I went to a Japanese hair spa because TikTok told me to – here’s what happened
"During a head spa treatment, a hair therapist will use essential oils, scalp scrubs, and deep conditioning masks to exfoliate the scalp, remove excess oils and debris, and hydrate the hair follicles."
Originating in Japan, head spa treatments involve a scalp massage that targets pressure points (increasing blood circulation to the scalp) along with deep conditioning, aromatherapy, and hot towel/steam treatments.
They’re commonplace in Japan, where scalp health is prioritised.
During a head spa treatment, a hair therapist will use essential oils, scalp scrubs, and deep conditioning masks to exfoliate the scalp, remove excess oils and debris, and hydrate the hair follicles.
You can also expect a vigorous scalp massage to alleviate tension, increase stimulation, and relax the scalp muscles.
Benefits include improved blood circulation, deep cleansing and hair follicle strengthening, resulting in a clean, healthy scalp. The downsides are that the oils and steam involved may lift colour in the hair, and it’s not suitable for those with active scalp conditions like psoriasis.
Once I sat in the spa chair of Maru, in a quiet space deep underneath the salon, a hair therapist analysed my scalp using a microscope, providing a detailed view of my scalp's condition.
I had a lot of build-up and my scalp was dry, which she said isn’t uncommon for Irish women. She tailored the treatment to my needs, as well as the scents I preferred out of three options: citrus, rose and vanilla.
She then massaged oils into my scalp and hair to stimulate various energy points. While this marinated, I was given a scalp, back, shoulder and arm massage that worked out kinks of tension in my neck and shoulders.
After a 40-minute (!) massage, a steam cap was placed on my head, and steam was applied to my scalp to enhance the penetration of nutrients, resulting in a smoother texture.
“The steam in this treatment helps open up pores to de-clog and penetrate the treatment deeper into the scalp,” hairstylist and salon manager Cian Kavanagh shares.
“Then the deep head massage with MARU's original scalp oil helps to cleanse pores, exfoliate residual fatty acids clogging the follicles and hydrate the scalp.”
Further serums were added and stimulated to penetrate. Here was where I momentarily forgot where I was and fell asleep.
After a few minutes of steam and massage, my therapist rinsed the oils with a mineral-rich shampoo that cleanses hard-to-remove impurities and dirt inside the pores.
All in all, I was in the chair for just over an hour. I was then treated to a blow dry of my choice before marvelling at how clean, light and fresh my hair felt.
The Zen Oasis at Maru costs €222, but given it covers two-and-a-half hours of deep tissue massaging, a scalp examination, beverages – including a great matcha latte – a takehome kit of products, as well as a wash and blow dry, it’s pretty remarkable value.
Definitely. Maru’s salon is gorgeous, gives a great blow dry and gave me a neck and shoulder massage that I’ll be thinking about for a while.
It would be a great birthday gift – or something to consider the next time you want to break away from it all.
Award-winning colourist Stephanie Maher’s salon provides a complementary five-minute steam treatment with all of her services in her Crumlin HQ. Otherwise, a standalone 20-minute treatment is €25.
This Dublin-based clinic boasts a whole menu of head spa offerings. Prices range from €95 for the Botanical Deep Scalp Spa to €175 for their Hair Growth Treatment.
Cork’s Corner Life Salon/Plants use deep-cleansing scalp mud, Taiwanese hand massage techniques and an essential oil treatment. Then a mist to allow products to penetrate deeply. From €50.
- Kate received a complimentary treatment in exchange for an honest review
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