The jawline is where many of us hold tension, from clenching and long hours at a screen. A gentle gua sha routine can help you relax that area and make the ritual of caring for your face feel calm and intentional.
What to expect
Gua sha is a massage-style ritual. It can leave the jaw and neck feeling looser and the face looking fresher for a while. Research on lasting changes to jawline shape is limited, so we recommend it as a relaxing ritual, ideally combined with jawline and neck exercises.
The routine
- Choose your tool: pick a gua sha with a curved edge that sits comfortably along the jaw.
- Prepare your skin: start with a clean face and a few drops of facial oil or serum so the tool glides.
- Along the jaw: place the curved edge under the chin and stroke gently toward the ear, following the natural curve. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
- Behind the jaw and ear: stroke softly from the jaw hinge down toward the neck to help the area feel lighter.
- The neck: finish with gentle upward strokes along the front of the neck, then sweep down the sides.
Make it a habit
Two or three times a week is a good rhythm. Use light pressure, listen to your skin, and ease off if you feel discomfort or see more than slight, brief redness.
Skip gua sha on broken skin, sunburn or active breakouts, and check with a doctor if you have a jaw, nerve or skin condition.
Browse our gua sha tools, or read How to use a gua sha.
