Jade Combs: Potential Benefits and Tips for Using Them

Potential Jade Comb Benefits, From Circulation to Hair Growth

Potential Jade Comb Benefits, From Circulation to Hair Growth
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Jade rollers are popular self-care tools for facial sculpting, but can this stone also benefit the scalp? Some use jade combing to enhance circulation, hair growth, and relaxation, but quality scientific evidence is limited on this topic.

Here’s what the research shows about jade combing’s potential benefits, and if it’s a good idea for you to give it a try.

What Are Jade Combs?

Jade combs are toothed hair tools made of a mineral called jade. This material is best known for its green hue, but it’s also available in other colors.

Jade combing is related to gua sha, which is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that focuses on using a smooth-edged tool to “rid” the body of inflammation to promote circulation and healing.

While gua sha massage is often used to relax facial muscles, jade combing is typically done to stimulate and massage the scalp to promote hair growth.

Potential Benefits of Jade Combing

While there aren’t studies linking jade combing to specific outcomes, there is some evidence to suggest it may have some benefits.

Hair Growth

Hair loss is a complex issue that can be caused by a number of temporary or permanent conditions. However, increasing blood flow in the scalp does appear to generally support hair growth, according to research.

For example, one small, short-term study published in 2016 found a daily four-minute scalp massage improved hair thickness.

 More research is needed to confirm this connection, but so far it seems promising.

Preventing Split Ends

Wide-tooth combs, like jade combs, have been linked to protecting hair from breakage.

 Along with using an oil, like coconut oil, this may help prevent friction and keep you from developing split ends.

Relaxation

Massage is a well-known way to promote relaxation and relieve tension.

 Studies show massage has therapeutic benefits, like lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety.

This suggests there may be similar benefits to using a jade comb for scalp massage, but keep in mind these studies weren’t looking at scalp massage specifically or at jade combing itself.

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How to Use a Jade Comb

Jade combing is typically a DIY self-care treatment. It’s similar to combing your hair as you normally would, but you’ll start by applying slightly more pressure against the scalp and spend a longer amount of time brushing your hair.

Make sure you’re working with a clean tool (you can use a damp cloth to wipe your jade comb). Then, comb in all directions. For instance, comb from front to back, back to front, left to right, right to left, upside down, and right side up.

You can also use natural oils, like argan or coconut oil, to promote silky smooth hair. Tension relief and relaxation can happen after the first session, but hair growth will likely take a few months to improve (if it happens at all).

Are There Any Downsides to Using a Jade Comb?

Although research suggesting that jade combing provides concrete benefits is lacking, jade combing is generally considered safe when done gently and in moderation.

One potential downside is the cost of high-quality jade, but it’s not necessary to splurge on a comb for everyday use. You can get a comb made of lower-quality jade for less than $10 on Amazon or eBay.

Just try to manage your expectations and not expect drastic changes. Instead, focus on enjoying the experience of jade combing.

The Takeaway

  • Jade combs, used for scalp massages, are believed to enhance circulation, promote hair growth, and offer relaxation, but scientific evidence supporting these benefits is limited.
  • Existing studies suggest scalp massage may support hair thickness through improved circulation, making jade combing a potentially beneficial practice.
  • While jade combing is generally considered safe, it is important to apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the scalp or hair.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Gua Sha: What It Is and How To Do It. Cleveland Clinic. September 18, 2025.
  2. Natarelli N et al. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine. January 23, 2023.
  3. Koyama T et al. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. January 25, 2016.
  4. Belcadi J et al. Preconceived Ideas in Hair Care. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. May 21, 2025.
  5. Conrad I. Benefits of Massage Therapy. Mayo Clinic Health System. March 22, 2022.
  6. Vijayakumar V et al. Effect of Massage on Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. January 2024.
  7. Nemati D et al. Massage Therapy as a Self-Management Strategy for Musculoskeletal Pain and Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review of Feasibility and Scope. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. April 2024.

Oyetewa Asempa, MD, FAAD

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Oyetewa Asempa is an assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, and the director of the Skin of Color Clinic for Baylor's department of dermatology. She was born and raised in Atlanta and then went on to graduate summa cum laude from Howard University in Washington, DC.

She completed her medical training at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, during which time she also completed a year of research at the National Institutes of Health. She completed her internship at George Washington University, and then her residency training at the Harvard dermatology program, where she served as chief resident in her final year.

She specializes in hair loss and scalp disorders, as well as pigmentary disorders in patients of color. She has spoken at multiple national conferences. Outside of medicine, she enjoys writing short stories, as well as writing and performing spoken word poetry.

Moira Lawler

Author
Moira Lawler is a journalist who has spent more than a decade covering a range of health and lifestyle topics, including women's health, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and travel. She received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young children, and a giant brown labradoodle.
Samantha Felix

Samantha Felix

Author

Samantha Felix is a health writer and editor with over seven years of experience. Her work has appeared in many online publications, including Healthline, Greatist, and mindbodygreen.