How Often Should You Massage Your Scalp with Oils?

A scalp massage is one of the fastest, most effective grooming regimens there is. It doesn't only feel great after a long day, but combined with the right oils, it also promotes healthier hair as it addresses common issues like dryness as well as dandruff. Daily is the perfect frequency, yes or no? That depends on the nature of your hair as well as the intention. 

Allow our team at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon to outline the ideal frequency so that your scalp care regimen is most effective, and answer the question, how often should you massage your scalp?

Identifying Your Hair Type

It's firstly useful to know your hair type, as this determines the reaction your scalp will have to oils. If your scalp is oily, oil massages too frequently will cause your hair to become greasy as well as clog pores. Massaging your scalp too frequently when you have oily hair can cause more issues than it solves. 

If your scalp is dry, your scalp will respond positively to oil treatments more often to hydrate as well as reduce flakiness. If your scalp is normal or balanced, then your range is more flexible, so adjust as required individually. It's about listening to the reaction your hair has as well as your scalp, and varying your frequency to that.

For Hair Growth and Thickness

If your ultimate goal is the stimulation of regrowth as well as the thickening of your hair, a routine is essential. A scalp massage performed with rosemary or peppermint oil may help to increase the blood flow to the follicles, bringing necessary nutrients that support growth. 

To see the best results, try to do a scalp massage once or twice a week. This is sufficient stimulation to the follicles while still not introducing too much oil to the scalp, which would cause your hair to become weighted. Our expert stylists at the best men's salon in the Denver region often suggest sticking to this rhythm for optimal results.

For Dandruff and Dryness

Itchy, dry scalp is an extremely common issue, and frequent oil massages are very helpful. Tea tree oil, coconut oil, and other oils include moisturizing as well as antimicrobial properties that treat the problem of dandruff very effectively (and deal with the itchiness too!). 

If you massage your scalp three to four times during the week, it is effective if a person is experiencing a flaky or dry scalp. It keeps the scalp properly moisturized and prevents the dryness that results in dandruff otherwise.

Overdoing It Comes with Pitfalls Too

As great as scalp massages are, there is indeed too much of a good thing. Excess massaging or too much oil can lead to buildup, clogged pores, even scalp inflammation, a condition also referred to as folliculitis. If your hair gets too oily, or you spot any redness, then it is time to back off. The best way to work out the perfect balance that is great for your routine is to listen to your scalp.

Finding Your Ideal Routine

In the long term, the ideal frequency for oil scalp massages is personal. A decent place to begin is once or twice a week, based on your hair type as well as your issues. Whether your goal is to enhance the growth of your hair, battle dandruff, or unwind, incorporating this easy ritual as part of your grooming routine can help yield stronger, healthier hair. Just ask our specialist the next time you’re in Frank’s! 

Lisa Franz

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a veteran-owned men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.