Ever since I started my hair journey, I've heard that scalp massages will speed up hair growth. The explanation they give is that it stimulates the scalp, encouraging blood-flow and increased nutrients to that area.
I can't lie, I have never been a lover of scalp massages so I never really gave them a shot. The main reasons are the manipulation of the hair (roots) experienced during a massage that always spelled breakage for me (especially when stretching), and the mess it created for my styles. I suppose I felt a little guilty knowing that there is something I could do on my hair journey that could give me better results that I wasn't doing(?) Well, not so much, but the thought did cross my mind.
So imagine my surprise when I tried the inversion method a few weeks ago and did not gain any length. What's that got to do with scalp massages you ask? Two things:
1. The first step in the inversion method is a scalp massage. You use warm oil to massage your hair for a few minutes prior to inverting.
2. The inversion itself is basically an amplified version of a scalp massage, in that, the blood rushes to your head providing an enormous amount of nutrients to your follicles thus promoting growth, or so they said.
It's not only me, there are many other ladies out there who didn't see any growth after executing the inversion method.
Moreover, I exercise around 6 times a week, during which time my blood is pumping and circulating around my body (including my scalp). This usually lasts for an hour at the least, which I think would be more effective than a few minutes of scalp massage.
So now I'm wondering if they really do help or if it's the products that we use along with them that make the difference. For example, I massaged with EVOO and saw no growth. Other ladies used other oils and grew inches. Additionally, it is a "well-known fact" that castor oil, when massaged into certain areas will in fact, induce growth. So is it the oil or the massage?
I do think scalp massages have a positive effect on our HHJs and our lives in general, but I don't know if increased growth is that effect. Stronger, healthier hair and a relaxed state of mind? Maybe. Increased/ faster growth rates? I'm not so sure.
What's your take?
I also dislike scalp massages unless its wash day. The manipulation of the hair (New Growth) is not one of my favorite things.
ReplyDeletehttp://scarletgoal.wordpress.com/
Same with Ev!
DeleteI've never really tried scalp massages, even when I pre poo. I've been meaning to try the inversion method though but I don't believe that it will make a difference in my growth, only one way to tell right?! lol
ReplyDeleteYup! It's worth a try.
DeleteI love scalp massages. It helped regrow my edges. It soothing too. :-)
ReplyDeletelol It definitely is relaxing.
DeleteI personally feel if am using all these stimulating/penetrating essential and carrier oils the work will still get done. I dont like to risk tangles.
ReplyDeleteI think so too!
DeleteI've tried scalp massages very inconsistently. I don't know if it produced growth as I didn't measure it but it's widely claimed that regular massages help stimulate growth. I've not tried the inversion method, it's a shame it didn't work out for you x
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly widely accepted as such. lol I don't mind too much that it didn't work, no big deal lol
DeleteI do scalp massages before every wash day and its very soothing and relaxing even though my hands get tired.
ReplyDeleteIt really is relaxing. lol @ ur hands getting tired.
DeleteI never liked scalp massages but I find even a few minutes helps relieve an itchy scalp. So now I do it on wash day and a couple of times a week while moisturising and sealing. I don't know about growth but I'm enjoying the relief it brings.
ReplyDeleteOK. Do you use essential oils as well for the itchy scalp massage, or is it just the plain massage that helps?
Deletei used to do scalp massages but found that it would tangle my new growth more than anything.
ReplyDeleteknowing me though, i was probably doing it wrong.
:)
vanessa
lmao I have the same sentiments
DeleteI did try the inversion method and got no growth. I also so scalp massages but very inconsitently, more to relax my head, but you do have a point about the exercise being better, but I suppose if you exercise on a regular it just becomes your normal growth rather, and perhaps that is why you didn't have any results when you did the inversion method?
ReplyDeleteWhat we do for hair growth!
You raise an excellent point about regular exercise resulting in an increased regular/ normal rate of growth! That could very possibly be the reason all the extra stuff doesn't work.
DeleteAbbi, after reading several bloggers who did the inversion method, a lot saw results. You and Jeni did not but you and her exercise regularly (and she does yoga regularly I think) which makes me think that your body is used to giving your scalp a good dose of blood circulation.
ReplyDeleteSo my theory:
Regular Exercise or Yoga (constantly good blood circulation) = No Success of Inverse Method (no shock to the system to stimulate growth)
I really want to give the inverse method a try, but I workout regularly like you ladies and fear that if this theory holds true...then it won't work for me. We don't know til I try though.
-Corinne
OperationHappyTresses.com
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ReplyDelete