The Massage Message: Why It's Good for Thinning Hair
Sep 21, 2022
Women experiencing hair loss are increasingly turning to scalp massage, and for good reasons. This easy, effective, inexpensive therapy has benefits for all, supporting the health, growth, strength, and thickness of your hair. Plus, massage can safely be used alongside whatever hair treatments you use.
"Whatever your hair care regime, adding scalp massage can increase the impact of the products you use."
What causes hair to thin and fall?
Hair growth comes from the follicles beneath the skin but as we age, keeping our follicles healthy, productive and anchored becomes a challenge. This is because the scalp becomes thinner and that means that there is, literally, less for your roots to hold on to – think of the difference between a tree growing in deep soil and one growing on thinner ground; the tree on poor ground is going to find it harder to thrive.
The amount of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) in the body also increases. When DHT links to receptors on hair follicles in your scalp, it causes them to shrink and become less capable of supporting a healthy head of hair. This process is known as hair miniaturization.
These are two main reasons we find our hair growing thinner, stragglier and beginning to fall away.
How can massaging and improved blood flow help?
Good blood flow is essential to all human tissue, carrying oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed and taking ‘waste’ away. The follicles need a good supply of blood to sustain their healthy growth cycle. As a result of poor blood flow follicles may shrink, or even die. Once a follicle is dead it will not produce hair again.
Massage dilates, or increases the diameter of, the blood vessels that lie near the surface of the skin, which increases the rate of blood flow to the area. Dilated blood vessels facilitate the penetration of serums to the scalp so that they get to where they are needed faster and will perform even more effectively.
Improved blood flow can help
Strengthen the roots of the hair
Nourish and thicken the hair shafts
Promote growth
Slow or prevent miniaturization
What massager to choose, how to massage and how often?
From your very own in-built scalp massagers (or fingers as we like to call them) to costly electronic devices, you have no shortage of choice.
Whilst fingers are fine, we would recommend a handheld device with soft, silicone bristles as it will give you more contact points with your scalp, better pressure control and can be safely used in the bathroom and shower.
Massage in a circular motion paying attention to the entire scalp and especially to where there is thinning and loss. Avoid tugging at the hair but do apply enough firm enough pressure that you can feel your scalp being stimulated. Massaging for 4-5 minutes a day is optimal.
Can I use a scalp massager with Hairfix?
Yes - in fact, we recommend it with certain treatments:
If you are using Hairfix Follicle Intense Defence or Total Antidote, use the massager on damp, freshly washed hair to stimulate the scalp’s blood flow for 4 minutes or so. Then apply Follicle Intense Defence at the hairline, parting and crown where growth is sparsest. The peptide and caffeine in Follicle Intense Defence will be more quickly delivered to where it is needed to encourage the production of collagen and help prevent further receding/loss.
Your massager can be used between washes and before re-applying Intense Defence every third day, too.
SPECIAL AUTUMN OFFER - get a FREE scalp massager when you buy Total Antidote (you’ll also save £50!)
The bottom line is that scalp massagers are adaptable and can be built into your routine to suit you. The important thing is to avoid tugging at roots and causing hair to fall out, so be sensitive to what’s happening as you massage.
What other benefits does scalp massage have?
Stress Relief – stress is a common factor in hair loss and slowing growth. Head massage helps relieve mental stress and physical tension, lowering the secretion of stress hormones and helping lower blood pressure, too.
Exfoliation – massaging the scalp can help loosen dead cells or dandruff and reduce product build-up. This, in turn, helps to reduce scalp irritation, which can be a contributor to hair loss, and keeps the scalp clear and healthy for better growth.
General well-being - massage promotes sensations of well-being and can support the nervous system and your body’s functions in general. It’s a feel-good activity.
“Massage feels great and the only known side effects are a healthier, happier you!”
If you need any additional advice, please get in touch: info@hairfix.co.uk
