What is scalp massage? You might already be a fan without realizing, if you ever got your hair washed at the salon and the person washing your hair added a little flair to the job.
But there are more intentional, dedicated scalp massages, incorporating either effleurage (circular stroking) or petrissage (kneading) techniques, or both. If you get one at the spa it may include the face, neck, shoulders, and back as well.
There are numerous reasons that people seek out these treatments or do it themselves at home:
They can reduce stress and can give your mood a lift, and they lower blood pressure and heart rate as well.
Scalp massages can also be used as a home remedy to treat dry or itchy scalp and dandruff. You can use tea tree oil for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, and leave it on overnight.
While some people massage their scalps to encourage hair growth, and this is often paired with castor or coconut oil, there's not much in the way of scientific evidence to back up these claims. If you're reading this, it's likely that you're not looking to regrow your hair, but don't toss that oil quite yet. You can still massage with it for it's moisturizing properties, and the scent of coconut oil will add a little tropical sensation to your relaxing scalp massage.
The act of massaging also stimulates circulation.
...And much, much more! Massaging the head with oil has been a tool in the holistic methods of India's Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Sometimes called Champi (which is actually the root of our word "shampoo"), it's performed for all of the reasons above, plus additional claimed benefits to hair health and sleep, and some believe that it benefits all the systems of the body.
Now how much would you pay? You might not have to pay anything at all, if you DIY. This video demonstrates how to self-massage the scalp:
Whatever the motivation, this low-key massage (you don't even have to take off your clothes!) is one to keep in mind, whether it's for a Valentine's Day indulgence or for weekly self-care.