7 Steps To Massage Your Scalp For Perfect Hair Care

Scalp massages are an ancient therapeutic Ayurvedic treatment that has been practiced in India for 5000+ years. As per Ayurveda, there are 108 vital points in our body called ‘Marmas’ in which 31 marmas are present in your head region. They are the pressure points where the arteries, veins, and cranial nerves intersect.

These Marma points aid in draining, cooling, and relieving pressure in the head region. Massaging these pressure points boosts blood circulation and promotes healthy and stronger hair growth.

There’s a popular term for a head massage in Ayurveda - Shiroabhyanga. Shiro Abhyanga is a Sanskrit term consisting of two words: Shiro (head) and Abhyanga (massage). Shiro Abhyanga refers to a complete massage of the head, neck, and shoulders using pure Ayurvedic herbal oils.

Many times, before beginning with a scalp massage we are unaware of the process and steps on how to go about it. An intense scalp massage with improper technique might leave you with pain in your head, arms, or shoulders. The following guide would provide you a detailed insight on how you should begin, perform and end the routine of scalp massage.

# Relax yourself

First and foremost find yourself a relaxing place where you could comfortably sit. A sturdy chair with back support and cushions or pillow under your arms could just do the job. Disconnect all sorts of electronic gadgets and switch off background noises. You can play soft and light instrumental music. You may even want to dim the lights.

# Run your hands from the front of your scalp to the back

First, dip your fingers in the oil most suitable for you, and then using the tip of your fingers gently move from the front area of the scalp towards the back in a gentle straight motion. Apply pressure downwards, however, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure that you feel pain or discomfort. Allow your hair to be loose and open, you could brush your hair at the beginning to avoid discontinuity in the massage because of tangles.

# Use circular motions

Again, move from the front portion of your scalp to the back however, this time use the tips of your fingers to make small circles. Remember to maintain the same pressure as before and keep it steady. Also, keep adding oil as and when required.

# Reverse the direction

Now, gradually begin to reverse the direction, pour oil on the scalp, and massage from back to front as you move your fingers across the scalp. Perform both, the straight as well as the circular motion as you begin from the bottom of the hairline and work your way up towards the crown.

# Perform the same movement at the sides

Now, let’s focus on the sides of your head. You could start either from left or right, from the front. First, perform the up and down motion then repeat it in circles. Gradually begin to move to the base of your head. After doing both the sides move to the next.

# Tug your hair into a ponytail

Apply the oil over your hair and collect all your hair into a ponytail if it is long enough and gradually tug your hair in a circular motion. If you have shorter hair you could make sections of hair around your scalp, twist it and do the massage.

# Rub your ears to wind up

Lastly, lift your hands in such a way that it is right behind your ears. Then, use your thumbs and tips of the finger and gently make circles around the ear. Gently press your ear lobes as well as the depression right behind your ear lobes. And finally, with this, you can conclude your massage.

It is necessary to apply oil as you massage your hair, the next section would give you an insight about the oils that would be the most suitable while massaging the scalp.