Hair care is a topic close to many people’s hearts, and in recent years, seeking specialized treatments in dedicated Hair Spas has gained increasing popularity. But what exactly is it? And how can we replicate its benefits at home? Let’s discover everything you need to know to achieve healthier, shinier, and stronger hair.
Here’s what you’ll find in detail in this article:
The difference between Hair Spa and Hairdresser services
The benefits of Hair Spa for hair and more
How a Hair Spa treatment works
How to make a Hair Spa at home: a practical guide
Essential products for a DIY Hair Spa
The complete step-by-step treatment
The concept of Hair Spa originated and became popular primarily in countries like South Korea and Japan—perhaps that’s why their hair always looks so perfectly healthy and shiny! In Europe, on the other hand, professional hair salons have traditionally focused more on technical aspects like cutting and coloring. However, one of the latest trends gaining traction across the continent is exactly this: Hair Spas, where the true focus is on the health of the hair and scalp.
Essentially, Hair Spa is a beauty treatment designed to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate hair, starting with the well-being of the scalp. The treatment typically involves a series of steps, including deep scalp cleansing, the application of nourishing masks, and massages, all aimed at restoring vitality to hair stressed by external factors like pollution, heat, dyes, and styling.
As we know, the term “spa” refers to a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and Hair Spa is no exception. It’s a moment dedicated to hair care—a true indulgence that also brings tangible benefits, making hair healthier and stronger over time.
The treatments offered by Hair Spas and those provided by Hairdressers are both dedicated to hair care, but they are structured differently and have distinct primary goals. Let’s see how they compare in the following breakdown:
Defining Hair Spa as just a moment of relaxation for you and your hair would be quite limiting... Instead, it’s a treatment that provides a range of tangible benefits for the health of your hair and scalp. Here are a few:
- Deep hydration: the concept of Hair Spa is designed to "regenerate" hair. The masks and serums used are rich in nourishing ingredients like essential oils, proteins, and vitamins, which penetrate deep into the hair fiber, repairing damage caused by heat, coloring, or sun exposure. The result? Softer, silkier, and visibly healthier hair.
- Scalp purification: through a deep cleansing that removes product residues, impurities, and excess sebum, it helps prevent issues like dandruff, itching, and inflammation.
- Frizz reduction: thanks to smoothing and nourishing agents, the hair looks smoother, more disciplined, and easier to manage, reducing the need for hot tools or aggressive styling products.
- Strengthening hair structure: nourishing active ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and natural oils work on the hair structure, strengthening it from within.
- Stimulating growth: the scalp massage, an integral part of the Hair Spa treatment, improves blood circulation and promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
- Prevention and reduction of hair loss: scalp-specific treatments rebalance hydration levels and address any imbalances that could weaken hair follicles, helping prevent hair loss.
- Total relaxation and mental well-being: in addition to physical benefits, Hair Spa offers a relaxing experience that alleviates stress. The soothing scalp massages and the overall pleasantness of the treatment help reduce accumulated tension, with positive effects on overall well-being.
A Hair Spa treatment follows a well-structured process designed to offer maximum benefit to both the hair and scalp. First, a general hair analysis will typically be conducted to identify the main issues and create a completely personalized routine.
Here are the main steps of a Hair Spa, how they unfold, and why they are important:
Step 1. Deep cleansing, this begins with a detox scrub for the scalp to remove dead skin cells, just like an exfoliating scrub for the skin, purifying the scalp and improving circulation.
Step 2. Pre-shampoo treatment, a highly nourishing mask or a specific lotion for the scalp is applied to provide primary nutrition to the entire hair. Some people choose to treat the lengths with steam to help the nutrients in the mask penetrate deeper, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
Step 3. Scalp massage, this is done with the hands or with water jets, and serves to:
Improve blood circulation
Stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth
Reduce stress and promote relaxation
Step 4. Vaporization or heat application, this step maximizes the absorption of active ingredients by allowing the pores of the scalp to open, improving the penetration and "fixing" of nutrients.
Step 5. Specific shampoo, a gentle yet purifying shampoo is used to remove product residues, excess sebum, dust, and accumulated impurities.
Step 6. Nourishing masks or essential oils, based on the needs of the hair, providing deep nourishment and care.
Step 7. Rinsing and final styling, after a thorough rinse, the hair is treated with serums or oils to seal in moisture and protect from external agents. During drying, gentle techniques are used to avoid thermal stress and showcase the results of the treatment. At this stage, the hair looks immediately shinier, softer, and more manageable.
A Hair Spa treatment can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the complexity and the starting condition of the hair. Despite the time required, the result is well worth every minute!
To maintain the benefits, it's recommended to have a Hair Spa once a month. However, if the hair is particularly stressed or damaged, the treatment can be repeated every 15 days.
Bringing the benefits of a Hair Spa treatment home is not only possible, but also easy! You don’t need professional tools or expensive products: with a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can transform your bathroom into a mini beauty salon.
First, find a moment of tranquility where you can fully dedicate yourself to self-care without interruptions. Set the mood by lighting your favorite candle and... follow the steps and products outlined below!
For an effective Hair Spa, it’s important to choose the right products:
Now, let’s look at the fundamental steps to create the perfect home Hair Spa!
1. Pre-treatment: start your pampering session by applying a specific lotion for your scalp, choosing from options such as a Soothing and moisturizing scalp lotion, a Rosemary Anti-Hair Loss Lotion, or a Detox and Anti-Dandruff Hair Lotion. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can do a strengthening wrap by mixing 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the entire scalp, gently massaging to stimulate cir
culation. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before proceeding with your regular hair wash.
To enhance the benefits of the lotion, you can follow with a relaxing scalp massage. This not only helps the nutrients penetrate better but also stimulates microcirculation and prepares your hair for the upcoming treatments. To discover all the secrets of a perfect massage, check out our article "How the scalp massage can make us have the most beautiful hair ever"
2. Purify the scalp with the Detox Scrub with Organic Mint and Rosemary, repeating once a week if you have an oily scalp, or twice a month if you have normal or sensitive skin.
3. Gently cleanse the scalp with the Organic Extra Virgin Shampoo, or for a deeper cleanse, you can use the Balancing Shampoo with Organic Sage and Lemon.
4. Apply a Restorative Mask, after blotting your hair, evenly distribute the mask, wrap your hair in a warm towel—the heat helps open the cuticles, allowing the nutrients to penetrate more effectively—and leave it on for 5 minutes. You can also use the mask as a pre-shampoo wrap, leaving it on for 30 minutes.
5. Spray Organic Rosemary Hydrolate on the lengths and roots for a sebum-regulating effect and to stimulate hair follicle growth.
6. Dry your hair as usual, if you prefer, apply a few drops of Plant Crystals and enjoy your soft, shiny hair!
Need a specific routine for your scalp? Try the Hair Spa Routine Kit - Scalp Wellness!
And if you’re unsure which routine to adopt for your hair, take the test below!