The 10 Best Scalp Massagers, According to Customer Reviews
Updated: Feb. 06, 2023Scalp massagers don't just feel good on your head—they have some surprising health benefits too. We found the best ones to try.
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Massages are meant to release tension in your muscles and make you feel good. You might typically think of neck and body massages, but the head should not be neglected. Going to the salon to get your hair done is always a great feeling, but the best part about the salon experience is always the scalp massage. Now, you can get that same euphoric experience at home with a scalp massager.
Why use a scalp massager?
Not only can scalp massagers release tension in your jaw and reduce headaches, but studies have shown that scalp massage benefits may also include the promotion of hair growth, due to the increase in blood flow to the hair follicles. With circulatory boosts, a scalp massage can encourage hair growth, which can make strands more resistant to damage and breakage. On top of stimulating your scalp, a scalp massage brush can help relieve pesky dandruff too.
And even if you’re using the best shampoo for you—whether that’s the best shampoo for oily hair, thinning hair, curly hair, or a shampoo bar (ever tried an eco-friendly shampoo bar?)—try using a scalp massager with your product to get a deep, salon-quality wash in the comfort of your own shower. Wet your hair, lather up with your favorite shampoo, massage, rinse, and finish with one of the best conditioners. Read on for some of the best scalp massagers to try.
Best overall
HEETA Scalp Care Hair Brush with Soft Silicone
With over 110,000 reviews on Amazon, the HEETA scalp massager has soft silicone bristles that are compatible with all hairstyles from thick to thin and short to long. The scalp massager’s ergonomic design perfectly fits in your palm, is lightweight, and is easy to hold. If you’re nervous that the scalp massager will hurt your head—one of the common hair myths—even the most sensitive scalps can’t live without it.
One verified Amazon reviewer with scalp psoriasis was hesitant, but she now uses it with every shower. “I am pleasantly surprised. I was definitely a little skeptical that this thing would help me, versus hurt me. I have scalp psoriasis and was worried that the ‘soft’ bristles wouldn’t be soft enough, or not sturdy enough to comb out the flakiness. It doesn’t hurt my psoriasis at all, and actually feels great. My scalp feels cleaner than ever; I’m going to use this every time I wash my hair!”
Pros:
- Won’t irritate psoriasis or sensitive scalps
- Soft silicone bristles
- Easy to hold
Con:
- May not fully remove buildup
Best for hair growth
Kerotin Scalp Massager
Infused with tourmaline, a mineral that promotes healthier and shinier hair, this scalp massager works to penetrate your scalp and encourage the natural turnover of cells. When you run the massager over your scalp, it helps unclog pores that can lead to dandruff and stimulate hair growth. This is one of the tricks to make hair grow faster. For even better results, try pairing it with a hair oil. “Love this massager for my scalp. It’s relaxing and promotes better hair growth!” confirms Amazon reviewer Olga Slavin.
Pros:
- Encourages cell rejuvenation
- Unclogs pores
- Feels great
Con:
- Smooth handle may be slippery or hard to grip
Best value
Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush
With the quick press of the button you’ll find yourself indulging in a stimulating scalp massage for less than $10. Constructed with a waterproof design, this scalp massager is meant for daily use. The rubber tips gently vibrate to ensure a generous lather with your shampoo, while lightly exfoliating your scalp to remove dandruff. Simultaneously, the massager helps promote hair growth.
Pros:
- Vibrating
- Removes dandruff
- Can be used daily
Con:
- Requires a screwdriver to change the batteries
Best for dandruff
Zyllion Scalp Massager
With two kinds of silicone bristles, this scalp massager provides a deep stimulating sensation that helps cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, a natural treatment for dandruff. Using circular motions, use the scalp massager to remove product buildup and skin residue to reduce flakes appearing on your scalp and clothing. You can use this scalp massager with a dandruff shampoo, but many reviewers have noted it gets the job done on its own.
“As someone whose hair is so dark that it’s almost black, dandruff is my literal nightmare. I’ve tried the shampoos, the hair masks, the Pinterest DIYs and just couldn’t get rid of it,” one reviewer writes. “Well not anymore, folks! This thing is magic. Like, little fairies are scrubbing my head and I have no more dandruff, magic.”
Pros:
- Removes buildup and residue
- Can replace other dandruff products
- Stimulates scalp
Con:
- Bristles might be too hard for some users
Best for thinning hair
Foligain Hair & Scalp Roller with 540 Titanium Needles
If you’ve never used a microneedling device before, you might be a little intimidated, but we promise it doesn’t hurt. One of the beauty tools you need to own, a microneedling device uses tiny, sterile needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, which helps your product better penetrate the surface of your skin and increases blood flow. This derma roller uses microneedling technology to support hair and scalp health. The roller has 540 stable, ultra-fine titanium needles that roll painlessly over the scalp to penetrate the skin’s upper surface. Some customers have commented that it can be slightly ticklish, but ultimately when using this scalp massager with a treatment for hair growth purposes, you’ll see less scalp and more hair.
“I’ve been gradually losing hair around my crown, but using this has been amazing,” raves one reviewer. “I combine it with my Foligain Trioxidil System for Men and every time I look in the mirror I can see an improvement. Far less bald, lots of new hair!”
Pros:
- 540 titanium needles
- Increases blood flow
- Designed for both men and women
Con:
- May tickle
Best vibrating
Vanity Planet Groove Scalp Massager
Say hello to your new favorite hair toy. This two-speed scalp massager uses gentle vibrations to stimulate and exfoliate your scalp. Whether you’re lathering up with shampoo, evenly distributing conditioner, or hydrating your scalp with hair oil, this vibrating scalp brush helps you get the most out of your treatments. One happy reviewer used the scalp massager to promote hair growth and had great success: “I love it! It really stimulates and promotes hair growth. I have hair growing in a spot that has been bald for a year. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!”
Pros:
- Has two speeds
- Promotes hair growth
- Helps distribute hair products
Con:
- Battery not included
Best for relaxation
HOFASON Head Massager
Once you start using this relaxing scalp massager, you’re never going to want to stop. Its 20 soft-tipped prongs will put you into a state of deep relaxation. Grip the handle, place it on your head; then move it up and down softly; or make circular movements on your head and scalp. Going through these motions will provide a blissful sensation that may help relieve stress and anxiety.
“Shockingly amazing! It looks silly, but oh my goodness, it feels incredible,” writes one satisfied customer. “Especially when a buddy uses it in your head, you’ll melt in delight. Seriously. Try it—you’ll love it!” Pair with breathing exercises for relaxation, and you’ll feel calmer instantly.
Pros:
- Easy to use any time
- Pleasant sensation
- Stress-relieving
Con:
- Not for use in the shower
Best multi-use
LATME Electric Scalp Massager
This scalp massager features oscillating clockwise and counterclockwise kneading nodes that allow for a stimulating scalp massage. Not only does it work powerfully on your scalp, but you can also use it to relax and relieve pain in your back, neck, shoulder, calves, feet, legs, and arms. The scalp massager features a waterproof, wireless, rechargeable one-button operation that allows you to use the massager wet or dry. One full charge keeps the bliss going for two full hours.
“I originally bought this for my wife as a gift, but my kids and I love it,” says verified Amazon reviewer Brandon V. “At first, it is a little scary because you think it will tangle your hair, but the device does not twist—it just oscillates in place. A must for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy a great massage, even works great on the shoulders and back.”
Pros:
- Great for the whole family
- Can be used on the body as well as scalp
- Waterproof
Con:
- Requires lotion when used on the body
Best for travel
Goyishun Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
Never leave home without your trusty scalp massager again. This two-pack of lightweight, waterproof massagers allows you to leave one at home and take one on the road. It fits comfortably in your hand with a non-slip grip design, and has two drainage holes so that water doesn’t accumulate (it also comes apart for easy cleaning). When using this scalp massager, customers found it extremely helpful in stimulating the scalp. It’s one of the best natural hair loss remedies, promoting hair growth, exfoliating and removing dandruff, relieving stress, and relaxing muscles.
Pros:
- Anti-slip grip
- Two-pack
- Easy to clean
Con:
- May be challenging with thick hair
Best splurge
Magic Scalp by Bauman Medical Sonic Wave
This hand-held, rechargeable, portable, and waterproof scalp massager uses red light stimulation as well as massage to exfoliate and increase circulation to the scalp while giving a relaxing sensation. Since it is waterproof, you can easily use the scalp massager in the shower to treat yourself to a salon experience at home. When using the scalp massager with a treatment, like hair masks or serums, the product is still able to penetrate the scalp, increasing blood flow and delivering nutrients to the hair follicle.
Pros:
- Uses red light stimulation
- Rechargeable
- Luxury product
Con:
- On the pricier side
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Sources:
- Florida Academy: “What You Should Know About Scalp and Head Massage”
- ePlasty: “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue”