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Shape / Brian Kopinski
If you’ve spent any time on beauty TikTok lately, you’ve likely noticed more than a few lush-hair girlies utilizing this simple handheld tool. Scalp massagers are everywhere, but are they worth the hype?
"A scalp massager is the single most underrated yet effective hair growth hack," New York City-based trichologist Shab Reslan explains. "Not only is it relaxing and tension releasing, it also stimulates the scalp and encourages blood circulation to the hair follicle, which is the pocket your hair grows out of. This boost of stimulation will increase the nutrient intake of each follicle and promote stronger and healthier hair growth."
Regularly exfoliating with a scalp massager—typically made of soft silicone or synthetic brushes that can be used on dry and wet hair—is a simple, affordable way to boost hair health and decrease stress levels. Here are the best scalp massagers on the market right now, which have earned high praise from reviewers and experts alike.
Best Scalp Massager Overall
Vegamour Scalp Massager
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Why We Like It: Easy to hold, easy to use, this scalp massager is an all-around winner.
It’s Worth Noting: Keep it clean by washing it after each use with cool, soapy water and hanging to dry.
Created with all hair types in mind, the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Scalp Massager uses a combination of silicone bristle sizes to gently exfoliate the skin, reduce buildup and dandruff, and deliver a relaxing massage. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, giving you full control as you massage the tips in circular motions. One tester with fine hair noted that the soft bristles gave her hair more lift, while multiple testers saw visible regrowth after just one month of regular use.
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Silicone
Best Scalp Massager for Stress Relief
Ryoma Scalp Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It: The closest thing to having cold, smooth fingers running through your hair.
It’s Worth Noting: It comes in a pack of two.
The Ryoma Scalp Massager’s unique design is intended to replicate the sensation of rubbing your fingers through your hair—and oh boy, does it feel wonderful. This tool has cool-to-the-touch steel ball bearings at the end of every prong rather than traditional bristles, which glide effortlessly and gently across your scalp without snagging your hair. The long handle and flexible, slightly curved prongs make reaching every inch of your head easy. (It also feels great along your forehead, neck, and shoulders, too—just saying.) Multiple testers said this scalp massager helped combat tension headaches, while others said it was the perfect way to wind down after a stressful day.
Use: Dry | Material: Plastic, Metal
Best for Thick Hair
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It: The ergonomic handle gives a steady, non-slip grip in the shower.
It’s Worth Noting: When using this to shampoo, you won’t need as much product as you normally use.
While the Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager is suited for all hair types, it performs best on thicker strands because of its wide-set silicone bristles, which hit the sweet spot of soft and stiff. Its pointed tips get close to the roots so you can achieve a deep clean and stimulate blood flow. "I think this scalp massager literally saved my hair! I've always had super thick, super coarse, super wavy hair, but after almost 10 years of heat styling just about every day and coloring grays every eight weeks, my hair was now brittle, breaking off, and thinning out both at my roots and the individual hair strands themselves," one tester shared. “After using this for six months, I feel like I finally have my hair back! It is growing in so much thicker and I can see and feel a difference in the individual strands and my hair as a whole."
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Silicone
Best for Fine Hair
Kitsch Shampoo Brush
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Amazon
Why We Like It: The super-thin bristles are perfect for combing through fine hair.
It’s Worth Noting: The handle doesn’t come attached, you have to snap it into place.
The fine-tooth bristles on the Kitsch Pro Scalp Exfoliator are ideal for those with thin hair as they're nimble enough to separate the strands without inflicting any damage. They're so gentle that the brand says you can use the massager daily. But don’t worry; you’ll still get an effective massage—the tool responds to the pressure you apply, so whether you’re shampooing, distributing the product, or detangling, it will leave your scalp feeling clean and healthy.
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Plastic
Best Electric Scalp Massager
Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It Easy to use, this scalp massager can run for 6-8 hours on a single charge.
It’s Worth Noting: Even though it’s electric, it’s safe to use in the shower.
The innovative Comfier Cordless Electric Hair Scalp Massager has four massage heads equipped with 21 silicone nodes to give your scalp a deep, thorough exfoliation. The heads rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to better stimulate circulation for hair growth and offer four-speed and rhythm settings for customizable massage. Looking to relieve tension? This tool can also be used as a portable back, neck, or shoulder massager and is even waterproof.
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Silicone
Best for Sensitive Scalps
Hofason Scalp Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It: The throwback of all throwbacks, this will give you serious cozy, nostalgic vibes.
It’s Worth Noting: This comes in a pack of two.
An oldie but goodie, the Hofason Scalp Massager uses 12 metal fingers of varying lengths to softly and precisely target pressure points and sensitive nerves in your scalp to improve circulation, relieve stress, and straight-up send shivers down your spine (especially if you enlist someone else to take charge of the massager’s movements). This tool's classic design has also been updated with softer and larger drip-rubber beads to ensure there are no scrapes or discomfort as you run it through your hair.
Use: Dry | Material: Metal
Best for Itchy Scalps
Briogeo Scalp Revival Therapy Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It: This silicone is so soft and malleable and gives the right amount of exfoliation without hurting super-sensitive scalps.
It’s Worth Noting: Start with extra-gentle pressure to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation.
The Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager is serious about scalp health. Whether you experience seasonal itchiness or are all-around dry and flaky, reviewers swear by this scalp massager to cure your worst white-flake woes. Made for all hair types and textures, the thick and gentle exfoliating bristles stimulate circulation, reduce irritation-inducing buildup, and provide a deep, firm massage. One tester noted: “It not only feels good as I'm shampooing my hair, but it has decreased the overall itchiness and dryness of my scalp!”
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Silicone
Best for Dandruff
Zyllion Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush
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Amazon
Why We Like It: The unique bristles gave a noticeably different level of clean.
It’s Worth Noting: Some testers noted the flat bristles were more effective when using a left-to-right and up-to-down motion rather than circular motion.
This budget-friendly Shampoo Brush and Scalp Massager eliminates dandruff with its dual wide-set bristles (pointed and flat) by loosening up dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow for healthy turnover and a deeper cleanse. Its contoured handle encourages a steady grip to achieve the perfect pressure for your massage. This thing scrubs away product buildup and dandruff like nobody's business," a tester raved. "I have very slow-growing hair and I believe stimulating my scalp with this massager to increase blood flow has helped it get lusher and thicker in the last few months."
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Silicone
Best Travel-Friendly Scalp Massager
Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager
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Amazon
Why We Like It The small and compact makes it easy to take wherever we go.
It’s Worth Noting: It doesn’t technically have a handle. (Instead, it uses a curved design to slip into the palm of your hand.)
The Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager is a favorite of Reslan’s because of its "travel-friendly and compact" design. This multi-tasking tool features long, flexible teeth to help remove product build-up and dead skin on your scalp, while the short, thick teeth stimulate pressure points for a relaxing massage. Whether you’re trying to get super-clean roots while you shampoo, disperse oils and serums before bed, or perk yourself up with an energizing morning massage, this is a do-it-all tool you can depend on.
Use: Wet and Dry | Material: Plastic
Best Dual-Purpose Scalp Massager
Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber
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Amazon
Why We Like It: Get the same deep-clean payoff all over that you get on your scalp.
It’s Worth Noting: The brand recommends rinsing with warm water after each use.
From makeup and dead skin cells to dirt and dandruff, the Avilana Silicone Body and Scalp Scrubber tackles it all. On one side you have a soft-yet-tough scalp massager and shampoo brush. Flip it over and you have a durable body brush that can be used in and out of the shower to invigorate your skin from head to toe. And with a strong silicone hanging loop, you can stash your scrubber right on your shower organizer in between uses.
Use: Wet and Dry Material: Silicone
What to Know About Scalp Massagers
- Intended Use: You have options here! Using a scalp massager on dry hair is a great way to increase blood flow and relieve tension. You can also use a scalp massager in the shower while shampooing, promoting a deeper cleanse of dirt, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Most scalp massagers can be used on wet or dry hair–but some are specific to only one, so check the descriptions to ensure the scalp massager matches your intended use. If you plan on using one in the shower, you’ll want to look for waterproof products with a good grip when wet and help prevent mold.
- Bristle Preference: If your goal is self-care and simple relaxation, or you have extra-sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for soft, silicone bristles. You can also find scalp massagers with fine-tooth bristles that feel gentler. You should aim for a scalp massager with firmer, larger bristles to target stubborn buildup or dry, flaky skin.
- Additional Products: Good scalp health can’t be found with a silicone massager alone. "As we age, we tend to take care of our skin, but we often forget about our scalps. Just like the skin on our faces and bodies, our scalp and hair follicles also age,” says Burg. “It is critical to ensure you follow a scalp care routine using antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, nourishing oils like Baobab, jojoba, and flaxseed oil, and active botanicals to keep inflammation and irritation at bay." The good news? Using a scalp massager can increase the efficacy of those healthy oils, topical thickening products, and hair growth treatments by thoroughly distributing them and maximizing their absorbency.
- Personal Health History: Though scalp massagers undoubtedly create a healthier environment for hair growth, Burg notes that they won't be able to counteract hair loss related to stress, genetics, or illness. But they can certainly help. "As stress contributes to hair loss, reducing stress levels via massage may have a small benefit," he explains. "If you are going through a period of post-stress, postpartum, or post-illness related hair loss (also known as Telogen Effluvium), using a scalp massager may dislodge resting hairs, increasing the volume of hair loss."
Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes hair loss?
Notice more strands falling out when you brush your hair, shower, or run your fingers through your mane? You're not alone. Most women lose 100 to 150 hairs per day. "Hair loss is complex and can have many contributing factors," says Burg. "Everybody's journey towards hair loss will be different and will be the sum of your genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors."
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Can scalp massagers stimulate hair growth?
Not to be a buzzkill, but there isn’t much scientific evidence showing scalp massagers effectively stimulate hair growth. They can (and do!), however, gently brush over your scalp to invigorate the blood vessels under the skin and remove dead cells and dandruff that could hinder growth and the health of your scalp. And a healthy scalp is a pretty big piece of the long, lush hair equation.
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How often should you use a scalp massager?
The number of times per week you use your scalp massager depends on your preferences and skin tolerance. You may be tempted to use it every day to regrow your hair, but remember that irritation will exacerbate hair loss. So, start slow and monitor your scalp and hair's reactions to the massager and the products you're lathering in, working your way up to three to four times a week.
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How do you use a scalp massager?
Perhaps the best thing about scalp massagers is how easy they are to use. Read the label on your product for any specific tips or instructions before using. Generally speaking, regardless of whether you use it on wet or dry hair, you’ll want to make sure you’re using gentle pressure and moving the scalp massager in small circular motions to avoid tangling hair.
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How long does it take for scalp massagers to “work”?
After your first whirl, you'll notice that your scalp looks and feels clearer and is less plagued with buildup and flakes. And with frequent usage, Reslan says you can expect to start seeing results in "at least four months" as you'll have "stronger hair growth, a healthier scalp environment, and protection against any weakening of your follicles."
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What else promotes hair growth?
"Hair growth starts from within, so you need to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients your hair needs to grow,” says Burg. “The most important are zinc, vitamin D, Iron, the B vitamins, and a range of essential amino acids from protein. If you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet or are living a busy lifestyle, you may opt for a hair-focused supplement to ensure you are getting everything you need." Burg also stresses that you should keep an eye on your stress levels. "The stress hormone cortisol can hinder your hair growth and prevent hair regeneration, so reducing your stress levels through exercise, meditation, or taking the herb Ashwagandha is an important step to take for optimal hair health and growth."
Why Trust Shape
Jen Ator is a Colorado-based writer and editor with 15 years of experience working in the fitness, wellness, and outdoor space. She is the former editor-in-chief of Women's Running and former fitness director of Women's Health, as well as the author of The Fitness Fix: Quick HIIT Workouts, Easy Recipes, and Stress-Free Strategies for Managing a Healthy Life. She used the following experts for additional insight for this roundup:
- Dominic Burg, Ph.D., a scalp scientist and trichologist for Evolis
- Shab Reslan, a New York City-based trichologist