More than just a viral trend, the Japanese Head Spa is being hailed as a holistic approach to healthy hair focusing on scalp health and in some cases leading to enhanced hair growth. We spoke to two salon owners to find out what's involved in a Japanese Head Spa treatment.
Defined by Takara Belmont, the first company to develop the original Japanese Head Spa protocol and launch into the professional salon market, a head spa is a treatment that focuses on the health of your scalp and hair. It combines massage, washing, and a unique treatment mist that promotes relaxation and improves the appearance and condition of your hair whilst maximising the benefits and effectiveness of products. Rooted in Japanese hair care traditions, this treatment is designed to improve scalp health, promote hair growth and provide an ultimate sense of relaxation, explains Taiki, Director Stylist, at Hayato Salons, a leading Japanese hair salon in London.
The History of the Japanese Head Spa
The Japanese Head Spa is a scalp-focused wellness treatment that blends traditional Japanese techniques, Shiatsu massage, and modern scalp care. Rooted in Japan’s onsen (hot spring) culture, the practice uses steam, massage, and cleansing rituals to promote relaxation and scalp health. In the early 2000s, Japanese salons began combining ancient practices with modern technologies (scalp analysis, carbonated water treatment and scalp serums), and today luxury Japanese Head Spas are available in high-end salons and growing in popularity.
How Does a Japanese Head Spa Work?
A Japanese Head Spa session begins with a consultation. If a client came for an appointment, we would sit down and have a full hair and scalp consultation says Robbie Bruce, owner of Roku Salon in Edinburgh a Takara Belmont salon. Each treatment is bespoke to the client and their hair and scalp needs. The condition of the hair and scalp will be assessed, and the desired results will be discussed. Before the actual head spa begins we have a breathing exercise and a neck and shoulder massage to help the client relax, explains Robbie. Typically treatment then begins by applying a cleansing mask directly to the client's scalp. This gently removes deep impurities from the hair and scalp created by pollutants, says Taiki. A spa mist is then applied to the scalp and hair throughout the Head Spa. The fine water molecules penetrate deep into the hair and pores to enhance the cleansing and treatment benefits. Robbie tells us: "At Roku we do a Shiatsu pressure point massage, which gets steamed in with the spa mist.”
A shampoo and soap massage gently cleanses the hair and scalp and a scalp massage is effective in stimulating blood circulation, reducing stress and relaxing the body. A special hair and scalp mask are used to nourish the client's hair, leaving the both the hair and scalp hydrated, with a healthy shine.
Next, a mask massage provides relaxation and stimulates blood circulation, making it easier for nutrients to reach the scalp, followed by a hair mist to warm the scalp with steamed towels. The scalp and hair mist help open the cuticle of the hair so that the products can penetrate deeper. The scalp will then cool down to close the cuticle and seal in the product, advises Robbie. Finally a scalp serum is applied to help maintain the scalp's moisture and sebum balance - promoting a healthy scalp environment. The experience is then completed by moving into the salon for a blow dry.
What Are the Benefits of a Japanese Head Spa?
The soothing massage techniques used in a head spa help reduce stress and tension. This not only improves your mood but also enhances overall mental health. Massaging the scalp also improves blood circulation, which can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, says Taiki adding that better circulation also ensures that essential nutrients reach the hair follicles. A Japanese Head Spa helps detoxify the scalp by removing impurities and buildup, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth and alleviating scalp conditions such as dandruff. If a client came in with psoriasis or an active fungal dandruff, then we'd recommend they come in weekly until that cleared up. Aside from that we'd recommend regular appointments between four to eight weeks, shares Robbie. Regular head spa treatments can lead to stronger, shinier, and more resilient hair explains Taiki. The nourishing products used in the treatment help repair damaged hair and prevent breakage whereas the relaxation can improve sleep quality. Many people find that they sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more refreshed after a treatment.
