The 13 Best Scalp Massagers to Scrub All the Gunk Away
Time to say goodbye to a week’s worth of dry shampoo.
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It’s no secret that we all love summer. With summer Fridays, beach vacays, pool days, and extra sunshine, what’s not to love? Well, maybe all of the buildup and dryness you may be experiencing on your scalp? We definitely don’t love that. Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, so it’s important to make sure we are looking out for it. Whether you’ve been spraying on layers of dry shampoo to soak up all the summer sweat or you have sandy strands from a weekend away at the beach, a scalp massager can help you deep clean your scalp and promote healthier strands.
But, what exactly is a scalp massager, you ask? It’s typically a small handheld brush made out of silicone bristles, though variations do exist. It can be used to amplify the lather of your shampoo in the shower or as a nice spa-like massage when you need a boost. Regular scalp massages can promote overall hair health and growth. Since you’re not using your fingers and nails to massage in your shampoo, a scalp massager can also help you prolong your manicure, so it’s really a win-win. Keep scrolling for 13 of the best scalp massagers in the market that you can add to cart right now for a healthier scalp and longer, stronger strands.
Pros
- Soft bristles
Cons
- May not be suitable for a sensitive scalp
I’ve been using the Ceremonia scalp massager for a few months now, and I swear my scalp has never been so clean. The silicone bristles are soft enough that they don’t pull on strands, while still providing an effective massage. If you’re looking for the ultimate scalp detox, try pairing it with the brand’s Papaya Scalp Scrub once a week.
“I always recommend the Ceremonia Scalp Massager to anyone looking to enhance the benefits and absorption of their scalp products, personally I like to use it together with our scalp remedy oil, the Aceite de Moska, as the perfect scalp balancing pre-shower treatment. I then use the massager again in the shower together with shampoo for a deep cleanse,” says Ceremonia founder and CEO Babba Rivera.
Pros
- Can be used on wet or dry hair
Cons
- May not be suitable for a sensitive scalp
Massage your scalp in circular motions with this tool to stimulate hair follicles and help remove buildup. Reviewers note it helps sweep away all of the gunk to leave your scalp feeling squeaky clean.
Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Stimulating Therapy Massager
Pros
- Soft bristles
Cons
- May need to be cleaned
The bristles on this massager are soft to ensure a gentle, stimulating scalp massage. One reviewer says they purchased this product as a simple luxury, but it quickly became a staple in their haircare routine. If you’ve been experiencing dandruff, try pairing this with the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo to further remove and prevent flakes.
Pros
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Doesn’t have a string to hang in the shower
This scalp massager employs lots of bristles so you can rest assured you are targeting all of the areas of your scalp. This will help to scrub away all of the debris and buildup when washing your hair.
Pros
- Relieves tension
Cons
- Fragile
If you love using a jade roller or gua sha on your face, this is the obvious next step in your selfcare routine. I have been using this scalp gua sha for a few months, and love how relaxing it is. I will comb it through my scalp, pressing and rubbing circles onto points of tension. Trust me, this massager will leave you feeling less tense and more relaxed.
Pros
- Detangles
Cons
- Pricey
So you wanna multi-task and brush your hair while also giving yourself a little scalp massage? Look no further! With the Flourish Manta Healthy Hair Brush, you absolutely can. This option is gentle and bendable, so it molds to your scalp to not only comb out the strands, but also provide a light massage to promote growth.
Pros
- Vibrates
Cons
- Requires batteries
If you’re looking to completely refresh your scalp with a deep cleaning massage, try out this vibrating scalp massager. Simply pop in some batteries, and go to town scrubbing away all of the gunk and debris. Reviewers note it provides a gentle vibration and helps relieve tension in the head.
Pros
- Doesn’t pull on hair
Cons
- Doesn’t have a string to hang in the shower
All Grande Cosmetics products are created with the intention of promoting hair growth. This scalp massager is no different. It employs soft and flexible bristles to massage and scrub the scalp without tugging on strands. This massage will promote circulation on the scalp resulting in hair growth.
Pros
- Gentle bristles
Cons
- Doesn’t have a string to hang in the shower
This option from Noughty is made with an easy-to-hold bamboo handle and silicone bristles that are gentle on the scalp. Rub the massager in circular motions on your scalp to scrub away flakes and leave you feeling squeaky clean.
Pros
- Easy to hang in the shower
Cons
- May not be suitable for a sensitive scalp
This sleek, all-black scalp massager is perfect for scrubbing away debris while promoting overall circulation for hair growth. Reviewers note this tool is great for removing product buildup and flakes from the scalp, too.
Pros
- Includes a dispenser for shampoo or treatments
Cons
- Not as many bristles as others
This scalp massager from Ouidad is perfect for anyone who is traveling or on-the-go. The pink portion is actually meant to hold your shampoo or scalp treatment. Simply fill the tool, dispense onto your scalp, and massage away! P.S. The bristles are anti-microbial, so there’s no need to worry about any bacteria buildup.
Pros
- Soft silicone bristles
Cons
- Doesn’t have a string to hang in the shower
This scalp massager uses ultra-gentle bristles, making this perfect for anyone with a sensitive scalp looking for a detox. One reviewer notes that this massager is great for removing buildup underneath their sew-in extensions. It’s strong enough to remove debris in a side-to-side motion, but gentle enough to not tug at the extensions.
Pros
- Easy-to-hold handle
Cons
- Doesn’t have a string to hang in the shower
This scalp massage employs long, dense silicone bristles, making it especially useful for anyone with thicker hair. The tool can also be taken apart so that it is easy to clean in between uses.
What are the benefits of a scalp massager?
“A scalp massager is perfect to help stimulate blood flow and circulation, which in turn promotes overall scalp wellness and can help boost hair growth,” says Rivera. “A scalp massager is also my favorite way to give myself a relaxing self-care moment to unwind. When you use a scalp massager in conjunction with a hair product, it really makes the scent bloom for a total spa experience at home.”
Who should use a scalp massager?
“The truth is: everyone,” says Rivera. “The scalp is such an essential part of your hair’s well-being, and massaging the scalp will even help with your hair’s regrowth process.”
Should you use a scalp massager on wet or dry hair?
Scalp massagers can be used on wet or dry hair. When in the shower, lather up your shampoo and massage with one of these tools to exfoliate and remove debris. Try on dry hair with a scalp oil or treatment to massage and promote circulation for healthy hair growth.
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