Potential Jade Comb Benefits, From Circulation to Hair Growth

Jade rollers have been a self-care staple for years, and now beauty influencers and Chinese medicine fans are bringing the stone to the scalp. That’s the proposed basis of jade combing, which is used with the intention to potentially enhance circulation, hair growth, and relaxation, although these are not supported by quality scientific evidence. RELATED: What Are Jade Rollers and Should You Add One to Your Skin-Care Routine? Here’s what a few in-the-know experts say about whether jade combing delivers what it’s said to, and if it’s a good idea for you to give it a try. What Are Jade Combs? 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, according to Cleveland Clinic . Gua sha massage is typically used to treat certain conditions by targeting muscles and tendons, says Juli Kramer , founder of Radiant Shenti, a holistic online health and fitness studio based in Englewood, Colorado. Jade combing, on the other hand, involves using a comb made of jade to stimulate and massage the scalp, says Tom Ingegno , acupuncturist and owner of Charm City Integrative Health in Baltimore. The thinking is that jade combing will increase blood flow to the area and promote 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. Jade is used specifically because it’s one of the most highly revered stones in Chinese and East Asian medicine, Kramer says. “Jade is considered to promote health, longevity, and beauty,” Ingegno says. Take that with a grain of salt, though — Ingegno says there isn’t hard evidence to back up claims on the effects of using jade for health purposes. Even so, the possible benefits could come from the act of combing rather than the jade itself. “All combing — whether using your fingers, a wood comb, or stone comb — will increase blood flow,” Kramer says. RELATED: What Is Self-Care and Why Is It So Important to Your Health?
What Are the Touted Health Benefits of Jade Combs, and Are They Legit? Boosted circulation is the major purported benefit of jade combing. Jade comb retailers such as Mount Lai, the brand behind The Jade Massaging Comb ($52, Bloomingdales.com ) also claim to enhance relaxation and reduce tension, and some people swear jade combs aid hair growth as well. Research surrounding jade combing’s effect on all of the above is lacking. Michele Green, MD , a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who treats thinning hair in New York City, says jade combing is simply a luxury and offers no known legitimate benefits. “We really only have anecdotal evidence,” Ingegno adds, and these are essentially patient reports online. The one hint of support comes from the possibility that massaging the scalp can promote hair growth, though this study was very small and short term. A small study published in 2016 in Eplasty involving nine Japanese men found a daily four-minute scalp massage for 24 weeks increased hair thickness. More studies are needed. RELATED: What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Your Hair? Are There Any Downsides to Using a Jade Comb? Though research suggesting jade combing provides concrete benefits is lacking, jade combing is safe when done gently and in moderation, and are unlikely to hurt you in any way, Ingegno says. One potential downside is the cost of high-quality jade, but Kramer says 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. The aforementioned experts, however, cautioned that you should manage your expectations and not expect drastic changes. “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.” RELATED: 8 Fascinating Facts You Probably Never Knew About Your Skin So, Should You Try Jade Combing? There is not much evidence to support the use of jade combs beyond anecdotal claims, but incorporating jade combing into your self-care practices won’t hurt you either. “Even if the results are questionable, you won’t hurt yourself and you at least get a pretty comb,” Ingegno says. How to Use a Jade Comb Jade combing is typically a DIY self-care treatment: “A specialist isn’t usually needed, as this has roots in folk medicine and was [traditionally] done at home,” Ingegno says. Ingegno says to apply slightly more pressure against the scalp than you normally would, and spend a longer amount of time brushing your hair. “You can’t comb your hair incorrectly, but you can comb it better,” Kramer says. “Combing from all directions will yield the best benefits.” For instance, comb from front to back, back to front, left to right, right to left, upside down, and right side up. How long it’ll take to see results depends on your goal. “If you’re trying to relax the scalp and relieve some tension, you might notice a change after the first time,” Ingegno says. “If you’re looking to see thicker, healthier hair, it could take a few months, [or may never come to be].” RELATED: What Is Hygge, and Why Is It Good for Your Well-Being?