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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
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.
Best Overall: Heeta Hair Scalp Brush and Massager
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Courtesy of Amazon
Easy to drip
Affordable
Comes in various colors
Not durable
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
Best for Hair Growth: Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Can be used wet or dry
Great for sensitive scalps
Pricier than other options
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: Rubber
Runner-Up, Best for Hair Growth: Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush
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Courtesy of Leonor Greyl
Promotes hair growth
Durable construction
Pricier than other options
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
Best for Dandruff: Zyllion Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush
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Affordable
Loosens dead, dry, and flaky skin
Comes in various colors
Reviewers note bristles are stiff
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: Silicone
Best for Thick Hair: Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
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Amazon
Easy to grip
Comes in various colors
Affordable
Mold/mildew can grow on the inside
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
Best for Natural Hair: Cbiumpro 2-Pack Shampoo Brush Massager
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Courtesy of Amazon
Soft bristles
Comes in a set of two
Affordable
Not durable
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
Best Splurge: Mount Lai Jade Massaging Comb
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Courtesy of Uncommon Goods
Genuine jade
Hand-carved
Pricier than other options
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
Best Budget: Freatech Shampoo Brush Scalp Massager
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Courtesy of Amazon
Comes in various colors
Affordable
Easy to grip
Reviewers note bristles are stiff
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
Best for Exfoliation: Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager
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Courtesy of Amazon
Recommended by the International Trichology Congress
Easy to grip
Not for sensitive scalps
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
Best for Fine Hair: Kitsch Pro Scalp Exfoliator
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Courtesy of Ulta
Affordable
Great for fine hair
Can be used wet or dry
Reviewers note it can tangle hair
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
Best for Dry Brushing: Manta Hairbrush
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Courtesy of Shen Beauty
Comes in various colors
Can be used wet or dry
Pricier than other options
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: Soft touch rubber compound
Best for Build-Up: Jupiter Scalp Brush
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Courtesy of Amazon
Can be used wet or dry
Watertight and waterproof
Not durable
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
Best for Shine: Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador
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Courtesy of Ceremonia
Adds shine
Loosens dead, dry, and flaky skin
Pricier than other options
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
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.
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.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough scalp massagers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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