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Beauty
Turn every wash day into self-care day.
By Esme Benjamin
Courtesy of brands / Gabrielle Langdon
While nothing quite compares to the head-tingling bliss of getting a scalp massage at the salon, a handheld massager tool comes pretty close. The best scalp massagers are ergonomically designed to stimulate your scalp and soothe your nervous system, and the benefits don’t end there. Scalp massagers boost circulation, which “can be helpful in improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the scalp and hair follicles, and may result in improved hair growth and thickness,” says Christina Han, MD, a medical dermatologist who specializes in hair loss (Hello, voluminous locks.) When paired with a dandruff shampoo or scalp treatment, they can also help remove product buildup, flakes, and debris, improving the overall health of your scalp and by extension, your hair. So, whether you’re looking to boost hair growth, improve scalp health, or simply pamper yourself with a spa-like experience at home, a scalp massager is a worthy tool for your beauty arsenal.
To determine which products are worth your hard-earned cash, we asked a dermatologist, a trichologist, and a group of beauty obsessives for their personal recommendations.
The best scalp massagers, at a glance
- Best Overall: Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador, $16
- Best Electric Scalp Massager: Comfier Electric Cordless Hair Scalp Massager, $40
- Best Comb Massager: Wildling Beauty Empress Gua Sha Stimulating Scalp Comb, $79
- Best for Fine Hair: Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager, $33
All your scalp massager questions, answered
- What are the hair and scalp benefits of using a scalp massager tool?
- What should we look for in an effective scalp massager?
- How often do you recommend using a scalp massager?
- What's the best technique to use when massaging the scalp?
- How long does it take to see results?
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Overall: Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador
Courtesy of brand
1/15
Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador
This Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador is our top pick for anyone interested in starting a head massage routine. The tool’s flexible silicone fingers get right to the root of your hair, lifting sebum away from your scalp and providing an invigorating massage that our tester says helped boost her baby-hair growth after some dreaded postpartum shedding. The fingers are firm but flexible, making them much more comfortable than a cheaper, harder option she had previously tried. Team the massager with your favorite shampoo or scrub, or copy our tester and add a hair-growth serum. A few drops of the Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp and Hair Oil can help supercharge its scalp-soothing, growth-boosting effects. Once you’re done, hang it in your bathroom to dry using the attached string loop.
Best for Relaxation: HairStory Massaging Scalp Brush
Courtesy of brand
2/15
HairStory Massaging Scalp Brush
We all know stress isn’t good for the body—scalp and hair included. In fact, too much stress has been linked to hair loss. Our tester, who was experiencing stress-related shedding, found that using this Hair Story massager tool as a regular part of her self-care routine really helped. She reached for it after washing and applying a leave-in conditioner and says that the silicone fingers have plenty of give but are firm enough to apply the perfect amount of pressure, invigorating the scalp while potentially soothing the nervous system. Tiffany Young, MS, a certified trichologist and founder of Thin Hair Thick, is a fan of the “immediate tactile benefits” of massager tools and recommends using one daily as a relaxing ritual.
Best for Dandruff: Flatehead Hair Scalp Massager
Courtesy of brand
3/15
Flatehead Hair Scalp Massager
Taking the time and effort to meticulously blow out your hair only to notice your scalp looks flakey is enough to make anyone self-conscious. “If you suffer from dandruff, scalp eczema, or psoriasis, scalp massager tools can also help to relieve itch and loosen and remove flakes on the scalp,” says Dr. Han.
Our tester was dealing with dry patches and flakes when she reached for this option from Flatehead Hair, which comes with two heads: one with longer, more flexible fingers and the other with shorter, firmer ones. After using it a couple of times a week with a salicylic scalp treatment for added exfoliation, her roots were flake-free. Plus, she noticed some increase in hair growth, less breakage, and fewer flyaways.
Most Gentle: Grow Gorgeous Scalp Massage Tool
Courtesy of brand
4/15
Grow Gorgeous Scalp Massage Tool
For a scalp massager you’ll want to reach for on a near-daily basis, comfort is key. Dr. Han recommends looking for a tool that’s flexible and won’t tangle or tug on hair, like this gentle option from Grow Gorgeous. Made with soft-touch, slim fingers designed to effortlessly target the scalp and hair root, it buffs away impurities, stimulates circulation, and distributes natural sebum down the hair shaft to effectively condition strands.
Most Lightweight: Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Courtesy of brand
5/15
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Dr. Young likes this lightweight, silicone-tipped massager from Briogeo, which has long fingers to reach the scalp without disrupting the hair follicle. “You are not treating the hair shaft so try to avoid it as best as possible and aim directly for the scalp,” she says. The ergonomic design also includes a string loop, so you can hang it up to dry once you’re done, keeping the massager clean and mold-free.
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Best Electric Scalp Massager: Comfier Electric Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
Courtesy of brand
6/15
Comfier Electric Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
Although there’s a lot to be said for a handheld tool, or even just your regular ol’ fingers, an electrical scalp massager can make the whole process more efficient. This one from Comfier, for example, comes with 84 individual nodes, all adequately spaced to maximize stimulation without causing hair tangles. Four speed settings allow you to find the right pressure for your preference and it’s even waterproof for convenient use in the shower or bath.
Best Purifying: Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager
Courtesy of brand
7/15
Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager
If your hair gets greasy quickly and you want to extend the time between wash days, a scalp massager can help. Leonor Greyl’s tool helps lather shampoo while gently lifting sebum, flakes, and product buildup away from the scalp, helping you get a deeper, more effective cleanse. After rinsing, your scalp will look and feel squeaky clean. You can also use it with dry shampoo or dry shampoo powder to help absorb oiliness and lift your roots, preserving your style for longer.
Best for Stimulating Growth: Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager
Courtesy of brand
8/15
Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager
Hair wellness brand Vegamour is famous for growth formulas, so it makes sense that it also offers a scalp massager. With its easy-grip design and soft silicone fingers, this option helps you work hair-growth shampoos into the scalp and aids absorption. It’s important to note that new growth takes time, so stay consistent with your massaging routine and you should see results in around six months, according to our experts.
Best Scalp Massaging Comb: Wildling Beauty Empress Gua Sha Stimulating Scalp Comb
Courtesy of brand
9/15
Wildling Beauty Empress Gua Sha Stimulating Scalp Comb
Gua Sha fans will love this scalp massaging comb designed by the natural beauty experts at Wildling Beauty. Its flat and curved edges can help with improving blood circulation. You can also apply it to the neck to tackle any areas of tension. “My tip is to use it while in a forward fold,” says Glamour tester Naomi Edwards, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner and founder of Hillabrant Holistics. “The blood rushes toward your head, which aids the comb as it boosts circulation, which can help stimulate hair growth.”
Best for Fine Hair: Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager
Courtesy of brand
10/15
Aveda Scalp Solutions Stimulating Scalp Massager
Fine hair is more prone to tangles and breakage than thicker hair types, so it needs a little more TLC. This scalp massager from Aveda has long, ultrathin, flexible bristles that target the scalp and hair roots without any tugging, making it a great choice for fine, fragile locks. Pair it with volume-enhancing shampoos or fine hair oils. One of our favorite fine hair products is the Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray, which helps instantly plump hair at the root, giving the appearance of more voluminous locks.
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Esme Benjamin is a freelance journalist based in New York City. She writes about wellness, beauty and style, relationships, and travel for publications including Elle, SELF, Shape, R29, Well+Good, The Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Byrdie, and more.Esme started her career in London, England, where she worked as features... Read more
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