Daily Pullering, Scritchering, Preenering, Massaging Thread

[countryhopper]

I thought we could share tips on root stimulation for hair growth! This thread includes tips on how to scritch and preen (essential for hair care routines like NW/SO).

I bought a small manual scalp massager (it looks like a claw with fingers) and I use it daily. I just kind of gently scrub my scalp with short movements (it tangles if I try to go from forehead to nape in one motion).

Since the hair pulling thread came up a few days ago, I've been gently tugging my hair (mostly by getting a fistfull of hair from the roots and gently clenching my fist and releasing).

I also like scritching and preening right before I wash my hair since it seems to spread the oil around alot.

I've been doing some combination of these routines since joining the forum in February, and I've gotten 3 inches of growth since March!

ETA: Sorry, the title should read: pulling, scritching, preening, massaging. I think I invented some new words!

[littlenvy]

I LOVE doing this.
I have a long drive from work to home so I do it then. One handed - LOL - but still works.
Makes me feel nice and relaxed and stress free in traffic. (additional side effect -hehe)
And I'm sure I look like a crazy lady to anyone who notices me doing it.
But it also helps GREATLY in stretching the time between washing. I'm sure I can go at least a week now.

Right now I don't really care about speeding up my growth, I just want a healthy growth and this seems to help.

[LanaMonsoon]

I love the hair pulling! I always thought of it as hair squeezing. I also like to massage by placing open hands on each side of my head or temple and then push my hands together until my fingers intertwine. Does that make sense? If you bend your fingers a bit, they'll get through the hair to your scalp.

[countryhopper]

I love head massages. Gets rid of any headache, and can completely relax me so much I fall asleep. Nice to know I'm not the only one!

[curlylocks85]

I have been massaging my scalp regularly and have incorporated the hair pulling into my routine since I read that thread. I think of it as a hair "root lifter," if that makes sense?


I have no idea what scritching and preening are, could someone please explain.

[Nera]

I love to pull my hair and massage my scalp, because with my thick hair i feel like nothing ever touches my scalp... If that makes any sense...
If you have short fine thin hair, it's easy to just stroke it, but mine is always all tangeled. When I take the time to massage my scalp i just love it.
Don't know about the growth though, i guess i'll have to find out.

[countryhopper]

I have no idea what scritching and preening are, could someone please explain.

Scritching is using a comb or fingertips to lightly scratch the scalp to loosen dead skin, etc. It also produces sebum.

Preening is like what a bird does to its feathers. You take sebum from the scalp and gently use your fingers to pull this sebum down the hairshaft.

Hope that helps! If anyone else has another (better) explanation, please share!

[LaurelSpring]

Great idea for a thread. The hair pulling thread also got me on the band wagon and it feels really good. I am still a little confused about scritching and preening. I get the idea but the practice hasnt fallen into place for me yet. That happened to me with scalp washing. I just couldnt seem to get it and then one day it all just worked and now I love it. I think its time for me to revisit S&P because I am really struggling with finding a shampoo that doesnt make me itch and I may need to go WO. I need to get this practice down and would love any suggestions and helpful advice from others who do it regularly.

[kristymarie87]

I may try this, ive gotten a little lazy lately...

I usually would massage in the tub with the conditioner on (not on the scalp) for aroung 3-5 minutes or until my fingers ache.

I've been so exhausted lately ive just skiped it, but i'd love to try the hair pulling!

Long story short, ive had headaches for the past 3 years (almost exactly) and now am getting migraines and massaging helps sooo much! But its hard to do it myself and no one in my family will do it as i have a huge scar from a brain op and their afraid of hurting me!

I do love going to the hairdressers because they are so rough and just lay into my head not concerned about my scar! It feels so good and a good tug of the hair when i have a headache feels great!

Preening = not for me, my hairs already too greasy!

Has anyone seen/measured good results from this?

[littlenvy]

Preening = not for me, my hairs already too greasy!

Actually, it degreases the hair
Basically, you are pulling a "blob" of sebum from the bottom part of your hair down along the whole shaft making the layer thinner so it acts like a natural conditioner only.
It takes away the grease and conditiones dry ends.