A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. According to Dr. Craig Ziering, a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon in California, a healthy scalp results in stronger, glossier, thicker hair as well as less breakage and hair loss since hair growth begins in follicles found beneath the skin’s surface.
Including frequent scalp treatments in your hair care regimen is one approach to make sure you’re providing the right care for your scalp. Using a scalp brush or massager, which are instruments made especially to increase blood flow to the follicles without harming them, is an even better method. Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, adds that their soft, pliable bristles assist exfoliate, get rid of all that sebum and dead skin cells, and redistribute the oil.
After discussing the advantages of scalp massage with professionals, I compiled their suggestions for the top scalp brushes and massagers.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy should I trust NBC Select? How did I choose the best scalp brushes and massagers? The best scalp brushes and massagers? How do I shop for scalp brushes?
Our top picks
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Best scalp brushTangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager Brush
$undefined$10.99Ulta
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Best scalp massagerOcoa Scalp Massager
$undefined$12.98Ocoa Beauty
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Best budget-friendlyMaxsoft Hair Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush
$7.99$9.99Amazon
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Best travel-friendlyJupiter Scalp Brush
$undefined$17.84Amazon
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How I picked the best scalp brushes
I sought advice from dermatologists and scalp specialists, including as a trichologist who specializes in natural textures, regarding the best scalp massagers and brushes. Based on their advice, here is what to remember:
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Scalp brushes versus scalp massagers:
Scalp brushes, which have thinner bristles, are designed to exfoliate the scalp, helping to remove flakes and the buildup of dead skin cells, while also distributing healthy oils throughout the hair as you brush. Scalp massagers have thicker, stouter bristles. While they will also help remove buildup, they are designed to use in the shower (specifically while you shampoo) to help promote circulation and help the product better penetrate your scalp, says Lolis. Both tools can have a place in your scalp care routine. -
Look for gentle bristles:
Both scalp brushes and scalp massagers should have soft, malleable bristles, experts say. You don t want to be too aggressive right on the scalp and cause irritation, says Lolis. You also don t want to overly traumatize the hair follicle itself. For this reason, she recommends silicone scalp brushes and massagers. -
Find the right hair brush:
While you should not use a regularhair brush
to massage the scalp, finding the right brush for your hair type can support scalp health. You don t want something that is going to rip out hair, causing breakage and putting stress on the follicles, says
Dr. Azza Halim
, a board-certified physician in Boca Raton, Florida who specializes in topical treatments, including those for the scalp.
The best scalp brushes and massagers
According to Lolis and Halim, soft bristles are the most crucial feature to search for in a scalp brush or scalp massager. It should feel pleasant to use a scalp brush, similar to a soothing massage. The bristles are too harsh if they cause any pain or scrape. The top scalp brushes, scalp massagers, and scalp-friendly hair brushes that professionals and NBC Select editors recommend are listed below.
Best scalp brushes
Manta Scalp Brush
Manta Scalp Brush
- For wet and dry hair
- Malleable
- Travel pouch included
- Not for very thick hair
According to Lolis, this brush is flexible and its bristles may conform to the contours of your scalp. “It’s important that the bristles don’t snag your hair,” she says. According to the company, it may be used on all hair types, from fine to coily, and even if you wear extensions.
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator and Massager
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager Brush
- Gently exfoliates
- Palm-friendly design
- For wet and dry hair
- Very thin bristles
The International Trichology Congress, a professional and educational forum for qualified scalp specialists, also endorses Tangle Teezer’s take on the traditional scalp brush.Its two-tier bristle design, which combines the functions of a brush and massager, appeals to Afope Atoyebi, a certified trichologist based in the UK who specializes in natural hair textures. According to the brand, the long, flexible bristles exfoliate the scalp and remove flakes, while the shorter, firmer bristles increase circulation and blood flow to the scalp. Think of this as a multipurpose scalp tool that you can use with or without makeup, and in or out of the shower.
Jupiter Scalp Brush
Jupiter Scalp Brush
- Detangles from roots to tips
- For wet or dry hair
- Removes buildup
- Small handle
According to the manufacturer, Lolis suggests this Jupiter scalp brush for people with oily or dandruffy hair because of its strong but not overly stiff bristles, which are yet mild enough for daily usage. She says, “I like this one if you want to really exfoliate the scalp or have extra sebum production.” It is also perfect for travel due to its compact size.
Best scalp massagers
Ocoa Scalp Massager
Ocoa Scalp Massager
- Soft
- Flexible bristles
- Ergonomic design
- Nothing to note at this time
Mili Godio, editor of NBC Select updates, loves this Ocoa scalp massager and uses it every time she washes her hair, which is roughly every two to three days. Since my hair is so thin, most scalp massagers break it easily. “I’m never worried about it damaging my roots because this one has soft silicone bristles that don’t tug or pull at my hair,” she says. According to Godio, it’s also incredibly comfortable to grasp and portable.
Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush
Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager Brush
- Thick bristles
- Reduces dandruff/residue
- Not very durable
- Expensive
Lolis like Leonor Greyl’s in-shower massager option. She claims that the bristles are the ideal balance of softness and strength. It improves product penetration, gets rid of residue and dandruff, and leaves your scalp feeling nourished and lovely.
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager and Shampoo Brush
- Soft bristles
- Budget-friendly
- Gently exfoliates
- Not tangle resistant
Dr. Navin Arora, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, prefers this less expensive choice since it’s more affordable. According to him, you can use it with a scalp oil or each time you shampoo to help remove buildup and flakes while also encouraging circulation.
Diane Shampoo Massage Brush
Diane Shampoo Massage Brush
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable hand strap
- Feels durable
- Nothing to note at this time
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, who only uses this scalp massager in the shower during and after shampooing, is the one who recommended it. I like how soft the silicone bristles are: “I think there’s this unhealthy assumption that natural hair is tough and resilient, but in my experience, it actually requires a lot of gentle care,” Brown adds. I believe that utilizing this massager once or twice a week to get blood flowing up there is one of the reasons I don’t have any serious scalp problems. This lessens the possibility of the tips touching my scalp because I also have somewhat long acrylic nails. According to the company, the massager works well for applying dry shampoo and may be used on both wet and dry hair.
Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager
- Great for deep massage
- Four massage settings
- Don t have to use hands
- Expensive
According to the specialists I spoke with, vibrating scalp massagers aren’t strictly required; nonetheless, Atoyebi notes that in theory, the mild vibration could improve the circulation and product penetration advantages of traditional manual massage. According to Arora, his patients appear to enjoy the Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager. According to the company, it may be used on the back, neck, and scalp and has four intensity settings.
Best scalp-friendly hair brushes
Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Brush
Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Brush
- Long, flexible teeth
- For wet and dry hair
- Detangles quickly
- Nothing to note at this time
Atoyebi adds, “I really, really like the Tangle Teezer brushes for people with textured hair.” Every brush is made to accommodate a particular variety of hair types, ranging from thick and frizzy to fine and delicate. With its two bristle lengths dispersed across a large surface area, the Naturally Curly Brush effectively distributes the stress you are applying to each area of your scalp while you brush. According to Atoyebi, this lessens the likelihood of things like excessive scalp stress and hair removal, which over time weaken follicles.
The Wet Brush Pro Detangler
The Wet Brush Pro Detangler
- For all hair types
- Does not pull at hair
- Very gentle
- Not as durable as others
Known as the first detangler, the Wet Brush is a timeless tool. The manufacturer claims that the widely spread bristles slide through hair with minimal harm, while Arora believes that the rubber tips make it appropriate for mild scalp stimulation. He personally uses this good one-size-fits-most brush on both of his daughters, each of whom has a distinct hair type.
How to shop for scalp brushes and massagers
Experts advise taking your hair type and scalp health into account while choosing the best scalp brush for you. Here are some things to look for before purchasing:
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Identify your hair type.
Whether you have fine, straight hair, thick coils or something in between will partially dictate what brushes will work best for you. Consider a scalp brush or massager that won t pull or tug at your hair, or won t cause breakage if you have very fine hair. -
Identify the condition of your scalp.
Common scalp issues include flakiness, itchiness, irritation, sensitivity and oilines. But the root cause of these issues, and therefore the right products to treat them, might not always be clear. Consider talking to an expert, like your hairstylist or dermatologist, to advise on whether you could benefit from more scalp exfoliation, hydration or massaging. -
Always look for gentle bristles.
Remember, you never want to scrape or stress the scalp by adding tension to the follicles, which can lead to hair loss and increased scalp sensitivity. Any scalp brush or massager you buy should have soft flexible bristles that you can easily manipulate with your fingers and shouldn t snag your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Increased hair growth is the main advantage of a scalp massage. According to a tiny study conducted in 2016, men’s hair thickness rose after receiving a four-minute scalp massage daily for six months. According to a 2019 study, scalp massage may even aid with alopecia. According to studies, massages help hair follicles grow thicker hair by stretching their cells. Massaging your scalp may result in thicker hair when combined with the advantages of improved blood circulation to follicles, which can promote hair development.
In theory, you can get these advantages without using a specialized tool. Halim explains, “You can literally use your fingers.” The purpose of scalp massage is not to scratch your scalp; rather, it is to improve circulation and blood flow.
Although it’s safe to do it every day, Lolis advises giving your scalp a concentrated massage once or twice a week, either with a scalp massager or simply your fingertips. According to Atoyebi, scalp massagers are excellent for treating oneself to a little self-pampering and me time.
For the best balance of scalp and hair health, Lolis suggests exfoliating twice a day with a scalp brush. To truly redistribute the oils throughout the scalp and hair, she advises using it once in the morning and once at night.
Scalp brushes and massagers can be used on both dry and wet hair. According to specialists, the majority of scalp massagers are actually made to be used in the shower with shampoo. According to experts, the most important thing is to make sure your brush or massager doesn’t catch or tug your hair because you don’t want to unintentionally break it.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Craig Ziering
is a board-certified dermatologist, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and hair transplant surgeon.
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Afope Atoyebi
is a certified trichologist based in the UK. She specializes in natural hair textures, addressing both the physical and social impacts of scalp issues with her treatments.
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Dr. Margarita Lolis
is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Laser Surgery Specialists, a division of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. She specializes in noninvasive cosmetic treatments and skin cancer removal.
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Dr. Navin Arora
is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is the founder of Borealis Dermatology in New York.
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Dr. Azza Halim
is a board-certified physician in Boca Raton, Florida. She specializes in laser treatments and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.
Why trust NBC Select?
For more than ten years, I have covered beauty and wellness therapies as a journalist and former editor of Glamour. For this article, I spoke to five dermatologists, a hair restoration expert and a trichologist specializing in natural textures about the importance of scalp health and the best scalp brushes and massagers that will work for various hair types and textures.
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