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• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Let the person relax
• Method 2 of 3: Do a basic massage
• Method 3 of 3: Perform a deep massage

Head massages are a great way to relax; they can help the person being massaged to let go of the stress of the day. Start with a few basic techniques to help the person relax when you give a head massage, such as applying wet heat, adding oil, and detangling their hair. You can then move on to massaging the person's head. If you are alone you can even use some techniques to massage your own head. You will feel the stress melt away so you can be happy and relaxed.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Let the person relax

1. Wash your hands. It is good to start with clean hands when giving someone a massage. Scrub your hands with warm water and soap. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
2. Start with some wet heat. Wet heat can help the person relax. For example, you can give him or her a bath. Another option is to dampen a towel and then place it in the microwave until warm. Wrap the towel around the person's head and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Detangle the hair. It may help to brush the person's hair first so that your fingers don't get caught in knots in the hair. However, you can also just use your fingers to untangle large knots in the hair before starting the massage.
   • If you run into a knot in the hair later, do not try to untie it or the person will be startled out of their relaxed state.
4. Add oil. Most kitchen oils will work for this, and so will massage oils. For example, you can use avocado, coconut, almond or mustard oil. Start on the sides. Massage the oil into the scalp with your fingers and thumbs, working your way up to the top of the head. Make sure to massage both the front and back of the head as well.
   • First, heat the oil in your hands, and start with just a little bit. You can always add more.

Method 2 of 3: Do a basic massage

1. Work slowly. When massaging a person's head, try to use gentle, slow movements. Slow movements generally feel better than fast ones. Slow movements are also much more relaxing than fast movements.
   • For this type of massage it is fine that the person being massaged is sitting or lying down.
2. Work in small circles. Use your fingertips to make light, circular movements over the person's head. Go from the front to the back, then back again. You can go back and forth over the head a number of times with these movements.
3. Massage the neck. Hold the person's neck with one hand. Gently rub the neck with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Move up and down the neck. Try to let the skin move as you massage instead of rubbing on top of the skin.
   • You can also use this move at the base of the head where the hair starts.
   • When massaging yourself, use your thumbs at the base of your head. Place one thumb on each side of your head and use circular motions to massage the base of your head. You hold a lot of stress there, so a slow massage can help.
4. Massage the head with the heels of your palms. Bring your hands under the hair at the temples of the head. You can use this technique on someone else, but it works just as well when you do it on yourself. The heels of your palms should be at the temples. Apply light pressure and push upward for a few seconds. You can use this technique all over the head.

Method 3 of 3: Perform a deep massage

1. Start by having the person lie on their back. With a deep massage, you will apply more pressure, so it will be easier for both of you when the person is lying down. He or she should be face up, and you should be at the top of his or her head, facing him or her.
2. Massage the neck and base of the head. To begin, put your hands under the person's head. Rub up from the back of the neck until you reach the base of the head. Your fingertips should rest for a moment at the ridge at the back of the head. Rub in a circular motion starting from the base of the head. This movement is different from a basic massage, where you put your hands around the neck. You use your fingertips to massage.
3. Move towards the top of the head. As you move upward, your circles may expand and you can apply a little more pressure, making this different from a basic massage. With a basic massage, your movements are usually lighter. For a deep massage, use your thumbs and your fingers to make the movements, and don't forget to massage the top of the head. At the temples, move up the hair with deep, slow circular movements.
4. Try to pull the hair a bit. Use your fingertips to gently stroke the person's head from front to back. As you move back, grab a few pieces of hair and gently pull out. Keep pulling on different sections of the hair as you move backwards.
   • Not everyone likes this feeling, so make sure the person is okay with it.