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Relaxation plus a healthier head of hair? Count us in.
Scalp care is trending, and it’s easy to see why. Adding a scalp massager to your shower routine doesn’t just feel good and ease scalp tension, it reduces product build-up and excess oil, encourages hair growth, and fosters better scalp health. While getting a scalp massage is many people’s favorite part of a haircut or blow-out, you don't have to hit the salon to enjoy one, thanks to the wide variety of scalp massagers on the market. Non-electronic scalp massagers can be used when applying shampoo or conditioner, while electronic models are typically used outside of the shower, and can often be used on your feet or neck too.
Keep reading to discover the best scalp massagers for your particular hair type and scalp health concerns.
Scalp massagers come in many shapes and sizes, and before making your purchase, keep the following in mind.
What scalp issues you want to tackle: Some scalp massagers are designed to relieve tension, while others target dandruff, or are particularly good at exfoliating skin and removing buildup. Some scalp massagers can also be used on your back, neck, feet, and other body parts.
Whether you want an electric model: Some scalp massagers can be operated manually, while others require batteries.
Your hair type: Some scalp massagers will work on any hair type, while others work especially well on thick, curly, or thinning hair.
We considered all of the issues that scalp massagers can be used to target, keeping different lifestyle and budget needs in mind as well. Then, we consulted professional reviews and looked at hundreds of consumer assessments of products. From there, we narrowed down the list to the 10 best scalp massagers on the market, designed for tackling a wide variety of problems at multiple price points.
This wallet-friendly manually-operated scalp massager comes in a range of colors, from neutral black and white to yellow, pink, and turquoise. It offers an easy-to-grip design that allows you to clean your hair and massage your scalp at the same time (just rotate in circles while lathering up).
Reviewers praise its massaging and dandruff-fighting abilities, but advise users to thoroughly detangle their hair before using it.
This Costoco scalp massager has four massage heads with 19 individual nodes that rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise, deeply relaxing the scalp in imitation of acupuncture and medical massages.
It’s designed to relieve headaches, improve sleep, and accelerate hair growth. The cordless massager can also be used to relieve stress in your back, neck, shoulders, arms, and feet. (Some people even use it on their dogs and cats!)
The rechargeable, cordless model allows you to give or receive a massage for up to two hours. Reviewers praise its lightweight yet sturdy construction, and say it's a great for promoting relaxation before sleep.
This ergonomically designed pink silicone scalp massage comb can be incorporated into your daily shower routine. Simply massage your scalp with the soft silicone tips, and work your shampoo into a lather.
The scalp massager was designed to gently remove dandruff and stimulate the scalp, while also helping aid in hair regrowth and preventing hair loss. Reviewers love how gentle the comb is, and write that it is better at eliminating dandruff than other similar manual models.
Just press gently on this scalp massager to set off a vibration of 100 waves per second. The vibration stimulates acupuncture points in your scalp, relieving tension, releasing stress, and preventing hair loss. The portable massager can also be used on your shoulders, belly, legs, arms, and other body parts.
Some reviewers say it's got the perfect level of firmness, and others say it's ideal for reducing scalp itch.
This scalp massager works best in the shower for use with shampoo. The massager is manually operated, and features soft, thick silicone bristles that stimulate blood flow, deep clean, and exfoliate. It is designed specifically for thick hair.
Reviewers say it's great for removing product buildup, addressing dry scalp issues, and smoothing hair.
This waterproof, battery-powered device provides an incredible spa-like massage right at home. The mini scalp massager comes with a charging base and a 96-contact-point design that replicates the gliding, kneading, trigger point therapy, and oscillating pressure utilized by professional masseuses.
The massager increases blood flow, eases tension, and increases skin toning. It can be used to massage other body parts too. One reviewer calls it “the best scalp massager,” while another praises its “soothing and therapeutic” results. However, other reviewers lament the fact that it doesn’t come with an instruction manual.
If you’re in need of a scalp massage, but have sensitive skin, this Hofason Tingler may be worth considering. The handheld manual massager features metal spindles with beaded tips that glide over your scalp and offer relaxation and relief.
The gentle massager can also be used on your joints to relieve stress and enhance blood circulation. This massager comes as a set of two.
This scalp massager is great for everyone, but particularly suited for those with thinning hair. It promotes hair growth by stimulating flow, deep cleans, exfoliates, eases tension, and reduces itch. It can be incorporated into your shower routine—just add shampoo and lather.
This Kerotin massager is infused with tourmaline, which boosts hair shine. Reviewers say it promotes hair growth and cleans hair thoroughly while reducing scalp flakiness.
This scalp massager features long silicone bristles designed to penetrate thick and curly hair. It exfoliates the scalp gently, and can be used as you shampoo.
This massager removes dandruff, dead skin cells, and eliminates itchiness without scratching. Reviewers say it's great for relaxation and removing product buildup.
This comb-style exfoliator uses two types of teeth to exfoliate and massage the scalp, removing product buildup while also relieving tension.
This massager can be used in the shower with shampoo, but isn’t suitable for very sensitive skin. Reviewers with say it works particularly well for those with thick, curly hair.