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Banner Image: Kerotin Scalp Massager
Ah, the blissful feeling of the salon shampoo and head massage. Not only do those 10 minutes in heaven make you want to meow, but they also have health benefits like stimulating blood flow to your scalp. The only downside? Those few trance-like moments never feel like enough.
Which is why a scalp brush may turn out to be your new best friend. Made with softer, rounder bristles than a styling brush, they’re specifically designed to scrub and massage your often neglected head.
Sure, nothing may quite replace relaxing back in a chair while your stylist does it for you, but a scalp brush will still give you that tingly feeling you get with a professional shampoo and offers all the same benefits.
If you’re wondering what to look for in a good scalp brush, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best ones out there. But before we fill you in on our favorites, let’s cover off the benefits of these highly-touted devices. With just a little 411, we think you’ll understand why many fans now consider scalp massage brushes to be an essential part of their beauty regime.
Benefits of a Scalp Brush
In the constant hunt for those holy grail hair products, we often forget that the key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. More than a beauty fad, massage brushes have definite health benefits. Here are a few things that a scalp brush can do for you:
1. Scalp Brushes Stimulate Blood Circulation
Scalp brushes don’t just feel amazing, but they also stimulate circulation, which promotes the distribution of nutrients to the scalp and hair roots.
2. Scalp Brushes Remove Buildup
Scalp brushes are also effective in exfoliating the scalp and removing buildup caused by old skin cells, oil and hair products from your follicles. And since clogged hair follicles can lead to hair loss, that’s a big plus!
3. Scalp Brushes Can Lead to Thicker Hair
Scientifically, the jury is still out on whether scalp brushes stimulate hair growth. But research has found that they can make your hair thicker. They do this by stretching the cells in hair follicles which causes them to produce thicker strands. Pretty great, right?
4. Scalp Brushes Can Reduce the Appearance of Dandruff
When the oils and normally healthy bacteria on your scalp get out of balance, it leads to a flaky scalp, also known as dandruff. That normally healthy bacteria on your scalp (known as Malassezia) feeds on buildup like dead skin cells and sebum.
But when you have too much Malassezia, it can irritate the scalp and cause even more flakiness. And that, in turn, increases the proliferation of this normally healthy fungus even further. In other words, you’re caught in an endless flaky cycle.
While scalp brushes may not eliminate the original cause of your dandruff (which could be due to heredity, diet or other factors), they can reduce the proliferation of Malassezia by giving this fungus less to feed on.
Exfoliating will also help your dandruff products to further penetrate your scalp allowing them to get to the literal root of the problem. The result? Fewer flakes.
Scalp brushes feel amazing and also promote a healthy environment for hair growth. But if you’re still scratching your head over which one to buy, here’s a list of our favorites.
Many of them are meant to be used in the shower while shampooing, which helps to remove buildup, but they can also be used on dry hair.
Scalp Brushes for Thick and Curly Hair
Beauty fanatics with tight curls and coils sometimes have a hard time finding products that are suited to their hair. But these brushes were designed to work on all types, including thick and textured tresses.
Heeta Hair Scalp Massager
This internet sensation has over 80,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. With raves from all hair types, including thick and curly, the silicone bristles are pliable and yet firm enough to give your head a good massage. And considering it will only set you back about $8, the Heeta Scalp Massager is a no-brainer to keep your head and hair healthy.
Curltastic Shampoo Massage Brush
With its thick, flexible bristles, the Curltastic Shampoo Massage Brush was designed for curly to kinky hair types (3A-4C) and is a definite hit in the textured hair community. The non-slip handle is contoured to fit into the palm of your hand, which gives you a better grip when you’re in the shower.
Pro tip: separate thick, textured hair into sections and massage while shampooing one section at a time.
Related: Our 9 Favorite Flat Irons For All Hair Types
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Designed for all hair textures, this stimulating brush from the cult-favorite brand Briogeo will get the job done on even very tight coils and curls. Not only will it stimulate the scalp and reduce buildup, but it also comes with a handle so that you can hang it up in the shower.
Maxsoft Scalp Care Brush
Another highly rated brush that works on all hair textures (including curly, kinky and coily types) is this brush from Maxsoft. The soft but thick silicone bristles will reduce tension and stimulate blood flow. Many reviewers note that it also helped to reduce the dryness of their scalp.
Cbiumpro Shampoo Massager Brush
If you have especially thick hair, the Cbiumpro Massage Brush with extra long bristles will help to penetrate that mane of yours and get right down to the roots. It also features an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip and comes in a two-pack to double your pleasure.
Scalp Brushes for Fine Hair and Sensitive Scalps
Do you say ouch when your hair gets pulled and mean it? Don’t worry—there’s a scalp brush for you too!
Manta Hairbrush
British hairstylist Tim Binnington designed the Manta Hairbrush for his wife while she was struggling with fragile, post-chemo hair. Lightweight with malleable bristles, it bends to the shape of the head, reduces snagging and gently stimulates the scalp while brushing.
Tangle Teezer Fine and Fragile Detangling Hairbrush
The Original Tangle Teezer is one of the most popular brushes for loosening difficult knots, but it also works as a head massager. This version for fine and fragile hair has teeth that are 30% softer than the original version and can be used on wet or dry hair. So if your hair is fine, fragile or colored-treated, this detangling brush will give you a gentle massage without the worry of pulling out your hair.
Queenwill 2 in 1 Hair Scalp Massager (Handheld Scalp Massaging)
Made from super soft silicone, The Queenwilll Massager is gentle enough for sensitive heads but will still stimulate the scalp and reduce buildup. Another nice perk is that it comes with two different types of heads that can be switched out—one with shorter bristles for thin hair and another one with longer bristles for thick hair.
Liba Scalp Massager Tool
Technically a tool and not a brush, this scalp massager is gentle enough for sensitive heads and is meant for use on dry hair. Super lightweight, it has rubber beads over each spindle to glide over your scalp without snagging your hair. It also comes in a handy two-pack.
Scalp Brushes for Dandruff
While all scalp brushes help to reduce flakiness, we especially like these models when it comes to fighting dandruff.
Zyllion Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush
The grooved bristles on the Zyllion Scalp Brush are especially good at exfoliating the scalp, which helps to lessen dandruff at its root cause. In fact, many reviewers raved that it lessened the appearance of flakes in just a few uses.
Pro tip: try using a z-like motion on problem areas to help loosen dandruff.
Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush (Electric)
The rubber bristles on this brush from Vitagoods are soft and flexible enough to be easy on your scalp and firm enough to get rid of dandruff flakes and other buildup. But what gives this brush extra dandruff fighting power are its two vibrating modes – normal and exfoliating.
Just keep in mind that this model does require two AA batteries and that it’s water-resistant but not waterproof, so it shouldn’t be submerged all the way. Also, the battery compartment needs to be opened with a screwdriver.
But to get rid of those telltale, white flakes, most reviewers seem to think it’s definitely worth the investment.
Related: Our 11 Favorite Massage Chairs For Maximum Comfort [Guide]
Electric Scalp Brushes
Maybe you have a condition that prevents you from giving your scalp a good scrub, or maybe you don’t find massaging your own head all that relaxing. In that case, check out a few more electric scalp brushes that will cut down on the arm work.
Queenwill H01 Electric Handheld Hair Massager
This electric scalp massager with great reviews is operated by a single AA battery and has two modes, regular and pulse. Many buyers noted that their hair seemed to get thicker with repeated use.
Though made for use on both wet and dry hair, this brush is water-resistant but not waterproof, so it’s best to keep it away from a running stream of water as there were a couple of reviews that complained of leakage into the battery compartment.
Latme Electric Scalp Massager
If a scalp massage leaves the rest of your body wanting more, the Latme Electric Scalp Massager may be the brush for you. With multiple attachments and speeds, it can be used to release tension on all parts of your body.
There’s also no need to fret about the bristles getting stuck in your hair as they oscillate in place instead of spinning. Another plus is that this brush is waterproof, which means you can give yourself a scalp massage while you’re taking a shower or a relaxing bath. Sounds like a spa day to us!
More Scalp Brushes
In case you couldn’t find what you were looking for, here are a few more of our favorite scalp brushes.
Leonor Greyl
This brush is produced by French luxury brand Leonor Greyl and does have a higher price point than many scalp brushes. However, it does get wonderful reviews, and the whole brush is completely recyclable. Good for your head and the planet. For some, this splurge might be worth it!
Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Scalp Massager
At around $18, the Vegamour Gro brush is also on the higher end of scalp massagers. But designed with special grooves for the fingers, it’s very ergonomic. If you have a hard time keeping a grip, this brush could solve your butter finger problem and give you a great massage!
Kerotin Scalp Massager
The Kerotin Scalp Brush will stimulate and exfoliate your scalp and is also infused with tourmaline to give you healthier and shinier hair. Though the jury is still out on how effective the tourmaline is, many reviewers gave this brush high marks for massaging their scalp without being too hard and mentioned that this brush also seemed to stimulate hair growth.
Ahhhhhhh
Though you may not be able to get to the salon every week, you can still give yourself an “ahhh-worthy” massage with these scalp brushes. It’s not only relaxing, but it will nurture your scalp and hair by increasing blood flow and cleaning buildup.
Many regular users report that their hair seems to be thicker and healthier. Other fans rave about how their scalp brush helped them with dandruff or psoriasis. Still, if you have a scalp condition, you should consult with your dermatologist before using one of these devices to avoid irritation.
Even if you don’t have a skin condition, do take your hair type and scalp sensitivity into consideration before you purchase and remember to start gently. With all of that in mind, most people seem to delight in this delicious act of self care. So enjoy beauty fans. Soon your hair may be looking better than ever!
You might also be interested in: Pomade: How To Use And Style Your Hair The Right Way [Guide]
Scalp Brushes for Thick & Curly Hair:
- Heeta Hair Scalp Massager
- Curltastic Shampoo Massage Brush
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
- Maxsoft Scalp Care Brush
- Cbiumpro Shampoo Massager Brush
Scalp Brushes for Fine & Sensitive Heads:
- Manta Hairbrush
- Tangle Teezer Fine and Fragile Detangling Hairbrush
- Queenwill 2 in 1 Hair Scalp Massager (Handheld Scalp Massaging)
- Liba Scalp Massager Tool
Scalp Brushes for Dandruff:
Electric Scalp Brushes:
- Queenwill H01 Electric Handheld Hair Massager
- Latme Electric Scalp Massager
- Leonor Greyl
- Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Scalp Massager
- Kerotin Scalp Massager
Sherry De Alba
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