Stylists Say Increasing Your Scalp Circulation Is the Secret for Healthier, Longer Hair—Here’s How To Do It for $0
The best part about going to a salon is undoubtedly the little scalp massage would get while your hair is being shampooed. It's impossible not to zen out in that moment and let your worries run down the drain. Aside from feeling good, that massage is actually really good for your hair health because it boosts scalp circulation.
"Scalp circulation plays a big role in impacting hair health," says Todd Edwards, a Mizani artist and hairstylist based Atlanta. That's because our blood carries nutrients. So when circulation is increased in the scalp, those nutrients are distributed throughout the scalp and the roots of the hair. And according to Mary Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, "increased circulation seems to encourage hair growth."
- Mary Lupo, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
- Todd Edwards, hairstylist and Mizani artist
3 ways to increase scalp circulation
1. Massage your scalp
The simplest (and cheapest) way to improve scalp circulation is with a DIY massage. "Giving your scalp a daily massage or brushing your scalp every day is very important, this will get the blood flowing," says Edwards. Rubbing with your fingers (tips, not nails) or a brush is more than enough, but if you want to get fancy, you can use tools like the manual Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager ($18) or the electric EXT Spa Scalp Massager ($90). Both of these can be used on dry hair or in the shower while you're shampooing.
2. Use products that dilate blood vessels
Some of the ingredients we use in hair care products can serve double duty by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp, thus increasing blood flow. "There are different products you can use such as anything with peppermint or eucalyptus oil—these will help with scalp circulation," says Edwards. He recommends the SH-RD Intensive Full & Thick Hair Essence ($60) and the Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion ($23). Canviiy ScalpBliss ($20) is also a fabulous option.
This botanical serum improves root circulation and stimulates cell growth of the hair follicle to boost hair growth with Capixyl and Capilectine, two bioengineered ingredients made to promote hair growth and reduce inflammation.
This calming scalp lotion is made with circulation-boosting eucalyptus. Additionally, this essential oil works with avocado oil and aloe vera to soothe and moisturize dry, itchy scalps.
This super-soothing serum is packed with peppermint oil and gives your scalp an instantly refreshed, soothed, and tingly feeling.
3. Use red light therapy
Dr. Lupo explains that red light is a cellular stimulator for repair and helps to increase blood circulation. The above massage tool from EXT spa also has red lights, allowing you to get a massage while performing red light therapy. Other great tools are the iRestore Essential helmet ($695) and the Trophy Skin RejuvaliteMD ($199).
This red light helmet allows you to experience the therapy all over your scalp with ease. Just wear it for 25 minutes every other day to target the most common areas of hair thinning and balding with 120 medical-grade lasers and LEDs.
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