13 Best Scalp Massagers 2022 to Remove Buildup and Promote Circulation

By Rebecca Norris

If you've ever thought that a scalp massager wasn't for you, whether because of price or an assumption that they're too bougie for your low-key hair-care routine, think again. "It is necessary to activate the scalp muscles and improve circulation as well as remove debris from the base of the hair follicle," says Bridgette Hill, a certified trichologist, hairstylist, and colorist with over 20 years of scalp- and hair-health experience. "The scalp brush is universally needed for all scalp and hair types to be used at some point in scalp and hair-care regimens," she adds.

That said, Hill points out that the benefits of scalp massagers depend on how you use them. Her suggestion? Pair scalp massagers with pre-shampoo scalp treatments weekly or bi-weekly. "The scalp brushes aid with exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and product buildup from the base of the hair follicle," she explains. "When used with a pre-shampoo oil or serum-based scalp treatment, scalp brushes and massagers aid in assisting the active ingredients to penetrate deeper due to the design of the brush's teeth or nodes, as well." And, in case you were wondering, a massager also does wonders for ridding your scalp of itchy dandruff — so long as you're gentle and don't apply too much pressure.

What's more, Hill says that opting for an ergonomically-designed hand grip will allow you to maneuver the head massager better, which will help keep the muscles firing for the entire duration of use. But that's not all. One of the primary benefits of scalp massagers is just how relaxing they feel as they promote blood circulation and blood flow, which in turn can potentially boost not only your mood but hair growth, too.

"Incorporating scalp brushes and massagers helps relax the scalp and increase suppleness," Hill says, noting that the tools help reduce muscle tension. "We know stress tightens the scalp and impedes circulation and hair growth, so depending on hair-care regimens and scalp conditions, weekly scalp massages with massagers are excellent for overall health and wellbeing." Hold your tool of choice in the palm of your hand and use circular motions to sweep away debris. Be especially gentle, of course, on particularly sensitive scalps and thinning hair.

Suffice to say, if you don't have a scalp massager in your hair-care routine yet, there's no time like the present to add one in for deep cleaning. Instead of buying the first one you see at your local drugstore, consider opting for one of the top-rated options below, and pair it with your favorite hair products for a soothing shower routine and healthier hair.

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As you may have noticed, many scalp massagers are quite similar. That's why it's important to find a well-reviewed design that you love. If you're keen on densely-bristled brushes, you'll love the Tangle Teezer Scalp Exfoliator & Massager. It's sold in five colors and is designed to dub the edges of the hand, effectively turning your palm into a massager. In that way, it's particularly easy to use.

If you prefer the idea of a comb over a larger scalp massager, the beautiful jade Mount Lai The Jade Massaging Gua Sha Comb is worth your attention. The hand-carved comb is designed to promote circulation and reduce tension, and since it's made of jade — which is thought to be the stone of eternal youth — it's said to help bring balance to your beauty routine.

What makes the Ceremonia Masajeador Tool stand apart? The minimalist white colorway. Other than that, it's the tried-and-true scalp massager silhouette that frees your scalp of sebum and buildup, which has earned it five-star reviews across the board.

If aesthetics matter when shopping for hair-care tools, you'll love the look of the Vegamour Gro Revitalizing Scalp Massager. The pale pink tool has an ergonomic design with finger divots for comfortable handling. Needless to say, this flexible, cone-bristled massager is one you'll be happy to keep in view.

The ColorProof Scalp Cleansing Brush is ergonomically shaped with long, cone-like bristles to easily massage short and long hair, as well as fine and thick hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this scalp massager is sure to soothe your head.

The Heeta Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush is a classic scalp massager brush, complete with a sturdy, ergonomic plastic handle and flexible, soft-silicone cone-shaped bristles. In an effort to be even more effective, the bristles are dispersed in three different lengths to intensify the massaging capabilities of the brush (in the most comfortable and soothing way possible). Whereas many scalp massagers are available in just a few colors, this fan-favorite one is sold in nine colors.

Prefer a more old-school approach? The wide-tooth Fable & Mane Scalp Massager Comb is designed to massage the scalp and detangle strands while your hair is still damp. And if the over-three-thousand Sephora shoppers who have given it their seal of approval have anything to say about it, it's well worth incorporating into your hair-care routine — no matter your hair type.

Whereas most scalp massagers with mixed-sized bristles center the smallest cones in the middle of the brush, the popular rectangular Sephora Collection Silicone Scalp Massager takes the opposite approach and lines the fattest cones directly down the center of the brush. The reason? Its silicone bristles are meant to mimic the feel of a salon-quality massage, given the longest fingers are typically in the center of the hand.

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For even more detangling action, consider the top-rated Kitsch Shampoo Brush. The gray scalp massager is designed with dozens of thin, pin-like bristles, this massager is particularly gentle while evenly distributing shampoo and styling products.

Beloved by nearly 50,000 Sephora shoppers, the Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager features a classic design that's built to last. The ergonomic hard-plastic grip is lined on the underside with sturdy-yet-flexible bristles that effectively massage the scalp without feeling too rough. For best results, the brand recommends pairing the brush with the coordinating Scalp Revival collection, which includes two shampoos, a cooling mask, tea tree oil-infused scalp serum, and dry shampoo.

If you love the idea of a fine-toothed scalp massager, the black-and-white Jupiter Scalp Brush is a great pick. The popular scalp massager features a single finger loop for easy maneuvering. It even has a little beaded chain to easily hang it up while not in use.

Say hello to Amazon's highest-rated scalp massager. With over 40,000 beaming reviews, the colorful Cbiumpro Shampoo Massager Brush is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their scalp-care routine without shelling out the big bucks. What really sets this massager apart is its square shape and extra-long bristles, which are designed to weave through ultra-thick, ultra-long strands. And at just $7, it's tough to beat.

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Sold in three colors, this innovative Wet Brush Exfoliating Scalp Massager goes beyond simply stimulating the noggin'. It's designed with a hollow interior so that you can unscrew the top and fill it with your favorite shampoo, scalp treatment, mask, or scrub for added hair-care benefits. When you apply a bit of pressure to the top of the product, it will dispense product onto your scalp, creating a nice lather and making your massage that much more sudsy and delightful.

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