
If you massage your scalp with oils (which you should—more on that later!), you know it doesnt take much for things to get messy. That being said, having detachable heads makes for a more easier and manageable clean up.
Variable Speed Intensities!
Variable speed/intensity is one thing I always look for in an electric massager. This particular device features both a low speed and a high speed option. In addition, massage heads can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
A Little Pricey!
Love everything about the Breo I-Scalp. That being said, it is a tad pricey. However, if you look at competing products, there’s not too much out there that is cheaper and can compete.
Upon first glance, this looks like a mini vacuum robot! If you’re looking for an ultra portable scalp massager, this is definitely a product you should consider!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
28 Individual Massage Nodes!
There are 4 massage heads, each one consisting of 7 individual nodes. Why is it important to have “many” nodes? The more nodes, the more contact points there will be on your scalp that get massaged. In other words, the result is a more “focused” massage, if you will!
Waterproof With Rechargeable Battery!
This boasts a lot of the same awesome features that we discussed previously in the Breo, such as 2 adjustable speeds, rechargeable battery with base, and the device is waterproof as well. The only major difference with this one is that the battery has over charge protection.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Not Quite As Ergonomic!
Its important that a scalp massager be ergonomic. If its not, then holding and using the device becomes challenging. I dont quite like the shape of this device, as I feel it takes away from the ergonomics. If you have small hands, it becomes especially awkward to hold and grip on.
Nowhere close to the previously discussed Breo I-Scalp, but still a decent buy all things considered. Let’s discuss the positives!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
It's Cheap!
The perfect option for anyone on a budget. As far as electric scalp massagers go, this is by far one of the cheapest Ive come across! That being said, it does have limited capabilities in what it can do. This device only vibrates, whereas the previous 2 we discussed can do a kneading massage.
I Like The 'Claws'
The 2 massagers we previously reviewed both use rotating massage heads. This uses round finger like claws to stimulate the scalp. Which is better? I think the claw design would be better if the claws were longer and could rotate, which unfortunately they dont.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
AAA Batteries (Good & Bad!)
This scalp massager makes use of AAA batteries instead of a traditional lithium ion. AAAs are alright. I guess my only issue is having to spend $$$ on replacement batteries!
Not Too Fond Of The Long Shape!
Its long, cylindrical shape makes massaging the top of the scalp a little awkward. As weve already discussed, ergonomics play an important role for any massager, not just scalp!
Is this a hair brush? You’d be very mistaken if you thought so!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
Awesome For Those Shower Scrubs!
This is one of those things Id leave in my shower all the time. It works particularly well with a shampoo scrub, and the vibrating feature definitely adds a nice touch!
Perfect If You Suffer From Itchy Scalp!
Scratching and picking the crud of your scalp with your fingers is kinda nasty. This is far more effective, much cleaner, and feels a heck of a lot better!
Comfortable & Easy To Use!
Operation is foolproof. Only a single button which if pushed once enables “regular” mode, pushed twice enables “pulse” mode, and thrice turns off the unit.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Unfortunately Vibration Alone Is Not Enough
Vibration scalp massagers are awesome, don’t get me wrong. But vibration alone is not enough to effectively stimulate the scalp’s nerves. You need more a lot more to see the real benefits!
The Color (I'm Being Overly Picky!)
Cant choose anything other than pink, so youll just have to suck it up buttercup! In all seriousness, pink isnt my favorite color either, but for what its worth, does it really matter anyways?
An incredibly simple design that’s highly effective!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
Simple Design!
No charging, no batteries, no modes, and no buttons, just a simple scalp brush thats simple and foolproof! Most people want the “bells and whistles” (myself included), but fail to see the beauty in simplicity.
Perfect For Cleaning!
All it takes is a few strokes back, forth, side to side and your scalp will be a heck of a lot cleaner than before! Id suggest using it in the shower with shampoo/conditioner applied to your hair.
Very Easy To Hold & Use
I think this can be attributed to the slightly elongated handle attached to the massager. This ultimately makes it easier to hold. Its small details like this that make all the difference in the end!
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Limited In Its Massaging Capabilities
A fantastic product overall, and as much as I love it, it doesnt do much as far as massage is concerned. What it does do is clean and scratch the scalp, which is awesome dont get me wrong! Its just that scalp massage requires a lot more stimulation than simply scratching, and the Maxsoft scalp care brush falls short to that regard. Still a fantastic product nonetheless!
Very similar to the Maxsoft scalp brush discussed above, with a few differences!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
Contains Tourmaline!
What the heck is tourmaline, and why do I care? In layman terms, tourmaline is basically a mineral of sorts that helps provide an extra shine to your hair!
Fits In The Palm!
Dont believe me? Check out the pic above! Because of how small it is, it makes for an awesome travel accessory. Simply toss it in your travel kit!
Bristles Are Stiff, But Not Sharp
Sharp bristles can actually damage your scalp instead of cleaning and massaging it. The bristles (or spikes) on this scalp brush are perfect. Theyre stiff enough to clean and stimulate, but at the same time not sharp enough to cause damage.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Longer Bristles Would Make It Even Better!
Being a little picky here, but this needs to be mentioned for the sake of completeness. Having longer bristles would be a definite advantage, especially for those who have hair thats either thick, curly, or long. It just makes it that much more easier to get to the “hard to reach” spots of the scalp.
“Tinglers” as I like to call them. These things feel awesome!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
Love The Sensation!
Ever tried one of these before? If not, youre missing out! The sensation is very different from scratching with a brush or kneading with an electric scalp massager. To me it almost feels similar to a tickle. Okay, maybe a little more intense than a tickle!
Highly Versatile
These tinglers can be used for just about anything! Do you love a good back scratch? This works wonderfully for that! Some people have noted that it also makes for a great dog massager. I personally wouldnt know about this, but sure why not!
Low Intensity
If youre looking for a low intensity massage experience, without vibration or kneading, this is something you may wish to consider. Even though I generally prefer deep, intense massage, I understand theres a time and place for everything.
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Tangling Could Be An Issue
If you have short hair, you likely wont have any issues with hair tangling. Tangling is more so an issue for folks with long, thick hair. However, if you spend some time combing and detangling your hair before you massage, you really should have no problem!
It may be cheap and come in a pack of 4, but this is still a no nonsense scalp brush that’s highly effective!
What I Like About It (AKA Pros)
4 Pack & A Comb!
For how much it costs, it comes with a 4 pack and a comb. What do I think about that? Fantastic deal!
Travel Friendly
Because of how small they are and how little they weigh, these scalp brushes are great for travel!
What I Don’t Like About It (AKA Cons)
Bristles Too Short For Long Hair
Measuring about 1/2 an inch long, the bristles on these scalp brushes are not as effective on long, thick hair. This isnt an issue for anyone with short to medium hair, however.
6 Things To Consider Before Buying A Scalp Massager!
If you’re in the market for a scalp massager, you’ll want to spend time doing some research before you buy. Here’s 6 things I would personally consider!
Go through the 6 considerations above, and decide what’s most important to you. Ultimately, your decision will either lead you towards an electric or non electric option!
5 Reasons To Start Massaging Your Scalp Today!
“Scalp? Nah. Neck massage-Now that’s what I could use!” That’s me about a good 2 years ago. Young, dumb, and stupid, to say the least. But then i got older, and noticed a freakish change in my body:
Hair loss was happening, and boy it wasn’t slowing down!
So I decided to give this whole scalp massage thing a shot. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try! Below are the 5 things I discovered.
#1 Believe It Or Not, It’s Incredibly Refreshing!
If You’ve Ever Had Your Scalp Massaged At A Salon Before, You Know How Awesome It Feels!
This one really startled me. What I was expecting is nowhere close to what the actual massage felt like. I was expecting a “hair tugging, migraine inducing, get me outta here!” type of deal, but boy was I in for a surprise.
This felt incredible. Melt your stress away incredible. Clear your mind from the clutter incredible. Anxiety be gone incredible. You get the point! And that’s not even the best part. The best part about scalp massage is that anyone can do it. Unlike back, leg, or shoulders, you don’t need to know anything about anatomy.
Take your fingers, get creative, and feel the magic!
Don’t believe me? Just ask my mum! She’s been my scalp massage specialist for the last few decades! Don’t fancy someone else touching your noggin, check out how to self scalp massage below (all credit to Howcast).
#2 And It Clears My Mind!
Scalp massages aren’t just relaxing, they help clear and declutter the mind. Ever had one of those days where your mind feels like it’s about to explode at any moment? For me this happens when I spend hours upon hours on my laptop. It gets to a point where I can’t work anymore, even if i want to.
If i had to describe the feeling in one word, i’d say overdrive!
Scalp massage dials me down a notch, and helps my mind feel fresh and rejuvenated. Overdrive no more!
#3 It’s Great For The Hair!
No surprises here. A scalp massage can significantly improve hair health, and yes there is the science to back it up. Here’s what a good scalp rub can do for your hair:
Makes Your Hair More Thicker—I found this one a little surprising, but hey I’ll take it! Don’t believe me? Here’s a research paper on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website that concludes an increased hair thickness after scalp massage in Japanese men!
What About Hair Growth?—Does scalp massage really promote hair growth? There’s a fella by the name of J.D Moyer who wrote an inspiring article titled “How I Thickened My Hair And Advanced My Hairline With A Simple Massage Technique (And No Drugs)”. If you’re a skeptic, go check out his article!
And Hair Loss?—This one I can personally speak to. Every time I’ve massaged my scalp, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hair loss. This usually lasts for about a week or two, and then hair loss returns to normal if I don’t massage again. Does it reduce hair loss? I certainly think so, at least based on my experience!
It Conditions The Hair—At the end of a scalp massage, my hair not only looks shinier but it feels great as well. A quick run through with my fingers and I can tell how much softer the hair is!
All in all, scalp massage is an awesome way to keep your hair healthy. Try it for yourself and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
#4 A Quick Remedy For Headaches!
Can’t get away from headaches, unfortunately we all suffer from them.
Pro tip: Next time your head hurts, skip the painkillers for a relaxing scalp rub!
Not sure how? Don’t worry, because as always I got ya covered! The following video from ExpertVillage shows exactly how to massage your scalp to get rid of headaches (all credit to ExpertVillage).
The technique takes a little bit of learning, so keep practicing till you get it right!
What about migraines? Does scalp massage work well for migraines? And yes there is a difference between a headache and a migraine! If you wanna know more about this, click here.
But to answer the question: Scalp massage can definitely provide some pain relief for migraine sufferers. Although, it may not completely heal or cure a migraine.
#5 It’s Quick, Easy, & Doesn’t Cost Much!
Massaging your own scalp is a quick and easy affair. You either learn how to self massage, or you purchase a scalp massager such as the ones recommended previously.
To be honest, it doesn’t matter what you decide as long as you’re massaging. If you can’t afford to purchase a scalp massager at this time, no worries, you can still learn and watch tutorials on how to self massage your scalp. You literally have zero excuses to not do this.
It’s simple, therapeutic, incredibly effective, and doesn’t have to cost a single dollar!
Look back at all 4 of the benefits we previously discussed. For each of these hundreds if not thousands of people are spending crazy amounts of money every single day. As a direct example, look at hair loss and all the quackery that goes on in that industry alone! Occam’s Razor applies nicely here:
“The simplest solution is always the best”
You Literally Have No Excuses To Not Start Massaging Your Scalp Today!
Wanna Take Your Scalp Massage To The Next Level? Follow These 6 Tips!
So far we’ve looked at the benefits of scalp massage, what to consider before buying a scalp massager, and reviews of 4 of the best electric/nonelectric scalp massagers.
Now let’s talk about how we can get the most out of a scalp massage. Here are 6 tips that’ll help you take it to the next level!
#1 Massage With Coconut Oil!
Coconut Oil Is Simply The Best!
A scalp massage without coconut oil is like a salad without dressing! Coconut oil not only improves the overall massage experience, it nourishes your hair with all sorts of goodness. It makes your hair shine, increases volume, and improves overall scalp health.
Next time you massage your scalp, be sure to apply a healthy serving of coconut oil to your hair. What kind of oil should you use? Great question! I’ve experimented with many over the years, but I’ve gotten the best results from this one kind called Amla.
Where can you find it? I usually get mine from the local Indian grocery store. It’s cheap, smells good, and boy does it make a difference!
#2 Detangle Your Hair Before You Start!
This next tip could potentially save you from a disaster. Before using an electric scalp massager, detangle your hair and make sure everything is as straight as possible. Use a brush and spend a couple minutes combing through any tangles or kinks.
If you’ve done it correctly, you should be able to see your scalp (at least partly!).
#3 Make It A Habit!
If you wanna get the most out of any massage (not just scalp), you need to make it part of your routine.
Simply said, make scalp massage a habit!
But You Can Massage Your Scalp…Consistently!
That is if you want to see the most benefits. If you plan on doing the occasional scalp massage, you may see some improvement, but nothing close to what you would see if you kept doing it in the long run!
“How often should I massage my scalp?” There’s no right or wrong answer here. Some people do a 5 minute massage daily and without fail, while others do twice a week for 15 minutes. If you’re just starting out, start with 2-3 times a week and add as necessary.
The important thing is that you get started, and remain consistent. You’ll figure out the rest as you progress!
#4 Push The Boundaries!
Get creative and start experimenting! There’s tons of different ways to do this, but some of my favorites are:
Shampoo Scalp Massage—Ever had a shampoo scalp massage while at the salon? The epitome of relaxation! The only downside is when water sneaks down your tee….eeek! Of course if you’re massaging right in the convenience of your shower, this isn’t a problem anymore. Most electric scalp massagers are waterproof, so you can use them while in the shower.
Experiment With Oils—I spoke about coconut oil earlier, but there’s tons of other seriously awesome hair oils that are just as beneficial. A few you may want to experiment with are: lavender, cedarwood, and peppermint. These oils not only nourish your hair, but they also help with dandruff.
Make Your Own-–Here’s where you can really start to take it to the next level! Once you’re gained some experience, craft your own oils. Not sure where to start? Here’s an awesome write up from Robin Marri Miller at Up Nature talking about the 15 best essential oils for hair growth. Worth a read!
How do you “push the boundaries”? Leave it in the comments!
#5 Consider Investing In An Electric Scalp Massager!
No you don’t need a scalp massager to effectively massage your scalp, but you should still invest in one! Here’s why:
Does All The Work—An electric scalp massager does all the work for you. Unless you like having numb, sore fingers, consider investing in one!
Great For Hard To Reach Spots—As is the case with any massage, some parts of the scalp are harder to reach and stimulate than others. Having a handheld scalp massager makes it easier to stimulate and massage points that are hard to reach.
Versatile—Electric scalp massagers are incredibly versatile. They can be used to massage the shoulders, neck, and even the face in some cases.
Massage On The Go—Who wants to start rubbing their noggin after a grueling 12 hour flight!? Definitely not me. Electric scalp massagers aren’t just portable, they’re also travel friendly. Pull it out, turn it on, and massage away!
Earlier in the post, we’d talked about the best electric scalp massager for hair growth: Breo I-Scalp. I seriously recommend you check it out!
#6 Take A Deep Breath & Relax!
Massage is most effective when we give in, relax, and enjoy the experience for what it is.
Use the 5, 10 or 15 minutes as a chance to forget about your stresses!
Use your massage time as an excuse to forget about your everyday stresses. How do you do this?
Take Long Deep Breaths—Take a deep breath in from your nose, hold it for a second or two, and exhale from the nose again. Try to use this technique not just during massage, but every day of your life. Remember what I said about habits earlier? Make “proper breathing” a habit. The benefits are profound!
Remind Yourself—Whenever I massage, be it at home or at the clinic, I constantly remind myself that this is “me” time. Sounds a little corny? Well, guess what….it works! It helps me get in the zone, and it could help you too!
Don’t Rush—Massage should never be rushed. A rushed massage is as good as no massage. That being said, it’s better to take your time and do it right. If you’re not “feeling it” or aren’t in the “zone”, avoid massage at that moment in time and try again after a couple hours.
Would Ya Relax Already!
Lastly, Do Scalp Massagers Promote Hair Growth?
We’ve already talked about how scalp massage can potentially promote hair growth, and reduce hair loss (see #3 above). But there’s one question I always get asked:
What is the best electric scalp massager for hair growth?
To answer this question honestly, we must first look at how most electric scalp massagers work. Most electric scalp massagers perform a kneading/rotational massage on the scalp, by the use of individual heads/nodes. While this technique is effective in stimulating the scalp, it’s not enough to promote hair growth.
So what should you do to promote hair growth?
Well, for starters you’ll have to realize there’s a lot of things you need to do, and most of these things require perseverance, hard work, and patience.
That being said, there’s lot of good resources online to help you in this journey.
Doing some research of my own, I stumbled upon a YouTube Channel called Sushmita’s Diaries. It’s a channel jam packed with all sorts of useful information about hair growth. I found the video below very intriguing. You should give it a watch (all credit to Sushmita’s Diaries).
Did you check it out? Pretty cool huh! If you suffer from hair loss, these are the sorts of techniques you should be constantly trying, and instead of your hands, you can use an electric scalp massager to massage the specific pressure points.
What about diet? Is there a specific diet I should follow to promote hair growth?
Ever heard the quote “you are what you eat”? 100% true. If you put in garbage calories with zero nutritional value, guess what your results are gonna be? Garbage!
If you’re looking to promote hair growth, diet is especially important and often disregarded. So what should you eat more of? According to healthline, you’ll wanna up your berry, spinach, fish, and avocado intake. Here’s a link to the full article that talks about 14 best foods you should eat for hair growth.
To conclude, if I wanted to increase hair growth, I’d do the following 4 things
Use an electric scalp massager to stimulate the entire scalp.
Focus on massaging scalp and head pressure points as per the video above.
Change my diet to include healthy fruits and vegetables such as spinach, berries, kale etc.
Turn steps 1-3 into consistent habits!
Tag You’re It!
I’ve done my part, now it’s yours. I’d like to ask you the following three questions:
Do you currently massage your scalp? If so, how often in a week?
What is your best electric scalp massager for hair growth, if you currently own one?
What’s your favorite hair oil and why?
Make sure to leave your responses in the comments below. Let’s get some good discussion going peeps!
I hope you got some value from today’s post. I’d like to reiterate the key takeaway:
Start massaging your scalp today! The benefits are way too good to pass up on!
Really doesn’t matter if you own a scalp massager or not; you can effectively massage your scalp without one!
If you enjoyed reading, please consider sharing on the socials. That would be one really awesome way of showing your support for this site. Lastly, if you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment or send me an email. It may take a bit, but I will get back to you! As always, have a splendid week ahead and i’ll see you in the next one!
6 years ago
Eve
Just an average bloke intrigued by massage and its incredible benefits. Oh, did I mention I also own a massage chair? More on that in the blog posts!