What are the benefits of scalp massage?

According to Harris, the main benefit of a scalp massage is that it can “increase blood flow and circulation.” Harris explains that, in some cases, scalp massages can also help treat hair loss, especially when the massage is concentrated on the affected area. In fact, regular hair massages have been shown to help increase hair thickness. There’s also the fact they're relaxing and can remove dry skin and product build-up in a way that regular shampooing can’t. Scalp massagers essentially enhance the massage experience, making it easier to do at home.

How do you use a scalp massager?

Harris recommends using your scalp massager when you shampoo like a stylist would at the salon. She suggests circular motions and paying special attention near the temples and neck to enhance the relaxation element. You can also massage your hair while it’s dry—just be sure to use gentle pressure and not tangle the hair too much.

How often should you use a scalp massager?

“ I would say to use your scalp massager as often as recommended by your stylist,” says Harris. “Personally, I think twice a month is a good place to start because overusing can make your scalp a little tender.” Once you adjust, feel free to dial it up to weekly usage—just never use it on broken or irritated skin.

The 13 Best Scalp Massagers of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

It goes without saying that the best part of going to see a professional hairdresser is the scalp massage, right? It eases tension, reduces product build-up, nourishes the scalp, and just feels luxurious. The caveat, though, is that it’s hard to replicate on your own—that is unless you own a scalp massager.

Scalp care is a relatively new category in beauty but one we’re wholeheartedly embracing. Scalp massagers, in particular, are an easy but effective add-on to your existing hair care routine, especially on wash day or whenever you’re feeling like having a little moment of self-care.

Here are the best scalp massagers to show your scalp some love.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Heeta Hair Scalp Brush and Massager at Amazon

An easy-to-grip design and silicone tips make this tool our top choice for an effective (and affordable) scalp massage.

Best for Hair Growth:

Briogeo Scalp Revival Therapy Massager at Amazon

This stylist-approved tool works for all hair types, even tightly coiled hair, and can be used wet or dry.

Runner-Up, Best for Hair Growth:

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush at Fwrd.com

This brush is designed to boost blood flow, which can help promote oxygenation and lead to healthier growth.

Best for Dandruff:

Zyllion Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush at Amazon

This innovative brush uses two styles of grooved bristles to deep cleanse and loosen any dry, flaky skin.

Best for Thick Hair:

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush at Amazon

Great for thicker hair, this brush has a wide surface area, making it easy to cover your entire head quickly.

Best for Natural Hair:

Cbiumpro 2-Pack Shampoo Brush Massager at Amazon

This brush has super-soft bristles, making it less likely to cause damage to natural hair.

Best Splurge:

Mount Lai Jade Massaging Comb at Beautybay.com

This jade massaging comb makes for a luxurious addition to any hair routine.

Best Budget:

Freatech Shampoo Brush Scalp Massager at Amazon

This waterproof, easy-to-hold tool is everything you need to clarify your scalp on the cheap.

Best for Exfoliation:

Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager at Amazon

The short, fine teeth on this brush help increase circulation and boost overall hair health.

Best for Fine Hair:

Kitsch Pro Scalp Exfoliator at Ulta

This brush features fine bristles, ideal for finer hair types, and a flexible body that moves with the shape of your head.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Amazon

With its easy-to-grip design and silicone tips, this massager provides a great cleanse at an attractive price point. Rotate it in circular motions around your head and neck whilst shampooing (and conditioning, if you like).

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone and plastic

Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

We love this scalp-stimulating massager from Briogeo because it’s specially designed to support hair growth. It works for all hair types, even tightly coiled hair, and can be used wet or dry. We love using it with a nourishing oil before washing or to really take our shampooing experience up a notch.

Celebrity hairstylist Jazmine Harris always swears by this tool when washing clients’ hair: “If I’m massaging during shampoo, it’s usually the Briogeo Scalp Revival Therapy Massager,” she says.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Not listed

View On Fwrd.com View On Leonorgreyl-usa.com

The relaxing action of Leonor Greyl’s scalp brush is designed to increase blood flow, thus promoting oxygenation and healthier hair growth. Use it to massage in your shampoo and follow up with a nourishing conditioner.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone and plastic

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Zyllion’s Scalp Massager comes with two different styles of grooved bristles to deeply cleanse the scalp and loosen any dry, dead, or flaky skin. If you have persistent dandruff, try integrating it into your routine once or twice a week.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Not listed

View On Amazon View On Walmart

With its easy-to-grip handle and wide but soft bristles, the Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush is a great starting point for all hair types, from fine and straight to coiled. It’s got a wide surface area as well, so you can cover your entire head quite quickly.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Plastic

View On Amazon

The super-soft bristles found on Cbiumpro’s massager are excellent for coiled hair, as they’re less likely to cause breakage. Also, they come as a set of two, so you’ll never be without one.

Hair Types: All hair types, especially coils and curls | Material: Silicone and plastic

View On Beautybay.com View On Mountlai.com

Looking to really indulge your scalp (and senses) come to pamper time? Mount Lai’s jade stone massage comb is pure luxury. Use it to comb through a thick hair mask, putting a little pressure on the scalp to release tension.

Hair Types: Thick, medium, and fine | Material: Jade

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While not fancy, FREATECH’s massager is everything you need to clarify your scalp without breaking the bank. It’s waterproof, easy to hold, and works like a charm to really amp up your shampooing experience.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone and plastic

Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager

View On Amazon View On Ulta

The short, finer teeth as seen on this Tangle Teezer tool actually come recommended by the International Trichology Congress. The idea is that it increases circulation, reduces product build-up, and massages the scalp for better hair health in general.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Not listed

View On Ulta View On Mykitsch.com

This scalp exfoliator from Kitsch is comprised of lots of fine bristles, making it an ideal pick for fine hair types. The fine, flexible disc moves with the shape of your head, plus it can be used wet or dry.

Hair Types: Fine to medium | Material: Silicone

View On Amazon View On Shen-beauty.com

If you want to massage your scalp and stimulate blood flow while the hair is dry, look no further than this luxurious brush from Manta. Originally developed by a UK hairstylist whose wife was undergoing chemotherapy, the idea is that it won’t tear, pull, or break fragile hair. It doubles as a regular hairbrush, as well.

Hair Types: All hair types, especially fine, processed, or fragile | Material: Not listed

View On Amazon View On Hellojupiter.com

Almost like a dry brush for your scalp, this tool comes packed with lots of little bristles for an intensive but oh-so-satisfying deep clean. It’s amazing if you want to rid your scalp of excess product build-up (we see you, fifth consecutive day of dry shampoo). The Jupiter brand, in general, is actually targeted at dandruff, so you know they're experts in the game.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Not listed

View On Ceremonia.com

Ceremonia’s scalp brush works to increase blood flow and exfoliate the scalp, thus allowing natural oils to do their thing (hint hint, shiny hair). And if you’re not already sold, one reviewer labels it “pure relaxation,” and we’re 100 percent on board with that.

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top overall pick is the Heeta Hair Scalp Brush and Massager since it's easy to grip and has an affordable price. We also love Jupiter’s Scalp Brush, which not only feels great but truly works to improve hair health. Then there's Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager; it's both stylist-approved and user-friendly.

What to Look for in a Scalp Massager

Bristles

When shopping for a scalp massage tool, the main feature to look into is its bristles. Thicker, soft silicone bristles are best for fragile or coiled hair as they won’t cause breakage or tangles. Thinner bristles will work harder to exfoliate the scalp and reduce product build-up.

FAQ

What are the benefits of scalp massage?

According to Harris, the main benefit of a scalp massage is that it can “increase blood flow and circulation.” Harris explains that, in some cases, scalp massages can also help treat hair loss, especially when the massage is concentrated on the affected area. In fact, regular hair massages have been shown to help increase hair thickness. There’s also the fact they're relaxing and can remove dry skin and product build-up in a way that regular shampooing can’t.
Scalp massagers essentially enhance the massage experience, making it easier to do at home.
How do you use a scalp massager?

Harris recommends using your scalp massager when you shampoo like a stylist would at the salon. She suggests circular motions and paying special attention near the temples and neck to enhance the relaxation element. You can also massage your hair while it’s dry—just be sure to use gentle pressure and not tangle the hair too much.
How often should you use a scalp massager?

“I would say to use your scalp massager as often as recommended by your stylist,” says Harris. “Personally, I think twice a month is a good place to start because overusing can make your scalp a little tender.” Once you adjust, feel free to dial it up to weekly usage—just never use it on broken or irritated skin.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Emily Algar has tested and trialed multiple scalp massagers over the years, and she tapped an expert stylist for their thoughts and recommendations. She has also undertaken extensive research and read countless customer reviews online to ensure you’re getting the best of the best.

Meet the Expert

Jazmine Harris is a hairstylist and braids expert. She’s worked with various A-list clientele, including Big Sean, Keisha Cole, and Jhene Aiko.

12 Winning Scalp Oils That Will Soothe Your Dry, Itchy Scalp

Your Self-Care Sunday Routine Shouldn't Be Without These Scalp Massagers

Best Overall: Heeta Hair Scalp Brush and Massager

Best for Hair Growth: Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager

Runner-Up, Best for Hair Growth: Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

Best for Dandruff: Zyllion Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush

Best for Thick Hair: Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush

Best for Natural Hair: Cbiumpro 2-Pack Shampoo Brush Massager

Best Splurge: Mount Lai Jade Massaging Comb

Best Budget: Freatech Shampoo Brush Scalp Massager

Best for Exfoliation: Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager

Best for Fine Hair: Kitsch Pro Scalp Exfoliator

Best for Dry Brushing: Manta Hairbrush

Best for Build-Up: Jupiter Scalp Brush

Best for Shine: Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador

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