Um, yes, Japanese head spas really are that good, let me tell you why
As someone who finds the shampoo step of a hair appointment the best part, when I stumbled on Japanese head spa video on social media, I was hooked from the first clip that I was served. As much as I know that truly restful, good quality sleep comes from switching off and avoiding blue light before bedtime, nothing hits for me quite like the sleep I get after a solid hour of scrolling ASMR Beauty TikTok and Japanese head spa treatments vids are no exception.
Unlike regular hair appointments, where the shampoo and condition is a rushed and necessary step, Japanese head spa treatments revolve entirely around the scalp and cleansing it of any residue and build up. I immediately began my search for how and where I could get this service in the UK (although was tempted by flights to Japan), and came across Hiro Miyoshi in Mayfair, one of London’s very few Japanese salons.
What is a Japanese Head Spa?
Once I booked in, I realised I actually didn’t know what a Japanese head spa entailed. I just knew I was ready to be as blissfully relaxed as clients looked on my TikTok. If you're wondering exactly what the treatment involves then I've got all the details below.
For the first step of this holistic treatment you get a deep massage, focusing on pressure points around the neck, ears and clavicle before moving onto the scalp. While massaging the scalp, the therapist used Camellia oil, imported from Japan. Known as Tsubaki oil, this hero ingredient enhances hair elasticity and prevents breakage, making it the secret weapon behind the lustrous locks of many Japanese women. Rich in oleic acid and vitamins A, B, D, and E, Camellia oil hydrates the scalp and alleviates irritation and dryness without leaving a greasy residue.
It also has antioxidant properties which protect the scalp from environmental stressors and free radicals. The aim of the scalp and neck massage was to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, enhancing nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. The therapist explained how just as the muscles and skin around our neck and shoulders get tight, our scalp can hold tension in the same way.
Following the massage, I was shown over to the backwash for the main scalp cleanse, exfoliation and treatment. This involved a vigorous shampoo, with every inch of my scalp from the hairline, to the nape of my neck, to behind my ears, being thoroughly cleansed and massaged. A scrub was then applied in circular motions, to remove any product build up, dead skin cells and excess sebum on the scalp. This also helped to stimulate the hair follicles and drive blood flow to the scalp.
Finally, a conditioning treatment was applied to rehydrate the hair strands, and impart shine and nourishment. Each of these steps was enhanced through the addition of a fine mist of steam. Similar to a facial, this helped loosen any dead skin cells, whilst also softening the follicles to allow the products to penetrate more deeply.
After relaxing a little more in my cocoon of warm steam, my hair was rinsed, dried and styled. I didn’t expect to see much of an immediate visible difference - after all, it was a scalp treatment, rather than hair, but the shine was incredible. It felt as though without even noticing it, I’d been carrying the weight of product build-up and pollutants, which was making my hair heavier and duller. It felt light, swishy, shiny and above all, clean. I double shampoo at home, and swear by a weekly clarifying wash, but this felt like I had virgin hair.
Do Japanese head spas work for all hair types?
Japanese head spa treatments are suitable for all hair types. At Hiro Miyoshi the therapists taking a tailored approach to make each treatment bespoke. They can address a wide range of concerns including dryness, sensitivity or damage.
Price-wise, at Hiro Miyoshi it costs £150.00, which is a little steep, but worth investing in for those who want to combine a treatment that is both results driven and incredibly relaxing. Alternatively, in London a few other salons that offer the same or similar Japanese head spa treatments for a little less. Hayato Salon in Covent Garden charges £50.00, whilst Hana Salon, also in Mayfair, is the most affordable offering at £45.00. Or if you are looking to splurge a little, Maison Sisley London gives the luxe head spa experience with their Essential Purifying Treatment for £220. In the north, Skin by Paige Alexandra offers the service in Bolton for £115.
What products are used during Japanese Head Spa treatments?
Crediting it as the secret ingredient to glossy locks, I’ve looked into products that contain camellia oil to incorporate into my at-home hair care routine. NUXE has just launched a brand new haircare range that uses pink camellia oil as the key ingredient and includes a High Shine Shampoo (£18.00) and Conditioner (£20.00) that boost hair shaft repair and nourishment. I also love the sound of the Sisley-Paris Regenerating Hair Care Mask (£86.00) that is enriched with four botanical oils including camellia which works to intensely nourish the hair fibre. For maintaining shine, whilst it isn’t camellia oil, I’ve been obsessed with using a pump of the new OLAPLEX No.5 Moisturize & Mend Leave In Conditioner (£30.00), which has gotten my hair more compliments than any other product I have used on it.
Whilst I’m craving being back in the chair already, I’d say a Japanese Head Spa trip isn’t a necessity, but for those worried about hair health, looking at the scalp first is definitely the best way to treat a lot of concerns. Also I just don’t think I’ll ever get my hair this clean at home - With a trip to Japan booked, I’m already researching the best Japanese Head Spa treatments in Tokyo - all in the name of journalism, of course.
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