Scalp massage against hair loss: does it work? What 2 studies say and how to combine it with minoxidil

A scalp massage against hair loss is relaxing and can't hurt, but the evidence that it really gives you more hair is thin. There are actually only 2 studies that are often cited: a small Japanese study with 9 men and an online survey among people who massaged themselves. In the Japanese study, the hair on the massaged part became slightly thicker, but the difference was no greater than on the side that was not massaged. In the survey, some of the participants said their hair loss stabilized, but without a control group. If you really want to tackle hereditary hair loss, massage is at most a supplement. In this blog you can read exactly what the studies say, how to massage properly and how to safely combine it with minoxidil.

In this article

• Does a scalp massage help against hair loss?
• What exactly do the 2 studies say?
• How do you massage your scalp properly?
• Can you combine a scalp massage with minoxidil?
• What can you expect and when?
• When is massage not enough?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Does a scalp massage help against hair loss?

In short: maybe a little, but it is not proven. On Dutch beauty sites and in web shops you often read that a scalp massage "stimulates blood circulation" and thus promotes hair growth. That sounds logical, but in the Japanese study that is most often mentioned, blood flow was not even measured. The researchers themselves write that further research is needed.^[1]

What is certain: massaging with your fingertips is cheap, takes little time and feels pleasant for many people. As long as you don't damage your scalp, there is little against it. So see it as a moment of rest for your scalp, not as a treatment for hereditary hair loss.

What exactly do the 2 studies say?

The study by Koyama and colleagues (2016) followed 9 healthy Japanese men aged 25 to 46. They massaged one side of their head with a massage device for 4 minutes every day for 24 weeks; the other side served as a comparison. The hair on the massaged side became slightly thicker (from 0.085 to 0.092 mm), but the difference with the non-massaged side was not significant. The number of hairs even temporarily decreased slightly around week 12, and the growth rate did not change. The study was partly paid for by a company that makes hair products.^[1]

The second study is a survey by English and Barazesh (2019) among people with hereditary hair loss who had purchased a paid massage manual. Of the 319 participants with complete data, 68.9% reported that hair loss stabilized or some hair returned. Those who massaged for more hours were more positive. Most participants massaged 11 to 20 minutes per day (median), for an average of more than 7 months. Important: everything was self-reported, there was no control group and no doctor checking the results. One of the authors has a commercial website on the subject.^[2]

Want to know more about another way to stimulate your scalp? Then also read our blog about a derma roller with minoxidil.

How do you massage your scalp properly?

There is no proven best technique, but with these points you can avoid irritating your scalp:

• Use your fingertips, not your nails. Scratching can cause minor wounds.
• Make small, gentle circles and gently slide the skin over the scalp, rather than rubbing the hair.
• Work from the hairline through the sides to the crown.
• Use light to moderate pressure. It shouldn't hurt.
• Skip a day if your scalp is red, sore, flaky or damaged.

A rubber massage brush or massager is also okay, as long as you stay gentle. If you suffer from dandruff or flakes in addition to hair loss, a ketoconazole shampoo can help to calm the scalp. Read more about this in our blog about ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss.

For dandruff and flakes

Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo 1%

Shampoo with ketoconazole 1% for a scalp with dandruff, to be combined with your massage routine.

from €44.99View the shampoo →

Can you combine scalp massage with minoxidil?

Yes, you can, if you pay attention to the order. Apply minoxidil to a completely dry scalp and hair, and spread it with your fingertips. Then wash your hands well. The leaflet also emphasizes that the scalp must be healthy and intact: in case of inflammation or wounds, more minoxidil can be absorbed into your body, with a greater risk of side effects.^[3]

It is therefore smart to first massage gently and then apply minoxidil, and not to massage firmly until your scalp is red or sensitive. In the survey by English and Barazesh, slight redness was the intention of the technique^[2], but that does not fit well with the time when you use minoxidil. If you want to massage intensively, do so at a different time of the day than the application. Do not massage minoxidil extensively over your entire head: apply it to the places where your hair is thinning.

Easy to spread

Kirkland Minoxidil Foam 5% 1 Month For Men

Foam that spreads less quickly and can be easily distributed with your fingertips.

from €34.99View the foam →

What can you expect and when?

Patience is needed in any approach. This is what the timeline looks like according to the studies and the package leaflet:

Do you have a sensitive scalp and do you still want to massage and use minoxidil? A lotion with less alcohol may be more pleasant. If you get itching or irritation, also read our blog about minoxidil side effects.

For a sensitive scalp

Foligain Lotion 5% 3 Months For Men - Sensitive Skin

Minoxidil 5% lotion in a variant with less alcohol, intended for sensitive skin scalp.

from €64.99View the lotion →

When is massage not enough?

Massage and minoxidil are intended for gradually thinning hair due to hereditary predisposition. Thuisarts.nl recommends an appointment with the doctor if you lose much more hair than normal, if you suddenly develop bald spots, areas with flakes on your head or if you are concerned.^[4] Sudden or spot hair loss can be due to, for example, alopecia areata, a fungal infection, iron deficiency or another medical cause. Then massage or minoxidil will not solve the problem.

Always read the package leaflet for minoxidil. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and not under the age of 18. If you have a heart condition or are taking blood pressure lowering drugs, consult your doctor first. Stop and seek advice if there are serious side effects or a strong skin reaction.^[3]

Frequently asked questions

How long should you massage your scalp for hair growth?

There is no hard and fast rule for this. In the Japanese study it was 4 minutes per day, in the survey it was usually 11 to 20 minutes per day. Neither study proves that a certain duration produces hair growth.

Is a scalp massage every day bad for your hair?

No, as long as you massage gently with your fingertips. Scratching with your nails or pressing too hard can irritate your scalp.

Should I massage first or apply minoxidil first?

Massage gently first and then apply minoxidil to a dry scalp. Don't massage vigorously after application and skip both if your scalp is red or damaged.

Does a massage brush work better than your fingers?

There's no good research on that. A soft silicone brush can be nice in the shower, but has not been proven to be more effective than your fingertips.

Can a scalp massage stop baldness?

There is no evidence for this. The existing studies are small or self-reported. Minoxidil is a researched option for hereditary hair loss, but results also differ per person.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of October 2026.

Sources

1. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, 2016 (English).
2. English RS Jr, Barazesh JM. Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results. Dermatology and Therapy, 2019 (English).
3. Medicine Evaluation Board, Medicines Information Bank. Summary of product characteristics Minoxidil 20 mg/ml solution for cutaneous use (RVG 122547).
4. Thuisarts.nl (NHG). I have hair loss. What could it be?