Scalp Massage

Hair stylist giving a scalp massage during shampooing
Photo: Sfrolov/Shutterstock
Q: Why do certain hair salons massage your head during shampooing? Are they doing it because it feels good or because it is good for the hair?
 
Should I massage my own head when I shampoo my hair? Do you need to know certain head massaging techniques to avoid hair damage?

 
A: Well, the benefits of scalp massage are well known. It promotes circulation in the scalp which helps keep the blood flowing to the follicles and keeps the oils and nutrients in healthy supply.
 
During a shampoo is a perfect time to massage the scalp. Just remember to keep the finger motions limited so that you don't generate tangles or matting (especially in curly or kinky hair types).
 
Now, even though scalp massage is beneficial, most salons don't often focus on the practice, because it is time consuming and many salons want to keep the customers moving through. But in high-end salons where pampering the client is paramount, you can find a lot of attention paid to scalp massage.
 
And if you ask the shampoo attendant on duty about it, he or she will tell you that a scalp massage as part of the shampoo service will boost his/her tips considerably. Most clients love getting the scalp massage, and such things can generate extra revenue from the goodwill they engender.
 
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See also:
 
Scalp massager spider
 
The construction of a hair
 
The benefits of combing the hair and massaging the scalp
 
What a scalp treatment is