Move over nail spas, head spas seem to be taking over spa and salon spaces in the west—a new frontier for this beauty and wellness hair treatment. Dominating social platforms, the head spa trend has led to massive views and posts, with the hashtag #headspa accruing 1.2 billion views on TikTok, over 1.4 billion posts on Instagram, and viral “Japanese Head Spa” and “Scalp Treatment” videos on YouTube reaching 1-5 million views for ASMR and relaxation content. And the demand continues to grow, hopefully along with your hair!

But what are head spa treatments exactly? Recipients can experience having their hair washed, scalp scrubbed, and more, all with the promise of stimulating hair follicles and gently treating various scalp and hair concerns. Join us to see what the lather is all about, and whether someone with hair thinning or other scalp and hair conditions can genuinely benefit from a trip to the head spa near me.

History Of Head Spas

Let’s go back to what inspired this wellness movement. While these establishments and treatments seem new, these ultra-sensorial scalp and hair treatments originate from ancient Japanese and Indian cultures and have long been practiced across Asia, where well-maintained hair epitomized beauty.

Traditional-style Japanese head spa treatments, or Kyu-Shiki, stemmed from the philosophy of balancing the body's energy and treating the scalp as an extension of the face and neck, essential for beauty and well-being.

• Pressure Points: Shiatzu massage, targeting specific pressure points (tsubo) on the scalp, neck, and shoulders, was performed to relax, stimulate energy flow (ki), and treat underlying physical tension that could hinder scalp health.
• Ritualistic Purification: This approach utilized natural, often fermented, ingredients, water, botanical oils, and extracts indigenous to Japan to purify, hydrate, and add luster.
• Hydrotherapy & Temperature: Water and steam were purposefully used at varying temperatures to create a deeply relaxing state and facilitate absorption.
• Integration with Breath: Treatment was often accompanied by guidance on deep, mindful breathing to maximize relaxation and oxygen flow. The client's comfort and stillness were prioritized, making certain they were in a receptive state for healing and aligning the treatment with Japanese wellness and mindfulness principles.

Head spas have been stateside in New York for 25 years and have been gaining traction (no, not traction alopecia!) since 2020. Today’s treatments have evolved to include modern technologies that bring skincare science to the (massage) table.

What Is A Head Spa Treatment?

The ancient Japanese, Chinese, and Indian therapies have evolved into modernized versions that vary widely as head spa owners seek to set themselves apart with treatments that cater to beauty- and wellness-seeking clients.

So, what is the difference between a Japanese head spa and a regular salon wash? Salon washes focus on cleaning hair strands, while a head spa treatment is a "facial for the scalp"— a multi-step process ranging from the basics to a calendar-clearing, extensive beauty self-care ritual.

The Basics: Classic head spa treatments include an initial microscopic scalp analysis followed by a deep-cleansing double shampoo, with repeated latherings that can take up to 10 minutes! Not your basic lather, rinse, repeat! Most will follow your sudsing with a stream of running water flowing over the hair via a waterfall head spa rinse from a “halo” showerhead, channeling the Indian practice of Shirodhara. Next, you can expect scalp exfoliation with brushes or combs to remove buildup, conditioning, and head and neck massages using eastern massage techniques.

Deluxe Experiences: Higher-level treatments go beyond the basics, offering extra niceties for all-encompassing experiences that outshine the rest. Based on your scalp analysis, your head spa therapist may customize your treatment to address your scalp’s and hair’s needs. Enjoy scalp scrubs, followed by detoxifying masks for next-level cleansing and scalp purification. We hope you can sit still, as next up is a prolonged scalp massage (up to an hour)!

Note: Some therapists do hair-pulling, which is not recommended for those with fragile follicles. If you are concerned with hair loss, just let your therapist know ahead of time.

Steam therapy, via a steam mask or hot towels, is employed to “open” the follicles and allow the ingredients in the various elixirs to penetrate fully, helping fulfill the promise of a healthier scalp and hair. 

Next, your therapist will apply a range of nourishing, soothing, or reparative hair masks, scalp serums, deep-conditioning treatments, and hair oils to address your specific scalp and hair concerns.

A body massage, a mini facial, and an optional blow-dry may also be on the treatment menu. Afterward, ask to see your scalp under the microscope to witness your post-treatment improvement.

Treatment duration: How long does a head spa appointment take? Sessions generally range from 60 to 90 minutes. Shorter "express" options (45 mins) and luxury packages (2 hours) are also common. As additional layers are added, head spa experiences can last up to three hours.

Head spa treatment cost: Prices typically range from $100 to $200+ per session, depending on the location, duration, and whether desired add-ons like facials or blowouts are included.

Tricks of Trade

Get ready to be amazed by the volume of tools and products that may be used during your treatment (many included, with some available for an additional fee). 
Head spa treatment tools:

• Microscopes
• Scalp scrubbers, brushes, and scrapers
• Electric scalp massagers
• Special massage chairs, beds, and tables
• Heated eye masks
• High-frequency combs
• Red and blue lights
• Jade Gua sha scalp combs
• Face and hair steamers
• Waterfall head spa systems
• Multi-pronged metal head scratcher
• Tuning forks, chimes, and bells for ASMR
  

Head spa treatment products: Most head spas use shampoos, scrubs, serums, conditioners, masks, natural remedies, and potent, aromatherapeutic essential oils to allay clients’ concerns.
Particular about ingredients or scents, etc.? Consider bringing your own and taking Charismo’s suite of clean hair care products with you. Just ask ahead of time if the head spa you plan to attend is okay with this and if they’ll charge a “corkage” fee.  

Head Spa Treatment Benefits

Are head spas just hype, or do they produce hope for hair health? There is a significant amount of scientific research supporting the benefits of head spa treatments, with proprietors and devotees lauding their effects as they flip their refreshed, lustrous manes:

• Detoxification and purification of the scalp
• Stimulated follicles and circulation
• Improved scalp wellness
• Replenished scalp and hair moisture
• Reduced itching, dandruff, and oiliness
• Alleviated dryness and tightness
• Increased hair health, shine, and softness
• Reduced headaches
• Rejuvenated, awakened senses
• Refreshed scalps
• Reduced shedding and hair fall
• Revitalized hair growth
• Relaxation, stress, and tension relief
• Improved sleep
• Decreased eye strain
  

Thinning Hair Hope + Help

The question inquiring minds want to know: Can a head spa treatment actually stop hair loss? While the aforementioned benefits of head spa treatments are purported to promote hair regrowth, head spas are not a medical cure for genetic hair loss. However, they can support a healthier scalp environment, helping reduce hair fall due to stress, inflammation, or clogged follicles. By removing buildup and increasing blood circulation, they can help anchor existing hair more firmly.

Will a head spa make my hair grow back? There is no evidence that a head spa directly causes new hair growth on a bald scalp, but the intense stimulation and massage can "awaken" dormant follicles and encourage them to enter the growth phase (anagen). It is often viewed as a complementary therapy rather than a standalone solution.

The main elements—scalp massage, aromatherapy, and exfoliation—have been studied for the following physical and mental effects and found to positively alter hair biology (in a good way!):

• Hair growth cycle: A 2016 study published in Eplasty found that daily 4-minute scalp massages over 24 weeks increased hair thickness by mechanically “stretching” the scalp, increasing genes related to the hair growth cycle.
• Follicle + scalp health: The deep cleansing in head spa treatments helps remove follicle-clogging sebum and product buildup, which dermatologists and trichologists state is critical for preventing hair thinning, inflammation, and dandruff.
• Circulation: Focused treatments have been shown to increase blood flow to the scalp by 25-120%, improving the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to healthy follicles.
• Stress + nervous system regulation: Research indicates scalp massage can shift the body from a “fight or flight” state to a state of relaxation. Massage can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol by up to 31% while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. An additional study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that head spa treatments in the lying down (supine) position significantly increased parasympathetic nerve activity, reducing anxiety.
• Sleep quality: Because these treatments help regulate hormones (serotonin and melatonin) and reduce physical tension, they have been linked to better sleep. One clinical trial reported that evening scalp massages improved sleep efficiency by 42%.
  

Who Can Benefit

Who can get a head spa treatment? Head spa treatments can benefit nearly everyone, with a few exceptions.

• Free-for-all: Can men get head spa treatments? Yes, head spas aren’t just for women! They are gender-neutral and very popular with men, particularly those concerned with thinning hair, dandruff, or stress relief. And children can partake at some head spas, each with its own policy on age requirements and supervision, with some offering gentle treatments specifically for kids.
• Scalp conditions: Can I get a head spa if I have psoriasis, eczema, or dandruff? These conditions are often the primary reason people seek head spas, but they should be avoided with open wounds or bleeding. Treatments can be customized with soothing ingredients to remove flakes and calm inflammation.
• Extensions: Can I get a head spa with hair extensions (tape-ins, sew-ins, beads)? Generally, no. Most head spas cannot perform the treatment on clients with extensions because the extensions obstruct access to the scalp, and vigorous massage/scrubbing can loosen the adhesive or beads. Some spas may allow it if you sign a waiver regarding potential slippage.
• Braids + dreadlocks: Is it safe for braided hair or dreadlocks? No. The treatment requires direct access to the scalp and the ability to thoroughly brush through the hair. Braids and locs prevent the deep cleansing and exfoliation steps, so you will likely be turned away or asked to remove them.
• Color-treated hair: Can I get a head spa treatment with bleached or colored hair? Yes,  head spas are excellent before color services. But, wait at least one week after coloring before hitting a head spa, as the detox process can strip fresh color.
• Pregnancy: Is a head spa safe for pregnant women? Head spa treatments are generally considered safe during pregnancy; however, some spas require you to be past the first trimester and be comfortable lying flat for an hour. Always check if the essential oils used are pregnancy-safe.
  

Clearly more than a fleeting fad, head spas are emerging as a luxurious, evidence-based path to better scalp health and hair vitality. Seeking stress relief, a solution for scalp buildup, or simply a moment of self-care? A visit to a head spa might just be the ultimate treat for your crowning glory.

Disclaimer: The treatment and product references in this article are for informational purposes only and not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or any guarantee of results.