Include a scalp massage as part of your daily personal care regimen to grow and maintain healthy hair.

In what way does it help? Hair follicles are amazing little hair production factories which thrive on a constant supply of healthy, oxygenated blood delivered by a circulatory system in good working order. Drawing the nutrients and oxygen needed for new cell creation, these new cells push up through the hair follicle where they eventually die and harden to form new hair.

Scalp massage helps maintain a healthy blood circulation so the hair follicles get what they need. Be aware though that regular scalp massage can increase the amount of sebum produced in the hair follicle. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the body to protect the hair. If your hair is very oily you may need to decrease the number of times you do a scalp massage.

Here are two scalp massage procedures you can do by yourself for healthy hair maintenance. They are easily done each day while showering and washing the hair.

Scalp Massage No. 1: The Friction Massage

* For this massage use the balls of the fingers (not the finger tips) in rapid movements over the scalp.

* Move the fingers in circular movements firmly over the whole scalp starting from the front of the head and moving back to the nape of the neck.

* From the nape of the neck use the same motion to move forward to the front of the head.

This vigorous action will make the scalp tingle and relaxed.

Scalp Massage No. 2: The Kneading Massage

* Use the balls of the fingers of both hands (not the finger tips) and spread them out over the scalp.

* Press firmly and rotate the skin. Do not move the fingers over the scalp. Rotate the skin in one area then move to another area of the scalp until the whole area is covered. This should be a slow, firm, kneading movement.

* Rotating Action: The fingers of one hand can move in one direction, e.g. clockwise, and the fingers of the other hand can move in the other direction. Keep the fingers of one hand still while the other rotates and visa versa.

Here is a suggested route:

* Start at the nape of the neck

* Then around to the ears

* Then around to the front hairline

* Then across the top of the head back to the nape of the neck

This scalp massage is particularly effective in increasing blood circulation as well as in stimulating glands and muscles.

Healthy hair is the result of proper diet and exercise to make sure the body is working well on the inside as well as proper care and attention to the scalp and hair on the outside.