An expert trichologist has issued a stern warning about the use of viral scalp massagers that are 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 New York City and London that focus on treatments related to scalp health and hair loss.
in the new clipGlenn Lyons, clinical director of the Philip Kingsley Trichology Clinic in London, explained exactly why these brushes can be so damaging to hair if used incorrectly.
“Recent research suggests that massaging the scalp helps improve blood supply and bring nutrients to the hair follicle,” Lyons began the video.
Glenn Lyons, trichologist expert at iconic hair care brand Philip Kinglsey, issued a stern warning on TikTok about scalp massage brushes.
In a new clip, Glenn Lyons, clinical director at the Philip Kingsley Trichology Clinic in London, explained exactly why these brushes can be so damaging to your hair if used incorrectly.
“However, the benefit of this is minimal,” he continued.
Lyons explained that when the brand uses scalp massage in a treatment at their clinic, they often do it to make sure the product they have on hand is properly absorbed.
He revealed that when massaging the scalp with your fingers it is important that it is done in the correct way.
“But it is also important to massage correctly, preferably with the fingertips, with slow circular movements, for about five to seven minutes,” says the expert.
“Now, too aggressive a massage can cause pretty serious breaks.”
But if you opt for a manual scalp massager instead of your hands and fingers, there are some guidelines you should follow.
He then showed two different handheld scalp massagers that you can buy in the store.
The first, which was purple, was made up of multiple small bristles, while the other, which was white, had larger, taller, and more spike-like bristles.
Lyons explained that you want to massage your head in circular motions for five to seven minutes using your fingertips.
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 it is necessary to use portable scalp massagers in the correct way, otherwise it can be harmful (stock image).
“As you can see on this one, even though it’s pretty rubbery, it’s pointy,” he said of the target.
“And on this one, in particular, the plastic tips are hard.”
“So, this could cause scratches and bleeding spots on the scalp,” he said while pointing to the purple brush.
He said one that looks more like white (pointy and more spread out) would be best, although both are not very good.
But if you use the pointier one, you’ll want to make sure it has a rounded head, which his didn’t have.
“It is preferable, but it should still be done slowly and not too aggressively,” Lyons concluded.
In addition to simply feeling good, scalp massages can also help reduce stress levels and relieve headaches, according to studies cited by GoodRx Health.
In the comments section of the TikTok post, many seemed to appreciate and agree with Lyons’ take on scalp massagers.
Lyons said it’s important to find a manual scalp massager that has a rounded head.
In the comments, many people seemed to appreciate the advice and even shared their own experience with manual scalp massagers.
Some also shared their own experiences.
‘I always said that! “As someone who suffers from hair loss, I would never be so harsh and aggressive with my hair as it would cause more hair loss,” one person wrote.
Another agreed: ‘I started going bald while wearing them while shampooing. I stopped doing it and my hair is growing back.’
‘Thanks, those pointy brushes make me think of the harsh exfoliating facial soaps that were popular when I was a teenager. It’s too hard,’ someone else wrote.
‘Five to seven minutes, I had no idea! Thank you for taking the time to explain why they are not good AND what is better for our hair!’ commented a second TikTok user.
DailyMail.com has contacted Philip Kingsley for further comment.