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If your TikTok FYP looks anything like mine, it’s probably flooded with scenes of women reclined in sleek salon chairs, eyes closed in total bliss, while warm water cascades in gentle streams from glowing halo-like showerheads onto their hair during a luxurious head spa experience. And, if you’re anything like me, these viral clips may have you eagerly looking to visit a head spa yourself. But before you do, there are some important details you should consider. To begin, you may be surprised to learn that those popular “glowing halo” visuals often signal a less-than-authentic head spa experience. Rooted in Japanese culture, head spas offer holistic scalp-focused treatments that blend a variety of cleansing, massaging and hydration techniques to promote relaxation and hair health. But as the service’s popularity grows, some salons have started offering watered-down versions (no pun intended) that prioritize aesthetics over technique—thus stripping away the careful ritual and therapeutic benefits that define a true head spa experience. While researching a head spa set-up to use in her clinic for scalp detoxes, IAT-certified trichologist Caroline Ruggiero was shocked to learn the truth behind many of the popular “glowing halo” spas. After speaking with a Japanese head spa trainer, she learned that many of the spa units with the “glowing” or gold rings actually utilize recycled water. This may result in dead skin cells, oils and other scalp residue being recirculated back onto the hair—and the client would never know the difference. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DKet2XTOrq3/” /] “There are units that are actually safe and good for your scalp and there are others that can potentially be harmful,” says the CEO of Truly You Hair & Scalp Clinic in Mississauga, Ontario. “It was even quite revealing to me when I learned about how these ‘ring’ units work.” To ensure that you’re partaking in a safe and hygienic head spa experience, Ruggiero recommends asking spa employees if their water is pumped from a clean system. A good indicator that a head spa follows appropriate regulations is if they use Japanese-branded units, she says. “Most of the time, people that have these units have been taught by trainers from Japan to do things in a very specific and trusted way.” That’s exactly the case for Not Just Hair in Burlington, Ontario, a full-service hair salon that also offers authentic Japanese head spa treatments. Originally from a city just outside of Osaka, Ayako Campanella and her co-founder Anita Rezaei were inspired by Japanese wellness culture and set out to introduce Canadians to an authentically transformative head spa experience. Since last August, their salon has been home to three certified head spa technicians, each personally trained by renowned Japanese head spa expert Tatsuya Yamasaki. “With Ayako’s roots in Japan and because she was always talking about head spas, we were really excited to bring something new to Canada—and we’re actually the first Japanese head spa in Burlington,” says Rezaei. “We’re starting to see a lot more come up now, but what sets us apart is how we’re keeping everything as authentic as possible.” [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DINELXSACXd/” /] Following traditional Japanese customs, a head spa service at Not Just Hair begins with a 15-minute scalp analysis with a microscopic camera. During this in-depth consultation, clients gain insight into their scalp health and hair condition—such as oil levels, buildup, or sensitivity—which then guides the techniques and products used throughout the rest of their visit. “The principle that trichologists have been fighting for so long and head spas are now bringing awareness to is that hair texture, type and curl pattern is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that determines what you’re using on your hair,” says Ruggiero. “Think of your scalp like soil, and when that soil is healthy the crop will grow.” Following the scalp analysis, clients enjoy a soothing dry scalp treatment—imagine a relaxing massage complete with a nourishing cleansing balm. This leads into one of the most indulgent moments of the head spa—a deep-cleansing and hydrating head bath, where a gentle, continuous cascade of water envelops the scalp. Beyond pure relaxation, this ritual stimulates blood circulation, promoting healthier hair growth. The treatment continues with a double shampoo paired with a restorative fascia massage, before concluding with a moisturizing mist and a final scalp assessment. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/C-B-o3WudRQ/” /] Overall, Rezaei and Campanella hope that clients leave their head spa feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a new outlook on scalp and hair health—which they believe deserves the same attention as traditional skincare practices. It’s believed that regular treatments can improve scalp circulation, reduce tension and promote stronger, healthier hair growth over time. Campanella suggests viewing head spas much like facials, recommending appointments every four weeks for truly optimal results. “We want people to incorporate head spas into their lifestyle,” says Campanella. “Although it’s a luxury, you’ll start to see real results when you go more frequently.” Ruggiero agrees with this claim from a scientific perspective, specifically noting that regular scalp massages stimulating microcirculation may enhance hair growth and quality over time. Above all, she believes that beyond promoting scalp and hair health, head spas also offer significant relaxation benefits—but stresses the importance of doing your research before booking an appointment. “I think people are really quick to look at Instagram and get caught up in everything looking so amazing,” she says. “But when you go into your head spa experience, don’t be afraid to put people on the spot and ask the right questions to make sure that you’re receiving the treatment you and your scalp deserve.” Continue Reading
