London’s Head Spa Boom: Where To Find The Best Treatments In The City
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6 days ago
From TikTok to London – the head spa is the latest trend on the global wellness scene.
When it comes to wellness, London doesn’t do things by halves – and when a buzzy new trend comes along, it jumps straight into the action. Cue, the head spa boom. Made popular on TikTok by Asian creators (especially Japanese, Korean and Chinese salons), the head spa experience is all about delivering an deep hair and scalp cleanse in the calming setting of a luxury spa. Intrigued? Test out the trend for yourself with one of these luxury head spa experiences in London.
What Is A Head Spa?
If you’ve seen the trend online, then you might already have an idea – but a head spa is essentially a holistic treatment comprised of massage, haircare and sometimes aromatherapy techniques, which helps improve scalp health and hair quality.
‘It’s designed as a restorative treatment to refresh and stimulate your scalp, and to leave hair intensively conditioned,’ adds Susie Hammond, a Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley Clinic. ‘These days it’s labelled more of a “new trend”, but it’s something we have offered for over 60 years at our Trichological Clinics.
‘More recently there has been an increased awareness of the importance of scalp care as the starting point for achieving healthy hair,’ she continues. ‘This has no doubt contributed to the head spa’s recent popularity.’
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What Are The Benefits Of A Head Spa?
Alongside the more obvious benefits (improved hair and scalp health), experts also tells us that a head spa experience has plenty of mental health and mood-boosting advantages. These include:
- Remove Impurities: The process helps clean the scalp and remove any lingering build-up, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
- Better Blood Circulation: The scalp massage element can improve blood circulation, while helping hair products better reach hair follicles.
- Improved Hair Health: Regular treatments can help nurture stronger, shinier and more resilient hair.
- Stress Relief: Just like any massage, a head spa can help you relax and reduce any lingering tension.
- Calmer Mood: Following on from the above, the promoted sense of wellbeing is partly caused by endorphins released during the head spa experience.
‘The most immediate benefit is that you’ll leave at the end of the treatment feeling relaxed and refreshed, and with your hair in better condition,’ adds Susie. ‘A consultation will help make sure you’re also be armed with the knowledge and tools to better manage your own scalp and hair health at home. While carrying out the treatment a trichotherapist will advise on correct techniques for washing and drying the hair and the best (and worst!) tools and products to use, and explain how day-to-day hair-care practices can affect results.’
Who’s It Best For?
‘Almost everyone can benefit from treatments such as these,’ says Susie. ‘But we always check when you book whether there are any issues that may mean the treatment isn’t suitable. Certain allergies and some scalp conditions can mean an appointment with a Consultant Trichologist will be appropriate.’
What Happens During A Head Spa Treatment?
Speaking on the experience at Philip Kingsley, Susie tells us a head spa starts with a consultation. ‘A Trichotherapist will first discuss the client’s concerns and then prepare a bespoke treatment plan,’ she explains. ‘Head spa treatments will vary from place to place, but there is usually a chance to discuss a client’s particular issues and concerns regarding their scalp and hair.
‘A treatment plan will aim to soothe and cleanse sensitive or flaky scalps and repair damage and restore moisture, bounce and shine to the hair,’ she continues. ‘The aim is also to educate the client and bust some of the most commonly-held myths surrounding hair and scalp care including our particular bugbear: frequency of shampooing.’
As for the treatment itself, it will involve a series of masks and nourishing products being applied to the hair and scalp. ‘We apply a scalp mask and a strengthening and hydrating hair mask to the lengths of the hair,’ notes Susie. ‘Steam is then used to help the absorption of the creams, and then a stimulating scalp massage is given.
‘After the creams have been thoroughly rinsed off, the therapist will use shampoo and conditioners that have been specifically chosen to address any scalp and hair health issues. At this point, styling products will be discussed and advice given on how to blow dry and the best brushes to use. Once the hair is dried, the client will take away their treatment plan so they can continue benefiting from the advice at home.’
So, to recap, an experience should usually consist of:
- Consultation
- Treatment (Serums & Creams, Steam, Scalp Massage & Blow Dry)
- Aftercare Instructions
What Happens After?
So, what can you expect just after a head spa treatment? ‘The scalp will be thoroughly cleansed and the hair will appear healthier and more hydrated,’ says Susie. ‘If our advice is followed at home the client should continue to see improvements as bad habits are banished and the right products and hair-care routines are adopted.’
The Best Head Spas In London
Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic
As specialists in trichology, Philip Kingsley is one of Mayfair’s go-to for all things hair and scalp health. The brand’s trichological clinic boasts some of the world’s best experts in the field, who can help treat anything from hair loss and dandruff to breakage and psoriasis. The team takes a bespoke approach to head spa treatments, tailoring plans the individual’s wants and concerns while delivering a luxurious experience that will leave you feeling thoroughly pampered.
Address: 54 Green Street, London, W1K 6RU
BOOK: philipkingsley.co.uk
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Cloud Twelve
Notting Hill’s viral wellness centre Cloud Twelve is home to London’s only (and equally as viral) 17-step head spa treatment. Curated by trichologist Tiffany Hall and naturopath Jenya Di Pierro, the treatment combines holistic hair and scalp care with herbal medicine and the relaxing setting of a spa experience – with the goal tackle hair loss, dandruff, itchy scalp and more.
Address: 2-5 Colville Mews, London W11 2DA
BOOK: cloudtwelve.co.uk
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Hiro Miyoshi
For the classic Japanese head spa experience, you’ll want to pay a visit to Mayfair salon Hiro Miyoshi. With over 18 years of experience in the field, head stylist Hiro knows what he’s doing – and takes immense pride in bringing a slice of Japan to the UK capital. The head spa experience here take a multi-pronged approach, combining a neck, shoulder and head massage with a luxurious hair treatment that uses Japanese products.
Address: 63 Curzon St, Mayfair, London W1J 8PD
BOOK: hiromiyoshi.com
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Hayato Salons
Japanese salon Hayato comes with all the wow-factor you see on TikTok. Focusing on creating the ultimate relaxation experience, Hayato’s head spa treatment centres on soothing the senses with thorough massages (expect three in just one session), a spa mist diffuser and a full deep scalp cleanse. The team also give clients the choice of nine different serums and shampoos from Davines to use during their treatment.
Address: 159 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QG
BOOK: hayatosalons.com
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Shunji
Hair stylist Shunki Watanabe has over 30 years of experience in the industry – eight of which were spent training in Japan at some of Tokyo’s most prestigious hair salons – and has created a cult following here in London. Note that head spa experience at Shunji are a little shorter than other salons – 20-minute lunch break refresh, anyone? – but they promise just as much of a luxury experience.
Address: Salons in Covent Garden and Fitzrovia
BOOK: shunji.london
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Featured image: Ivan Samkov, Pexels
