There is a good chance your scalp needs more attention, especially if you have been noticing shedding, thinning, or slower growth. Most of us focus on how our hair looks and forget that the scalp is the soil everything grows from. Dry shampoo, styling products, environmental buildup, and stress all shift the scalp’s ecosystem. When that ecosystem becomes sluggish, hair growth slows.
Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view the scalp as a living extension of the nervous and circulatory systems. When the scalp is nourished and stimulated, hair growth improves. When it becomes stagnant or inflamed, hair quality declines. Modern trichology confirms this. Improving circulation, reducing tension, supporting the microbiome, and keeping the follicle environment healthy all contribute to stronger growth over time.
In my own hair journey, consistent scalp massage and hair oiling changed everything. When I started massaging my scalp daily, I noticed thicker, fuller, more resilient hair. I tried countless oils before creating my own. When I paired those massage sessions with Frondescent’s Herbalist’s Elixir Scalp and Strands SOS, the results became significantly stronger.
This guide blends modern research, traditional healing systems, and my own ritual to help you get the most out of scalp massage for hair growth.
What is Scalp Massage for Hair Growth?
A scalp massage for hair growth is a targeted technique that uses fingertips, gentle pressure, and small circular motions to increase blood flow to the follicles. It stimulates the dermal papilla releases tension around the follicle, and supports the natural oil and microbiome balance on the scalp. Consistency over time encourages healthier, fuller growth.
Why Scalp Massage Helps Hair Growth
Improves blood flow to the follicles
Studies show that regular scalp massage increases blood flow to the dermal papilla, the part of the follicle responsible for hair growth. Better circulation means more oxygen, minerals, and amino acids reach the follicle.
Source: A randomized study published in the journal ePlasty found scalp massage increased hair thickness over time through mechanical stimulation.
Reduces stress and tension
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that Qi stagnation affects the scalp the same way it affects the rest of the body. Tension blocks the flow of nutrients. Massage relaxes the fascia and encourages a calm nervous system, which helps prevent stress related shedding.
Source: TCM theory on Liver Qi stagnation and hair loss, widely referenced in TCM dermatology texts.
Balances natural oil flow and microbiome health
When you massage the scalp, natural oils distribute more evenly, buildup reduces, and the scalp’s microbiome stays balanced. This creates an ideal environment for new, healthy growth.
Source: Modern trichology research on microbial balance and chronic scalp inflammation.
Extends the hair growth phase
Mechanical stimulation encourages follicles to remain in the anagen, or growth phase, for longer. This leads to thicker looking hair over time.
Source: 2016 study in ePlasty showing increased hair thickness after consistent scalp massage.
Incorporating TCM and Ayurveda Wisdom in Scalp Massage
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic hair care centers around the concept of Ojas, which represents vitality. Hair is considered a byproduct of bone marrow and is deeply connected to nervous system health. Warm herbal oils like amla, bhringraj, and brahmi are traditionally used to strengthen the root, cool inflammation, and encourage growth.
Frondescent’s Scalp & Strands S.O.S. oil is based upon using this exact philosophy, with some ingredients from other healing lenses as well.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM teaches that hair quality is influenced by Kidney Essence, Liver Blood, and proper circulation. Stimulating the scalp improves the flow of Blood and Qi to the follicles. Scalp massage is often paired with botanicals like sesame, castor, or rosemary to strengthen the root and support growth.
Source: TCM dermatology references on Kidney Jing and Liver Blood nourishment.
Scalp Zones to Focus on for Massage for Hair Growth
Targeting specific zones on the scalp and head will improve your results. These are based on both trichology and traditional medicine.
1. Temples
Often this is one of the first areas on the scalp where hair thins due to stress hormones and tension. Massage here helps calm the nervous system and improve blood flow.
2. Hairline and postpartum regrowth areas
It was so scary to see the amount of hair shedding I had about 3-4 months after birth! The good news: it will come back if you are well nourished and it is very responsive to massage and oil support, making scalp massage an ideal practice for women recovering after childbirth.
3. Crown
This area of the scalp often has reduced circulation because it doesn’t get much touch. Massaging the Crown area on top of your scalp helps reduce stagnation and supports density.
4. Occipital ridge (base of skull)
Releasing tension here improves overall scalp circulation. TCM maps several acupressure points here that support relaxation. Tune into your body, and play around with what feels good here. We store so much tension here!
5. Vertex (top of the head)
In Ayurveda this point, known as Adhipati Marma, governs circulation and nerve pathways. It responds extremely well to oil application and massage.
How to Use Scalp Oil During Scalp Massage
Using the Herbalist’s Elixir Scalp & Strands S.O.S with your massage increases glide, reduces friction, and delivers key botanical nutrients directly to your follicles.
How much oil to use
This will depend on how saturated you like your scalp and hair to be, but generally:
For a full scalp treatment: 1 to 4 droppers
For a targeted ritual: 3 to 5 drops in thinning areas
Step by step
-
Apply a few drops directly to the scalp or fingertips.
-
Press into the scalp using your fingers.
-
Massage using small circular motions, massage for 3-5 minutes.
-
Move slowly from the front of the scalp toward the crown.
-
Cover every zone, especially thinning areas or areas with tension, continue massaging for up to 10 minutes.
Bonus: for my formerly thin and fragile hair, I found great results from bringing the oil down my hair shaft to entirely coat my strands and the ends. I noticed less breakage and fewer split ends over time.
Why this works
Ok, nerd out with me for just a second. The Herbalist’s Elixir Scalp & Strands S.O.S is formulated like a nutrient infusion for your scalp. I wanted this oil to be super powerful and actually work. My approach was to combine proven ingredients from ancient healing traditions and the best viral hair growth ingredients from modern day beauty formulations to create something that worked quickly and made a visible difference.
Each ingredient in The Herbalist’s Elixir was chosen for what it does at the follicle level and how it transforms the way your scalp feels. Amla, bhringraj, and brahmi are classic Ayurvedic rejuvenators that feed the follicle with antioxidants and minerals that support stronger, more resilient growth. Castor and black castor oils create a protective cushion around the scalp barrier and help anchor new growth at the root.
Then there is the circulation support. Rosemary, Japanese peppermint, menthol, camphor, and naturally occurring terpenes which encourage both a gentle warming and cooling effect that stimulates microcirculation around the follicle. More blood flow means more nutrients reaching the root, which is the foundation of stronger, fuller hair. Jojoba, grapeseed, and coconut MCT oil keeps everything in balance by mimicking the scalp’s natural oils, preventing dryness while keeping buildup in check.
Plants with a long history in herbalism round out the formula. Beet extract, horsetail and dandelion root support mineral delivery. Neem helps keep the scalp environment clear. Honeysuckle oil and tea tree help maintain harmony in the scalp’s microbiome.
These botanicals have been used for generations in Ayurveda, TCM, and herbal traditions to support healthier, fuller hair. Together, they turn your scalp massage into a growth-supporting ritual that feels indulgent, grounding, and deeply effective. We didn’t add anything for scent in the formula, but the Honeysuckle oil provides a soothing, gentle aromatic experience that I love.
How to Add Strategic Hair Pulling for Growth
Strategic gentle hair pulling is a real trichology technique. It must be done correctly.
Benefits
• stimulates circulation
• lengthens the anagen phase
• strengthens the bond between follicle and connective tissue
• relaxes the fascia around the follicle
How to do it safely
-
Take a small section of hair
-
Gently grab the hair close to the roots and gently pull upward until you feel light tension, not pain. I like to do a pulse or two.
-
Hold for one to two seconds
-
Release
-
Repeat around the scalp
This should never hurt or cause breakage. Think of it as gentle traction that signals the follicle to strengthen its anchor.
The Overnight Scalp & Hair Ritual with Frondescent’s Scalp & Strands S.O.S Oil
Nighttime is when circulation deepens and repair occurs. This makes it the ideal window for a nourishing scalp treatment. The result is shinier, softer, smoother hair that styles more beautifully. Overnight oiling supports stronger growth and healthier texture over time.
Steps
-
Apply one to 4 droppers of oil across your scalp and then coat the hair shaft and ends.
-
Massage for three to five minutes.
-
Bring oil down the hair shaft and onto ends. Depending on your hair type, you may want to add additional oil here.
-
Use gentle strategic hair pulling in thinning areas.
-
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or use a silk pillowcase.
-
Leave it overnight and wash it out in the morning.
Washing my hair after sleeping in the oil is now one of my favorite things ever. Depending on your shampoo, you may need to wash twice. I use Look Organics Shampoo and Conditioner and absolutely love it. You’ll notice that your hair looks shinier, smoother, and styles beautifully after the first overnight oil treatment.
Why overnight works
Ayurveda teaches that oiling the scalp at night harmonizes the nervous system and supports deeper nourishment. From a trichology standpoint, leaving the oil overnight maximizes absorption and benefits to the follicle.
Most people notice:
• calmer, less irritated scalp
• reduced shedding
• stronger new growth sprouts
• improved shine
• better hydration
• naturally thicker texture over time
How Often to Massage for Hair Growth
Consistency is the key to results. Aim for just 3 minutes a day, you can work your way up to more. You may notice early improvements in scalp comfort within a few days, reduced shedding in weeks eight to twelve, and increased fullness with continued practice.
Daily
Three minutes of massage
OR
Three to four times per week
Five to ten minutes each session.
Final Thoughts
Scalp massage is one of the most reliable ways to support real hair growth. You can see benefits without using an oil, but pairing it with targeted botanicals helps you get the most from every minute. When you combine mechanical stimulation with oils rooted in TCM and Ayurveda, you create a ritual that supports the follicle from every direction.
The Herbalist’s Elixir Scalp and Strands SOS was designed with this philosophy in mind. It contains no perfumes, endocrine disruptors, or synthetic coating agents that sit on top of the hair instead of nourishing it. Everything is chosen to work with your biology.
Topical care is only half the story. Massage pairs beautifully with nourishment that gives your body the building blocks for strong, healthy hair. I credit a protein-forward diet, and twice weekly servings of our targeted chia pudding with pumpkin seeds, black sesame and more, plus our Raw Beauty Smoothies, made with raw liver, for supporting my own growth journey.
If you try this routine, I would love to hear how your scalp feels, what changes you notice, and how your hair responds over time.