The skin on our heads — or the scalp — is just as important to maintain as the skin found on the rest of our bodies. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked, which might be why the self-care art of head spa treatment has grown quickly in popularity.
Rooted in Japanese culture, a head spa is focused on improving scalp skin health with hair-boosting ingredients like oils, scalp massages and relaxation strategies.
Some hair experts tout the wellbeing benefits linked with scalp care, though the most supported benefit is improved relaxation. Some potential benefits of head spa treatment:
- It might promote circulation, which is needed to support optimal scalp and hair health.
- It may increase absorption of oils to protect scalp skin and hair.
- It might reduce tension found in the body, easing stress — which can benefit overall wellbeing.
Step-By-Step Head Spa at Home
Depending on individual needs, specialists recommend using the head spa routine every two to four weeks.
- Start with a dry head and dry hair.
- Gently warm an at-home oil of choice (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.).
- Massage the oil into your scalp using circular motions with your fingertips or with an optional silicone scalp scrubber. Comb through your hair with your hands to evenly distribute the oil to the ends. Some hair experts say you can leave the oil in anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper conditioning.
- Apply a hair mask or deep conditioner. A quick online search can help you create your own hair mask at home, based on your hair type and needs. To increase absorption, you can wrap your head in a warm towel for this step. To do this, rinse a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your head.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly.
- Shampoo and condition your hair as you would in your bathing routine. If you find it’s difficult to remove the oil, shampoo a second time.
- Let your hair air-dry for optimal health. If towel-drying, avoid rubbing hair with the towel as it can break hair or create frizz. Gently squeeze out water or pat hair dry. You can even use a soft, cotton t-shirt to protect hair.
A Few More Tips From Specialists
- Exfoliate with a sea salt scrub once a week. This will remove dead skin or buildup, allowing natural skin oils to function properly.
- Choose a hydrating shampoo. Look for a product with aloe to soothe dry hair and help it retain moisture.
- Set the tone for your relaxation. Try lowering the lights and playing gentle, calming string music to boost relaxation during your head spa experience.
Sources
“I Tried a Viral Head Spa: Here’s My Honest Review,” Cameron Jenkins, goodhousekeeping.com, July 31, 2024.
“Hair Spa at Home: Ultimate Guide to Luxurious DIY Hair Treatments,” urbancompany.com, Nov. 14, 2024.
“Try the Trend: How to Recreate an Ancient Japanese Head Spa at Home,” Leanna Garofolo, hair.com, accessed April 15, 2025.