8 Steps to Effectively Massage Scalp with Natural Oils

Scalp massages are very beneficial for hair care and growth. You should incorporate them into your scalp care regimen ASAP.

Scalp massages can help alleviate several common problems associated with the scalp such as hair loss, dandruff, psoriasis, itchy scalp, dry scalp, flaky scalp, and dermatitis. 

Scalp massages are usually done by professionals but did you know you can easily do it yourself.

You can get most of the benefits of a professional scalp massage with a few simple steps and techniques.

I’ve included a basic scalp massage oil recipe card at the end of this article for you to print and have on hand whenever you’re ready to give it a go. 

The scalp massage oil recipe included is ideal for promoting healthier hair growth as well.

Are Scalp Massages Good for You?

Scalp massages are an excellent way to relax your senses and relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.

They can boost your mood and promote faster recovery from hair loss issues by stimulating blood flow to the scalp area and nourishing your follicles.

You can use most natural oils to massage your scalp but there are several that are more beneficial to the scalp.

A couple of effective natural oils for scalp massages include Calendula oil and lemongrass oil.

For even more natural oils targeted towards scalp issues, have a look at How to Grow Hair Healthy and Long with Natural Oils.

Featuring over 30 natural oils and updated every year, this is a complete guide to including natural oils in your hair regimen.

8 Steps to Effectively Massage Your Scalp for Hair Growth

Step 1 – Mix Oils

Pour your natural oils of choice into a small bowl. Don’t mix more than 3 natural oils at a time. You can also add 5 – 10 drops of your preferred essential oils.

However, I recommend peppermint essential oil, tea tree essential oil, rosemary essential oil and, eucalyptus essential oil.

Step 2 – Heat the Oils

Heat the oil by lowering into a bigger bowl full of hot water. You can microwave it if you like but I wouldn’t recommend this. It might compromise the mixture’s effectiveness and burn your scalp.

Step 3 – Section Your Hair

While the oil is heating up, section your hair into manageable sections – 3 to 4 parts – and pin-up. More if you prefer. Enough sections as required to prevent hair tangling.

Step 4 – Apply to Your Scalp

Once the oil is hot, take 1 section of hair and start parting that section into smaller sections, then apply the oil directly to the scalp.

You can get heavy-handed if you have type 4 hair but just enough to cover the exposed scalp. If the oil is dripping down your face or neck when you’re done, you’ve applied too much.

Step 5 – Start Massaging

Once you’re done with the scalp area in that section, pour a bit of oil into your hands and rub together until warm then start massaging your scalp with the fingertips only (no nails).

Step 6 – Promote Blood Circulation

Rub in small vigorous circles until you feel a bit of heat. This should take about 5 – 10 minutes. This promotes blood circulation to the scalp. Take as much time as you want with this step.

Step 7 – Spread the Oil Residue

Work whatever oil residue you have on your palms through the length of your hair then braid up that section, pin-up and repeat with the rest of the sections.

Step 8 – Leave-in Overnight

Cover with a disposable plastic cap or cling film, then a satin sleep cap or satin scarf. Leave the oil in overnight. Your body heat will provide a mild steaming effect.

Wash out the next morning with a diluted Pure Castile Soap. If your hair still feels greasy, then try a stronger but still diluted shampoo like:-

• Davines Momo Shampoo for Dehydrated Hair
• Schwarzkopf BC Aloe Essence Sensitive Soothe Mild Shampoo.

Deep condition and style as usual. 

Schwarzkopf BC Aloe Essence Sensitive Soothe Mild Shampoo

Davines Momo Shampoo for Dehydrated Hair

In addition to alleviating several hair issues, frequent scalp massaging with oil also keeps these problems at bay.

Scalp massaging promotes stronger hair growth and helps to regulate sebum production on the scalp the same way it regulates sebum production when applied to the face.

You can make scalp massages even more effective by incorporating a scalp massage brush and exfoliating your scalp.

Read Effective Scalp Exfoliation with Natural Oils.

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Scalp Massage Oil for Hair Growth Recipe

Yield: 1 bottle

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

This scalp massage oil recipe is a great base to use for your scalp massage therapy. I have included the healthiest oils and essential oils for the scalp in this recipe. This particular recipe is also great for promoting healthy hair growth.

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Materials

• 4 tablespoons of Jamaican black castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil
• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of calendula oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon of apricot kernel oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Tools

• Silicone mixing bowl
• 1 8 oz bottle

Instructions

1. Open the 8 oz bottle and measure in the oils except for the essential oils one at a time in the order they're listed in the ingredients.
2. Once done, close and give the bottle a shake. Open up and measure in the essential oils. Close and shake again.
3. When it's time to use, pour enough for your scalp in the silicone mixing bowl and place in a hot water bath to gently heat up the oil.
4. While the oil is heating up, section your hair and pin-up each section.
5. Once the oil is warm enough, apply to your scalp area in each section and massage thoroughly into each section for 5 - 10 minutes.
6. When you've applied the oil to your whole head, rub the residue into your strands, pin-up again, and cover it with a disposable cap.
7. Leave in overnight and wash out the next morning with a mild moisturizing shampoo followed by a deep conditioning session.

Notes

• For more oils you can use for scalp massages, have a look at the scalp massage archives.
• You can replace Jamaican black castor oil with clear castor oil. It's just as effective.
• You can also repeat this scalp massage every 2 days throughout the week and wash it out on the weekend. This would work well with the A Beginner's Guide to Maximizing Hair Growth With The Inversion Method.