Turning Heads

A new trend is turning heads in the beauty and wellness community. Head spa treatments entered the internet scene as they became popularized throughout Japan. Specialized salons are now focusing on scalp and hair health, providing both practical results and luxury relaxation. 

What is a Head Spa?

A head spa business is a specialized salon that goes beyond traditional hair care, offering treatments focused on scalp and hair health. 

Typically, this involves an arched or circular water-spraying device with a sink or basin attached. Water sprays from various points at a low to medium pressure. Clients are either reclined or lying for this service on salon chairs, like those used at hair salon sinks for washing, or service tables, like those used for massages and facials. This optimizes the ability to treat the hair and scalp. 

Services go beyond typical hair salon offerings, providing a more holistic approach to scalp and hair wellness. 

The Scalp Lab in Mary Esther has brought this trending treatment to the Emerald Coast.

“Our treatments are a mix of science, relaxation, and a little bit of luxury,” says Fernanda Torres Morales, owner of The Scalp Lab. “At The Scalp Lab, we believe healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp—and taking care of that should feel just as good as it sounds.”

Photo Credit Robert Young – Forever Young Images

While new to internet trends, the head spa is rooted in holistic Japanese practices. The scalp-focused therapy combines elements of shiatsu massage, which applies rhythmic pressure to specific points to encourage healing and blood flow, and ayurvedic massage, which utilizes hot oil massaging to stimulate energy points to promote healing and improve circulation.

“I wanted to bring something completely new and truly grounding to this part of the Gulf Coast that I love so much,” says Torres Morales. “Watching our local community embrace this kind of care has been the most rewarding part. It’s more than just a treatment; it’s a chance to slow down, reset, and feel good in your own skin.”

More than a Hair Treatment

Head spa treatments have emerged as a solution for those battling issues like hair thinning, excessive oiliness, or persistent dandruff. Unlike traditional hair salons, head spas focus on the often-neglected foundation of healthy hair—the scalp. This holistic approach treats the scalp as an extension of the face, deserving the same level of care and attention.

“I started The Scalp Lab because I saw how many people were struggling with scalp issues and didn’t know where to turn,” Torres Morales says. “At the time, there wasn’t much information or awareness out there.”

Opening in 2023, The Scalp Lab was the first head spa to arrive to the Florida Panhandle region and was among the first to open in the U.S. 

Phot Credit Robert Young – Forever Young Images

While services may vary between different head spas, The Scalp Lab Florida offers a range of treatments designed to improve scalp health and overall well-being. Some common services include a scalp analysis, deep cleansing treatment, scalp massage, an oil-balancing treatment, and a scalp mask. 

“Whether you’re dealing with buildup, hair thinning, or just want a moment to unwind, we walk you through everything beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect,” Torres Morales says. “We’re about making that experience approachable for everyone.”

The head spa is genuinely a beauty industry best-of-both-worlds service. Benefits go beyond the pampering experience, making this service a guilt-free splurge for any occasion. 

“No pressure, no guessing,” says Morales, “just a calm and supportive space where you can relax and leave feeling refreshed, inside and out.”