“You want to start slowly and build up the strength of the movements,” advises England. “Ensure your tool is at a 30-45 degree angle and always work upwards and outwards, opening up the neck first. I recommend following a tutorial or having a treatment with a professional so you are guided effectively.” For home practice, she recommends Cecily Brayden’s YouTube videos, in which she demonstrates gua sha lymphatic sequences.
According to Catarina Oliveira, co-founder of Herbar, the neck is a crucial area not to be missed during the ritual. “It’s key for drainage and releasing tension,” she says. “Additionally, if you tend to hold stress in your jaw, temples, or between your brows, try a few extra passes there. These areas are packed with acupressure points, and just a little extra focus can make a huge difference to how lifted and relaxed your face feels.”
What not to do? Each expert said that applying too much pressure is the mistake most people make. “The key is gentle, intentional strokes – pressing too hard can cause irritation and even inflammation,” says England, while Theron recommends slow, rhythmic and intentional strokes to allow the lymphatic system to respond.
For noticeable longterm results, it’s also a good idea to be consistent, as you should with any tool.
Jade roller vs gua sha?
One of the big questions people ask Google is whether they should use a jade roller or gua sha – which is better? While the jade roller is easy to roll over your face and offers cooling and depuffing benefits, the gua sha can do that and more – in one tool. Fundamentally, it’s down to personal preference and what you want to achieve, because both tools’ efficacy lies in how they’re used.
What are the best gua sha tools?
Here is our edit of some of the best gua sha tools on the market right now.
Best gua sha for sculpting: FaceGym Multi-Sculpt High Performance Contouring Tool
With six different edges, this nifty tool is perfect for sculpting, contouring and releasing tension around the eleven lines and eyes.
Best luxury gua sha: Sisley Paris Gingko Gua Sha
Made with naturally cooling zamac, Sisley’s luxe gua sha is small but perfectly formed, making it perfect for getting into areas that need it.
Best affordable gua sha: Boots Botanics Rose Quartz Gua Sha
A no-frills gua sha which is perfect for those getting started with the technique.
Best gua sha for face and scalp: Isamaya Sculpt 01 Face and Scalp Tool
From boosting circulation to smoothing puffiness, this cleverly designed tool is amazing at releasing deep tension in both the face and scalp.
Best gua sha for travelling: Herbar Gua-Shroom
This cute-as-a-button gua sha doesn’t just look great. It’s also brilliant at releasing trigger points, stimulating lymphatic drainage and boosting circulation, plus it’s small so fits nicely in your make-up bag.
Best gua sha for the neck and décolleté: Joonbyrd Heartwarmer Body Gua Sha Tool
Made from pure amethyst, which is known for its healing properties, Joonbyrd’s Body Gua Sha helps ease aching muscles and is perfect for the all-important neck area.
Best gua sha for body: Mantle The Body Gua Sha
A black bian massage tool that is brilliant for stimulating blood circulation and leaving limbs energised – plus the shape makes it really easy to use.
Best gua sha for decongesting: 001 London MicroSculptor No.1 The Pick
You can really get into all the face’s many crevices with this tool, which is expertly shaped to do so.
