These Scalp Massagers Can Help With Dandruff, Relieving Tension Headaches, & Even Hair Growth (2024)

Our tester found this brush to have the softest bristles across the board, yet they’re not too soft to inhibit exfoliation. Its high-quality silicone material creates a luxurious, smooth massage experience and encourages shampoo to lather with ease without causing tangles. “It feels like I’m at a spa or salon,” our tester said. The brush is marketed for use in the shower, but she found it feels just as nice when used on a dry scalp.

The short, stout handle easily slides and hooks between your fingers, making it easy to comfortably palm the massager and maintain consistent leverage and pressure. Our tester also found it to help conditioners absorb more efficiently. And it gets a check for sustainability, as it’s made of recyclable ABS plastic and silicone, and comes in 100 percent recyclable packaging.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Soft
• Waterproof: Yes
  

This massager’s unique round shape and intuitive handle make holding and using it feel natural. Most other silicone massagers feature a stem-like handle that requires some grip, but the Vegamour model utilizes a passive handle you simply slide your hand through, and indentations on the base cradle fingers while the handle rests atop the fingers, keeping it from slipping out of place.

According to our tester, the bristles on this brush are firm enough for a decent massage, but the lack of diversity in bristle density and size made the sensory experience somewhat one-noted. It can be used on dry or wet hair, and does a great job at distributing product and helping product penetrate.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes

A gua-sha comb, this scalp massager’s jade stone composition invites a cooling, relaxing sensation. ”I thought it would be uncomfortable to drag across my scalp,” our tester said. “Surprisingly it's the opposite. It felt stimulating and relaxing to use.” She added that it’s easy to use and causes zero pain, even on the boniest parts of the head. The stone’s smooth surface prevents tangling, too.

The comb side can be used for a slower, more precise glide, whereas the rounded side is best for some quick surface stimulation. If you love the feeling of someone running their fingers through your hair, you’ll love this. Using it in the shower may be difficult, though, depending on your hair texture and how much conditioner you apply.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Hard
• Waterproof: Yes
  

Those with psoriasis should tread lightly with scalp massagers, as they shouldn’t be used on open or broken skin and could cause further irritation. But a gentle massage with a lightweight, soft massager like this one could be beneficial. Our tester found the small, closely grouped bristles to work most effectively on dry hair, though some pressure is necessary to get through thick hair and to the scalp and roots.

Instead of a handle, it features a beaded chain loop for easy holding and hanging in the shower or vanity area. Its small circular shape easily fits into the palm, and tests found it to noticeably improve product distribution compared to fingers alone. “The massager helped it get deeper into my roots,” our tester said.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Soft
• Waterproof: Yes

This massager is an affordable, practical pick that gets the job done. Our tester found that it was especially helpful in distributing shampoo through thick hair, and the extra head that it comes with is easy to swap in and out with a quick twist. One head features longer spikes that are more fit for use on thick hair, and the other has shorter nubbier bristles, ideal for short hair or shaved heads.

The handle effortlessly cradles the top of the hand making it easy to hold and adjust pressure, and our tester found it to help product absorb more effectively into the roots and scalp. “It really helped me get the shampoo rubbed into my head without having to do a lot of work,” she said.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes
  

The sturdy design and quality material of this brush make it just weighty enough to easily apply even, moderate pressure throughout the scalp without feeling hard or scratchy. Our tester found the bristles to be firm, yet flexible, and effective on both wet and dry hair, evading tangles altogether.

The handle is ergonomic and comfortable, and it’s especially hygienic given that the bristles can be popped out for cleaning. An attached tassel makes hanging storage a breeze.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes

You can switch yourself to autopilot while using this massager, which, with its electric motor, will do all of the work for you. Unlike most manual massagers, it features four massage heads with 21 individual nodes that automatically rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise, delivering a complex and thorough kneading. Our testing found the nodes to be sturdy, but soft and enjoyable.

Traveling with this massager is easy thanks to its USB rechargeability. Our tester found it to be quiet, and that it works well in and out of the shower. “It was surprisingly heavier than I expected, but I feel like that attributes to its sturdiness,” she added. According to the brand, you can also use it anywhere else on the body.

Product Details:

• Type: Electric
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes

If you tend to rely on your fingernails to scrub debris and dirt from your scalp, let this affordable pick do the heavy lifting instead. Not only will it work just as well, it will keep your nails and scalp safe from the risk of being damaged.

Its long, sturdy, evenly spaced spikes can penetrate even really thick hair, and its handle is easy to grip for customizable pressure. And our tester found that rather than tangling tresses, it can help detangle them while conditioner or a hair mask marinates. Speaking of which, our tester said this massager helps with product penetration, too.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes
  

The funky shape of this massager is intentional—it’s made to fit your palm snugly for easy leverage as it’s moved across the scalp. It comes at a decent price and is available in eight different colors.

Our tester found it to work well on wet and dry hair, and it stood up just fine against thin, tangle-prone strands. ”I also frequently get headaches, and this felt soothing and relaxing to use when I was experiencing pain,” she added. If you’re looking for a risk-free base model to test for the first time, this is a good go-to.

Product Details:

• Type: Manual
• Bristles: Medium
• Waterproof: Yes