Valet.

Wednesday,
August 26th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

Think of it as skincare for your scalp. We found the tools that make cleansing, exfoliating and massaging your head feel considerably more advanced.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

 

Good/Better/Best

Scalp Brushes

A lot of guys spend time thinking (or worrying) about the hair on their head but next to none thinking about the skin underneath it. That’s a mistake. Your scalp collects sweat, oil, dead skin and styling product just like the rest of your skin does, and giving it a little attention can work wonders for you. Just like any type of massage, a scalp massager first and foremost, feels amazing. But there could be other reasons to integrate a massaging scalp brush into your regular routine.

Besides the ASMR-like tingly pleasure, these scalp massagers can help with everything from reducing dandruff and removing excess product, to increasing blood flow to the area, which can help stimulate healthy hair growth. Just keep in mind that these brushes can support a healthier scalp environment, but it won’t be a magic cure for thinning hair.

The real question is how much ritual (and technology) you want. A simple manual tool handles exfoliation and stimulation surprisingly well. Spend more and you get powered massage and customizable intensity. At the top end, red-light therapy and app-controlled treatments turn the whole thing into a dedicated hair-care regimen. Here’s what you actually gain at each level.

 
Good  

The Simple Buffer

+ Made from 100% antibacterial silicone, so it’s waterproof, quick to rinse and more hygienic than a traditional bristle brush

+ Rounded, flexible oversized bristles help loosen dry skin and product buildup while you shampoo, giving you a satisfying manual scalp massage without feeling overly aggressive

+ The compact handheld design works wet or dry and includes a hanging notch for easy shower storage

Scalp massager & scrubber, $19.99 at MANSCAPED

 
 
Better  

Pro-Level Massage

+ Powered rotating massage gives you three speed settings, creating a much more convincing at-home head-spa experience than a basic brush

+ Five electrical muscle stimulation intensity levels add gentle pulses intended to stimulate the scalp and relieve tension, while 630 nm red LEDs add a hair-care component

+ Waterproof construction means you can use it in the shower, and a 15-minute auto timer keeps treatments from dragging on

EMS Head Spa Pro scalp massager, $149 / $104.30 at MYTREX

 
 
Best  

Hair-Strengthening Tech

+ This device’s T-Sonic vibration system provides adjustable scalp stimulation rather than rotating kneading heads while 20 650 nm red LEDs are positioned specifically to reach the scalp as you move the device across your head

+ A whopping 637 silicone bristles help loosen oil, sweat and buildup while also parting the hair so the LEDs can reach the scalp more directly

+ Bluetooth connectivity and the FAQ Swiss app provide guided routines and additional treatment settings. You get around 100 minutes of use per charge, and the entire device is waterproof and easy to clean.

FOREO FAQ 301 LED scalp massager, $299 at Nordstrom

 
 

Other Picks Worth a Look

Scalp brush, $38 at Arey

 

Aveda Scalp stimulating massager, $33 at Amazon.com

 

Pursonic 3-in-1 LED therapy scalp brush, $29.99 at Ulta.com

 

BOLDIFY Scalp massager & scrubber, $19.95 at Amazon.com

 
Drops to
Watch For

Noah's latest Timex collab reworks the MK1, a stainless-steel military watch originally produced for just two months back in 1982. The timepiece has a clean 36mm dial, anchor insignia and a fabric strap built to dry out after time in the water. It drops on Noah’s website this Thursday, August 27th, at 11 a.m. ET., continuing the brand's run of understated, well-priced Timex pairings.

Learn more »

Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 

These baggy, relaxed jeans are cut from a structured denim designed to break in, whisker and fade over years of wear.

$278 / $195
by rag & bone

 

This classically handsome Western shirt is made in America, cut from washed denim and finished with burnt bone button snaps. It'll only get better with age.

$158 / $107.10
by Flint and Tinder

 

A classic pair of trousers (available in multiple colorways) cut in a clean, relaxed silhouette from a lightweight linen-blend fabric you can easily wear into the fall.

$95 / $69.99
by Abercrombie & Fitch

 

Want more?
See all 32 sales »

 
Worth a Read

The best stories from around the web.

 

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The Cut
 

We caught up with Brady about his first modeling gig, his workout regimen, and his newfound appreciation for leather pants.”

 

om Brady on His New Gucci Campaign—and Becoming a Leather Pants Guy at 49

 

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GQ
 

The pickup-style 4×4 looks like something out of a James Bond movie and even comes with a signed note from the actor who most recently portrayed the beloved character.”

 

The 25 Best James Bond Cars, Ranked

 

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Robb Report