Expert trichologist issues stark warning against popular scalp massage brushes - as he reveals the item can actually cause hair damage

An expert trichologist has issued a stark warning about using the viral scalp massagers that are all over the internet - explaining that it can actually cause hair damage.

The information was shared by the iconic haircare brand Philip Kingsley on TikTok, who have clinics based both in New York City and London that focus on treatments regarding scalp health and hair loss.

In the new clip, Glenn Lyons, who is the Clinical Director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, spelled out exactly why these brushes can be so harmful to the hair if they're used in the wrong way. 

'Recent research suggests that massaging our scalp helps to improve blood supply and get nutrients to the hair follicle,' Lyons began in the video.

Glenn Lyons, an expert trichologist at iconic haircare brand Philip Kinglsey, issued a stark warning on TikTok about scalp massage brushes

In a new clip, Glenn Lyons, who is the Clinical Director of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic in London, spelled out exactly why these brushes can be so harmful to the hair if they're used in the wrong way 

'However, the amount that this does and benefit is minimal,' he continued.   

Lyons explained that when the brand utilizes scalp massages in a treatment at their clinic, they often do so to make sure that whichever product at hand is being absorbed properly.

He revealed that when massaging the scalp with your fingers, it's important that it's done in the right way.  

'However, it's also important to massage correctly, and this should be done preferably with the finger tips in slow, circular movements for around five to seven minutes,' the expert said.

'Now, too aggressive massage can actually cause fairly severe breakage.'

But if you're opting for a hand-held scalp massager rather than your hands and fingers, there are some guidelines that you want to be following.  

He then held up two different hand held scalp massagers that you can buy in-store. 

The first one, which was purple, was made up of multiple small bristles, while the other one, which was white, had larger, taller, and more spike-like bristles.

Lyons explained that you want to massage your head in circular motions for five to seven minutes using the finger tips 

He explained that recent studies have shown that scalp massage can help to increase blood flow to the follicle, but that the 'benefit is minimal'

In the video, he explained that you need to use handheld scalp massagers in the right way, or else it can be damaging (stock image)

'As you can see in this one, even though it's fairly rubber-ish, it's pointed,' he said about the white one.

'And this one, particularly, the plastic prongs are harsh.'

'So, potentially this would cause scratches and bleeding points on the scalp,' he said as he pointed to the purple brush.

He said that the better one to use would be one that's more like the white one - spikey and more spread out - although both are not great.

But if using the spikier one, you will want to make sure it has a rounded head on it, which his did not.

'That is preferable, but it still should be done slowly and not too aggressively,' Lyons concluded.

Other than simply feeling good, scalp massages can also help to lower stress levels and relieve headaches, per studies cited by GoodRx Health. 

In the comments section of the TikTok post, many seemed to appreciate and agree with Lyons' take on scalp massagers.

Lyons said that it's important to find a hand-held scalp massager that has a rounded head

In the comments, many people seemed appreciative of the tip, and even shared their own experience with hand-held scalp massagers 

Some also shared their own experiences. 

'I always said that! As someone who experiences hair loss - I'd never be so rough and aggressive with my hair as it would cause more to fall out,' one person wrote.

Another agreed, 'I started balding while using these while shampooing. I stopped and my hair is growing back.'

'Thank you, those pointy brushes makes me think of the harsh peeling face soaps that were popular when I was a teenager. It's too harsh,' someone else typed. 

'Five to seven minutes, I had no idea! Thank you for taking the time to explain why they're not great AND what is better for our hair!' a second TikTok user commented. 

DailyMail.com reached out to Philip Kingsley for further comment.