The Kikkerland AR18-A serves as a unique alternative to the best handheld massagers, in that it doesn't required battery or mains power to keep it running. Instead, it relies on a basic yet effective design to properly stimulate the scalp and relax the nerves in your head and neck.
It does this by creating a very unique sensation across the surface of your scalp, which can be surprisingly relaxing, given how basic this massager looks, and how lightweight it is too. Let's take a closer look at it now to see if it's the right massager for you, or whether you need something more versatile and powerful.
Kikkerland AR18-A review: design
It measures about 9.5 inches in length, and the legs of the unit can be expanded or to fit any size head. The process relies on a simple design, and you can see exactly how it works as soon as you take it out of the box. If you would prefer a motorized massager, you might want to consider something more powerful, such as the HoMedics Percussion Pro.
Designed as a scalp massager, the AR18-A uses thin metal legs, each capped with a small nub, to create a soothing, pressure-relieving sensation across the surface of your scalp and skin. All you need to do is hold the handle of the device over your head with the legs pointed down, and from there the legs create a gentle pressure as they trail across your skin.
You can complete this same process from many angles, massaging your neck, back and chest if you want, but don't expect it to provide any muscle soreness relief - it simple isn't designed for that, and instead provides more of a sensory massage experience.
Kikkerland AR18-A review: performance
The Kikkerland AR18-A massager effectively creates a unique surface sensation that can relax your nerves quickly and easily. This unique sensation helps to increase blood flow and can reach every part of your scalp and neck when used properly.
The legs of the massager rely on their flexibility to stimulate your scalp. They flex under mild pressure, retracting back into place as you pull the unit away from your skin. The whole design relies on the flexibility of these legs, but that flexibility comes at a cost. The legs are simply too thin to withstand much pressure and if you are too heavy-handed with the massager, the legs could bend out of shape.
Should I buy the Kikkerland AR18-A review?
The lack of accessories makes the Kikkerland AR18-A Handheld Scalp Massager an unlikely option for those who need extra attention on specific areas of the body, and the specific design makes it more of a novelty sensory massage tool rather than a therapeutic device. If you want massage therapy, particularly percussive massage, check out the brilliant Therabody Theragun Mini.
That said, it's a fun relaxation tool that specifically addresses the surface of the scalp, and can help you to quickly relax if you're feeling tense or stressed and in need of finding some inner peace quickly.