The 10 Best Scalp Massagers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Our best overall pick is the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

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10-best-scalp-massagers-of-2022-tested-and-reviewed

Amazon / Amazon / Credo

It goes without saying that the best part of going to the hair salon is the scalp massage, right? It eases tension, reduces product buildup, nourishes the scalp, and just feels really relaxing. The caveat is that it’s really hard to replicate on your own—unless you have a scalp massager. Scalp care is a relatively new category in beauty but one we’re wholeheartedly embracing. Scalp massagers, in particular, are an easy but effective add-on to your existing hair care routine; all you need to do is run the tool across your scalp. 

Byrdie Tested & Approved

Our top overall pick is the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush since it's easy to grip, has comfortable bristles, and works to eliminate buildup on the scalp. We also love the budget-friendly Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager because it's easy to hold and can help products absorb more efficiently.

To help you narrow down the massage tool that will benefit you the most, we researched the best scalp massagers and then put them to the test. Our testers considered bristles, ease of use, and absorption—and we’re sharing our findings with you. Keep reading to discover the best scalp massagers as determined by our testers. 

Best Overall

Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush

5
leonor-greyl-massaging-scalp-brush

FWRD

What We Like
  • Promotes hair growth

  • Durable

  • Doesn't cause tangles

What We Don't Like
  • Handle can be hard to grip when wet

Stimulate hair growth and treat yourself to a salon-like scalp massage with the help of the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush. 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. Whether you use it to remove product buildup on your scalp, promote hair growth, or just want to indulge in a relaxing moment of self-care, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

Price at time of publish: $28

Hair Types: All hair types  | Material: Silicone and plastic

What Our Testers Say

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

Best Budget

Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager

5
maxsoft-hair-scalp-massager

Amazon

What We Like
  • Firm grip

  • Well-spaced bristles

  • Helps detangle hair

What We Don't Like
  • Mold and mildew can grow on the inside

With its easy-to-grip handle and soft bristles, the Maxsoft Hair Massager Shampoo Brush is a great starting point for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and coiled. It’s got a wide surface area with well-spaced bristles, so you can cover your head quickly but efficiently. Our tester 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. 

Price at time of publish: $7

What Our Testers Say

“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."—Maria Bouselli, Tester

Best Stimulating

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager

4.8
Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager

Vegamour

What We Like
  • Ergonomic grip

  • Stimulates wet and dry hair

  • Improves scalp health

What We Don't Like
  • Each bristle is the same size

With its grippable, 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. 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. 

Price at time of publish: $18

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

Best Exfoliating

Jupiter Scalp Brush

4.2
jupiter-scalp-brush

Jupiter

What We Like
  • Firm but gentle bristles

  • Detangles and prepares hair for shampoo

  • Great for daily exfoliation

What We Don't Like
  • Can discolor easily

Remove product buildup and avoid flaking by introducing this exfoliating scalp massager into your hair care routine. Gently brush your scalp prior to washing or while you lather shampoo into 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. Even though they look more abrasive, don’t worry—they’re anything but. 

Price at time of publish: $15

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

Best for Thick Hair

Flathead Products Scalp Massager

4.7
flathead-products-scalp-massager

Amazon

What We Like
  • Comes with two heads

  • Easy cleaning and swapping

  • Helps work shampoo through thick hair

What We Don't Like
  • Might be too much for thin or short hair

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. Ultimately, whichever one you choose is up to you, but our tester (who has long, thick hair) preferred the longer bristles for her hair. Plus, it’s easy to swap the two interchangeably: Just twist them on and off. 

Price at time of publish: $11

Hair Type: Thick hair | Material: Silicone

Best Comb

Mount Lai Jade Massaging Comb

5
mount-lai-jade-massaging-comb

Credo

What We Like
  • Genuine jade

  • Hand-carved

  • Easy to brush through hair

What We Don't Like
  • Can break easily

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-like comb made of jade stone. Initially, we thought it would be uncomfortable to drag across the scalp, but surprisingly, it’s the opposite. After a few passes through the hair and across the scalp, our tester felt relaxed, and the 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. Our tester even let their boyfriend borrow it, and he loved it so much that he got his own to use. It works well on everyone, no matter how long (or short) your hair is. 

Price at time of publish: $52

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

Best Electric

COMFIER Cordless Hair Scalp Massager

4.7
comfier-cordless-hair-scalp-massager--electric-head

Amazon

What We Like
  • High tech

  • Flexible silicone brushes

  • Comfortable grip

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel heavy

Those in the market 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. 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. 

Price at time of publish: $40

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Plastic

Best Gentle

Freatech Shampoo Brush Scalp Massager

4.8
freatech-shampoo-brush-scalp-massager

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to hold

  • Affordable

  • Gentle on sensitive scalps

What We Don't Like
  • Firm bristles

Those with sensitive scalps (whether due to dandruff, psoriasis, or eczema) 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 really add some oomph to your shampooing experience without doing more harm than good. 

Price at time of publish: $8

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Silicone and plastic

What Our Testers Say

“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.”—Brandi Fuller, Tester

Best Multi-Use

Denman Palm Styler

4.2
denman-palm-styler-for-detangling-massaging--styling

Amazon

What We Like
  • Great for fine hair

  • Helps gently detangle and style

  • Can be used wet or dry

What We Don't Like
  • Handle can break if too rough

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. Our tester found that the scalp massager worked exceptionally well at helping products absorb better. It made “quite a difference” in the absorption of hair oils and helped products be more efficient. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Hair Type: All | Material: Plastic

Best for All Hair Types

Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager

4.7
briogeo-scalp-revival-therapy-massager

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used wet or dry

  • Works on all hair types and textures

  • Stimulates hair growth

What We Don't Like
  • Can be hard to clean

We love this scalp-stimulating massager from Briogeo because it’s specially designed to support hair growth across all hair types—even tightly coiled hair. Whether you use it on dry hair with a nourishing oil or while in the shower to replicate that salon chair feeling, the scalp massager can be used at any point in your hair care routine. 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. 

Price at time of publish: $18

Hair Types: All hair types | Material: Rubber

What Our Editors Say

“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.”—Emily Cieslak, Commerce Writer

Final Verdict

Our top overall pick is the Leonor Greyl Massaging Scalp Brush since it's easy to grip, has comfortable bristles, and works to eliminate buildup on the scalp. We also love the budget-friendly Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager because it's easy to hold and can help products absorb more efficiently. 

Meet the Expert

Jazmine Harris is a hairstylist and braids expert. She’s worked with various A-list clientele, including Big Sean, Keisha Cole, and Jhene Aiko.

What to Look for in a Scalp Massager

Bristles

When shopping for a scalp massage tool, the main feature to look into is its bristles. Thicker, soft silicone bristles (like the Flathead Products Scalp Massager) are best for fragile or coiled hair as they won’t cause breakage or tangles. Thinner bristles (like those on the Denman Palm Styler for Detangling, Massaging & Styling)  will work harder to exfoliate the scalp and reduce product buildup.

FAQ
  • What are the benefits of scalp massage?

    According to Harris, the main benefit of a scalp massage is that it can “increase blood flow and circulation.” Harris explains that, in some cases, scalp massages can also help treat hair loss, especially when the massage is concentrated on the affected area. In fact, regular hair massages have been shown to help increase hair thickness. There’s also the fact they're relaxing and can remove dry skin and product buildup in a way that regular shampooing can’t.

    Scalp massagers essentially enhance the massage experience, making it easier to do at home.

  • How do you use a scalp massager?

    Harris recommends using your scalp massager when you shampoo like a stylist would at the salon. She suggests circular motions and paying special attention near the temples and neck to enhance the relaxation element. You can also massage your hair while it’s dry—just be sure to use gentle pressure and not tangle the hair too much.

  • How often should you use a scalp massager?

    I would say to use your scalp massager as often as recommended by your stylist,” says Harris. “Personally, I think twice a month is a good place to start because overusing can make your scalp a little tender.” Once you adjust, feel free to dial it up to weekly usage—just never use it on broken or irritated skin.

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is a staff writer at Byrdie. She took part in this test and has tried many different scalp massagers, including several on this list. She is an experienced product tester and beauty writer. 

Emily Algar has tested and trialed multiple scalp massagers over the years, and she tapped an expert stylist for their thoughts and recommendations. She has also undertaken extensive research and read countless customer reviews online to ensure you’re getting the best of the best.

Updated by Shannon Stubbs
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous TissueEplasty. 2016;16:e8. Published 2016 Jan 25.

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