Head Spa Benefits: How the Viral Treatments Boost Hair Growth, Repair Damage and More

The key to maintaining healthy hair lies in having a healthy scalp, and that could be why head spas are more popular than ever. Once just found in Japan and Korea, head spas and head spa services are popping up all over the United States. These head and scalp specific spas feature a number of treatments to ensure the scalp (and hair) gets the TLC it deserves and needs. But you might be thinking what are the head spa benefits, what the treatment includes and why should I consider going to one? Ahead, we answer all of those questions and break down how you can do the steps at home if you prefer to take scalp health into your own hands.

What is a head spa?

As mentioned previously, head spas are very popular in Japan and Korea and they are exactly what they sound like, a spa service specifically for your head/scalp. These treatments are detailed and have many steps (more on this below, but think of exfoliation and massage to the hair and scalp) that go beyond the standard shampoo bowl rinse you get at a salon. A head spa service will help with any scalp and hair concerns after doing a thorough scalp analysis. All hair types and scalp conditions can benefit from visiting one of these spas and the goal is to improve both scalp and hair health.

For more about head spas and what is done at one in Japan, watch the below video from YouTuber Safiya Nygaard.

The benefits of head spas

Keep scrolling to learn all the head spa benefits and why it's worth visiting one.

Head spa benefits: It deeply cleanses the scalp and hair

Frequent product use along with a buildup of dead skin cells can damage your hair. And going to a head spa can take care of both of those things as the scalp is exfoliated and deep cleansing products are applied to hair. This removes all the buildup to create a clean slate.

Trichologist and TikToker @abbeyyung talks about all of this in her video below.

Head spa benefits: It can encourage hair growth

All of the massage that's done to the scalp when visiting a head spa increases circulation and blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. This helps deliver growth-encouraging nutrients to follicles to spur hair growth. And on top of that, scalp massage has been studied and does in fact improve hair growth and thickness. It's also thought that rubbing the scalp can decrease levels of the hormone that can contribute to hair loss.

It's important to note though that getting a head spa treatment done once isn't going to immediately boost hair growth. But if you implement some of the practices into your hair care routine, like using deep-cleansing and conditioning products and massaging the scalp, you can help keep hair in a growth cycle.

Head spa benefits: It helps repair any hair or scalp damage

The treatments that are applied to the scalp and hair can be customized at a head spa to meet the needs of your specific concerns. For example, if your scalp is irritated and itchy, a soothing oil treatment can be applied to the scalp prior to shampooing. Deep conditioning hair masks are also used at head spas to mend damage and restore shine and hydration to strands.

Head spa benefits: It's relaxing

If you're in need of some R & R, going to a head spa will deliver just that. Most treatments are done in a dark room and you're in a reclined chair so you are very relaxed. And all of the massage done to the scalp and hair can help take your mind off of any stress or worries. Talk about self care!

TikToker @karaskorner_123 said she felt so relaxed after visiting a head spa in her video below.

What happens during a head spa treatment?

Here's a breakdown on all the steps performed at a head spa. (Psst: If you don't want to go to one of these spas, a DIY treatment can easily be done using all of these steps minus the microscope.)

Step 1: Scalp analysis

To start off a head spa treatment, most spas offer a detailed look at the scalp using a digital microscope. This allows the technician a chance to see what's going on along the scalp and tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Step 2: Dry brushing

This gently exfoliates the scalp to remove dead skin cells, product buildup and more. Plus, it revs circulation.

Step 3: Pre-shampoo treatment

An essential oil or serum is applied before shampooing to hydrate scalp skin and alleviate any irritation.

Step 4: Scalp massage

This is often done for at least five minutes to help the pre-treatment sink into the scalp.

Step 5: Clarifying shampoo

For the first cleanse, a clarifying shampoo is used to wash your hair and further remove any buildup on the scalp and hair shaft.

Step 6: Second cleanse

Another shampoo session is often done to make sure all buildup is gone, creating a clean slate for the following step.

Step 7: Hair mask

Applying a nourishing deep conditioning mask to treat hair restores moisture and helps mend any damage.

Step 8: Steam

A steam "halo" is placed around the head for 10 to 15 minutes to help the hair mask better absorb into hair.

Step 9: Rinse

Any leftover residue from the hair mask is rinsed out thoroughly. Sometimes you can also have a blow dry and style added on to your head spa treatment for an extra cost.

Step 10: Re-check the scalp

The technician will use the microscope again on the scalp to show you what your scalp looks like after the treatment. They will also show you side-by-side photos of what your scalp looked like before the treatment compared to after.

I visited a head spa in my area and documented all of the steps of my treatment in the video below.

How much do head spa treatments cost?

The price of these treatments vary depending on how involved your service is (there are often tiers of services) and your location. On average, most head spa treatments cost as little as $50 and as much as $200.

How often should I go to a head spa?

To maintain all of the head spa benefits, it's recommended to have a treatment done every 3 months.

For more hair health tips, click through these stories:

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Trichologist Reveals the Top Hair Myths and What to Do Instead for a Thick, Healthy Head of Hair