The healing powers of a scalp massage

Growing up, most of us have had to, forcefully sit and let our grandmothers or mothers oil our scalp and hair. You had no choice but to surrender to that kind of love and care. A hot-oil scalp massage has been a part of the Indian at-home beauty routine for ages. The world is just catching up with its countless benefits. Even as adults, a relaxing scalp massage is the thing most women love about getting their hair done at a salon. So, here’s looking at the health and beauty benefits of this age-old ritual.  

It’s a stress buster  No matter how hectic your day is, a scalp massage can make you feel relaxed and better within minutes. Stress can affect and alter regular body functions and hormones. These hormonal changes can cause hair fall. A scalp massage can calm you down almost instantly, thereby, alleviating stress. Also, a scalp massage is said to increase the production of serotonin, a chemical  and neurotransmitter in the body, responsible for regulating mood. No stress equals to reduced hair fall!
Pro tip: While doing a scalp massage, include your neck and shoulders too for complete relaxation. Highly recommended for those glued to their desktops and Smartphones.

It promotes scalp health and strengthens hair roots  A healthy scalp is vital for healthy hair because that’s where the hair roots are.   A weekly oil massage can help condition the scalp. It also aids in removing dead skin cells from the scalp, which is great because a dry and flaky scalp can accelerate hair loss.
Pro tip: Most people apply oil to the hair lengths and ends while massaging. Instead, you need to apply the oil directly onto the scalp. Use an oil like the Indulekha Bringha Oil—which dispenses its rich medicinal oil with its unique wide-toothed Selfie Comb directly onto the scalp, thereby, reaching the roots, reducing hair fall and maintain scalp and hair health. Squeeze the bottle gently and apply the oil using the selfie comb across the scalp. Massage further with your fingertips in gentle circular motions.

It increases the blood flow to the scalp A scalp massage boosts circulation to the face and head. An increased blood flow to the hair follicles (the only living part of your hair) means, healthier hair growing out of your scalp! Massaging works by dilating the very small arteries within the scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicle and therefore, prolonging the growth cycle of hair.
Pro tip: Massaging your temples eases tension and stimulates blood flow to your head. Start with your hands at your temples and massage in small circular motions, moving upwards on both sides to the top of your head, and back again.

It makes you sleep better  If you have trouble sleeping at night, try giving yourself a scalp massage before bedtime. Switch off all the gadgets, dim the lights and do a light-pressure massage with or without oil. Make this a part of your night-time routine, and you are bound to sleep better. A scalp massage can also help those with fatigue feel more energised.
Pro tip: A gentle massage for 15 minutes should set you up for a good night’s rest.

GET IT RIGHT *It’s always better to do an oil scalp massage before shampoo: Since hair is more fragile when it’s wet, this will help prevent any unnecessary breakage from scrubbing too vigorously in the shower.

*Choosing the right kind of oil is key to maintaining hair and scalp health:  When it comes to hair, there’s nothing quite like virgin coconut oil. It not only conditions the hair and scalp, but also promotes hair growth. Even better when infused with herbs. Indulekha Bringha Oil is enriched with Bringhraj a herb used in Ayurveda since eons for its hair-growing benefits.

*Avoid using your nails to massage: It’s a rookie mistake to think that you can cleanse your scalp better if you use your nails. Scratching cause burning and irritation and cause further problems. So, stick to using the pads of your fingers, and feel free to apply as much pressure as you like while you massage or scrub.

*Avoid getting your hair tangled while massaging: It’s so easy to get carried away while getting a head massage. Make sure you don’t end up with a tangled mess. This is where the Selfie Comb of Indulekha Oil comes handy again. Unlike other applicators, it’s wide-toothed bristles not only make for an even application, but also make sure that your hair is knot-free.