Hair loss is caused by a variety of reasons such as stress, clogged hair follicles, hair breakage, built-up sebum, aging, illness and genetics. Scalp massage increases circulation and blood flow to the hair follicle. This strengthens the root, providing proper nutrients for normal hair growth. Combing different oils with a scalp massage can help normalize excess sebum that can clog hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Using Oils also conditions the scalp and hair, which moisturizes the skin, preventing dandruff, dry skin and brittle hair that cause breakage.
Relaxation
Massaging the scalp is relaxing, especially when combined with aromatherapy. Hair loss can be related to too much stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Relaxation can eliminate the triggers to hair loss and help follicles regrow hair.
Telogen effluvium is the most common type of stress-related hair loss, according to Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic. Intense stress can come from a death in the family, pregnancy, surgery or other emotional or physical situations.
Stress causes the hair follicle to go into a resting state where the hair just falls out. By relaxing and reducing stress, hair will return to a normal growth pattern.
Increased Circulation
One of the treatment options for Alopecia, or hair loss, recommended by the University of Maryland is massage therapy. Increased blood flow from the extra circulation improves the condition of the scalp and helps keep hair follicles healthy. Lack of circulation and decreased nutrients can cause hair loss.
Remove Sebum
Scalp massage with jojoba oil will remove excess sebum, or in cases where the sebum production has reduced because of environmental reasons or stress, it will replicate sebum.
In the April 2001 issue of CBS "Money Watch," it was noted in its Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine that massaging the scalp increases circulation warming, and opening the pores allows the oil to dissolve and remove excess sebum and clean the scalp.
Excess sebum can build up and clog hair follicles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Excess sebum and dead skin cells can form a "soft plug" in the follicle, preventing hair growth.
Remove Scales & Bacteria
Contact and seborrheic dermatitis cause skin scales, dandruff and plaques over the scalp, preventing hair growth. The National Institutes of Health recommends scalp massage to loosen the scales and improve circulation to the scalp.
Another condition that clogs the hair follicles is folliculitis. This is caused by infection of the follicle from bacteria, fungus or viruses. It can affect the entire follicle and in turn stop hair growth. Combining scalp massage with essential oils containing antibacterial properties boosts the massage's effectiveness.
The combined effect of oil and massage was concluded to be an effective treatment for alopecia areata hair loss, according to a study published in the November 1998 "Archives of Dermatology."
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