Scalp massage

It can also thicken hair, and only 4 minutes of scalp massage each day is needed to activate hair production, according to one study.

The study also found that the massage slowed down the genes associated with inflammation and hair loss. Participants in the study also reported an improvement in the quality of their hair. One explanation is that a scalp massage speeds up blood circulation in the scalp and nourishes the only living part of the hair, the 'root'. Results may take a few months as hair grows in cycles.

More benefits of scalp massage

Another study also shows that twice-weekly scalp massage reduces stress, which is a known cause of hair loss. It was found that stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate were reduced by the massage.

Taking a shower is a great opportunity to get some scalp massage in for a few minutes while washing your hair. Use your fingertips and make circular, kneading movements so that you feel your scalp moving. If you are very tense, you can gradually increase the pressure of your fingers. Massage the scalp from the hairline at the temples and neck to the top of the head.

Scientific studies show that a 4 minute scalp massage every day for 24 weeks resulted in thicker hair. This was due to an increase in blood flow.

Unfortunately, not everyone can expect great results from massage, but fortunately, we at Akacia Medical have many great solutions for you.

How to do a scalp massage

1. Perform a scalp massage on wet or dry hair, whichever suits you best. As long as your hair is clean and free of hair products. Many people prefer to do their scalp massage in the shower with conditioner in their hair. Others prefer to do it after they have washed, conditioned and rinsed. If you work with wet hair, make sure any tangles are dealt with first.
2. Massage your scalp by drawing like check marks on your scalp. Work your fingers into the scalp, avoiding the use of nails so as not to damage the scalp and prevent hair breakage. Move your fingers around the scalp and cover all areas. Use slow, gentle movements to move your fingertips in a circular motion, alternating fingertips around different areas of the scalp.
3. If you wish, you can add two to three drops of an essential oil such as rosemary, lavender, thyme or cedarwood to your fingertips before massaging your scalp. Studies have shown that essential oils increase blood circulation and are commonly used to treat various scalp problems. Essential oils also help moisturise a dry scalp. If you have oily skin or an oily scalp, you should avoid oils.
4. Massage your scalp for at least three minutes or longer if desired. Repeat it as often as necessary. Scalp massage performed once or twice daily can expect more results.

Ayurvedic scalp massage

Hair loss treated in Ayurveda is a combination of diet, herbs, oil massage, meditation, aromatherapy, breathing and yoga. The Ayurvedic lifestyle is holistic about our entire health, it relies heavily on activating and stimulating the metabolism to help the body detoxify itself. The scalp benefits from improved blood circulation and the hair roots receive more oxygen and nutrients. This is a scalp massage that helps with stress and many special oils are often used. Many times dry scalp can be improved with this massage. 

What might also be of interest to you:

• Scalp brushes
• Hair consultation
• Advanced cutting adapted to your hair structure

Sources: ePlasty, PubMed, Journal of Physical Therapy Science

Is it possible to predict whether you will lose your hair?

Will I lose hair?

If so, when will it start?

What can I expect?

That you are asking yourself these questions is not at all surprising as hair loss is something that affects many people, both men and women. Losing hair is to some extent hereditary and you are probably familiar with the expression "having thin hair runs in the family". Many also say, my father is thin-haired so I will also be thin-haired, for example... and there is a certain amount of truth in that.

It is difficult to predict whether you will grow thinning hair.

But just because one of your parents lost their hair at an early age, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be affected. It will not or always start at the same time. Nor are you safe even if both your parents have hair left.

In order to better predict

Take a careful look at your family's hair: including uncles, aunts, uncles, grandparents and others - and don't forget the female members of the family. If many people in your family have thinning hair, you are more likely to have thinning hair yourself. But there is no guarantee that you will lose your hair in the future, so there is hope.

In the future, it may be possible to predict future thinning hair if research can identify the specific gene or genes associated with androgenetic alopecia.

Finally, although it is not possible to predict with certainty whether you will lose hair (but with a high degree of certainty), there are well-documented probabilities. A specialist at a hair clinic can examine hair follicles. What you can do proactively is to maintain good health and eat a well-balanced diet to give yourself the best chance of keeping your hair for life!

Read more about hair loss

Have you found yourself losing more hair than usual or feeling that your hair is thin? Then it may be a good idea to review the type of hair care you use for your hair. When choosing hair styling, you should think: natural is best!

Recently in "Hårpodden", Firo who is the business manager at Akacia Medical told us that he recommends minimal hair styling on fragile hair. A product that is natural but gives some stability to your hair is Ocean mistor as we say in Sweden; Salt water spray and it is a product made from basically just salt and water.

Using thick hair styling products on your scalp can clog your scalp and contribute to imbalance, for example Dax wax is a product that is really hard to wash out of your hair.

But even hair styling with heat tools can damage your hair and eventually lead to mechanical damage to the hair. So please use these tools in moderation. Colouring your hair is also a strain on your hair. So if you need to colour your hair, it's best to do it at the hairdresser's and preferably apply the colour in loops with foil a bit away from the scalp to avoid chemicals on your hair roots.

Here are some hair styling tips for thin hair

• Wash your hair in the morning instead of the evening, as your hair looks fuller immediately after washing.
• Avoid hairspray as it weighs down the hair, try salt water spray instead.
• Cut your hair in a medium length hairstyle, it is easier to add volume when your hair is not so long and heavy.
• When blow-drying your hair, blow-dry your hair with a round brush to bring up volume from the roots.
• Do not overuse conditioner as it can weigh down the hair. Apply it only to the ends of your hair.
• Why not try hair care products adapted for thin and fine hair as they strengthen and volumise the hair? These products contain polymers whose job is to wrap themselves around each individual hair and can therefore artificially thicken the hair.

If you have more questions about your hair, you are always welcome to a free consultation with us!