Do head massagers really work? A dermatologist tells you the answer

I'm a dermatologist and if I could use a 2-in-1 shampoo every few weeks, I absolutely would. So when I heard about head massagers, I wrote them off as something I would buy but never actually use. But when I noticed that people were using head massagers to promote hair growth, I was definitely intrigued.

Next, everything you need to know about head massagers - including, yes, whether they actually stimulate hair growth.

What is a head massager?

Head massagers are usually handheld, brush-like devices that stimulate and exfoliate the scalp. They often have soft silicone or synthetic bristles that help massage the scalp and exfoliate dry, flaky skin.

Can a head massager stimulate hair growth?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no scientific evidence that head massagers can stimulate hair growth (uh, I know). While scalp massagers can help increase blood flow - and thus bring more nutrients to the hair follicles - no studies have shown them to be effective in stimulating hair growth.

All hope is not lost, however, because even if head massagers don't make your hair grow, they can definitely make your head healthier. Because head massagers are so good at removing product build-up and excess oil, they are a great addition to anyone's daily routine.

As an added bonus, they feel really, really good - and isn't that the whole point of self-care? Head massage feels great because of the many nerve endings in the scalp. People with stressed scalp muscles report feeling better after a massage because it relaxes the scalp muscles.

What is the best head massager?

Okay, so there's no scientific evidence that head massagers can make your hair grow out, but if you still want to try one (reminder: they're very relaxing), you need to keep a few things in mind before you start shopping: look for a gentle and scientifically backed head massager.

The Xingbu head massager is one of the most popular products on the market because it helps relieve tension, improve scalp circulation and improve sleep.

If you want a more relaxing experience, the Xingbu Head Massager is recommended. With its vibration function, you can sit back and eliminate all stress - it can even relax your neck and forehead .

So, do I really need a scalp massager?

If you want to add some ~coolness~ to your self-care routine, then go for it! Head massagers, especially the skin-approved ones listed above, are a safe alternative to scrubbing with your nails or fingers because there's less room for error. While it's a bit unfortunate that there's no direct scientific correlation between hair growth and scalp massagers, exfoliation helps remove dry skin and creates an environment for a happy, healthy head.