Everything you need to know about including a gua sha in your haircare routine

Massage your way to healthier hair.

May 27, 2024 | by Mitali Shah

In the past few years, gua sha has garnered quite a cult following and rightly so. It massages, depuffs, and sculpts the face, and if used regularly, it will perform beauty miracles that would floor you. Chances are, you already know this. However, you might not know that gua sha isn’t just for skincare but also for scalp and hair care—it’s said to stimulate hair growth and strengthen the follicles. Read on to know why gua sha should be a staple in your haircare routine.

What is gua sha?

Made from jade or rose quartz stones, gua sha has its roots in ancient Eastern medicinal practices, the curvy tool has been used for over 2,000 years to cure illnesses, relieve chronic pain, and boost the immune system. In modern times though, the tool is used to revitalise the skin and promote healthy hair growth. However, whether used in beauty or medicine, gua sha has the same primary function—stimulating blood flow and circulation. You just have to know the right technique to use it.

How to use gua sha for hair

To give yourself a gua sha head massage, first, you might want to invest in the tool. The gua sha you’re familiar with probably has smooth, rounded edges that glide across the skin effortlessly. However, scalp tools are like traditional combs to push past the hair and stimulate the scalp.

Once you have your tool, detangle your hair and apply some oil or hair serum. Then, hold your gua sha comb at the centre of your head, and start combing towards your ears applying gentle (keyword) pressure. You can repeat it three to five times on each side. For best results, include it in your routine at least once a week.

We spoke to Dr Madhuri Agarwal, dermatologist, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic skin and hair, who warned us about the things in mind while doing a gua sha head massage. She said, "When using gua sha, you should use gentle pressure because otherwise, it can cause hair breakage and scalp trauma. Always use a gua sha comb with smooth edges and make sure you’re using it on a clean scalp."

On how the massages are done, Dr Aggarwal said, "Follow the direction of your hair. Start from the center and move downward making small circular motions as you would while generally massaging your head. Repeat on the other side."

Benefits of using a scalp gua sha

Gua sha comb works by releasing tension from the scalp muscles to stimulate blood circulation and lymph. This rejuvenates the follicles which in turn support healthier hair growth and reduce hair fall. Not to mention, better blood flow also leads to better absorption of products, thus optimising your hair care routine.

Dr Aggarwal says, "Gua sha nourishes the hair and helps to promote hair growth. While there are no clinical studies or trials to back this claim, the presumption is that when you gua you are massaging the scalp it stimulates blood circulation. This creates a good environment for the growth of healthy hair follicles."

Gua sha also stimulates various pressure points on your scalp that help reduce stress and anxiety. So, if you’re experiencing tension headaches or are having a long day, a round of scalp massaging can put you at ease.

As you might’ve guessed by now, a gua scalp massage is all about promoting blood circulation. And what happens when all that blood rushes to your head? There is a spike in your overall energy.

Here are some gua sha combs to invest in

Amala Earth Kansa Hair Comb, ₹3,341