Head massage can help to relieve pain for certain types of headaches. (1) Â It may not always be practical to get a professional massage and you may be a bit wary doing one yourself.
A head massager may be just the tool you need. Â It can help make your head self-massages more effective. Â Let’s take a look at the best head massagers for headaches.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Â Please see disclosure for details.
Can a Head Massager Help With Headaches?
Yes. Some headaches are caused by muscle contractions. Â Using a head massager on your scalp can help relax the muscles in your neck too which can help reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of some headaches and migraines.
Remember though, a head massager is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Â If you have regular headaches or migraines or ones that are intense, you should see your doctor.
What are the Benefits of Head Massages?
A head massage can do more than just relieve headache or migraine pain. Â Like other types of massage, it can release tension, reduce stress, and help you feel more relaxed.
When you massage the head, it boosts blood circulation which helps to relax blood vessels and muscles in the neck. Â That can help reduce blood pressure. (1) Â Over time, scalp massage can also increase hair growth and thickness.
What to Look for in a Head Massager
There are many different types of head massagers available, so it can be confusing to choose the right one. Â Let’s take a look at the factors that should be considered.
Hands-Free
Some head massagers are wearable so that you have your hands-free to do other things (i.e. read) during the treatment. Â Other head massagers need to be held in your hand and moved around to be effective.
You can still get a relaxing head massage if you have a handheld massager, but you won’t be able to do anything else with you hands at the same time. Instead you could watch tv or listen to music.
Type of Massage
There are several different types of massage that can be done on the head such as air compression, kneading, and vibration. Â No one type is better than the others, it’s more personal preference. Â Just make sure the head massager you buy can do the type of massage you prefer.
Head Coverage
Many head massagers will only massage part of your head. Â When you purchase a massager that you wear on your head the coverage might be limited. Â Some will not massage the forehead or top of the head. Â If you buy a handheld head massager, you don’t have to worry about this because you can easily move the device around.
Heat
Heat can be soothing, so it’s definitely a nice to have feature on a massager for your head. If you have a tight budget, you might need to manage without heat.
Versatility
Some head massagers can be used on other body parts too, while others may be specifically designed to only massage the head or scalp.
Price
Some head massagers are very expensive, but you can also find some cheaper options. Â Scalp massagers like the Tenswa are surprisingly affordable. Â Even a basic head scratcher can make a difference.
Think about how much you feel comfortable spending and then look for the best option in that price range.
The Top Head Massagers for Headaches
Now that you know what to look for in a massager for the head, let’s take a look at some of the top devices. Â The table below summarizes the best head massagers for headaches and you can find detailed reviews of each one below.
Brand |
Key Features |
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Breo |
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NORLANYA |
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AFUNSO |
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Tenswa |
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LATME |
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Daiwa Felicity |
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Breo iDream5s Electric Head Massager Helmet
The Breo iDream5s Massager Helmet is head and shoulders above other massagers on this list. Â This state-of-the-art device covers more areas of the head with a more powerful and customizable massage.
It simultaneously massages the back of the head, forehead, scalp, temples, upper neck, and ocular areas to melt away tension and stress. Â With gentle air compression, 107F infrared heat compression, finger-like kneading and pulsing, scalp massage using five massage heads and 150 nodes, and soothing music, you can’t help but relax.
Everything in the massager can be controlled using a mobile app. Â You can even play your own music. Â The head strap can be adjusted easily to fit different head sizes too.
It has a built in rechargeable lithium battery so you can enjoy cordless your head and eye massage without any cords. Â Remove the goggle part if you want to enjoy the iDream5s machine while watching a movie or reading.
The iDream5s Massager comes with a storage case, earphones, adapter, charging cable, and user manual. If you have any issues, they off a 100% satisfaction guarantee where you can get a full refund or replacement within 30 days of purchase. Â It also has a one-year warranty.
This amazing machine does more than just relieve headace and migraines, it will help improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and bring relief to your entire body. Â It’s almost like having a professional massage therapist in your home on call 24 hours a day!
NORLANYA Head Massager Helmet
When you put on this massager helmet, the air pressure and vibration combined with heat will make it feel like you are getting a human massage. Â The alternating pulsations and vibrations on pressure points on the head, forehead, and temples help to relieve vascular headaches.
It has four relaxing functions: deep massage, vibration, heat, and music. Â You can use all the functions at the same time or turn whichever ones you don’t want off. All the different functions can also be customized and the timer can be set using the handheld remote.
The device can be powered with a USB cord or four AA batteries (not included, but rechargeable ones like these are recommended). Â It’s portable so you can use it at home, work, or on the go. Â Enjoy a head massage while you are resting or reading!
This massager helment will accomodate most head sizes. Â There are three adjustable knobs to configure it to the perfect size.
AFUNSO Head & Scalp Massager
If you want a gentle soothing head massage, this is the device for you. Â It’s not like your traditional electric massagers, it uses airbags and heat compression so it feels like real fingers. Â You can also use this massager on calves, arms, and feet.
It has three different massage modes and three intensity levels, so you can customize the treatment to meet your needs. Put the device on and push a few buttons on the controller to start your massage, then your hands are free. There are no wires to tie you down either.
The massager is wrapped in high-quality fleece that is soft and feels good on the skin. Â It also won’t tangle your hair. Â The cover can be removed and clean making it more hygienic.
Tenswa Electric Scalp Massager
The design philosophy of this head massager comes from the combination of nature and technology. Â It aims to increase blood circulation in the head, relieve fatigue, get rid of tension and anxiety, and help you regain energy in the brain.
The Tenswa scalp massager has four massage heads. Â Each one has 28 individual nodes and rotates both in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. Â It uses six different massage techniques (open, close, push, pull, knead, and claw) Â to imitate a real hand. Â It has a powerful rechargeable lithium battery.
You can use this scalp massager on other body areas like the neck, shoulder, lower back, legs, etc. too. Â It’s waterproof so you can also use it in the shower. Â It’s ergonomically designed so it’s easy to hold and it also won’t get tangled in your hair.
Click here to read more reviews and check the price.
LATME Electric Scalp Massager
This scalp massager is similar to the Tenswa model. Â It also has four massage head with 28 individual massage nodes to provide 3D Deep-Kneading. Â While it is specifically designed to fit the scalp, it can be used for other parts of the body (neck, shoulder, foot, etc) too.
It’s best to use lotion when using this machine to massage the body as the patented hand-simulation offers a powerful massage. Since it’s IPX7 grade waterproof it can also be used while bathing. Each massage head can be removed for easy cleaning.
This device has two speeds and two directions giving it four different combinations of massage modes – clockwise low speed, clockwise high speed, counterclockwise low speed, and counterclockwise high speed. It is easy to use with one button operation.
You can take this small scalp massager with you on the go. Â It’s cordless and rechargeable. Â Just put the device in the charging case and plug it in using USB cord that is included. Â Once it is fully charged, you can enjoy two hours of massage.
It comes with a 1 year warranty. Do not use if you are allergic to silicone.
Daiwa Felicity 5-in-1 Electric Vibrating Head Scalp Massager Set
This electric scalp massager may look like one of those old-fashioned head scratchers, but it can do so much more.  You can even use it to massage your knee or as a face massager.
The Daiwa massager is specially designed to stimulate nerve endings on your scalp, temples, and neck. You will feel the tingles arouse, soothe, and relax the entire body.
It comes with four attachments: a magnetic head massager, a head and body massager, a face massager, and a Shiatsu point massager. Â The handle is battery powered and provides the vibration power.
What is the Best Head Massager for Headaches?
The Best Overall Head Massager for Headaches
The Breo iDream5s is the most complete head massager on the market. It offers air compression, infrared heat, kneading and pulsing, scalp massage, and soothing music. Â Everything can be tailored to your preferences using the mobile app.
The Best Head Massager for Headaches for the Money
The Tenswa massager gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Â It has four massage heads that can do six different massage styles. Â Plus, you can use this machine on other parts of the body or in the shower. Â The only downside is that it cannot be used hands-free.
Is a Head Massager Worth It?
Yes. Â While you can give yourself a head massage without any tools (i.e. Indian Head Massage), a head massager may give a more effective massage. Â Some can be used hands-free so you can do other things while you enjoy the treatment.
Luckily, head massagers are available in a wide price range, so you should be able to find something within your budget. It could even save you money because you may not need as many over-the counter pain relievers.
More Ideas for Headache Pain Relief
Head massage is not the only way to get relief from headache pain. Â You don’t have to turn to over-the-counter or prescription medicines either. Â Here are a few more ideas to try:
- Wear an eye mask that will block out light
- A simple Chamomile tea bag treatment for eyes.
- Acupressure.  There are certain pressure points that can provide migraine relief.
- TENS Therapy. Â You can use a TENS unit for migraine pain at home.
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Read next: The Best Hand Massagers: Reviews & Buying Guide for 2022, Best Foot Massager for Large Feet and 5 of The Best TENS Units Reviewed (2022)