Japanese Head Spas

Described as a ‘facial for the scalp’ Japanese Head Spa treatments are gaining popularity in the UK thanks to sites such as TikTok and Instagram. Here, videos of glossy locks are encouraging viewers to book this Japanese treatment in beauty salons and spas up and down the country. But what are the benefits and which of our UK spas offer this Japanese-derived treatment? Brand-new convert Stylish Spy has all the answers…

Key drivers

As well as short-form social media content and magazine articles promoting the benefits of ‘skinification of hair’, the rise in popularity of this treatment can be matched to our desire to focus more on holistic wellbeing. Previously only available in Asia, Dutch company Hair and Nature partnered with Ellisons in 2021 to introduce Japanese Head Spas to Europe.

The process

It's important to note that this treatment goes well beyond a wash with multiple stages (scalp cleansing; acupressure; nourishing masks; and neck, head and shoulder massages, to name but a few), as well as before and after hair follicle inspection (and, in some cases, photos) and the use of specialist tools such as metal massagers and steam ‘helmets’.

The benefits

Improved scalp health:
The scalp cleanse at the start of this treatment goes beyond a simple shampoo to unclog pores, balance oil production and remove build-up. Products used are based on an initial inspection of the scalp to determine whether follicles are dry, greasy or a combination of the two.

Hair growth:
As we age, our hair can thin, moult and stop growing completely due to hormonal shifts and decreased nutrient absorption through shrinking follicles. Initial scalp inspection helps therapists choose the correct products to stimulate blood flow, strengthen strands and encourage growth.

Stress reduction:
Any regular spa-goer will tell you that a five-minute scalp massage is never enough, especially when combined with fragrant oils and strand pulling (yes please). Japanese Head Spas take this to another level with a good 15 minutes of tension release in the neck, head and shoulders.

Glossy locks:
Of course, none of this is worth your hard-earned cash it if your locks don’t look glossy afterwards – and boy will they. The combination of a deep clean, follicle stimulation, hydrating masks and nourishing conditioners is guaranteed to leave your hair soft and shiny. Needless to say, taking a nip in the pool afterwards is a no-no.

Which of our spa partners to visit:

The Day Spa at Whittlebury Hall

Launched at Whittlebury Hall in August, this Japanese Head Spa treatment is performed using ESPA’s Hair Care Range with two options to choose from: 50 minutes (£95) or 80 minutes (£125), including an ESPA Inner Beauty Facial. Before and after scalp analysis technology helps improve the condition of the hair and scalp after just one treatment.

The House Spa at Dormy House

The Japanese Head Spa at The House Spa at Dormy House is developed in collaboration with Tabitha James Kraan who owns a luxury salon on the Farncombe Estate. The full 90 minutes (from £175) includes a foot soak; dry acupressure scalp massage; a concoction of tools to soothe and stimulate blood flow; steam therapy; a neck, shoulder and head massage; double shampoo; condition; and a leg and foot massage.

The Spa at Ellenborough Park

The Spas at Ellenborough Park has two Japanese Head Spa packages for spa goers wishing to try this trend: a Tranquil Waters package (from £145), including a 50-minute Japanese Head Spa treatment, a light lunch with Prosecco and use of the facilities, or a half-day Essence of Tranquillity package (from £180), including an 80-minute Japanese Head Spa treatment with added Elemis Facial, a light lunch with Prosecco and use of facilities.