Jade Combing: Can This Ancient Practice Really Boost Hair Growth and Relaxation?
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The wellness world is buzzing about a new self-care trend: jade combing. Building on the popularity of jade rollers,proponents claim this practice-using a jade comb to massage the scalp-can enhance circulation,promote hair growth,and induce relaxation. However, robust scientific evidence supporting these benefits remains elusive.
What is Jade Combing and Where Does it Come From?
Jade combing draws inspiration from gua sha, a customary east Asian healing technique. Gua sha involves scraping the skin with a tool to create petechiae (small,red spots) and increase blood flow. Jade combing adapts this principle to the scalp.
Tom Ingegno, an acupuncturist and owner of Charm City Integrative Health, describes jade combing as using a jade comb to stimulate and massage the scalp, theoretically increasing blood flow and fostering hair growth. “using the toothed side on the scalp with a bit more pressure stimulates the scalp, [theoretically] bringing fresh blood to the area,” Ingegno says.
The choice of jade isn’t arbitrary. Kramer notes that jade holds a revered position in Chinese and East Asian medicine, believed to promote health, longevity, and beauty. Though, Ingegno cautions that these claims lack definitive scientific backing. he suggests that the act of combing itself, rather than the jade material, may be responsible for any observed benefits. “All combing-whether using your fingers, a wood comb, or stone comb-will increase blood flow,” Kramer adds.
What Are the Potential Benefits – and Are They Proven?
The primary benefit touted by jade combing enthusiasts is improved circulation. Retailers, such as Mount Lai, which sells “The Jade Massaging Comb” for $52, also suggest the practice can enhance relaxation and reduce tension, with some users reporting improved hair growth. However,research specifically investigating these effects is currently lacking.
Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist specializing in hair thinning, characterizes jade combing as a luxury offering no demonstrably legitimate benefits. “We really only have anecdotal evidence,” Ingegno confirms, referring to patient reports shared online.
A glimmer of support comes from research on scalp massage. A small 2016 study published in Eplasty found that a daily four-minute scalp massage over 24 weeks increased hair thickness in nine Japanese men. However, experts emphasize the need for more extensive research.
Are There Any risks or Downsides?
Despite the limited evidence, jade combing is generally considered safe when performed gently and in moderation, according to Ingegno. The primary concern is the cost of high-quality jade combs, though Kramer points out that affordable options-available for under $10 on platforms like Amazon or eBay-can be effective for everyday use.
Experts advise managing expectations. “Are the benefits life-changing? Probably not,” Ingegno says. “But the combs feel nice, are safe, and will last you a lifetime if you don’t drop them.”
How to Incorporate Jade Combing into Your Routine
Jade combing is typically a self-administered treatment, rooted in traditional folk medicine, as Ingegno explains. He recommends applying slightly more pressure than usual while combing and dedicating more time to the process. “You can’t comb your hair incorrectly, but you can comb it better,” Kramer says, suggesting combing in multiple directions-front to back, back to front, left to right, right to left, upside down, and right side up-to maximize benefits.
Results vary depending on your goals. While scalp relaxation and tension relief may be noticeable after the first session, achieving thicker, healthier hair could take months-or may not happen at all, Ingegno notes.
Ultimately, while ample evidence supporting the unique benefits of jade combing remains elusive, incorporating it into your self-care routine is unlikely to cause harm. “even if the results are questionable, you won’t hurt yourself and you at least get a pretty comb,” Ingegno concludes.
