Why do they pull your hair during massage?

Author: Barbara Gaylord  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

In a nutshell, pulling hair gently can: act like a good scalp massage. improve blood circulation. help stimulate hair follicles.

Why do massage therapists pull your hair?

By improving blood circulation, releasing tension in the scalp muscles and offering a slight pull on the cervical spine, hair pulling massage can be helpful in managing tension headaches. Ask your therapist to add hair pulling to your next massage for increased relaxation and pain relief.

Is hair tugging good?

Pulling on your hair does not make it longer. Hair growth occurs at the follicle level in the scalp, and external forces like pulling or tugging do not influence the rate at which hair grows. In fact, excessive pulling can lead to hair damage or conditions like traction alopecia, which can cause hair loss.

What hormone is released during a head massage?

Increased endorphins, serotonin and dopamine hormones is a common benefit gained through massage. Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are positive hormones that circulate around the body. Endorphins, serotonin and dopamine can give a person a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety.

Do masseuses care about body hair?

Most massage therapists don't mind if a client has shaved or not. Their focus is on muscle relaxation, not body hair. However, freshly shaved skin may be more sensitive to oils and friction. As long as you are clean and comfortable, shaving is a personal choice.

Scalp Massage | Therapeutic Hair Pulling | 5 Minute Class

Should I shave my pubes before a massage?

It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

What hormones are released during massage?

Massage therapy is a wonderful way to relieve stress and increase neurotransmitter production of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, the hormones that help you cope with stress. These hormones promote positive feelings, including happiness and pleasure.

What happens to the brain after a massage?

Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.

What are the disadvantages of head massage?

Head massage does have a few disadvantages. For starters, it's time-consuming — you'll need to make a daily commitment for several months to see any changes. There's also the risk of improper technique or overly aggressive scalp massage, which could cause scalp irritation or possibly even hair loss.

What does hair pulling indicate?

Trichotillomania can be related to emotions, including: Negative feelings. Pulling out hair may be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, anxiety, tension, boredom, loneliness, extreme tiredness or frustration. Positive feelings.

What to do with hair during massage?

Keep it high enough on your head that you aren't lying down on it when I remove the pillow and you are face up. But, honestly, if you have long hair, just leave it down. It is no issue for me whatsoever. Also, you will get a better scalp massage if your hair is down.

Why does hair tugging feel good?

Each time the person pulls hair, the brain releases a small burst of reward hormone. The person feels 'rewarded' with a brief sense of relief. This makes the urge harder to resist. Doing the habit makes it stronger.

Should a massage therapist touch your breasts?

A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.

Is hair pulling a trauma response?

Some have argued that hair pulling in trichotillomania (TTM) is triggered by traumatic events, but reliable evidence linking trauma to TTM is limited. However, research has shown that hair pulling is associated with emotion regulation, suggesting a connection between negative affect and TTM.

Why do those head massages feel so good?

Massage is Great for Pain Relief

If you suffer from tension headaches, neck aches, or backaches, you'll know how much difference a good head massage can make. The small muscles around your head are receptive to touch, with an extensive network of nerve endings and touch receptors.

What chemical is released when you get a massage?

Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.

How often should you get a massage?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

Why do I feel high after a massage?

Endorphins: Endorphins are natural painkillers and mood enhancers produced by our bodies. Massages stimulate the release of endorphins, helping to alleviate pain and elevate mood.

What happens inside your body when you get a massage?

The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects: Increase in blood and lymph circulation. Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.

Is it normal to release during massage?

Massage and Emotional Release: It's Totally Normal! When you think of massage, common assumptions would be that it's relaxing, peaceful and restful. And these are all true, but there are other emotional releases you might experience - and they're totally normal.

What is the happy hormone in the human body?

Dopamine: Often called the "happy hormone," dopamine results in feelings of well-being. A primary driver of the brain's reward system, it spikes when we experience something pleasurable. Praised on the job? You'll get a dopamine hit.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.

What are off limits during a massage?

Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching.

How do massage therapists know where tension is?

Massage therapists use various tools, such as their hands and fingers, to locate knots within the muscles. They will often start by gently palpating the area to feel for any tight or hard areas. Once they have found an area of tension, they may apply specific techniques designed to release it.

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