The common tool shapes
Most gua sha tools are a flat piece of stone or metal with a few differently shaped edges. Each drawing below shows one common shape, with numbered edges and the parts of the face or neck that edge fits. The tool shapes guide covers them in more detail.
Heart
A common first tool. The shape is easy to hold and has an edge for most areas of the face.
- V notch: sits along the jawline and around the chin.
- Rounded lobes: the cheeks and the forehead.
- Long curved side: the side of the neck and the flat of the cheek.
Wing
Also sold as a fin or ear shape. The inward curve makes it a good fit for larger faces and jaws.
- Inward curve: hugs the jaw and the cheekbone.
- Long outer curve: the forehead, cheeks and the side of the neck.
- Narrow point: small areas such as beside the nose.
Wavy edge
Some people like the feel of the ridges. Use the lightest pressure with this edge, since ridges catch skin more easily.
- Wavy edge: the jawline and the side of the neck.
- Straight edge: the forehead and the flat of the cheek.
- Rounded corners: small curves such as the chin.
Comb
Made for the scalp more than the face. The teeth should be smooth and rounded, with no rough tips.
- Teeth: the scalp and hairline, worked slowly through the hair.
- Smooth top edge: the forehead and the back of the neck.
Pen tool
Useful for small spots the larger tools miss. Keep the pressure especially light, since a small tip concentrates it.
- Small rounded end: beside the nose and around the chin.
- Wider end: along the brow bone, well away from the eye itself.
Facial roller
Strictly a separate tool from gua sha, but often sold beside it. Rolling needs less technique than scraping strokes.
- Roller: the forehead, cheeks and jaw, rolled slowly with light pressure.
- Frame and handle: dry these well, since some metal frames rust.
Where to start
Stones and materials
Jade, rose quartz, amethyst, obsidian and steel: what each one is, how it feels, and how easily it chips.
Before you start
Clean skin, a slip product so the tool glides, and the very light pressure that facial routines use.
Technique step by step
A short routine for the neck, jaw, cheeks, brow and forehead, with the edge and direction for each area.
Cleaning your tools
What to do after every use, what to avoid, and when a chipped tool should go.
Sensitive skin
When to skip a session, signs you are pressing too hard, and when to ask a dermatologist first.
Patch testing
How to try a new oil or serum on a small patch of skin before you use it on your face.
What gua sha is
Gua sha began as a traditional Chinese practice done on the body, where firm strokes with a smooth-edged tool were meant to leave marks. The facial routines most people mean today are a different, much gentler practice. You glide a smooth stone or metal tool over skin that has oil or serum on it, using light pressure and slow strokes, for a few minutes at a time.
Many people use it as a calm few minutes at the end of the day, much like applying a moisturizer slowly with their hands. This site describes how to do that safely and how to look after the tools. It doesn't make claims about what gua sha does for skin. If you have a skin concern, a board-certified dermatologist is the right person to ask.
A gentle routine in brief
- Wash your hands, cleanse your face, and check the tool for chips or rough spots.
- Apply a few drops of an oil, serum or moisturizer you already use without problems, so the tool glides.
- Hold the tool almost flat against the skin and use about the pressure you would use to spread lotion.
- Make slow strokes on the neck, jaw, cheeks, brow bone and forehead, three to five passes per area.
- Stop if anything stings, burns or leaves a mark. Then wash and dry the tool before you put it away.
The step by step guide covers each area, and the preparation page explains how to choose a slip product.
This site shares general information about using facial tools gently. It can't tell you whether a tool suits your skin or what it will do for a skin concern. For rashes, acne, rosacea, eczema, ongoing redness or anything that worries you, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Common questions
Which stone should I choose?
Choose the one you like holding. Jade and quartz feel similar in use. The bigger differences between tools are the shape, the weight and how smooth the edges are. The materials guide compares them.
Should gua sha leave red marks?
No. A light pink flush that fades within minutes can happen with any rubbing. Marks that stay, bruising, or stinging mean the pressure is too firm or the skin isn't suited to it that day. Stop, and see the sensitive skin page.
Do you recommend brands?
No. We don't sell tools, name brands or rate products. The about page explains how the guides are written.