Part spa trip, part scalp treatment, a Japanese head spa is a holistic approach to improving the look and feel of your mane. Personalized hair topicals, deep tissue scalp massages, and relaxation rituals are just a few reasons why the service has seemingly boomed in salons over the past few years.
To help you better understand the art of the Japanese head spa, we tapped Shab Caspara, a trichologist based in New York City, and Ritsuko Borges, a head spa practitioner at MASA.KANAI. Below, they break down what the treatment entails and offer advice on replicating its effects at home. Keep scrolling to discover whether this ancient practice is what your self-care routine has been missing all along.
What Is a Japanese Head Spa?
A Japanese head spa refers to a specific kind of over-the-sink service geared toward improving hair and scalp health. It involves using various methods of scalp therapy (think serums, exfoliants, devices, and massages) to help promote circulation, enhance product absorption, and provide stress relief.
“Although novel in North America, head spas have historically been commonplace in countries like Japan and Korea,” says Caspara. “Traditional Eastern remedies and practices have always believed strongly in the emphasis on treating the head and scalp to optimize hair quality and relaxation.”
Who Should Visit a Japanese Head Spa?
Almost anyone can benefit from a head spa service. However, those looking to unwind while enhancing their hair's condition may be particularly eager to book a session. The pampering treatment is also recommended for anyone experiencing stress-related changes in their hair strength or growth.
It’s worth noting that although a head spa is a holistic way to rejuvenate your hair, it’s best to consult a doctor if you notice prolonged hair loss, itching, or rashes on your scalp. It’s possible there may be a deeper condition at play that requires medical treatment from a professional.
What To Expect at a Head Spa
Head spa routines usually vary among salons. Generally speaking, though, you can expect the service to include a scalp analysis, exfoliation, shampooing, a deep conditioning treatment, and massage.
Scalp analysis
Many parlors, including MASA.KANAI, begin with a consultation so that your pro can tailor the service to your concerns.
“This in-depth scalp and wellness consultation includes a microscopic analysis of the scalp,” says Borges. “Upon viewing the scalp up close, we can pinpoint and directly show our guests their problem areas. Through a wellness consultation, I help customers discover the root cause of these issues.”
Exfoliating scalp treatments
Once your technician has identified areas of concern, they can get into customizing the regimen to suit your needs. Exfoliation is often the first order of business.
“Typically, the treatment at a head spa will begin with a deep scalp exfoliation using either microdermabrasion devices for the scalp or manual exfoliants,” says Caspara. “[This helps] to remove product and sebum buildup and prep the scalp for topicals.”
Like the skin on the rest of your body, your scalp can seriously benefit from exfoliation. The process helps whisk away oils, styling residue, and other impurities that can clog your follicles and cause a variety of issues. Plus, exfoliation helps create a clean canvas that allows any subsequent nourishing ingredients to penetrate as effectively as possible.
Scalp massages and masks
“After rinsing the scalp exfoliant off, topicals, oils, or treatments are applied on the freshly cleansed scalp and massaged in either manually or with an electronic scalp massager,” explains Caspara.
Depending on whether the hair product is designed to treat your strands, too (like a mask), many salons may process the hair and scalp under a hooded dryer or wrap them in a warm towel for increased absorption.
Topical leave-ins
According to Caspara, a head spa often concludes by rinsing out all the products and washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. The trichologist adds that some salons like to top off your spa session by applying a leave-in scalp topical that can safely remain on your skin until your next wash day.
How To Recreate a Japanese Head Spa at Home
Both Borges and Caspara agree that you can easily recreate an environment similar to a head spa at home, so long as you choose products suitable for your scalp concerns. While it’s not an exact science, here are some DIY steps to show your mane some head spa love.
Set the stage
This part is totally optional, but Borges says the soothing effects of smelling your favorite essential oil while doing a quick mindfulness ritual can get you into the right headspace.
“I believe body, mind, and soul health are very much connected to the skin and hair,” says the holistic practitioner. This way, you can both feel and look good.
Why not dim the lights and burn a candle while you’re at it?
Pre-treat your scalp
Every at-home head spa should start with a pre-shampoo scalp treatment to target your specific needs. While both chemical and physical pre-poos work well here, the former is known to be a bit gentler since it doesn’t require any manual scrubbing. However, the one you choose ultimately boils down to personal preference.
All hair types can benefit from using a formula like Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Purifying Scalp Tonic. This clarifying chemical exfoliant helps remove buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells after just one use. Or, if you’re dealing with a specific woe like dandruff, the Symbiose Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Anti-Dandruff Treatment from Kérastase has you covered. Salicylic acid and plant-based beads are infused into the formula, helping to instantly exfoliate dead skin cells and remove visible flakes.
Those who prefer scrubs, on the other hand, can use Kérastase Fusio Dose Scrub Énergisant Purifying Scalp Scrub to cleanse away impurities and buildup for healthy-looking hair.
Working in sections, apply your chosen treatment onto dampened roots using your fingertips or a scalp brush before moving on to the next steps in your routine.
Give yourself a head massage
Now, it’s time to indulge in a DIY head massage—and despite what you may think, it can be just as relaxing at home.
After you’ve applied your scrub or pre-treatment, use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in small circular motions, beginning at the hairline and working your way toward the back of your head. Continue for at least 60 seconds to reap the soothing benefits. Pro tip: Use the pads of your fingers instead of your nails to avoid aggravating your scalp.
For a more intense scalp massage during this step, follow the instructions in our gua sha guide.
Shampoo your hair
Once your head massage is over, thoroughly rinse the product from your hair and follow it up with a shampoo based on your hair type.
If product buildup is your main concern, a clarifying shampoo like Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Gentle Radiance Deep Cleanser is your best bet at cutting through the grime. Need extra hydration? Add the aloe-infused Biolage Professional Hydra Source Shampoo to your shopping cart to help quench your hair’s thirst. It’s a good idea to complete your washing regimen with a corresponding conditioner to get the best results from your chosen system.
Apply a hair mask
When your hair requires extra TLC, slather on a hair mask and wrap your head in a warm, steamy towel while you wait for the mask to absorb. After your formula sits for the allotted time indicated on the label, rinse it out using cool or lukewarm water (if you can stand it!). Hot water can potentially strip your strands of moisture, so it’s best to limit your exposure.
We especially love masking with Biolage Professional’s Hydra Source Hair Mask to help revive dry strands and boost both shine and manageability. You can check out some more of our favorite hair mask recommendations in our article, How to Use a Hair Mask in 5 Easy Steps.
Use a scalp serum
Your homemade head spa isn’t over just yet—complete your pampering routine with a leave-in scalp serum or lotion. With continued use, a serum like Biolage Professional Scalp Sync Oil Balancing Serum can help rebalance an oily scalp by absorbing and reducing excess oil. There are also options designed to help target dryness or itching, such as Mizani’s Scalp Care Calming Lotion. The formula, which is infused with nourishing and cooling ingredients, can help your scalp feel soothed and moisturized long after your Japanese head spa-inspired treatment comes to an end.
Next Up: The Ultimate Self-Care Hair Routine
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