Scalp Massage and Low Manipulation

**Jammy** · June 16th, 2010, 02:51 PM

I have been getting/giving myself daily scalp massages which help with growth/shedding/FEEL GREAT but I just realized; couldn't the constant ruffling and rubbing of my hair be just as bad for it as excessive brushing?

I guess the problem lies in the fact that I have short hair, and its not just the scalp that's getting a workout. My hair's about 4" long and gets quite roughed up from vigorous massages!

Could you be messing with the cuticle or damaging your hair in any way with these massages?!

**McFearless** · June 16th, 2010, 02:58 PM

Yes unfortunately.. and thats why I stopped. My hair got so tangled even when I was careful

**Kalyca** · June 16th, 2010, 04:17 PM

I don't think you're supposed to rough your hair up when you're doing a scalp massage. you are supposed to use the pads of your fingers in a way that massages the scalp only, and not the hair itself. not really sure of any other way to explain it but when you're massaging, you can feel the skin on your scalp kind of moving i guess?.. eh

**McFearless** · June 16th, 2010, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Kalyca

I don't think you're supposed to rough your hair up when you're doing a scalp massage. you are supposed to use the pads of your fingers in a way that massages the scalp only, and not the hair itself. not really sure of any other way to explain it but when you're massaging, you can feel the skin on your scalp kind of moving i guess?.. eh

You mean you're not supposed to move your fingers across your scalp... but instead keep your fingers in place and move your skin back and forth?

**Sammybunny711** · June 16th, 2010, 04:48 PM

I have pixie hair but still massage my scalp. I agree with Kalyca that you are supposed to feel your scalp move and use the pads of your fingers without disturbing the hair too much.

**Aurantia** · June 16th, 2010, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by McFearless

You mean you're not supposed to move your fingers across your scalp... but instead keep your fingers in place and move your skin back and forth?

Yes and no. A scalp massage should be possible even with your hair up (I'm not saying your style will stay perfectly, nor recommending this as an all-over technique but the mussing should be minimal and will not pull strands loose).

The movements are localized and tiny: the motion of your fingers in one place should be less than a centimeter and focused on light pressure and stimulation. Your skin will move slightly.

**Kalyca** · June 16th, 2010, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by McFearless

You mean you're not supposed to move your fingers across your scalp... but instead keep your fingers in place and move your skin back and forth?

yeah! that's exactly what I mean, thanks

**sarah061** · June 16th, 2010, 06:21 PM

Ooh, turns out I've been doing scalp massages wrong! Thanks for the tips everyone

**melikai** · June 16th, 2010, 08:29 PM

There are different ways of doing it, but think of it like a regular massage on your skin - you don't really rake the fingers over the skin, but you press inwards and massage the area you're pressing in a circular motion (I know there are many different types of massage, but this is what most people think of and do). You can also just press and hold, like a pressure point massage.

If you're being too vigorous and doing it often, I imagine you could cause damage over time. A gentle massage with just your fingertips massaging the scalp should suffice. If you want to reduce friction you could use some oil on your scalp too.

**Pandora.** · June 17th, 2010, 03:02 AM

Some people just tip their head upside down from time to time, as this creates blood flow to the scalp as well. I don't know if this would be as effective as scalp massaging, though.