“This is exactly what I want. Whenever I am stressed, I have migraines. But I don’t want to rely on painkillers, so I try to relieve my headache in other ways. None of the head massagers I have seen in other places are as useful as this,” shares five-star reviewer, Amanda.
The 7 Best Scalp Massagers, According to Real-Life Customer Reviews
Updated: May 09, 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 release tension in the 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 a relaxing feeling, but the best part about the salon experience is always the scalp massage. Get that same euphoric experience at home with a scalp massager.
Not only can scalp massagers release tension in the 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 the scalp, a scalp massage brush can help relieve pesky dandruff, too.
And even if you’re using the best shampoo for your hair type—whether that’s the 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.
The best scalp massagers
- Best overall: Heeta Scalp Care Hair Brush with Soft Silicone
- Best value: Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush
- Best for hair growth: Kerotin Scalp Massager
- Best for dandruff: Zyllion Scalp Massager
- Best for thinning hair: Foligain Hair and Scalp Roller
- Best for relaxation: Hofason Head Massager
- Best multi-use: Latme Electric Scalp Massager
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Best overall scalp massager
Heeta Hair Shampoo Brush
With over 104,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the Heeta scalp massager has soft silicone bristles that are compatible with all hairstyles, from thin to thick and short to long. The scalp massager’s ergonomic design fits in the palm of your hand, is lightweight and is easy to hold. If you’re nervous that this nifty product will hurt your head—one of the most common hair myths—even the most sensitive scalps can’t live without it.
“This scalp massager pleasantly surprised me. Admittedly, I was definitely a little skeptical that this thing would help me, versus hurt me. I have scalp psoriasis and worried that the ‘soft’ bristles wouldn’t be soft enough, or not sturdy enough to comb out the flakiness,” writes verified purchaser, Mallory Caforia. “It doesn’t hurt my psoriasis at all, and actually feels amazing. My scalp feels cleaner than ever. I’m going to use this every time I wash my hair.”
Pros
- Ergonomic design is easy to hold
- Has soft silicone bristles
- Won’t irritate sensitive scalps
- Available in 10 colors
Cons
- May not fully remove buildup
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Best value scalp massager
Vitagoods Vibrating Scalp-Massaging Shampoo Brush
With the quick press of the button, you’ll find yourself indulging in a stimulating scalp massage for a wallet-friendly price. Constructed with a waterproof design, this vibrating scalp massager is meant for daily use. The rubber tips gently vibrate to ensure a generous lather with shampoo while lightly exfoliating the scalp to remove dandruff. Simultaneously, the massager helps promote hair growth and reduces scalp itchiness.
“The bristles are hard, but there is some give at the base. Be gentle with this tool and let it do the work for you. There’s no need to scrub very hard because the vibration is amazing,” writes five-star reviewer, Alyssa.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Vibrates
- Removes dandruff
- Safe to use daily
Cons
- Requires a screwdriver to change the batteries
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Best scalp massager 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, which removes dandruff and stimulates hair growth. This is one of the most useful 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 verified purchaser, Olga E. Slavin.
Pros
- Encourages cell rejuvenation
- Infused with tourmaline
- Unclogs pores
- Waterproof
Cons
- On the pricier side
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Best scalp massager 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 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,” writes five-star reviewer, Jerri McCabe. “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
- Replaces other dandruff products
- Has two kinds of bristles
- Increases microcirculation
Cons
- Bristles might be too hard for some users
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Best scalp massager for thinning hair
Foligain Hair and Scalp Roller
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.
Verified purchaser, Sebastian, says a friend has been using it for over a year and he saw significant results on his friend’s hairline. “I was a little scared that it was going to be painful, but I was wrong,” he adds.
Pros
- Has 540 titanium needles
- Increases blood flow
- Removes dead skin
- Designed for both men and women
Cons
- May tickle
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Best scalp massager 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 and move it up and down softly, or make circular movements on the head and scalp. Going through these motions will provide a blissful sensation that may help relieve stress and anxiety. Pair with breathing exercises for relaxation and feel calmer instantly.
Pros
- Provides a pleasant sensation
- Promotes stress relief
- Comes in a pack of four
- Improves blood circulation to the scalp
Cons
- Can’t choose the colors
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Best multi-use scalp massager
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. This best scalp massager features a waterproof, wireless, rechargeable one-button operation that allows you to use it 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 purchaser, 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 relaxing massage, even works well on the shoulders and back.”
Pros
- Can be used on the scalp and other body parts
- Has 28 modes
- Waterproof
- One charge lasts for two hours
Cons
- Requires lotion when used on the body
What to consider when buying a scalp massager
When buying the best scalp massagers, consider a few factors that meet your needs:
- Type of massager: There are several types of scalp massagers on the market, such as handheld, electric and manual. Each type has its own unique features and benefits.
- Material: Look for high-quality materials, such as silicone, rubber or plastic, as the material affects its durability, comfort and effectiveness.
- Shape and size: The shape and size of a scalp massager affect the areas of the scalp it reaches. Look for scalp massagers that fit comfortably in your hand for ease of use.
- Number of nodes: The number of nodes on a massager can influence its effectiveness. The more nodes on the massager, the deeper, more thorough massage it provides.
- Vibrations: Some scalp massagers have a vibration setting that enhances the massage experience. Look for a massager with adjustable vibration settings to customize the intensity of the massage.
- Price: Consider how much you’re willing to spend for a quality scalp massager. The most expensive, the more likely it’ll have unique features that will make the entire experience more luxurious.
How we found the best scalp massagers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Are scalp massagers worth it?
Scalp massagers offer several benefits, like promoting relaxation, improving blood circulation, relieving headaches, exfoliating the scalp and enhancing the absorption of hair products. They’re a worthwhile investment for many people who want to reap the benefits.
How often should you massage your scalp?
The frequency of scalp massaging depends on individual needs. If you have a healthy scalp, daily massages would be beneficial for your overall scalp health. Plus, it’ll help you relax and reduce stress. If you have a sensitive scalp that’s more prone to dandruff, opt for scalp massages two to three times a week.
The best time to practice scalp massaging would be before washing your hair to help loosen the dirt, oil and product buildup and improve the effectiveness of the shampoo, keeping your hair oil-free.
Can you over massage your scalp?
Yes, it is possible to over massage your scalp. While it provides exceptional benefits, like increased blood circulation and promoting hair growth, doing it too much may result in damage and irritation to your scalp. To prevent this, try to limit how often you massage your scalp, the pressure applied when massaging and go slow and carefully.
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”
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Originally Published: June 13, 2022
