Ah massages, a handy form stress relief. Nothing beats coming home from a tiresome day at work and receiving a massage from a loved one. Whether they're professional or provided by your significant other, massages are a great way to give you a much needed bit of time with your own thoughts.
Whilst massages are INCREDIBLE in general, we at Closer feel like the scalp is somewhat underrated body-part when it comes to a massage. So, here are ten reasons you need a scalp massage in your life.
1) Scalp massages can relieve stress
The beginning of the year is always slightly stressful. We put so many expectations upon ourselves to change and live our best lives and sometimes, the pressure can get to us.
So why not try and relieve some of that stress with a lovely scalp massage? A lot of stress and tension gets built up in your head and while massages in general are a great form of stress relief, scalp massages? Oh boy, now those are on a complete different level.
2) Scalp massages can reduce tension headache symptoms
Anyone who suffers from tension headaches will know just how debilitating they can be. Well fear not - scalp massages can actually reduce the symptoms of tension headaches.
The American Massage Therapy Association reports that a scalp massage may help reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of tension headaches. This could be due, in part to the relaxing effect a head massage has on your neck muscles.
3) Scalp massages can also help with migraine pain
Now migraines are something else. Honestly, when a bad migraine comes along, there goes your plans. They limit your day to day activities, making even the simplest of tasks almost unbearable. So it will come as a relief to know, that scalp massages can also reduce migraine pain. Keep this in mind the next time you feel a migraine brewing - trust us, it works surprisingly well.
4) Scalp massages can promote hair growth
Some studies have shown that scalp massages can actually help with hair growth. According to Healthline, participants in a small 2016 study experienced an increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks of daily scalp massages - wow.
On top of being a great way to relieve stress (and also just feeling great) scalp massages may even help thicken your hair if you find it is thinning out.
5) Scalp massages can lower blood pressure
Now this really goes hand in hand with stress relief. Being stressed can raise your blood pressure, so it's no secret that relieving stress will lower your blood pressure.
The same study by Healthline found that both 15 and 25 minute scalp massages can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure in female participants.
The authors of the study believes it may be because a head massage can help promote blood circulation which has a positive effect on the relaxation of blood vessels and neck muscles.
6) Scalp massages boost immune function
Yep, you heard us right. On top of all these other benefits, some studies suggest that scalp massages can actually boost immune function.
7) You can do scalp massages on yourself
The great thing about scalp massages is you can do them on yourself. Unlike a back massage, that's basically impossible to do on yourself, luckily you can give yourself a scalp massage with ease.
8) You can get your partner to give you a scalp massage for free
Yep that's right, if you're feeling a bit lazy after a long day at work why not get your significant other to give you a lovely scalp massage?
There's nothing more romantic than a nice massage - and a scalp massage? Now that really hits the spot.
9) You can buy a scalp massager
If you really want to take things to the next level or relaxation why not invest in a scalp massager?
Scalp massagers usually come in the form of brushes and you can use them all over your scalp, the same way you would use your fingers if you were doing it by hand.
Check out: the best scalp massagers
best scalp massagers
1 of 5Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
This silicone scalp massager is gentle on your scalp but deeply cleanses your hair to reduce unwanted build-up.
2 of 5Briogeo Scalp Massager
A must-have to your haircare routine - ideal for achieving healthier and stronger hair to solve all your scalp issues.
3 of 5Kent Shampoo and Scalp Massager Brush
Whilst making it easier to distribute your shampoo and conditioner, this also stimulate the scalp to make your hair feel fuller.
4 of 5Scalp Massager
This scalp massager fits perfectly into the palm of your hand, making massaging as easy as possible. Resulting in no more grease or product residue, AND giving you the hair growth you are wanting.
5 of 5Scalp Stimulating Massage Brush
This hand-held scalp massager will improve your hair routine, optimising the condition of your hair to get those gorg locks.
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10) If you want to splash the cash then you can always go to a professional
Yep, you heard us right. Whilst a scalp massage from your partner can be romantic, it might take a few attempts to get right.
If you're really feeling indulgent you can arrange to have a scalp massage carried out by a professional. Why not make it a couples massage if you want to keep things romantic.