Why A Scalp Massager Changed My Life

In a previous post I spoke about my seborrheic dermatitis and the tool I use to keep it at bay. I spent months embarrassed of my hair, keeping it in ponytails and using hoards of dry shampoo to make it look sort of normal, so I wanted to make this post about how I manage it for those who also suffer from it.

This handy tool here is called a scalp massager- a palm held tool with rubber nodules on it to physically exfoliate the scalp. Mine’s from Briogeo, but you can also get ones from Vanity Planet, they’re all mostly the same. Some have more flexible rubber pieces- I like that the Briogeo is super flexible, I feel like I can push as hard as I want and I’ll never hurt my scalp.

I start by applying my shampoo and massaging it in with my hands just to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, I make sure that my hair is wet enough to create a nice, soapy lather and started moving the massager on my scalp in small circles. I try to recreate the feeling from when I get my hair done at the salon and they give you that amazing scalp massage- that’s the goal here.

The benefits of scalp massages are wide- internally, it helps bring healthy blood flow to the scalp and increases circulation in that area. It also helps to strengthen the roots as well as new growth hair and encouraging more new growth. For dermatitis sufferers, the physical exfoliation really gets into the roots and allows the shampoo to work all the way down to the scalp, really cleansing all of the gunk from hair products, sweat and your environment. It disturbs dandruff that is stuck to the scalp helping it to rinse out, that’s why using an adequate amount of water and really working a lather into the hair is important.

The second important part of this whole routine, though less important than the scalp massager, is making sure you are properly cleansing your hair. Of course we all cleanse our hair with shampoo, but using a shampoo that is meant specifically for cleansing really helps, especially if your hair is prone to product buildup. For a good strip I really like the Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo, you definitely have to use a deep conditioning treatment after, but it will really get your scalp super clean. If you need something cleansing, but still gentle, the Maple Holistic’s Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo is great too.

After using this routine, I’m able to keep my SD at bay, which is a life-saver and such a confidence builder. Over time, it’s disappeared completely and unless I forget to massage for a few washes, doesn’t reappear.