Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results

January 2019 in “ Dermatology and therapy ”

Robert C. English, James M. Barazesh

androgenic alopecia standardized scalp massages SSMs hair loss minoxidil finasteride microneedling supplements topicals diffuse thinning Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Scalp massages may help stabilize or regrow hair in people suffering from hair loss, regardless of age, gender, or use of other treatments.

In 2019, a survey of 1899 self-assessed androgenic alopecia sufferers was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized scalp massages (SSMs) for hair loss. Of the 340 participants who completed the survey, 327 attempted the SSMs, with a median daily massage effort of 11-20 minutes over an average of 7.4 months. Approximately 68.9% reported hair loss stabilization or regrowth, with perceived improvements occurring after 36.3 hours of SSM effort. The study found no significant associations between self-perceived hair changes and age, gender, or use of other treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, supplements, or topicals. However, participants with diffuse thinning reported marginally lower improvements. The study concluded that SSMs may have potential as a therapy for androgenic alopecia, but further research is needed.

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