When people stop and ask me the secret of my long, strong and healthy hair, I always say it isn’t a secret! Because at Agent Nateur we don’t just create products. We really like to share our learning to help our followers understand how their bodies work, and explain what they can do to achieve the best results for their hair and skin. So if your mane needs a helping hand, read on… the answer could be at your fingertips!

If you’ve ever had a scalp massage during a salon visit, you’ll know just how good they feel! But they are more than just a relaxing experience. Recent research suggests that they can also support hair health and growth and this is one of the key reasons that I prioritize massaging holi (locks) into my scalp whenever I apply it. holi (locks) has REVOLUTIONIZED my hair and I believe that massage has been a big part of this hair overhaul too. 

My Routine

Personally, I like to apply the holi (locks) treatment serum to dirty hair before leaving it in overnight. I massage two full droppers into my roots then add one full dropper from mid-section to ends to ensure even distribution. Massaging the product during application is a crucial step to maximizing the product's benefits and this works incredibly well alongside the active ingredients in the product. I try to do this three times a week, always massaging when I put the product in and then either leaving holi (locks) overnight or washing it out a few hours later. Trust me, I swear by this product and what it can do for thinning and balding hair and hair growth in general. But the massage might just be the missing piece of your hair growth puzzle - keep reading for more!

Key Drivers of Hair Loss

To understand how scalp massage can help with stimulating hair and follicle growth, it’s important to understand some of the root causes of hair loss. Hair loss can have a ton of root cause drivers, including: 

1. Genetics: the most common cause of hair loss is hereditary, known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness - but this doesn’t mean you can’t slow or prevent hair loss or thinning (more on this later).
2. Hormonal changes: hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders, can cause hair loss.
3. Medical conditions: certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune disorders, can cause hair loss.
4. Medications: certain medications, such as those used for cancer, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
5. Nutritional deficiencies: a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, biotin, and Vitamin D, can contribute to hair loss.
6. Physical or emotional stress: physical stress, such as surgery or illness, and emotional stress, such as grief or anxiety, can cause temporary hair loss.
7. Hairstyling and treatments: over-styling or chemical treatments, such as frequent coloring, straightening, and perming, can damage hair and lead to breakage and hair loss; and
8. Poor blood flow to the scalp - and this is what we are going to be talking about today.

The Connection between Blood Flow and Hair Loss / Thinning Hair

Studies have confirmed that poor blood flow to the scalp can be a significant factor contributing to hair loss or thinning hair and I think this is fascinating and often overlooked. Let’s get into why.

Hair follicles require a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen to remain healthy and to grow. These nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the hair follicles via the bloodstream. BUT when blood flow to the scalp is limited, the hair follicles may not receive an adequate supply of these essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to hair follicle miniaturization, a process in which hair follicles shrink in size, and produce thinner, shorter, and finer hair strands. This process ultimately leads to hair loss or thinning hair.

What Causes Reduced Blood Flow to the Scalp?

Reduced blood flow to the scalp may be caused by various factors, including poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, and certain medical conditions. The connection to male pattern balding and genetics can also not be ignored. For example, high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with male and female pattern baldness, can constrict blood vessels in the scalp and decrease blood flow to the hair follicles. 

Can Scalp Massage Help?

Fortunately, several strategies can help improve blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth. One such strategy is scalp massage, which can increase blood flow to the scalp and help to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Scalp massage can also help relax the nervous system and body and reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body. Research has found that scalp massage can lower heart rate and blood pressure and this is important as high levels of stress can contribute to or cause hair loss too. So, incorporating scalp massages into your self-care routine may not only promote relaxation but also help prevent hair loss caused by stress.

The Science Behind Scalp Massage

A 2016 study conducted on men without hair loss revealed that receiving a 4-minute scalp massage every day for 24 weeks delivered an increase in hair thickness. The researchers hypothesized that the massage promotes blood flow to the scalp, which in turn leads to fuller strands. Additionally, the study's findings suggested that direct stimulation and stretching of human dermal papilla cells, which play a crucial role in hair growth, can result in healthier hair. Another study, in 2019, looked at the connection between daily scalp massages and hair regrowth. In this study, individuals with alopecia who received daily scalp massages reported significant hair regrowth. The study included over 300 participants who massaged their scalp for 11 to 20 minutes a day, for almost six months. Astonishingly, nearly 70% of the participants reported experiencing less hair loss or an increase in hair regrowth. This may be attributed to the improved blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers essential nutrients that support hair growth. Another study investigated the power of standardized scalp massage to increase hair thickness. It looked at nine healthy men who received four minutes of scalp massage a day for 24 weeks. The study confirmed that scalp massage causes mechanical stress to human dermal papilla cells in subcutaneous tissue, leading to changes in gene expression. This can increase hair thickness, as observed in such studies.

So, scalp massage, as a mechanical form of stimulation of the scalp, can be an effortless, natural, and cost-effective method to enhance hair growth rates. It can also help to stimulate the production of sebum, which is a natural oil that is produced by the scalp. Sebum helps to keep the scalp and hair moisturized, which can help to prevent hair breakage and promote healthy hair growth too. 

How Can Agent Nateur’s holi (locks) Help?

holi (locks) strengthening hair serum is a treatment oil - not a styling oil.  It’s the perfect product to combine with a scalp massage. Backed by advanced hair science and clinical studies, four scientifically proven active ingredients get to work for you:  Redensyl™, Follicusan™, Capixyl™, and Beracare ARS Hair Serum™ stimulate and encourage healthier looking hair. Redensyl™ is twice as effective as minoxidil in clinical studies, Follicusan™ stimulates the appearance of dermal papilla cells on the scalp, Capixyl™ works on DHT modulation in the body and promotes healthy hair, and Beracare ARS Hair Serum™ promotes hair follicle revitalization and scalp hydration. 

What Can You Expect?

When applied topically for at least 12 weeks, our overnight strengthening serum helps your hair to appear denser, thicker and fuller, all without the use of harsh silicones. Plus it smells pretty amazing too!  We can’t wait for you to try this and incorporate it into your new scalp massage routine - welcome to the next chapter of your hair health!

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST***