How does it feel when you head is bursting with tension and stress after a day’s work? Of course it feels like hell and all you try to do is to hit the sack as soon as possible. What if you can’t get enough sleep to release the stress? The treatment lies in a great scalp massage that will take you nowhere but into deep serenity. A good scalp massage not only relieves stress while making you relax but also promotes hair growth as the follicles in your scalp get stimulated while massaging http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-scalp-massage.htm. It is also the best way to get rid of most headaches including migraine http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip273.htm. So don’t get into bed without a good scalp massage that will help you sleep better.

The process is quite simple and easy once you’ve learned it properly you’ll surely indulge into this habit very soon. Follow the steps I’m going to discuss below for a wonderful scalp massage experience.

The first and the most important step is to loosen your hair if you’re tying it or wearing any hairstyle. The reason sounds very logical: You won’t like your hair to break during massage and also it will help pave the way for your fingers doing their job. Remove all the hair accessories like hairpins, bobby-pins, barrettes, jaw clips, ponytail holders, scrunchies, headbands, and ribbons http://blackhair.about.com/od/basiccare/ht/howtomassageyourscalp.htm. Wear down any hairstyles like braids, cornrows, updos, tails or twists. When it becomes completely loose then first brush your hair from the roots to untangle and knots or twists left to minimize breakage. Now slide your fingers from crown to the back of head over the scalp. Now your scalp is ready to be massaged.

The rule of massaging the scalp is to cover the whole head from crown and temples to the back of neck as different areas trigger different senses and all these need to be relaxed. The best starting point is your temples. With both hands’ fingertips make a smooth stroke along the back of ears. The stroke should be made with normal pressure but be firm with that. It will relax your eyes. Repeat it 5-10 times. Now come to the crown and make similar 5-10 smooth strokes from crown all the way towards the top of your head. It will relax your mind. Now it’s time to massage this half head area triggering each part separately. First come to temples and with your fingertips make 5-10 firm circular motions first in one direction and then in opposite direction. Likewise massage the crown to the top making 5-10 big circles over your scalp. Now massage the back of your ears with same motions. This practice will release stress from your mind, eyes and face.

After release half of the stress, now get ready to release the other half. Start from the top back of your head and ears and make smooth strokes towards your nape with your fingertips. These strokes can be applied with a slighter more pressure that you can bear but go light on the nape. This will release stress and tension from the rest of your body especially your back and legs. Now start massaging the top back of your head in circular motions for a minute or two. This area is of extreme importance besides temples as both these relax most of your body. Now massage the rest of hind head in circular movements near ears. Lastly come to the nape of your neck and lightly make 5-10 small circles over it. It will end your relaxing scalp massage session and you’ll be ready to catch some Z's!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_97Dq5GSA

In this video Roni Proter, host of Simply Beautiful on Veria TV, demonstrates the method of scalp massage very precisely. She starts by counting the benefits of this massage and goes on to showing the way to do this.

1. Cut your fingernails before starting or you’ll not only hurt the scalp but also damage the hair from roots
2. You can use some relaxing essential oils for massaging, for example a few drops of ylang ylang or lavender essential oil
3. For dandruff use tea-tree or lavender essential oil http://www.wikihow.com/Give-Yourself-a-Scalp-Massage
4. For hair loss use peppermint or rosemary essential oil http://www.wikihow.com/Give-Yourself-a-Scalp-Massage
5. You can use olive oil for an added benefits for the hair roots nourishment. It will also aid in smooth massage movements
6. Rest your fingertips on your scalp and avoid pulling your hair
7. Make sure you don’t put too much pressure, a slight firm pressure is ideal for relaxing
8. It’s very important to stay relaxed while massaging or you’ll lose its purpose
9. The timing depends on personal preferences, for some it will only take up 5-7 minutes to get the results while others can do it for 20-25 minutes
10. Avoid doing on daily basis if your scalp has some issues like excess sebum production, or acne