Falling head-first over the new head spa trend? Here’s what you should know about these feel-good scalp and hair experiences.
Words by Angela Caraway-Carlton
Illustrations by Kristen Solecki
It’s the moment we all relish in while at the hair salon: a warm rinse and a quick scalp massage before a blow dry or after a color treatment. Now, head spas are capturing that covetable moment and taking it to another level, with spaces solely dedicated to blissful scalp massages and rituals meant to better hair and scalp health.
You may have seen the viral videos on social media of people indulging in head massages with crazy contraptions, or being lulled into deep relaxation while rinsing their hair under gentle streams of water. Head spas are popping up all over the country, including the southeast, and they offer comprehensive experiences that go far beyond a traditional shampoo—with a major focus on the often-neglected scalp. Think of the treatments as a facial for your scalp.
Treatments usually range from one hour to 120 minutes, and at most places, you can expect a scalp analysis under a microscope; exfoliation to swipe away product build-up, dead skin or dandruff; a vigorous or concentrated head massage; a warm steam; herbal rinses; deep conditioning; and other add-ons that claim to target frizz or hair loss.
While there’s no denying that the head spa experience is heavenly, doctors also say that these treatments can be beneficial for the scalp if your head is in the right hands. “Head spas offer more than a relaxing experience, they provide critical benefits for scalp health that contribute to long-term hair wellness,” says Dr. Alan Bauman, a renowned board-certified hair transplant surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the shift toward prioritizing scalp health as a foundation for stronger, healthier hair. While traditional hair care has largely focused on the strands themselves, head spas represent an exciting movement that finally places the scalp at the forefront of hair wellness.”
Dr. Bauman points to head spa treatment benefits such as deep cleansing and exfoliation, which can prevent clogged follicles and inflammation that impact hair growth; scalp massages that can stimulate microcirculation and blood flow; and an informative scalp analysis. “Many people have never had the opportunity to see their scalp under magnification. With high-tech diagnostic tools, we can detect early signs of scalp conditions, product buildup, or inflammation and tailor treatments accordingly,” Bauman says.
If you’re looking for scalp and hair benefits outside of stress relief and relaxation, doctors stress the need to find a head spa led by experts, ideally with a certified trichologist, a specialist in the science of the hair and scalp. “Without proper training, a practitioner may inadvertently cause harm, using the wrong techniques or products that could aggravate existing scalp conditions,” Bauman warns. He also suggests looking for places that offer high-quality, science-backed hair and scalp products and for those head spas that take a tailored approach to your specific hair type and scalp condition.
Ultimately, a visit to a head spa will leave you on a relaxed, head-spa high, but to reap long-term benefits—like improved hair quality or reduced scalp irritation—you’ll need to be consistent with treatments. And when it comes to hair loss or damage, Atlanta-based, board-certified trichologist and hairstylist Keka Heron says you’ll need more tools in your haircare arsenal than a trip to a head spa. “When done properly and correctly, head spa treatments provide good maintenance,” she says, “and the boosted circulation provided from head massage does help, but you’ll need to follow up with routine treatments, targeted shampoos, the right vitamins, minerals, and water, and regular visits to your hairstylist.”
“While traditional hair care has largely focused on the strands themselves, head spas represent an exciting movement that finally places the scalp at the forefront of hair wellness.”
Lose Your Mind Head Spa
Charleston, South Carolina
At Lose Your Mind Head Spa in downtown Charleston, owner Jennifer Cuba will harness different modalities to take you to hair heaven. While lying in a chair that massages your entire body, Cuba will do everything from exfoliating the scalp to treating your head to a warm steam and use tools like a microneedle roller or microcurrent to help stimulate hair growth. Her expertise is massage, and she’ll give you a scalp and upper body massage that you’ll never want to end. “I love to offer all kinds of massage to the muscles around the head,” Cuba says about getting the lymph and circulation flowing. You’ll finish under a head shower and infrared light, while she massages your feet. She also uses real-deal products such as organic hair care line Oway and Histemo to encourage hair growth.
Well Head Spa
Fairhope and Birmingham, Alabama
Custom scalp treatments reign supreme at Well Head Spa, which has outposts in Fairhope and Birmingham, Alabama. The head spa offers three treatment options with multiple add-ons, and before clients come in, they’re asked about what they’re looking to achieve. “Many people come in simply for relaxation, but some are seeking help with scalp conditions,” says owner Marianna Jordan, who adds that the Well staff consists of master estheticians and cosmetologists with advanced head spa training. Treatments can include scalp scrubs, high-frequency tools meant to stimulate hair follicles, and essential oils, serums, and shampoos that target dry or oily scalps.
Andalia Head Spa
Georgia & Tennessee
With numerous locations including Buckhead and Marietta in Georgia, and Nashville and Chattanooga in Tennessee, Andalia Head Spa intermingles a spa experience with scalp treatments. After a scalp analysis, your session could begin with a facial massage, followed by a detox shampoo, scalp exfoliation, and head massage, and a hydrating treatment with steam therapy for deeper penetration. Afterward, your therapist will show off your results with another microscope analysis of the scalp.
