In this article, we will discuss how scalp tension causes hair loss, what is the importance of scalp massage, how to do scalp massage, what is the science behind scalp massage, research studies.
Scalp massage tools and how to increase its effectiveness, alternative of scalp massage for reduction of scalp tension and at last conclusion.
HOW SCALP TENSION CAUSES HAIR LOSS
On the top of our head directly underneath the skin is subcutaneous tissues a sheet of connective tissue called Galea aponeurotic. Galea is a Latin word that means helmet. On the front, back, and side galea are connected to various muscles, these are constantly exerting pressure by contracting and stretching which results in chronic tension in Galea. So any tension in Galea is transmitted to the overlying subcutaneous layer in which hair follicles are present.
Hairloss in men is restricted to the parts of the head overlying Galea, on the sides and the back of the head there is no hair loss even you are in the worst stage of baldness(except if it is autoimmune disorder).
There is a correspondence between the degree of tension across the galea and the pattern in which hair loss occurs. There is the astonishing correlation between the area which has a high degree of tension first lose hair followed by those with intermediate tension. It simply signifies greater the scalp tension more will be the hair loss.
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS ON SCALP MASSAGE AND TENSION
There is a research study- Involvement of Mechanical Stress in Androgenetic Alopecia by Rafael Tellez-Segura.Int J Trichology. Jul-Sep 2015.
The results of this analysis indicate the dependence between scalp tension and androgenetic alopecia, which clearly identifies mechanical stress as an active factor in hair loss.
If you want to know more about this study check this out- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4639964/#!po=67.7778
SCALP TENSION AND DHT RELATION
Tension in the galea may result in inflammation of the overlying skin, in response to this inflammation the scalp upregulates its expression of DHT.
In turn, DHT induces some transforming factors or proteins called TGF beta 1. This protein along with DHT causes fibrosis of scalp tissue. Fibrosis causes excess deposition of collagen around the hair follicles, we know that collagen is an essential protein but when its production goes out of hand it form microscopic scar tissue which occupies more space around hair follicles and restrict the blood vessels which provide essential nutrient to the hair follicle.
It restricts the vessels that supply blood to the scalp, resulting in a chronic condition of low oxygen levels due to this hair follicle miniaturization starts.
Every one is claiming DHT as the main culprit for hair loss. The root cause of hair loss which mediates the damaging effects of DHT on the hair follicles is scalp tension.
WHY DO WE NEED SCALP MASSAGE: ITS IMPORTANCE
SO WE HAVE TO REDUCE SCALP TENSION IN THE SCALP FOR HAIR GROWTH AND THE WAY TO REDUCE THE SCALP TENSION IS SCALP MASSAGE.
In a study published in 2019 shows that nearly 68.9% of men who massaged their scalp reported that they have stabilized their hair loss and regrow new hair.
If want to check full study-https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-019-0281-6
There is another study on the effects of scalp massage this was done with healthy men who did not suffer from any hair loss and they found that even in healthy men a few minutes of scalp massage daily were enough to increase the diameter of the hair shaft this leads to thicker hair and increased hair density.
The researchers found that mechanical effects of stretching are sufficient to alter the genetic expression of dermal papilla cells, these are the cells that maintain the hair cycle. In response to stretching, the dermal papilla cells increased the expression of genes controlling the hair cycle and decrease the expression of a gene which cause hair loss.
WAYS TO DO SCALP MASSAGE
This one is the traditional way to do scalp massage. Apply a small amount of force through your fingertips on the scalp and move them in a circular motion.
You can use oil with this method
Scalp massage with oils such as essential oils, herbal oils.
The essential oil in many studies has shown powerful results as of minoxidil(FDA approved medicine) with no side effects if used properly.
Pure peppermint essential oil in India
If you are not from India go for Now food's essential oil
You can take 2-3 drops of essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil, and many others.
Dip your fingertips in this oil and massage your scalp for at least10 minutes.
You can massage your scalp with herbal oil also. I will recommend you to use Bhringaj oil.
Pure bhringraj oil in India (Mama earth 100%nautral oil)
Mama earth products are not available outside India.
If you are not from India go for Morpheme (cold-pressed undiluted bhringraj hair oil)
If you want to know more about Top 3 essential oils for hair growth
2-BRUSHES AND SCALP MASSAGE TOOLS
WOOD COMB/BRUSHES
It is better to use wooden comb over a plastic one. The wooden comb has many benefits besides of being eco friendly.
Benefits of using wooden comb over plastic combs
- Helps to distribute natural oil equal all over the scalp.
- Increase blood circulation in the scalp.
- Prevent scraping of your scalp, because they have more rounded or smoother teeth.
- Prevent damage from static electricity.
- Reduces dandruff, such as neem wood comb which has antimicrobial activity.
- Lesser allergies, lots of people don’t know that plastic and metal combs are sensitive for scalp and can cause allergies.
Some important points for wooden comb, Don’t wash your wooden comb with water and harsh chemical it will damage it.
The best way to clean is by oil, apply a small amount of oil all over its surface then wipe it with a dry cloth.
Start brushing the scalp all over to stimulate blood flow.
RUBBER SHAMPOO BRUSH
Rubber shampoo brush this is a very simple inexpensive device and if you use consistently it will give you results.
Wow, stimulating scalp rubber brush
ELECTRIC SCALP MASSAGER
There are many massager tools available for people which want to minimize their efforts during scalp massage.
SOME SCALP MASSAGE TUTORIALS
- · Take both hands on either side of your scalp, grip the scalp hard, and move around in a circular motion.
- After that place either hand in front and back of your head and massage in a circular motion.
Perform these two for 3 minutes each.
THERE ARE SOME WAYS OTHER THAN SCALP MASSAGE TO REDUCE SCALP
TENSION.
1-BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTION (BOTOX)
Botox is very popular nowadays.
In 2017 study shows that Botox in the treatment of Androgenetic alopecia in males.
Where 10 ten men with androgenetic alopecia given botulinum toxin injection in the scalp and after 24 weeks they can see a clear improvement in 8 out of 10 men.
Injection of Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle which ultimately reduces the scalp tension and thereby blood flow increases. Due to increase blood, flow hair follicles get enough oxygen and nutrient.
In this study, Botulinum toxin injection found safe and effective therapy for androgenetic alopecia.
But I think studies with larger sample size and randomized traits are required to establish.
2-CARBOXY THERAPY
It involves small injections of carbon dioxide below the scalp surface. This treatment stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation, oxygenation, and the supply of nutrients in the scalp.
CONCLUSION
So we have covered the entire aspects of SCALP MASSAGE FOR HAIR GROWTH, most of the studies we have seen about scalp massage, the results are self assested by people who are part of that study.
So my take on this is that don’t expect that you will see greater results in just 2 -3 months of practice, it takes time.
Only Scalp tension is not responsible for hair loss there are various factors such as nutrient deficiency, hormonal imbalance, stress, some medical condition, and due to some medication.
Along with scalp massage, you should focus on all the other factors, so keep a well-balanced diet that fulfills all essential nutrients requirement, do exercise, yoga, manage stress, maintain sleep quality, and quantity both. The most important point is to be happy.
If you find this helpful or you have any questions comment below.
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