Share this
Have you had your moment of relaxation lately? We all need to take time to de-stress. No matter what you are doing these days there is always stress at some point in our lives. We are living with it more right now.
Take some time to tend to you, get grounded and relieve some tension. After all you deserve this.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes and not diagnosis. More details.
Adding Self-care to Our Routine
Our head is another area that stores tension (that we may neglect to think about). Our skull is covered with a layer of muscle. This tightens when we are tense and can cause headaches. This can be loosened by massage, clearing the head and giving a younger appearance. These muscles become stretched and relaxed when massaged.
Usually when we talk about self-care and beauty we are purchasing a mask, a bright new lipstick or pretty nail polish.
With many self-care routines that are trending you need to have the right tool available. For example there is the stone for Gua sha.
But you really don’t have to spend money. This beauty self-care routine is literally right under your fingertips. You don’t need anything for a self-scalp massage, if you prefer.
A self-scalp massage can be done anywhere and really, anytime. Self-care is a part of your daily living.
Benefits of a Scalp Massage
Massage holds many benefits and this goes for the scalp as well, from stress relief to health conditions.
When you go to have your hair done your hairstylist is massaging your scalp during your shampoo. She may ask you if the pressure is ok. This is the amount of strength in the touch and depends on your sense of comfort. What feels good to you? So be honest and give details. It makes a difference with a treatment.
- Reduces muscle tension
- Promotes hair growth
- Boost your mood
- Home remedy for headaches and migraines
- Helps balance nervous system
- Prevent dandruff and dry, itchy scalp
- Promotes sleep
Oils to benefit scalp:
Use either jojoba, sweet almond or coconut as carrier oils.
Do a patch test for allergy. Always check for contradictions with medications and health conditions.
These oils are antifungal and antibacterial often used in hair products. Plus it’s aromatherapy. One or two drops of these can be added:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Lemongrass
- Cedar wood
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Sandalwood
Steps for Self-scalp Massage
Make sure you are sitting comfortably, preferably with no distractions (unless you are at work and just need a quick refresh).
Apply massage oil to your fingertips if you have available. (If you prefer not to use that is fine).
First, to get blood flow to your scalp, tip your head forward or if at home lie on bed with head hanging over the side. Then return head upright.
Using hands (one after the other) run hand (palm side down) along back of neck from shoulders to base of head, follow with opposite hand repeat up to six times if desired.
Beginning at the top of your head, comb down using finger tips not nails (you don’t want to scratch) apply pressure so you are feeling the scalp the whole time. This is done from forehead to the back.
Then with your four fingertips and thumbs supporting, place hands on each side of scalp and use circular clockwise motions to rub. Don’t forget your hairline (the slower the motion the more relaxing. Vigorous will give you energy so do at start of day or when you need a recharge).
Finale step, grab small sections of hair between thumb and first finger, gently pulling on hair. Start at front and work towards back of head.
Your Own Scalp Massage Technique
There is no cookie cutter technique you must follow to reap benefits. Take regular in the moment times like this to relax and feel good. Try different techniques to discover what feels good for you. You may be in a different mood.
You can incorporate using base of palm to do circular movements on temples and above ears. This is soothing. I do this while shampooing.
Use all four fingers with a light tapping movement (like playing a piano) over your entire scalp and hairline. This is very stimulating.
Like using a feather, swipe each hand gently over scalp from forehead to base. This is usually done in closing a massage area and moving on.
It doesn’t need to cost a fortune to pamper you and do some self-care.
Have you done a self-scalp massage before?
Please share and subscribe to email, thank you!
Header Photo male with hand on back of neck by Anete Lusina from Pexels
