How to Use a Gua Sha: Step-by-Step Guide

Gua sha is a gentle gliding massage for the face and neck. This step-by-step guide shows you how to use a gua sha at home: how to prepare, which direction to glide, how long it takes and what to avoid.

Woman gliding a REBEL SCULPT gua sha along her cheek, with a bottle of facial oil beside her

Before you start

  • Clean skin and a clean tool.
  • 3 to 5 drops of facial oil or a slippery serum, so the tool glides instead of dragging.
  • A mirror, good light and a relaxed jaw.

Step by step

  1. Cleanse and add oil. Wash your face, pat dry and spread the oil or serum over face and neck.
  2. Start at the neck. Hold the tool flat against the skin and glide from the collarbone up the side of the neck toward the jaw. 5 strokes per side.
  3. Jawline. Place the curved edge under the chin and glide along the jawbone toward the ear. 5 to 10 strokes per side, light to medium pressure.
  4. Cheeks. From the side of the nose, glide outward and slightly up over the cheekbone toward the ear. 5 to 10 strokes.
  5. Eyes and brows. Use the smallest edge with very light pressure, from the inner brow out to the temple. Never press on the eyeball.
  6. Forehead and finish. Glide from the brow up to the hairline, then finish with a few strokes along the neck. Wipe the tool clean.

How long and how often

A session takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Many people use a gua sha a few times a week. Skin can look slightly flushed for a short time. Listen to your skin and stop if it feels sore.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Pressing too hard. Light to medium pressure is enough.
  • Using it on dry skin, with no oil or serum.
  • Using it on broken, sunburnt or irritated skin.
  • Scrubbing back and forth. Use long, slow strokes in one direction.

Which gua sha to choose

REBEL SMOOTH heart-shaped stainless steel gua sha

REBEL SMOOTH

Heart-shaped with soft edges. A friendly place to start.

REBEL SCULPT stainless steel gua sha with six edges

REBEL SCULPT

Six shaped edges to play with on jaw, cheeks and neck.

REBEL SCULPT and REBEL SMOOTH gua sha set

SCULPT + SMOOTH set

Both shapes in one set, and more gua sha sets.

Gua sha FAQ

Should gua sha hurt?

No. Use light pressure and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.

Can I use it every day?

Many people use it a few times a week. If your skin feels sensitive, take a break.

Before or after my skincare?

Use it after cleansing, with oil or serum, and follow with your moisturiser.

How do I clean my gua sha?

Wash it with warm soapy water after each use and dry it well.

Next: gua sha vs face roller vs facial cupping and the face yoga guide.