Sure, you’re excited about your new cut and color at the salon, but if you’re being honest, the part that you’re looking forward to the most is those precious few minutes while you’re being shampooed: the scalp massage.

Not only does a scalp massage feel amazing, but it’s good for your hair, too! It sloughs off any dead skin, stimulates circulation, and releases tension.

Now, of course, you won’t be able to completely replicate the feeling of leaning back in the chair with someone else using their magical fingers to drain the tension from your scalp and get your hair squeaky clean, but you can do pretty well on your own. Here is what you need to know to give yourself a great-feeling scalp massage at home.

Don’t use your nails

You wouldn’t use your nails giving someone a shoulder massage, would you? “Shampooing” can sometimes equal “scrubbing” in our minds, which can lead to you using your nails to really get in there, but try to resist!

Nails not only can scratch, damage, and irritate your scalp, but they can also introduce bacteria into those scratches, which could lead to an infection. Use the pads of your fingers to massage and apply pressure instead of your nails.

They have a lot more cushion, making for a much more pleasant experience.

Don’t miss your hairline (Or any spot on your scalp)

The hairline can be a neglected area when it comes to shampooing, but it can also be a place where dirt and sweat gather. Pay special attention to this area and you’ll not only get the relaxing benefits of massaging your temples, but you’ll rinse feeling extra-clean.

Being thorough is important for clean hair and a healthy scalp. Work your way around your scalp in a circular pattern to ensure that you haven’t missed any spots.

The back of your head near the nape of your neck is another area to concentrate on because you tend to sweat and hold tension there. Try placing your thumbs at the back of your head and using a circular motion.

It doesn’t have to be while you shampoo

The classic salon experience is a scalp massage while your hair is washed, but if you’re doing this at home, why restrict yourself?

Try using an oil (add in a few drops of lavender essential oil for extra relaxation and hair benefits!) for your massage before you get into the shower, or sneak your massage in after you’ve applied conditioner to help avoid any tangles or damage to your hair.

Stimulate hair growth

Scalp massages are great just because they’re scalp massages, but they also come with some pretty great benefits for your hair and body, too!

Massage can help improve circulation in your scalp, which can lead to faster hair growth. Each follicle is nourished by blood vessels, and blood flow increases with a massage. That means that your hair follicles are getting more of the nutrients that they need, which means that your hair can grow at its optimum speed.

A study has even shown that scalp massage can also increase the thickness of your hair! For so many of us, longer, thicker hair is at, or near, the top of our hair wish list. Massage is a natural, healthy addition to your hair care regimen that can help you achieve both!

Get a really good night’s sleep

Even if you normally sleep well (lucky you!), you could likely be getting even more restful, rejuvenating, and deeper sleep with the help of massage therapy. Studies have shown that massage can increase the quality of sleep, and this includes something as simple as your scalp massage.

We tend to hold a lot of tension, especially in our necks, and you can get better sleep by releasing that tension through massage. When you’re going through your scalp massage ritual, don’t forget the base of your head where it attaches to your neck, and give the muscles around your neck a little love while you’re at it.

Add in some lavender essential oil and you’re well on your way to dreamland.

Final thought

Who says you have to wait for your next salon trip to have an indulgent scalp massage? 

Set aside a few minutes a couple of times a week and take care of yourself, and your hair. Your hair will get that thorough cleaning that it needs every once in a while, you’ll be setting yourself up for growing long, strong, thick hair, and you might even get a better night’s sleep after an evening massage.

As we all know, few things are as completely relaxing as a good scalp massage, so let your stress melt away with this great health and beauty multitasker.