What scalp massagers can — and can’t — do for hair

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more .

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. That’s because hair growth starts in follicles located below the surface of the skin — a healthy scalp means stronger, shinier, thicker hair and less breakage and hair loss, says Dr. Craig Ziering , a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon in California.

One way to ensure you’re giving your scalp the proper care is by adding regular scalp treatments to your hair care routine. An even better option is a scalp brush or massager designed to stimulate blood flow to the follicles without causing damage. They have soft, malleable bristles to help exfoliate , remove all that buildup of sebum and dead skin cells, and redistribute the oil, says Dr. Margarita Lolis , a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.

I spoke to experts about the benefits of scalp massaging and rounded up their recommendations for the best scalp brushes and massagers to use. I also included recommendations from NBC Selected staffers.

Selected. Our top picks

Do scalp massagers work for hair growth?

For most people, scalp massagers won’t be the sole reason for hair growth. “However, in certain circumstances, they can help by decreasing an inflammatory cascade impacting the hair follicles, helping stimulate blood flow and removing microbes that are impairing growth,” says William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology . So, they help support a healthier scalp environment, which can in turn help healthy hair growth.

Some studies support that: A small study in 2016 found that four minutes of scalp massage a day over the course of six months led to increased hair thickness in men. Another study published in 2019 found that scalp massage could even help improve alopecia.

“I typically use scalp massagers with a broader treatment plan to improve overall results rather than trying to use it as a single solution,” says Gaunitz. Typical treatments for hair growth include oral medication, topical solutions like minoxidil and various dermatology treatments, including platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) or prescription-only laser caps, according to experts in our guide to thinning hair treatments .

If you are using a scalp massager to stimulate growth, you should use one three times a week for 15 minutes, typically right before you take a shower, says Gaunitz. “The scalp massage is going to increase blood flow and exfoliate the scalp . It’s best followed by shampoo and then a topical scalp serum,” he says.

Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

The best scalp massagers and brushes

Best overall

Ocoa Scalp Massager

This Ocoa scalp massager is a favorite of NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio , who uses it every time she washes her hair (about once every two to three days). “I have very fine hair, so most scalp massagers cause a lot of breakage,” she says. “This one has soft silicone bristles that don’t tug or pull at my hair, so I’m never worried about it damaging my roots.” It also has a small grip at the top that makes it easy to hold, plus it’s small enough to take comfortably on the go, says Godio.

Most flexible

Manta Scalp Brush

This flexible brush’s bristles can mold to the shape of your scalp, says Lolis. The bristles also won’t snag your hair, which is key, she says. It’s suitable for all hair types, including fine and coily hair, and you can even use it if you wear extensions, according to the brand.

Most gentle

Diane Shampoo Massage Brush

This scalp massager comes recommended by NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown , who uses it exclusively in the shower during and after shampooing. “The silicone bristles are really gentle, which I appreciate: I think there’s this unhealthy assumption that natural hair is tough and resilient, but it actually requires a lot of gentle care, in my experience,” says Brown. “I don’t have any major scalp issues and I think it’s partly because I’m using this massager to get the blood flowing up there once or twice a week. I also have long-ish acrylic nails so this decreases the risk of the tips scratching my scalp.” You can use the massager on both wet and dry hair, and it’s great for applying dry shampoo , too, according to the brand.

Most versatile

Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager Brush

Tangle Teezer’s version of the classic scalp brush also comes recommended by the International Trichology Congress, an educational and professional platform for certified scalp experts. Afope Atoyebi , a UK-based, certified trichologist specializing in natural hair textures, likes it for its two-tier bristle design, which makes it a brush and massager hybrid. Its long flexible bristles exfoliate the scalp and remove flakes, while shorter firmer bristles stimulate circulation and boost blood flow to the scalp, according to the brand. Consider this a do-it-all scalp tool: you can use it in or out of the shower and with or without product.

Best with firm bristles

Jupiter Scalp Brush

If you have dandruff or oily hair , Lolis recommends this Jupiter scalp brush because of its firm but not too firm bristles, which are still gentle enough for everyday use, according to the brand. “If you want to really exfoliate the scalp or have extra sebum production, I like this one,” she says. Its small size also makes it ideal for travel.

Best in-shower brush

Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager Brush

Lolis likes this option from Leonor Greyl as an in-shower massager. “The bristles are the perfect combination of soft and strong,” she says. “It helps enhance product penetration, eliminate dandruff and residue, while making your scalp feel so nice and nourished.”

Best budget-friendly

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush

For a more wallet-friendly option, Dr. Navin Arora , board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, likes this sub-$10 option. “You can use it every time you shampoo or with a scalp oil,” to help lift any flakes and buildup while also promoting circulation, he says.

Best vibrating

Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager

Vibrating scalp massagers aren’t technically necessary, according to the experts I spoke with; though, theoretically, the gentle vibration may have the same benefits of a good old-fashioned manual massage, says Atoyebi. Arora says patients in his practice really seem to like the Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager. It has four intensity modes and you can use it on the scalp, neck and back, according to the brand.

How I picked the best scalp massagers

I asked hair experts (including a trichologist specializing in natural textures) and dermatologists for their recommendations for the best scalp massagers. Here’s what to keep in mind based on their guidance:

How to shop for scalp brushes and massagers

To find the right scalp brush for you, experts recommend considering your hair type and scalp condition. Here’s what to identify before you buy:

Frequently asked questions

You don’t technically need to use a special tool to reap these benefits. “You can literally use your fingers,” says Halim. “The whole goal of scalp massaging is really to increase blood flow and circulation, it’s not there to scrape your scalp.”

Lolis recommends doing a dedicated scalp massage (using a scalp massager or just your fingers) once or twice a week — though there’s no harm in doing it daily. “If you are trying to have some me time and you want to pamper yourself a little bit, scalp massagers are great for that,” says Atoyebi.

Gaunitz recommends a complete hair growth solution plan alongside using a scalp massager, such as getting blood work, identifying the core reason for hair loss and correcting it internally. Use a scalp serum and a chemical-free shampoo (which doesn’t include sulfates, silicones or artificial fragrances) during or after using a scalp massager to help exfoliate the scalp, says Gaunitz.

You can use scalp brushes and massagers on wet or dry hair. In fact, most scalp massagers are designed for shower use with shampoo, experts say. The key is to make sure your brush or massager doesn’t snag or pull your hair because you don’t want to accidentally cause breakage. You should be very careful using a scalp massager on wet hair or a wet scalp because it can pull or tug at the hair, which can cause more harm than good, says Gaunitz.

Meet our hair care experts

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.