Expert trichologist issues stark warning against popular scalp massage brushes – as he reveals the item can actually cause hair damage
An expert trichologist has issued a stark warning about using the viral scalp massagers found all over the internet, explaining that they can actually cause hair damage.
The information was shared by iconic hair care brand Philip Kingsley on TikTok, which has clinics in both New York City and London that focus on treatments related to scalp health and hair loss.
In the new fragmentGlenn Lyons, Clinical Director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, explained exactly why these brushes can be so damaging to hair if used incorrectly.
“Recent research suggests that massaging our scalp helps improve blood flow and deliver nutrients to the hair follicles,” Lyons began in the video.
Glenn Lyons, an expert trichologist at iconic hair care brand Philip Kinglsey, issued a strong warning on TikTok about scalp massage brushes
In a new clip, Glenn Lyons, clinical director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, explains exactly why these brushes can be so damaging to hair if used incorrectly
“However, the amount this generates and generates is minimal,” he continued.
Lyons explained that when the brand uses scalp massages in a treatment at their clinic, they often do this to ensure that whatever product is being properly absorbed.
He revealed that when massaging the scalp with your fingers, it is important that it is done correctly.
“However, it is also important to massage correctly, and this should preferably be done with the fingertips in slow, circular movements for about five to seven minutes,” said the expert.
“Now, too aggressive a massage can actually cause a pretty serious fracture.”
But if you choose a handheld massager for your scalp instead of your hands and fingers, there are some guidelines you should follow.
He then held up two different handheld massagers that you can buy at the store.
The first, which was purple, consisted of several small bristles, while the other, which was white, had larger, longer, and more pointed bristles.
Lyons explained that you want to massage your head in circular motions with your fingertips for five to seven minutes
He explained that recent studies have shown that scalp massage can help increase blood flow to the follicle, but that the “benefit is minimal.”
In the video, he explained that you must use portable scalp massagers properly, otherwise it can be harmful (stock image)
“As you can see here, even though it’s quite rubbery, it’s pointed,” he said of the white one.
“And on this one in particular, the plastic teeth are hard.”
“So potentially this would cause scratches and bleeding points on the scalp,” he said, pointing to the purple brush.
He said the best one to use would be one that looks more like the white one – pointed and more spread out – although neither are great.
But if you use the spinier one, make sure it has a round head on it, which it didn’t.
“That is preferable, but it should still be done slowly and not too aggressively,” Lyons concluded.
Besides just making you feel good, scalp massages can also help lower stress levels and relieve headaches, according to research cited GoodRx Health.
In the comments section of the TikTok post, many seemed to like and agree with Lyon’s take on scalp massagers.
Lyons said it’s important to find a handheld scalp massager with a round head
In the comments, many people seemed to appreciate the tip and even shared their own experiences with portable scalp massagers
Some also shared their own experiences.
‘That’s what I always said! As someone who suffers from hair loss, I would never be so rough and aggressive with my hair as it would cause more to fall out,” one person wrote.
Another agreed: ‘I started going bald while using this while shampooing. I stopped and my hair is growing back.’
‘Thank you, those pointy brushes remind me of the aggressively flaky facial soaps that were popular when I was a teenager. It’s too loud,” someone else typed.
‘Five to seven minutes, I had no idea! Thanks for taking the time to explain why they’re not great AND what’s better for our hair!’ a second TikTok user responded.
DailyMail.com contacted Philip Kingsley for further comment.