Upgrade Your Shower Routine: Try a Massager for a Healthier, Cleaner Scalp (2024)

Our Top Picks

Hair Type: All hair types | Material: Plastic, rubber

Remove product buildup and avoid flaking by introducing this exfoliating scalp massager into your hair care routine. Gently brush your scalp prior to washing or while you lather shampoo into your hair. Unlike any of the other options on this list, the Jupiter Scalp Brush has super tiny bristles of varying heights that target the unique skin on the scalp. Even though they look more abrasive, don’t worry—they’re anything but.

Alessandra, tester: "I noticed a difference in my hair when I used the scalp massager compared to the times when I didn't use it. Plus, the matte black handle and white bristles make it look more expensive than it is."

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Plastic

Those in the market for something a little more high-tech might be impressed by the Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager. Complete with four massage heads, 21 individual massage nodes, four-speed settings,andtwo kneading options, this chargeable scalp brush is designed to imitate human fingers, giving you a relaxing massage. It’s waterproof, too, so you can enjoy the tool on wet and dry hair. After repeated use, you might even notice an increase in blood flow, which contributes to hair growth, and full-body relaxation.

Caroline, tester:"The handle is smooth and I'm able to grip it comfortably. I love how well it massages my scalp, how easy it is to clean, and how surprisingly quiet it is."

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone, plastic

Those with sensitive scalps (whether due to dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or eczema) know that being gentle is key to scalp health. While not super fancy, Freatech’s massager is everything you need to clarify your scalp without irritation—or breaking the bank. It’s waterproof, easy to hold, and works like a charm to add some oomph to your shampooing experience without doing more harm than good.

Brandi, tester: “I loved the bristles on this scalp massager—they struck the perfect balance between being firm enough to appropriately cleanse and exfoliate my scalp while still being flexible and soft.”

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone, plastic

Stimulate hair growth and treat yourself to a salon-like scalp massage with the help of the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush. Allie, our tester, was more than pleased with the tool, sharing that the bristles have “the right amount of give” and “offer a really smooth, relaxing massage.” Effective on both wet and dry hair, the scalp massager feels like an affordable luxury that everyone can benefit from. Whether you use it to remove product buildup on your scalp, promote hair growth, or just want to indulge in a relaxing moment of self-care, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Allie, tester:“This scalp brush is really soft and feels incredible. Every time I use it, it feels like I’m at a spa or salon.”

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Plastic

With its easy-to-grip handle and soft bristles, this scalp massager is a great starting point for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily. It’s got a wide surface area with well-spaced bristles, so you can cover your head quickly but efficiently. Our tester, Maria, found that she never had an issue with tangles. In fact, she shared that “it helps detangle hair,” especially when used in tandem with a hydrating hair mask.

Maria, tester: “I tested this in the shower with a leave-in mask. I could tell it absorbed better on the side I used the scalp massager than the one I didn’t. It definitely penetrated my scalp better."

Hair Type: All hair types | Material: Silicone, Plastic

With its grippable, ergonomic handle and silicone tips, this massager from Vegamour provides a great cleanse at an attractive price point. Rotate it in circular motions around your head and neck while shampooing (or conditioning, if you like), and witness how your scalp becomes stimulated in just a few minutes. Ashleigh, our tester, loved how it helped products penetrate better throughout her head and offered her a lovely massage. And according to the brand, the massage improves scalp health tenfold, thus creating a better environment for hair growth.

Ashleigh, tester: "The bristles on this scalp brush are really soft and feel incredible—it feels like I am at a spa or salon. They do not tangle my hair, are effective at sudsing, and (most importantly) give a really smooth massage."

Hair Type: Thick hair | Material: Silicone

Those with thick hair know the struggle of trying to get a brush through their strands, so the idea of getting a silicone massager across your scalp in repeated motions might seem like a lot. With this massager from Flathead, however, it’s surprisingly easy. It comes with two separate brush heads: One with long silicone bristles and the other with shorter, more dull bristles. Ultimately, whichever one you choose is up to you, but our tester Julia (who has long, thick hair) preferred the longer bristles. Plus, it’s easy to swap the two interchangeably—just twist them on and off.

Julia, tester: "I have such thick hair that I have a really hard time getting the shampoo suds to my scalp. This massager helped me get the shampoo into my scalp without having to do a lot of work."

Hair Types: Thick, medium, fine | Material: Jade stone

Though it’s a bit of a splurge compared to other products on this list, the Jade Massaging Comb from Mount Lai is totally worth it. It’s not exactly a brush or a massager, but rather a gua sha scalp comb made of jade stone. Initially, I thought it would be uncomfortable to drag across my scalp, but surprisingly, it’s the opposite. After a few passes through my hair and across my scalp, I felt relaxed, and my scalp felt stimulated and rejuvenated. It doesn’t pull or tug on strands and never causes pain or discomfort, even on bonier parts of the head.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor: "This jade gua-sha comb feels so relaxing, my boyfriend stole it from me. This proves that anyone can use the tool: no matter how long your hair is."

Hair Type: All | Material: Plastic

Comprised of tiny flexible, round-ended bristles, this scalp exfoliator from Denman is ideal for combing and detangling hair. The fine, flexible disc-like palm styler moves with the shape of your head, stimulating scalp massage as well as styling. According to the brand, it works well on curls and helps remove broken or loose hair while either wet or dry. Our tester, Darcy, found that the scalp massager worked exceptionally well at helping products absorb better. It made “quite a difference” in the absorption of hair oils and helped products be more efficient.

Darcy, tester: "Using the massager to aid in the absorption of hair oil is where this product proved its worth (to me). From the first week, I noticed a difference in how well oil worked into my roots. Fast forward to now, my hair feels healthier and more nourished."

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Rubber

We love this scalp-stimulating massager from Briogeo because it’s specially designed to support hair growth across all hair types and curl patterns. Whether you use it on dry hair with a nourishing hair oil or while in the shower to replicate that salon chair feeling, the scalp massager can be used at any point in your hair care routine. Celebrity hairstylist Jazmine Harris swears by this tool when washing clients’ hair, sharing that if she’s massaging during a shampoo sesh, it’s almost always with this one.

Emily Cieslak, associate commerce editor: “The bristles are flexible yet firm and apply the right amount of pressure without being painful or scratchy. I also like how you can pop the bristles out to clean the brush.”

FAQ

• What are the benefits of scalp massage?

  According to Harris, the main benefit of a scalp massage is that it can “increase blood flow and circulation.” Harris explains that, in some cases, scalp massages can also help treat hair loss, especially when the massage is concentrated on the affected area. In fact, regular hair massages have been shown to help increase hair thickness. There’s also the fact they're relaxing and can remove dry skin and product buildup in a way that regular shampooing can’t. Scalp massagers essentially enhance the massage experience, making it easier to do at home.

• How often should you use a scalp massager?

  “Personally, I think twice a month is a good place to start because overusing can make your scalp a little tender,” Harris says. "Once you adjust, feel free to dial it up to weekly usage—just never use it on broken or irritated skin."