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It’s Time to Add a Scalp Massager to Your Hair-Care Routine

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@tangleteezer / Instagram

Are you making sure to exfoliate your scalp in the shower? As much as we take care of our skin, it’s important to take care of our scalps as well. After all, beauty experts are saying scalp care is the new skincare!

Making sure to incorporate a scalp product or two within your hair care routine is ideal to soothe irritation and itchiness, break down buildup from products that may be clogging hair follicles, exfoliate dead skin cells away, balance oil production, increase blood flow to hair follicles, and aid in hair growth and overall hair health.

If you’re still doing your research on clarifying shampoos, dry scalp solutions, and apple cider vinegar rinses—no worries! The best way to ease into a scalp-care routine is to start with an exfoliating scalp massager. It’s easy to use in the shower for a deep clean and offers some amazing benefits for your scalp and hair follicles. Read on for our list of the 12 best scalp massagers.

1. Best Amazon Buy:

HEETA Hair Scalp Brush & Massager

HEETA Hair Scalp Brush & Massager
Courtesy of AMAZON

If you’re looking for a no-frills scalp brush and massager at an affordable price point, this HEETA brush is a must. It's $8, easy to grip (especially if you have long nails), and easy to clean. Many reviewers say this is ideal for curly hair types as well. Try using it with your shampoo and moving it in circular motions for a deeper clean and relaxing head massage.

2. Best for Removing Buildup:

BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager

BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Courtesy of BRIOGEO HAIR CARE

BRIOGEO HAIR CARE has some of the best scalp hair products out there. The tips of the scalp massager have small grooves on them, making this massager ideal for clearing stubborn product buildup and stimulating hair follicles. Try pairing it with the BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Charcoal + Coconut Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo.

3. Best for Dandruff:

ZYLLION Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush

ZYLLION Scalp Massager Dandruff Brush
Courtesy of AMAZON

If you’ve ever experienced dandruff, flakiness, or an all-around irritated scalp, you know how difficult it can be to clear these issues and heal that area of the skin. This scalp massager has two different types of silicone bristles to soothe your scalp, remove buildup, and get into hard-to-reach spots like the nape of your neck. Bonus: If you have a sensitive scalp, this brush has soft silicone tips that gently lift dandruff away.

4. Best for Detangling:

TANGLE TEEZER Scalp Exfoliator & Massager

TANGLE TEEZER Scalp Exfoliator & Massager
Courtesy of TANGLE TEEZER

We love a two-in-one! Not only does this TANGLE TEEZER product lightly exfoliate your scalp to stimulate hair growth, it also acts as a detangling hairbrush to help prevent breakage. You can use this on wet or dry hair; however, our favorite way to use this product is with a scalp or hair oil right after you’ve gotten out of the shower. It will help dispense the oil through your hair evenly, stimulating blood circulation to your hair follicles while remaining gentle on your strands in the process.

5. Best for All Hair Types:

KITSCH Pro Scalp Exfoliator

KITSCH Pro Scalp Exfoliator
Courtesy of AMAZON

Unlike the above products, this scalp exfoliating brush from KITSCH has fine, flexible bristles. This is what makes the product ideal for all hair types, even thick hair, curly hair, and natural hair types. This scalp massager shampoo brush is completely flexible and not at all rigid. Its ergonomic shape slides right onto your hand so you can lather your shampoo with ease.

6. Best for Preventing Hair Breakage:

MANTA HAIR Hairbrush

MANTA HAIR Hairbrush
Courtesy of AMAZON

For those of us with hair prone to breakage, this just might be the best hairbrush ever created. It was made with the brand founder’s wife in mind, who was recovering from chemo and looking for ways to gently brush her hair. This brush is so gentle, it feels like you’re running your fingers through your hair when you use it—and after just one month of using it, you’ll notice stronger and overall healthier hair. If you have thinning hair or are experiencing hair loss, this is a must-have for daily use.

7. Best for Itchy Scalps:

JUPITER Scalp Brush

JUPITER Scalp Brush
Courtesy of JUPITER

We say this brush is best for itchy scalps because its fine bristles really hit the spot and make you say “ahh…”. Although gentle, the brush does a great job at achieving a deep clean and removing buildup. Use this scalp brush daily in the shower to channel a salon-like experience that rivals the massage you get from your hairstylist.

8. Best for Sensitive Scalps:

CEREMONIA Scalp Masajeador

CEREMONIA Scalp Masajeador
Courtesy of CEREMONIA

This scalp brush has rave reviews. The common thread? Most say they were surprised at how gentle the brush was, and that cheaper scalp massagers often left their scalps irritated. The secret’s in the brush’s super soft silicone bristles and sturdy grip. Tip: CEREMONIA also has amazing scalp treatment products by hair type. Try pairing this massager with the best-selling Aceite De Moska scalp remedy oil.

9. Best for Stimulating Hair Follicles:

MOUNT LAI Jade Massaging Gua Sha Comb

MOUNT LAI Jade Massaging Gua Sha Comb
Courtesy of MOUNT LAI

You may be used to using a gua sha tool on your face for lymphatic drainage and smoothing fine lines—but MOUNT LAI offers a gua sha tool for your hair and scalp too. This scalp comb will help improve circulation, reduce any tension you’re holding in at the back of your neck, and ultimately promote healthy hair growth (you can even use this on wet hair or dry hair). But aside from its many healing benefits rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, the comb will look absolutely gorgeous on your vanity.

10. Best for Dispensing Product:

WET BRUSH Exfoliating Scalp Massager

WET BRUSH Exfoliating Scalp Massager
Courtesy of AMAZON

We hate to compare this to what you scrub your dishes with, but there are a few similarities. This WET BRUSH Exfoliating Scalp Massager can actually be filled with your favorite shampoo, as it will dispense the formula as you use the massager. It provides a great deep clean and the silicone bristles are suitable for even the most sensitive scalps.

11. Best Vibrating Scalp Massager:

VANITY PLANET Groove Rejuvenating Scalp Massager

VANITY PLANET Groove Rejuvenating Scalp Massager
Courtesy of VANITY PLANET

Technology, right? The brush is actually an electric scalp massager that’s completely cordless, water-resistant, and effortlessly fits in the palm of your hand. It delivers soft vibrations to relax you and further stimulate your scalp, nodes, and hair follicles.

12. Best Innovative Scalp Massage Tool:

LANSHIN Massager by Acera

LANSHIN Massager by Acera
Courtesy of LANSHIN

One of the most interesting scalp massage tools we’ve seen yet, this massage tool releases tension and relaxes your senses like a hot stone massage. The tool itself is made of porcelain and glazed with crushed tourmaline, and you use it by taking off the silicone portion of the massager and filling the porcelain part with hot water. Not only can you use this on your scalp to stimulate hair growth and your neck to release tension, but you can use it just about anywhere on your body that needs some TLC.

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About the author
Olivia Cefalu
Olivia Cefalu
Olivia is a freelance beauty writer. With experience in influencer marketing at Tata Harper Skincare and editorial at Very Good Light, she loves covering Gen Z beauty, wellness, and nail trends. Read her work on Very Good Light and Well + Good.
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Article Last Updated August 3, 2022 12:00 AM