Although diet may be a vital factor in maintaining a healthy blood supply to the scalp, and aspirin may also improve the circulation by thinning the blood and preventing clots and plaque build up, there are ways to directly increase the flow of blood to the scalp.

Ladies hairdressers have known for years that regular scalp massage accelerates hair growth. If a woman decides to grow her hair longer she should give her scalp a vigorous massage every morning and evening and her hair will indeed grow more quickly. Massage stimulates blood flow within the scalp, which in turn stimulates the hair follicles.

It would be easy to underestimate the advantages of such a simple procedure. Regular vigorous massage of the scalp, in particular paying attention to those areas normally affected by Male Pattern Baldness may, in conjunction with the other measure described in this book, prevent or delay the onset of Male Pattern Baldness. Even if you are experiencing hair loss, it is vital to take the measures described NOW, these simple procedures may, depending on the individual:

Prevent the onset of hair loss
Halt the hair loss process
Reduce the pace of hair loss
Improve the condition of the hair
And in some individuals...
Reverse hair loss and achieve regrowth

You will achieve good results without recourse to costly preparations (though you may also wish to include the use of Minoxidil, as it can offer excellent results in suitable individuals, particularly if preventing or arresting hair loss is your prime objective).

Massage Methods

The massaging of your scalp may be performed either by yourself or you may prefer to let your partner do it for you. Either way, it Is important to adhere to a fairly strict regime and to realise that that it will take months not days to get results. Impatience will always be your worst enemy.

Massage should be firm' and should be maintained for at least five to ten minutes, or longer if you have the time. It should be performed every morning and evening more often if convenient. It is not a form of treatment that you can really 'overdose'. As long as you are not attacking your scalp roughly, or experiencing any soreness or discomfort, you may massage your scalp as often as you like. It can only be beneficial.

You may find initially that there is an increase in the shedding of hair as hair shafts from follicles currently in the catagen phase are dislodged by the vigorous massage. These hairs would eventually have fallen out in any case, regardless of whether or not you employ massage treatment.

1. To massage your scalp, spread your fingers and place them on the scalp with the thumb of each hand resting in the region of your temples. Apply firm finger pressure to the scalp and move your hands back and forth a number of times. Then change the position of your fingers to another area of the scalp and continue the treatment there. Keep the process up until the whole of your scalp has had a thorough treatment, particularly those areas normally affected by Male Pattern Baldness.

2. Next, place your fingers as previously described, but this time gently attempt to push the skin of your scalp up from both sides of your head. Many men with thinning hair have a 'drum tight' scalp. The aim of this form of massage is to loosen the skin of the scalp somewhat. Knead the skin by pressing areas of scalp between the opposing sets of finger tips so that the skin lifts from your scalp and reduces the tightness.

After a session of massage your scalp should feel rather pleasant. There may even be a sensation of numbness. There are other forms of professional scalp massage that may also be utilised:

Friction Massage

This is the form of massage as described overleaf (1).

Tapotement Massage

This involves tapping the scalp with the pads of your fingers to stimulate blood flow.

Petrissage or Manipulative Massage

Involves gripping the scalp fairly tightly with your finger tips and moving your hand in a circular fashion. The aim is to loosen the scalp. It is a variation of the massage as described overleaf (2).

Effleurage Massage

This consists of a gentle stroking of the scalp, and is claimed to be very efficient at stimulating capillary blood flow to the hair follicles.

Various lotions may be used in conjunction with scalp massage, both to loosen up a tight scalp and to make the experience more enjoyable. They are not really necessary as it is solely the massage that is of benefit. Expensive potions and lotions may be purchased, but ordinary olive oil, castor oil, or almond oil will give identical results, though they may not smell as pleasant. If you do suffer from a very tight scalp, it may offer some relief to rub in a small amount of olive oil before going to bed.

If you place oily substances on your hair you will need to shampoo it more regularly. More frequent, even daily, shampooing is quite alright and will not harm your hair. If you do intend to shampoo daily, it will be kinder to your hair if you use a mild shampoo. It is also advisable to change the type and brand of shampoo that you use occasionally, perhaps every three months or so. Cycling though a selection of three or four different brands of shampoo can have a positive effect on the look and condition of your hair. However, if you are quite content to use the one brand, that is fine too.