Best Scalp Massagers to Help Boost Hair Growth for Women Over 40
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If you aren’t already using a scalp massager as part of your hair care routine, you might want to start now. These tools not only feel amazing on your head, but they lift away build-up, dead skin cells and dandruff; help work in growth-encouraging products; and even stimulate hair growth themselves. That’s why they’re especially great for women experiencing age-related thinning — or those who just want a relaxing bit of me-time in the shower that comes with a hair-boosting bonus. Check out our guide to get started and discover our picks for the best scalp massagers on the market!
How a scalp massager can help hair growth
Studies have shown that scalp massage can help increase hair thickness and may even help alopecia sufferers regrow hair. Many believe they have an impact on improving the growth of hair in general, though Dr. Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon based in Boise, Idaho, points out, “It’s very important to note that scalp massagers alone are not guaranteed to stimulate hair growth in everyone. There are many other factors to consider like genetics, hormonal balance and lifestyle choices.”
However, with realistic expectations, hair expert Kerry E Yates, a trichologist and founder of the beauty brand development company Colour Collective, says many people love scalp massagers and see improvement because “massage helps promote blood flow to the scalp,” which brings oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the hair to encourage growth. And Dr. Portela adds that they also stimulate the follicles “to promote thicker, healthier hair,” while removing dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles on the scalp and block the growth of your strands.
So if you’re experiencing thinning, it may be a good idea to give one a try. There are more reasons to love them, too. Since they scrub away build-up, they can help add volume to your roots and allow your products to work better to help refresh your look without a haircut.
How do you use a scalp massager?
There are a few ways to use it.
The first is as a pre-shampoo treatment on a wet or dry scalp (if your tool indicates it’s safe on dry hair) to eliminate build-up.
Second is as a volumizer via rubbing into your roots for a mid-day refresh (again, if your tool is safe to use without water).
Third is to massage in shampoo for a deeper clean and/or conditioner, serums or masks to help with even and deeper penetration.
Here’s how Yates says to use it in the shower: Apply the shampoo, conditioner, serum or mask to your wet scalp, and then use the massager in a circular motion. To avoid irritation, she says to not use too much pressure. She recommends limiting your sessions to five minutes total, so if you’re doing more than one step, make sure to adjust the time at each (think two minutes for shampoo, two for conditioner).
What are the best scalp massagers?
Read on for our top eight picks!
- Best for Deep Conditioning : Briogeo Stimulating Therapy Massager
- Best Budget Pick : Pacifica Clarifying Scalp Massage Brush
- Best for Sensitive Scalps : Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush
- Best Vibrating Version : Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
- Best for Beginners : Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager
- Best for Curls and Waves : Curlsmith Scalp Massager
- Best for On-the-go : Conair Detangling Massage Brush
- Best for Thin Hair : Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator and Massager
Is there anyone who should skip scalp massaging?
“Avoid use of a scalp massager if you have any cuts or open wounds on the scalp,” says Dr. Portela. “I also advise not to use one if you have any skin conditions on the scalp, including eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or anything else that can be agitated by the massager.”
The 8 best scalp massagers for women over 40
Now that you know the wonders a scalp massager can do for you, scroll through to see our all-time favorites!
Briogeo Stimulating Therapy Massager
<strong>Best for Deep Conditioning</strong>
Why we like it:
- Small size
- Great for hair masks
Yates loves this massager because of its size that “fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, “ she explains. And she adds, “I have found that it is one of the most relaxing scrubbers I have used due to the shape of the bristles.” Reviews also mention its firm yet gentle fingers that allow for even product distribution, which makes it especially great for working in hair masks.
Pacifica Clarifying Scalp Massage Brush
<strong>Best Budget Pick</strong>
Why we like it:
- Low price
- Great quality
Pacifica’s version is great for anyone looking to try a massager without breaking the bank (it’s under $10!), but it gets points for using quality silicone vs. the hard plastic Dr. Portela points out you sometimes find at a lower price point. That means it won’t pull or scratch your delicate skin or fine strands or bust your budget!
Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush
<strong>Best for Sensitive Scalps</strong>
Why we like it:
- Soft bristles
- Won’t snag or tangle hair
“This brand has so many amazing and good-for-you products. They’re the highest quality on the market,” Yates says. And this massager is no exception with soft yet durable bristles that work well on both dry and wet hair. And it also gets high marks for not snagging thin strands. Then there’s the fact that it feels absolutely incredible on a tired head!
Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
<strong>Best Vibrating Version</strong>
Why we like it:
- Offers four modes
- Powerful yet gentle vibration
A top seller on Amazon, this kneading massager is great if you have a tender scalp. As Dr. Portela explains, “Vibration-based scalp massagers provide gentle stimulation and relaxation, while those with rotating nodes or bristles offer a deeper massage experience.” Rechargeable and waterproof with 21 “nodes” and four settings that provide for a more custom experience, it offers more features than its lower price tag would suggest.
Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager
<strong>Best for Beginners</strong>
Why we like it:
- Comfort-fit handle
- Easy to use
This little wonder stands out in many ways. The easy-to-grip handle makes it a breeze to hold in the shower (which is especially great for anyone with arthritis). Yates also points out it makes it “super easy to use and great for a beginner.” You can also use on hair when it’s dry, which makes it great to toss in your bag for a mid-day root refresh to add extra body.
Curlsmith Scalp Massager
<strong>Best for Curls and Waves</strong>
Why we like it:
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Perfect for working out knots
Made for textured strands, this lightweight tool is great for an in-shower massage for curly, coily and wavy hair types. Yates explains, “The shape of the brush and bristles would be perfect for curly hair. It helps alleviate knots and tangles which can be tricky with curls!”
Conair Detangling Massage Brush
<strong>Best for On-the-go</strong>
Why we like it:
- Multi-functional
- Small and easy to take along
For anyone who showers at a gym or travels a lot, Dr. Portela recommends to look for a compact and lightweight massager, easy to throw in your bag. This cute, collapsible one from Conair made for curly hair gets praise for multi-tasking. It has a hairbrush on one side and a scalp massager on the other. It also packs impressively big scrubbing action for its small size.
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator and Massager
<strong>Best for Thin Hair</strong>
Why we like it:
- Approved by the International Trichology Congress
- Great for thin strands
This tool features two bristle lengths: longer to stimulate and clean the scalp and shorter to hit the pressure points for instant ahh. With a nod from the International Trichology Congress, they’re ultra-soft and bendable — the kind Yates especially loves for thinner, medium and short hair.
Beth Shapouri is a beauty, wellness and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Allure.com, MarieClaire.com, GoodHouseKeeping.com and more. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and a very cute dog. Visit bethshapouri.com to see more of her work.
To learn more about scalp health, click through these stories:
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: Find Out Which One is Making You Itch — And How To Cure It
‘Scalp Skinification’ Is Social Media’s Latest Beauty Craze — Here’s How It Works for Mature Women
This $6 Drugstore Product Can Ease Scalp Irritation and Stimulate Hair Growth
