What Is a Japanese Scalp Massage? Benefits, Process & Why It’s Blowing Up in the US

What Is a Japanese Scalp Massage? Benefits, Process & Why It’s Blowing Up in the US

What Is a Japanese Scalp Massage? Why Everyone’s Talking About This Viral Head Spa Trend

If you’ve scrolled TikTok or chatted with your beauty-obsessed friends lately, chances are you’ve heard about the Japanese scalp massage. But what is it really? And why are people saying it’s more relaxing than a full body massage? Let’s dive in and break it all down.

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1. The History: Ancient Roots with Modern Benefits

Japanese scalp massages aren’t just another passing beauty trend. They’re rooted in healing practices from Japan and East Asia that were originally reserved for royalty (yes, actual royalty).

This treatment focuses on scalp health and uses techniques like acupressure, exfoliation, and conditioning to relieve stress and support overall wellness.

Velia, our in-house expert and head spa specialist, says clients often leave feeling like they’re floating—or in a deep rest mode according to their smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Benefits can include better immune function, reduced tension headaches, improved gut health, and even facial relaxation thanks to the connection between scalp muscles and facial muscles.

2. What Actually Happens During a Japanese Scalp Massage?

This isn’t just your regular hair wash at the salon. Here’s a peek at what happens during the full service:

  • Consultation & Scalp Analysis:
    You’ll start with a full consultation and a scalp analysis using a special microscope camera. Yes, you’ll see your follicles up close—gross but oddly satisfying.
  • Custom Treatment Plan:
    Based on your scalp condition (dry, oily, buildup, inflammation, etc.), Velia customizes the treatment to your needs.
  • Massage & Exfoliation:
    It begins with a relaxing acupressure massage on your head, neck, and shoulders. Then comes scalp exfoliation to loosen dead skin and product buildup.
  • Steam & Essential Oils:
    Expect soothing steam with ozone for detox, plus a custom mix of essential oils that smells amazing.
  • Waterfall Rinse & Deep Conditioning:
    A waterfall dome gently rinses your scalp, followed by a tea rinse and leave-in treatments. The whole thing lasts about an hour, and yes—snoring during the service is totally normal.

3. Reiki Add-On: The Secret Menu Option

If you want to take the relaxation up a notch, Velia offers Reiki energy work during the treatment—but only if you ask. This isn’t your typical “woo woo” session. It’s legit energy healing rooted in Japanese tradition from the 1800s.

Reiki helps balance your body’s energy points (chakras) and leaves you feeling even more restored.

4. Can You DIY This at Home?

Short answer: Kinda…but not really.

You can definitely practice good scalp care at home by:

But let’s be real: it won’t compare to the full sensory, professional head spa experience. There’s just something about lying down with the weighted blanket, essential oils, and a trained specialist working on your scalp for a full hour.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with stress, scalp buildup, thinning hair, or just want to treat yourself, a Japanese scalp massage is totally worth trying. If you’re in the Bay Area, check out Velia’s Japanese scalp massage service.

And hey—this makes an awesome gift too. Self-care, anyone?

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