What technique immediately follows effleurage on the forehead in the beginning of a facial massage?

• A. Petrissage
• B. Tapotement
• C. Effleurage
• D. Friction

Answer: (D)

After broad, gliding strokes relax and warm the area, you switch to friction to localize the work. Friction uses small, circular or transverse motions with the fingertips or thumbs, applying light to moderate pressure directly over the forehead muscles. This focused action generates heat, increases local circulation, and helps break down minor adhesions in the superficial layers of the frontalis and surrounding tissues. By warming and mobilizing the tissue in this specific area, the forehead becomes more pliable and ready for deeper techniques that follow, making friction the natural next step after effleurage on the forehead.