Dermatologists and other skincare professionals have seen a shift in beauty and cosmetic trends over the last few years toward natural ingredients and a focus on wellness.1 Many overseas techniques and products have become popular for their unique and enticing wellness benefits. The Japanese spa scalp treatment is one of them, combining relaxation, wellness, and hair care into one treatment.
What Is a Japanese Scalp Treatment?
The Japanese head spa scalp treatment is like a facial for your scalp. The multistep process includes massaging and cleansing to promote healthy skin and hair.
Many people use haircare and styling products that can build up on the scalp over time and cause acne and other issues. Japanese head spas use a variety of techniques to remove this buildup and clean your scalp and hair.
What To Expect
The Japanese head spa treatment varies by salon and esthetician, but it generally includes a massage, gentle steam, deep cleansing, and exfoliation to loosen up dirt and dead skin. It starts with a close-up analysis of your scalp and hair follicles with a wand camera.
The camera helps identify the buildup of oil, dirt, and hair products, as well as redness, irritation, dandruff, and other concerns.2 Depending on your scalp condition, you may also have a suction-based treatment that cleans pores to prevent acne near the scalp and remove buildup.3
Following the cleanse, the esthetician applies targeted serums to your scalp to soothe inflammation or treat the skin.4 The final step is a blowout.
Benefits of a Japanese Scalp Treatment
There isn’t much research on the Japanese head spa technique, but some components of these treatments may have several benefits, including increased exfoliation and circulation and potential hair growth.
Gentle Exfoliation
A Japanese scalp treatment uses steam, deep massage, cleansing techniques, suction, and products to help dislodge dirt, oil, and dead skin. The result is a gentle exfoliation that helps reduce dandruff and remove flaking skin to freshen and maintain healthy scalp skin.5
Promotes Circulation
Blood vessels surround the hair follicles in your skin, providing oxygen and nutrients that help promote hair growth.6 The deep massage of a spa scalp treatment encourages circulation in the skin and to the hair follicles, boosting blood flow to the area.7
May Encourage Hair Growth
Studies show that scalp massage promotes hair growth and thickening.8 While a single scalp treatment won’t produce magical results, regular treatments may promote hair growth and thickening over time. Exfoliation and massage may also maintain healthy scalp condition and blood flow that encourages growth.9
Cost of a Japanese Scalp Treatment
The cost of Japanese head spas varies by hair length and the techniques and products included. The basic or signature treatment often lasts around 60 minutes and costs anywhere from $75 to roughly $200, depending on the city.10 You can choose many add-on options, including extra massage or a carbonated hair bath.
Bottom Line
There is very little research on the Japanese technique, but deep cleansing, exfoliation, and massage may have several benefits for your scalp and hair. Learn more about the latest cosmetic trends with My Skin Treatment.
SOURCES:
- McKinsey & Company: “The beauty market in 2023: A special State of Fashion report.”
- Vogue: “Why a Japanese Head Spa May Be Your Next Self-Care Obsession.”
- Sunday Edit: “Japanese Head Spas Take Scalp Care to New Heights.”
- Sunday Edit: “Japanese Head Spas Take Scalp Care to New Heights.”
- International Journal of Trichology: “Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress.”
- StatPearls: “Anatomy, Hair.”
- Journal of Clinical Medicine: “Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss.”
- Journal of Clinical Medicine: “Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss.”
- International Journal of Trichology: “Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress.”
- New York Times: “A Visit to the Head Spa.”
