What to know about the Japanese-style scalp massages catching on in the
US
[May 22, 2026]
By HAVEN DALEY
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Getting a scalp or face massage is often a relaxing
highlight of getting a haircut or a facial. Now, head spas are popping
up across the country offering deep cranial and facial relaxation.
“Typically, when you go get a massage, the focus is always like your
back, and I always wish there was more on my head, on my face
especially, on my neck,” says Karena Kong, a frequent customer of Nen
Head Spa in San Francisco. “When I saw that they give 90 minutes of just
head, face, shoulder massage, I felt like it’s a great way to just focus
on the areas that I love.”
What to expect from a head spa
Head spas originated in Japan, rooted in centuries-old practices that
combine massage and herbal tinctures. Modern versions began gaining
popularity in Japanese salons in the 1990s before spreading throughout
Asia and now the U.S.
A typical session lasts 60 or 90 minutes and often begins with a scalp
inspection, followed by deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and extended
head, face and neck massage. Many services also include essential oils,
conditioning masks, and aromatherapy in a quiet setting with dimmed
lights and soft music.
“The core part of it is actually getting your hair washed,” said Peter
Tham, owner of Nen Head Spa, where head massages cost about $100 an
hour. “The feeling of getting your head washed, especially on a hot and
humid day, feels really good. Combine that with, facial, scalp, neck and
shoulder massages, which is kind of where most people, especially those
who sit in front of a computer all day, suffer a lot of tension.”
What to make of head spa claims
Some head spas make health and medical claims about some of their
services, suggesting they can offer stress relief or treatment for scalp
skin conditions, hair loss or even alopecia, an autoimmune disorder.
Experts caution that people with skin or hair conditions should see a
dermatologist or other appropriate doctor for advice and possible
treatment.
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Head spa specialist Ha Truong, right, applies shampoo to Liz Evans
during a treatment at Sunday Headspa Thursday, April 16, 2026, in
San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
 “It’s important to know and
differentiate something that’s done for a health reason or
relaxation from seeing a medical expert, a dermatologist, if you are
having hair loss,” said Zakia Rahman, a dermatology professor at
Stanford University School of Medicine.
Rahman has noticed the rising popularity of head spas and says they
are generally fine as a compliment to actual medical treatments if
needed — and for people who like the way it makes them feel.
Head spas can be relaxing and rejuvenating, fans say
At Sunday Headspa in San Francisco, each session starts with a
technician inspecting hair follicles with a magnifying device and
assessing their condition. Then customers get a deep clean, said
Jolly Mac, the spa’s coordinator.
Many of their clients first discovered head spa services in Asia and
are looking for similar services, which start at about $200 an hour.
Customer Crystle Vitari, first visited a head spa while visiting
South Korea and finds it “rejuvenating” — and relaxing.
“Every time, I fall asleep and take a nap, actually, because it’s so
relaxing," she said.
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Associated Press writer Olga R. Rodriguez contributed to this story.
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