Inside the rise of head spas, where scalp health is the priority and the service is next level
From lymphatic drainage massages to hands-only facials, there is a healthy appetite for pampering beauty treatments that offer both a restorative moment and deliver noticeable results. This, combined with the growing scalp-care category has led to the rise of a head treatment that goes beyond what we get at the salon backwash. Enter: head spas. This thorough approach to scalp treatments is common within the East Asian, South Asian and Black hair communities, but it has finally made its way to the west as the importance of scalp health for better hair and concerns surrounding hair loss are now widely discussed.
What are head spas?
Hair salons have always offered additional hair treatments at the backwash to complement a blow-dry or colour appointment, but head spas often take place in a quieter area (or a private room) complete with a comfortable chair or bed. Essentially, it is similar to getting a facial, only for your scalp and hair.
“Head spas provide a therapeutic environment and treatment for the hair and scalp that deliver a little more pampering than a home wash and treatment,” explains Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley haircare. “You can cleanse, exfoliate, mask and moisturise at home within your skincare routine, but when you go to a spa or salon, for a treatment it is a more relaxing experience, often using harder-working products, specialises tools and devices and delivered by an expert.”
What happens in a head spa?
The protocol varies between salons, but generally, it always starts with close inspection of your scalp using a magnifying device. Depending on what your concerns are and what your scalp needs, this is followed by a deep cleanse, careful exfoliation, steaming, masks, serums, massages and a blow-dry to finish.
“Our Hair Spa Treatments are delivered by our trichotherapists, to restore moisture, strength and repair damage or soothe an irritated, sensitive or flaky scalp in a tranquil environment so you can enjoy some me-time,” shares Kingsley.
At Sisley’s ultra-chic Mayfair flagship, the Le Grand Soin hair treatment involves a shoulder and head massage before moving to an acupressure point massage using Japanese Shiatsu techniques. Incorporating Hair Rituel products, your therapist will perform a cleanse and treatment before a SpaMist machine maximises the ingredient benefits and results. Sisley’s blow-dry is a gentle one with minimal heat as to not cause further damage.
At Cloud Twelve, you’ll also be treated to an LED scalp brush, while Kama Ayurveda incorporates the practice of hair oiling to encourage healthier locks and calm the nervous system.
What are the benefits of a head spa?
If you always say yes to a head massage during your wash-and-blow at the salon, you’ll love how comforting a head spa session is. Beyond that, a head spa focuses on your scalp’s wellbeing, so anyone experiencing irritation, itching, dandruff, or dryness can book in as the first step towards achieving healthier, happier hair.
It must be said that not all head spas have consultant trichologists onboard, so if you do have severe on ongoing scalp issues, do seek help from a hair clinic. Philip Kingsley, Fulham Hair and Scalp and Hannah Gaboardi are known for their expertise.
Can those with short hair benefit from head spas?
Yes. Since head spa focuses on the scalp, anyone with any hair length or hair type can benefit.
Ahead, the best head spas to book in now
Best for luxury: Maison Sisley
While you can book in for condensed treatments that target specific concerns such as hydration, or for a scalp detox, the Le Grand Soin is the ultimate pampering experience.
Japanese Shiatsu massage techniques help ease tension and improve circulation to the scalp while a combination of Hair Rituel products tailored to your specific needs deliver much-needed nourishment.
This is followed by a SpaMist gadget to encourage maximum absorption and a low-heat blow-dry that's kind on your tresses.
Le Grand Soin, £330 for 1 hour and 3o minutes
Best for hair oiling: Kama Ayurveda
With its bold, graphic interiors and mesmerising use of colour, Kama Ayurveda's Notting Hill store is a lively beauty spot where you can book in for an Ayurvedic consultation to help restore your balance, and shop the brand's extensive skin, body and haircare offering.
But step into the treatment rooms and you'll instantly be transported to a tranquil enclave far from the busy streets. The Shirodhara Traditional Head Relaxing Ritual incorporates hair oiling to nurture your scalp and locks, while the massage techniques aim to calm your nervous system.
Traditional Head Relaxing Ritual, £150 for 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best for speed: Hiro Miyoshi
The head spa at Hiro Miyoshi takes place inside its Curzon Street salon, but the experience is no less luxurious. The 45-minute session includes a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage to restore sore muscles, a tsubaki oil (derived from camellia blossoms and rich in fatty acids and vitamins) treatment to nourish dry strands, and a bespoke Japanese formula to revive the scalp.
Japanese Head Spa, £150 for 45 minutes
Best for scalp health: Philip Kingsley
For scalps in need of extra care and attention, make Philip Kingsley your first port of call – the serene treatment space also has consultant trichologists on staff who can provide useful advice in the matters of scalp health. Each session starts with a thorough scalp and hair consultation followed by treatment application, steaming, head massage and blow-dry to finish.
You'll also leave armed with insightful knowledge on how to care for your tresses. If you do have persistent scalp concerns, the team on hand can help book you in for further assessments.
Hair Spa Treatment, from £100 for 60 minutes
Best for the ultimate pampering: Cloud Twelve
Tucked away in a Notting Hill mews, Cloud Twelve is a wellness and lifestyle club complete with a hair salon, alternative medicine clinic, kids club and a spa. If all this sounds like a lot for one spot, fret not. The spa is an utterly serene and quiet space; simply being in the relaxation lounge will help you breathe easier.
The Head Spa Experience is Cloud Twelve's most popular treatment. The comprehensive session includes a scalp analysis, sensorial scalp massage using head tools, thorough exfoliation, herbal mist, and LED brush to invigorate the scalp. The Ultimate Bespoke Head Spa Experience features an added facial, too.
Bespoke Head Spa Experience, from £190 for 70 minutes.
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