When I think of spas, I envision massages, oils, and relaxation—but usually for the body, maybe with some hot rocks thrown in. Lol. But the idea of transforming that spa experience into a head spa is profound and game-changing.
7 Steps to Performing the Ultimate Head Spa in 2025
Rayshone
How I got started
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, and for most of that time, I wasn’t taught about the importance of scalp care. It wasn’t until I learned about the head spa in 2020 that I realized I could charge for my scalp care services. Even though I wasn’t officially performing the head spa yet, I was already doing my own form of scalp care. Introducing the head spa felt like adding a spoonful of honey to my freshly steeped tea.
In September of 2020, my daughter and I flew to LA to visit Blow Me Away Head Spa, the only salon in the U.S. I knew offering this service. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we couldn’t see the salon in action. Many stylists were working outside on the sidewalk because indoor work wasn’t allowed yet. This was surprising to me because, by September 2020, we were almost back to normal in my area—we had to wear masks, but we could still work.
In December of 2020, I started offering the head spa at my Head Spa Studio. I learned how to provide the best head spa experience while incorporating scalp care services. This combination of scalp care and hair care was transformative for me. I needed it because, honestly, at that time, I was ready to be done with hair. After 20+ years in the business, offering the head spa gave me a renewed passion for my job. I’m grateful to have helped the clients I have.
For the last four years, I’ve been assisting clients with their scalp concerns and educating stylists on how to add the head spa scalp care service to their salon menus. If you’re interested in learning how to offer the head spa service, click here.
What is the History of the Japanese Head Spa?
The Head Spa, originally known as the Japanese Head Spa, is a wellness treatment that originated in Japan, rooted in traditional Japanese hair care and relaxation practices. It began gaining prominence in the early 2000s in the U.S., blending ancient techniques with modern spa methodologies. The treatment focuses on the scalp and hair, combining gentle massage, cleansing, and conditioning to promote relaxation and improve hair health. This holistic approach reflects Japan's deep cultural emphasis on well-being and meticulous grooming. As a result, head spa services have become increasingly popular, aligning with the growth of the global wellness economy, which was valued at $4.9 trillion in 2020 and continues to rise as consumers seek holistic health and self-care experiences.
Now that the head spa is trending, many people want to know how to do it. I created Scalp Care University to educate licensed beauty professionals on incorporating scalp care services into their salon menus. I’m proud to offer the only online head spa certification program that is hyper-focused on scalp care.
Without further ado, let’s discuss the:
7 Steps to Performing the Ultimate Head Spa in 2025
1. Scalp Care Consultation
I would argue that the most important step in the head spa process is the consultation. I’m really into strong foundations, and the scalp care consultation provides the blueprint for addressing your clients' problems and understanding what needs to be done to make them happy. This is not just the first step; it’s the key to creating the ultimate head spa experience. A thorough consultation is crucial because recent surveys have shown that 60% of clients are now seeking services that combine relaxation with tangible hair and scalp health benefits.
2. Microscope Analysis
After completing the scalp care consultation and gathering all the information you need, it’s time to take a deeper look. Using a digital microscope, you can observe your client’s scalp at a microscopic level, up to 1000x closer. This allows you to tailor your approach specifically to each client’s needs, providing them with a truly personalized experience.
3. Clarification Cleanse
Next, you’ll want to clarify the hair and scalp. I’ve heard great things about K18, but I haven’t used it yet—I’ve been using Kendra Clarify. I plan to try K18 soon; I like to stay up-to-date with the latest beauty industry products because it’s vast and full of creativity. This step prepares the scalp for essential oil treatments and helps remove buildup that could hinder the scalp’s health.
4. Essential Oil Mixture
Now that the hair and scalp are prepped, it’s time to mix your essential oils for your client. Here’s one of our recipes for hair growth that we teach in our Scalp Care Certification course:
Oil 3 | Hair Growth Recipe:
- Carrier Oil Blend:
- Camellia: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Jojoba: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Cranberry Seed: 2 teaspoons (10ml)
- Avocado: 2 teaspoons (10ml)
- Ungurahui (Pataua): 2 teaspoons (10ml)
- Essential Oil Blend:
- Peppermint: 1 drop
- Rosemary: 2 drops
- Lavender: 1 drop
- Thyme: 3 drops
- Geranium: 1 drop
- Basil: 1 drop
Directions:
- Blend the carrier oils together.
- Blend the essential oils and mix them with the carrier oils.
- Shake well to ensure it is thoroughly mixed.
*Pro Tip:* Always blend essential oils together before diluting them in a plant-based carrier oil.
5. Scalp Massage
Let’s move on to the client’s favorite part: the scalp massage. Most folks love a good scalp massage, but not everyone can give one. A good scalp massage focuses on specific pressure points to enhance relaxation throughout the body and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. In fact, studies have shown that regular scalp massages can increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles, promoting hair growth, and improving blood circulation to the scalp. This step can make or break your head spa experience.
6. Final Cleanse & Deep Conditioning
After the scalp care is complete, it’s time to care for the client’s hair. You’ll need to shampoo twice with a nourishing shampoo. I use Pureology Hydrate, which is all-natural, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free. The conditioner also has an amazing cooling effect on the scalp, thanks to eucalyptus.
7. Results Microscope Analysis
The final step offers immediate feedback on your head spa service. Revisiting the scalp with the microscope, it should be clean, free from grease and flakes, and moisturized. This is such a rewarding part because you get to see a visual improvement of the scalp from just one session, adding a wow factor for your clients.
(Optional) Blowdry and Style
Not every stylist blow-dries and styles hair; some are strictly focused on scalp health. I enjoy styling, so it’s included in the client's investment at the Head Spa Studio, but that choice is yours. If you don’t want to offer styling, you don’t have to provide the head spa.
I enjoyed sharing these 7 steps to offering the ultimate head spa experience. I’m grateful to help guide you as you begin offering scalp care services to your clients. If you want to learn more about how to add Scalp Care and the Head Spa to your salon menu, click here.