How to Restore Your Hairline With a Scalp Massage

A thinning hairline is never a fun problem to deal with. While it may seem like an irreversible issue, there are some at-home remedies to slow a thinning hairline and maybe even promote new hair growth. The best part? It's also relaxing. Giving yourself a scalp massage at home is easy and also a little treat for you. 

But first, let's get to what causes thinning hairlines. 

A thinning, weak hairline is often the result of any of the following:

• Chemical damage
• Tight styling, like ponytails, buns, and heavy extensions
• Post-partum shedding
• Aging
• Medication
• Stress/other medical conditions

While you can't really stop taking medication that you need, it's good to be aware of its side effects. Aging is something we have no control over, so sparse hair may be something we have to learn to live with, especially if it tends to run in the family. Stress is sometimes within our control, but we all know that it can be tough to deal with. Job stress is one thing; family stress is quite another. You can quit a job, but you can't quit your family. Post-partum shedding is usually temporary, and while it can be distressing to live with it while it's happening, be assured there's an end to it.

Which brings us to two things that are within our control when it comes to protecting our edges: chemicals and hairstyling. If you want to restore your hairline with scalp massage, you can reap the benefits more quickly if you lay off on the chemicals and tight styles first. This includes relaxing too frequently and/or using a formulation that's too harsh for your hair texture. Another culprit many of us don't think about is using hard-bristled brushes with heavy gel to tame every single baby hair you have or smooth your hairline into total submission when wearing your hair up.

Using Scalp Massage to Restore Thin Edges

Massage on any part of the body stimulates blood circulation in that area, and this includes the scalp. Scalp massage doesn't take up a lot of time, and you don't need anything besides your hands — or someone else's — to do the job. However, many people like using a product or two, especially ones that they feel contribute to hair growth. If you use anything on your scalp during a massage, try one of these carrier oils:

• Castor
• Olive
• Coconut
• Jojoba
• Almond
• Grapeseed

You can add a few drops of any of the following essential oils, as long as you've cleared their use based on your current health and medical history. ​​​Be careful though, because it's not recommended that pregnant women use essential oils, and some people have sensitivities to certain oils, too. 

• Important disclaimer: It's vital to do your own homework in terms of essential oils if you have any health concerns at all. Even if you're in great health, it's worth the research to make sure no essential oils will negatively impact your body.

The following essential oils help stimulate the scalp and/or clear the scalp to promote growth:

• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Tea tree

You can also use a commercial product like Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO), which has ash in the oil that promotes hair growth. The ash in the oil is also what makes it different from regular castor oil — think of it as a special additive. 

How to Massage

Place a small amount of oil (if you're using it) between your palms and rub all over your hands. Using the pads of your fingers only (no fingernails), gently apply pressure in a circular motion section by section along your hairline. The complete process should only take 5-10 minutes. Practice this at least a few times per week. Making it a nightly ritual that you look forward to will help you remember to do it; plus, it's a relaxing activity that could help you have a more restful sleep.

It will take some time before you notice growth, but as long as you're avoiding any poor hair care that contributed to the thinning, you should notice results within a couple of months. Taking "before and after" pictures help to show that the growth process is happening, which can be encouraging on those days when you have some doubts.