Bought a gua sha, used it twice and left it in a drawer? The right shape and technique make all the difference.
What it can (and can’t) do
Gua sha began in traditional Chinese medicine as a firm scraping technique for the body. The facial version is a gentler self-massage. Used regularly, it can make your face look less puffy and give it a fresh glow, and it feels great if you hold tension in your jaw. The effect is temporary, though, and it won’t permanently reshape your face. Consistency matters more than pressure.
Pick your material
| Material | Feels like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Very cool, weighty | Depuffing; won’t chip if dropped |
| Rose quartz | Cool, gentle | Sensitive skin |
| Jade | Cool, smooth | Everyday use |
| Bian stone | Warmer, dense | Deeper tension |
Stone looks beautiful but can break on a tiled floor. Stainless steel stays colder for longer, which is a bonus in Kuwait’s heat. Keep it in the fridge for an extra-cooling morning session.
Know your shapes
- Heart: the best all-rounder, and the one to start with. The curve fits cheeks and jaw, and the dip hugs the jawline.
- Wing or dolphin: long edges for cheeks and forehead, plus a narrow end for around the nose.
- Comb edge: small teeth grip the jawline and brow bone.
- Body gua sha: larger, often with a handle, for legs, arms and shoulders.
How to use it (5 minutes)
- Start with clean skin and apply a facial oil or serum. Never use it on dry skin.
- Hold the tool almost flat, at about 15 degrees.
- Neck: stroke down towards your collarbone, 3–5 times each side.
- Jawline: glide from chin to ear.
- Cheeks: sweep from beside your nose out towards your ear.
- Under the eyes: the lightest touch, inner corner outwards.
- Forehead: stroke up from your brows, then out to your temples.
- Finish with a few downward strokes on the neck.
Keep the pressure light and the strokes slow, always moving upwards and outwards. A little pinkness is normal; bruising isn’t.
For the body, apply oil and use long strokes towards your heart. Many people pair it with dry brushing before showering.
When to skip it
Avoid it on breakouts, cuts, sunburn, or during a rosacea or eczema flare. Wait a couple of weeks after fillers or injectables, and check with your doctor if you bruise easily or take blood thinners. Wash your tool with mild soap after every use.
Try the stainless steel body gua sha from HAWA, or browse our facial tools and the Glow collection.
