What Is a Japanese Head Spa?

Japanese Head Spa: What It Is & Why Your Scalp Will Love It

If you’ve seen videos of people blissed out at the sink with clouds of steam and the most relaxing scalp massage ever, you’ve probably come across a Japanese Head Spa. Think of it as a facial for your scalp: a deep cleanse, gentle exfoliation, targeted treatments and a slow, rhythmic massage that leaves your roots lighter and your head clearer. At Faking It, it’s one of our most asked-about services, so here’s exactly what happens and who it suits best.

What actually happens in a Japanese Head Spa?

Your appointment starts with a quick chat about your scalp and hair: do you get oil fast, feel dry or flaky, notice itch or build-up, or struggle with lifeless roots? We then tailor the ritual to you. The cleanse is more than a standard shampoo. First, we lift away product residue, sebum and pollution so the scalp can breathe. A gentle exfoliator follows to loosen dead skin—nothing harsh, just enough to refresh without irritation.

Next comes the star of the show: warm steam. Steam helps soften residue, opens the way for treatment essences and makes the massage feel incredible. The massage itself is slow, patterned and pressure-mapped to release tension around the scalp, neck and temples. You’ll often hear the term “water comb” or see a circular spray—this encourages a thorough yet soothing rinse while stimulating circulation. We’ll then apply targeted serums or scalp essences for your needs, and finish with a lightweight condition on the lengths so hair feels bouncy, not coated.

What are the benefits?

The first thing most clients notice is how light their roots feel. Removing build-up lets hair lift naturally at the base, so you get a softer, cleaner volume without needing loads of product. If your scalp gets oily quickly, a balanced routine helps extend time between washes. If you’re dry or flaky, regular treatments can reduce visible flakes and calm that tight feeling.

There’s also a comfort benefit. So many of us hold stress in the scalp and jaw without realising. The slow, methodical massage eases that background ache and can help you unwind properly for the first time all week. Many clients report better sleep the night after a head spa simply because they’ve finally relaxed their shoulders and let their minds switch off.

On the cosmetic side, hair tends to look glossier. When the scalp is clean and balanced, and the cuticle on the lengths is cared for, light reflects better. Colour looks fresher, and styling often takes less time because you’re working with hair, not against it.

Who is it best for?

A head spa works beautifully for most scalps, but it’s especially helpful if you feel greasy a day after washing, use a lot of dry shampoo, or notice dull roots that never feel properly clean. It’s also great for dry, sensitive types who need a kinder reset and some TLC. If you experience occasional flakes or itch with seasonal changes, the routine is a gentle way to get back to baseline. And if your life is full-on and you’re always on the go, the relaxation alone can be worth it.

If you have an active scalp condition or broken skin, we’ll advise the best timing and products for you, or suggest waiting until everything has settled. Your comfort and skin health come first.

How often should I book?

Most clients enjoy a head spa every 4–8 weeks, depending on hair type and lifestyle. If you’re in a heavy styling phase—think events, product build-up and lots of heat—you might benefit from a more frequent reset at first, then settle into a routine. Pairing a head spa with a haircut is popular because clean, balanced roots make new shapes fall better and last longer.

What about aftercare?

Keep it simple for the next day or so. Avoid heavy oils on the scalp and let the benefits of your treatment settle in. At home, choose a gentle shampoo and don’t skip your scalp care the way you wouldn’t skip skincare. A light exfoliating step every now and then can help if you’re prone to build-up, and heat protection on the lengths remains a must. If we recommend a targeted tonic or serum, it’s because it’ll extend your results and keep the balance between appointments.

Will it help with hair growth?

While a head spa isn’t a medical treatment, a clean, comfortable scalp with healthy circulation creates a better environment for hair to grow well. Think of it as improving the soil so the garden can thrive. Even if growth isn’t your main goal, you’ll feel the difference in how your hair behaves: softer movement, easier styling and a fresher finish from root to tip.

The bottom line

A Japanese Head Spa is self-care with smart benefits: a clearer, calmer scalp; lighter, glossier roots; and a sense of calm you can actually feel. Whether you’re battling build-up or just craving true relaxation, it’s one of those treatments that pays you back every time you wash and style. If you’re curious, start with a single session at Faking It, tell us what your scalp struggles with, and we’ll tailor everything so you leave refreshed, balanced and ready to take on the week.