The 10 Best Scalp Massagers We Tested That Promote Hair Growth and Ease Tension

Best Overall

Jupiter Scalp Brush

$20

$15 at Amazon $20 at Dermstore $15 at Hellojupiter.com

Hair Type: All hair types  | Material: Plastic, rubber

Remove product buildup and avoid flaking by introducing this exfoliating scalp massager into your haircare routine. Use wet or dry, gently brushing your scalp prior to washing or while you lather shampoo into your hair. For best results, we recommend working on your scalp in small circular motions before brushing through the lengths of your hair. Unlike any of the other options on this list, the Jupiter Scalp Brush has super tiny bristles of varying heights that target the unique skin on the scalp, working to stimulate circulation and improve the absorption of your favorite hair oils. Even though they look more abrasive, don’t worry—they’re anything but. Just keep in mind that they can become discolored over time.

Alessandra, tester: “I noticed a difference in my hair when I used the scalp massager compared to the times when I didn’t use it. Plus, the matte black handle and white bristles make it look more expensive than it is.”

Best Electric

Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager

$50

$40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy $50 at Comfier.com

Hair Type: All hair types | Material: Plastic

Those looking for something a little more high-tech might be impressed by the Comfier Cordless Hair Scalp Massager. Complete with four massage heads, 21 individual massage nodes, four-speed settings, and two kneading options, this chargeable scalp brush is designed to imitate human fingers, giving you a relaxing massage. The cherry on top? It’s waterproof, too, so you can enjoy the tool on wet and dry hair. After repeated use, you might even notice an increase in blood flow, which contributes to hair growth, and full-body relaxation. To use, detangle your hair with a brush before moving the tool slowly across your head to reach every area of your scalp. Because of its high-tech features, it can feel heavier in your hands than other options. But, since it does most of the work for you, we feel like that’s a fair trade.

Caroline, tester: “The handle is smooth and I’m able to grip it comfortably. I love how well it massages my scalp, how easy it is to clean, and how surprisingly quiet it is.”

Best Gentle

Freatech Shampoo Brush Scalp Massager

$8 at Amazon

Hair Type: All hair types | Material: Silicone, plastic

If you have a sensitive scalp (whether due to dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or eczema) then you know that being gentle is key to scalp health. While not super fancy, Freatech’s massager is everything you need to clarify your scalp without irritation—or breaking the bank. It’s waterproof, easy to hold, and works like a charm to add some oomph to your shampooing experience without doing more harm than good. You can use it wet to help lather up your shampoo or dry for a pre-shower massage, working it across your scalp in small circular motions for at least a few minutes. The bristles on this pick are pretty firm, so you’ll want to use light pressure to get the most relaxing experience.

Brandi, tester: “I loved the bristles on this scalp massager—they struck the perfect balance between being firm enough to appropriately cleanse and exfoliate my scalp while still being flexible and soft.”

Best for Promoting Hair Growth

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

$29

$24 at Lovelyskin.com $28 at Aidabicaj.com $29 at Leonorgreyl-usa.com

Hair Type: All hair types  | Material: Silicone, plastic

If you’re in need of a scalp massager for hair growth that’ll deliver a salon-like experience, we suggest reaching for the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush. Allie, our tester, was more than pleased with the tool, sharing that the bristles have “the right amount of give” and “offer a really smooth, relaxing massage.” Effective on both wet and dry hair, the scalp massager feels like an affordable luxury that everyone can benefit from. All you have to do is move it across your head in small circular motions for at least a minute to remove product buildup on your scalp, promote hair growth, or simply indulge in a relaxing moment of self-care. We just wished the handle was a little easier to hold on to when we used it in the shower.

Allie, tester: “This scalp brush is really soft and feels incredible. Every time I use it, it feels like I’m at a spa or salon.”

Best Bristles

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager

$7 at Amazon

Hair Type: All hair types  | Material: Plastic

With its easy-to-grip handle and soft bristles, this scalp massager is a great starting point for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coily. It’s got a wide surface area with well-spaced bristles, so you can cover your head quickly but efficiently. Our tester, Maria, found that she never had an issue with tangles. In fact, she shared that “it helps detangle hair,” especially when used in tandem with a hydrating hair mask. To use, simply massage it over your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes to help remove buildup and lather up product. Although you can use it wet or dry, it’s hollow, so we recommend storing it outside the shower and letting it fully dry out between uses to prevent mold or mildew growing inside.

Maria, tester: “I tested this in the shower with a leave-in mask. I could tell it absorbed better on the side I used the scalp massager than the one I didn’t. It definitely penetrated my scalp better.”

Best Stimulating

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager

$18 at Amazon $18 at Sephora $18 at Kohls.com

Hair Type: All hair types | Material: Silicone, Plastic

With its easy-to-grip, ergonomic handle and silicone tips, this massager from Vegamour provides a great cleanse at an attractive price point. Rotate it in circular motions around your head and neck while shampooing (or conditioning, if you like), and witness how your scalp becomes stimulated in just a few minutes. Ashleigh, our tester, loved how it helped products penetrate better throughout her head and offered her a lovely massage. And according to the brand, the massage improves scalp health tenfold, thus creating a better environment for hair growth. Our only gripe is that we wish the bristles were more varied in size.

Ashleigh, tester: “The bristles on this scalp brush are really soft and feel incredible—it feels like I am at a spa or salon. They do not tangle my hair, are effective at sudsing, and (most importantly) give a really smooth massage.”

Best for Thick Hair

Flathead Products Scalp Massager

$14 at Amazon $23 at Ibspot.com $10 at Walmart

Hair Type: Thick hair | Material: Silicone

Those with thick hair know the struggle of trying to get a brush through their strands, so the idea of getting a silicone massager across your scalp in repeated motions might seem like a lot. With this massager from Flathead, however, it’s surprisingly easy. It comes with two separate brush heads: One with long silicone bristles and the other with shorter, more dull bristles. You can use both either wet or dry, and ultimately, whichever one you choose is up to you, but our tester Julia (who has long, thick hair) preferred the longer bristles. Plus, it’s easy to swap the two interchangeably—just twist them on and off. Per the brand’s instructions, move the massager gently back and forth across your scalp rather than in circular motions for best results. Just keep in mind that this tool might be too intense for those with finer hair.

Julia, tester: “I have such thick hair that I have a really hard time getting the shampoo suds to my scalp. This massager helped me get the shampoo into my scalp without having to do a lot of work.”

Best Comb

Mount Lai Jade Massaging Comb

$52 at Amazon $52 at Ulta $52 at Nordstrom

Hair Type: Thick, medium, fine | Material: Jade stone

Though it’s a bit of a splurge compared to other products on this list, the Jade Massaging Comb from Mount Lai is totally worth it. It’s not exactly a brush or a massager, but rather a gua sha scalp comb made of jade stone. Initially, I thought it would be uncomfortable to drag across my scalp, but surprisingly, it’s the opposite. After a few passes through my hair and across my scalp, I felt relaxed, and my scalp felt stimulated and rejuvenated. It doesn’t pull or tug on strands and never causes pain or discomfort, even on bonier parts of the head. You can use the comb side or scalloped edge to massage your head, focusing on the areas near your ears and above your neck. We recommend this tool for those with straight or wavy hair, as the large teeth could get caught up in tighter curls. And because it’s breakable, you’ll want to use it dry to reduce the risk of dropping it in the shower.

Caitlyn Martyn, former associate editor: “This jade gua-sha comb feels so relaxing, my boyfriend stole it from me. This proves that anyone can use the tool, no matter how long your hair is.”

Best Multiuse

Denman Palm Styler

$14 at Amazon $14 at Ulta

Hair Type: All | Material: Plastic

Comprised of tiny flexible, round-ended bristles, this scalp exfoliator from Denman is ideal for combing and detangling hair. The fine, flexible disc-like palm styler moves with the shape of your head, stimulating scalp massage as well as styling. According to the brand, it works well on curls and helps remove broken or loose hair while either wet or dry. For best results, use it in small circular motions or by brushing straight across your scalp and through the ends of your hair. Our tester, Darcy, found that the scalp massager made “quite a difference” in the absorption of hair oils and boosted the efficiency of her hair products. Just go easy on the handle, as it can break off if you massage too aggressively.

Darcy, tester: “Using the massager to aid in the absorption of hair oil is where this product proved its worth (to me). From the first week, I noticed a difference in how well oil worked into my roots. Fast forward to now, my hair feels healthier and more nourished.”

Best for All Hair Types

Briogeo Scalp Revival Therapy Massager

$18 at Amazon $18 at Sephora

$18

$13 at Ulta

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Rubber

We love this scalp-stimulating massager from Briogeo because it’s specially designed to support hair growth across all hair types and curl patterns. Whether you use it on dry hair with a nourishing hair oil or while in the shower to replicate that salon chair feeling, this scalp massager can be used at any point in your haircare routine. For best results, move it around your scalp in gentle circles for a few minutes to lather up product or enjoy a moment of pre-shower relaxation. Celebrity hairstylist Jazmine Harris swears by this tool when washing clients’ hair, sharing that if she’s massaging during a shampoo sesh, it’s almost always with this one. You’ll want to go easy, however, as the bristles are on the firmer side.

Emily Cieslak, associate editor: “The bristles are flexible yet firm and apply the right amount of pressure without being painful or scratchy. I also like how you can pop the bristles out to clean the brush.”