Unlocking The Secrets Of A Hair Spa Massage: Your At-Home Guide

A hair spa treatment is a great way to relax and unwind, and it can be easily done in the comfort of your own home. It is an excellent way to nourish, condition and reverse the damage done to your hair by pollution, heat-related treatments, hair colour and more. The usual shampoo-conditioner routine is often not enough to replenish the lost moisture of your hair, but a hair spa is.

1. Massage your scalp with oil: Warm up some coconut oil or olive oil and gently massage it into your scalp and hair. This increases blood circulation and boosts hair growth.

2. Steam your hair: You can use a steamer or simply dip a towel in warm water, wrap it around your hair and secure it with a clip. The steam will help the oil penetrate your hair cuticle.

3. Shampoo your hair: Wash your hair with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to remove the oil.

4. Apply a hair mask: Use a homemade or shop-bought hair mask to reduce dryness and hydrate your hair and scalp. Leave it on for about 15-30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm or cold water.

5. Apply conditioner: Finish off with your regular conditioning ritual.

Massage your scalp with warm oil

Warming up the oil is an important step in a hair spa massage as it helps the oil to penetrate your hair and scalp and nourish it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to massage your scalp with warm oil:

Preparing the Oil

• Warm up 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. You can also use almond oil, sesame oil, castor oil, or avocado oil. You can warm the oil in a microwave or on a stove, but be careful not to let it get too hot. It should be warm and comfortable to the touch.
• If you want a more luxurious spa experience, you can try mixing different types of oils. For example, you can use 1 teaspoon each of almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil, or 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 4-5 drops of vitamin E oil.

Massaging the Oil into the Scalp

• Dip your fingers into the warm oil and rub them together to spread the oil evenly.
• Start massaging your scalp with your fingers in a gentle circular motion for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to cover your entire scalp, including the roots of your hair.
• You can also use a cotton pad to massage your hair, which may help with better absorption and prevent friction.
• The massage will help improve blood circulation in your scalp, stimulate hair growth, and reduce stress, which is a common cause of hair issues such as hair fall.

Applying the Remaining Oil to Your Hair

• Once you have applied oil to your scalp, you can use the remaining oil on your hair. Spread the oil through your hair, from the roots to the ends.
• The oil will help to nourish your hair, reduce frizz, add shine, and prevent hair breakage.

After the Massage

• After massaging your scalp and hair with warm oil, you can wrap a damp, warm towel around your head to help the oil penetrate further. Keep the towel on for 5-20 minutes, depending on your hair type.
• Finally, wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo to remove the oil. You can also use a conditioner if your hair is very dry.

Steam your hair with a hot towel

Steaming your hair with a hot towel is a great way to moisturise it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair. Smooth 2 tablespoons of conditioner over your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Alternatively, you can use your favourite hair oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, instead of conditioner.

Next, place a shower cap on your head. If you have long hair, tie it up in a low bun first. Then, put the shower cap over your head, tucking in any stray hairs.

Now, it's time to prepare your hot towel. Wet a face cloth or small towel with hot water and wring it out, removing any excess water. It's important to ensure there are no drips of water, as these could burn your neck.

Place the hot towel into the microwave for 2 minutes on the highest setting. If your microwave is dirty, put the cloth into a microwave-safe bowl first. Once heated, carefully place the hot towel on top of the shower cap. If the towel slips, adjust it so that it sits securely on your head.

For an extra layer of heat insulation, place another shower cap over the hot towel. This will help to lock in the heat and encourage steam to form. If you don't have another shower cap, a plastic bag can be used instead.

Leave your hair to steam for 30 minutes. If you want a more intensive treatment, you can leave it for up to 2 hours, but remember to reheat your hot towel 2-3 times during the process.

Finally, rinse your hair with cold water. This will seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture. Adjust your shower to the highest pressure and allow the water to push the conditioner out of your hair.

Allow your hair to air-dry to maximise moisture and minimise heat damage.

You can steam your hair up to once a week. Enjoy your freshly moisturised hair!

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo

After applying a hair mask, the next step is to wash it out with a mild shampoo. But what does 'mild' mean in this context?

Mild shampoos are those that contain gentler and generally weaker cleansing agents (detergents and surfactants) compared to other shampoos. They are a great choice for any of the following criteria:

• You need to wash your hair every day.
• Your hair is damaged, either by chemicals or heat.
• Your hair is dry or brittle.
• You’re experiencing hair loss.

Mild shampoos can still remove oil and dirt but are able to do so without damaging your hair. They contain additional conditioning agents in the form of natural oils, silicone, or proteins. Examples include:

• Hydrolyzed silk and animal protein
• Natural or essential oils
• Vitamins like panthenol and provitamins

The ingredients used in mild shampoos offer many benefits. Mild shampoos:

• Don't irritate the scalp
• Cleanse the scalp, but don't overdry it
• Won't cause hair loss
• Will condition damaged or dry hair

Mild shampoos are also a good option for thin hair to prevent breakage and to keep the hair soft. Look for a mild shampoo that also contains a thickening agent, such as:

• Keratin
• Collagen
• Biotin

Mild shampoos are great for coloured or chemically treated hair as they don't contain harsh cleansing agents that often strip colour or damage hair further.

If you have oily hair, you can still use a mild shampoo. However, you may want to avoid those that contain silicones (like cyclomethicone and dimethicone). Although they can add gloss, they may make your hair feel extra greasy.

When choosing a mild shampoo, look for shampoos that don't contain sulfates (such as sodium laurel sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate), but do contain conditioning agents, like silicones, proteins, and oils.

Apply a hair mask

After washing your hair, it's time to apply a hair mask. You can use a store-bought mask or make your own at home. If you have long or thick hair, double the recipe.

Divide your hair into sections, then apply the mask, starting from the roots. Use a wide-toothed comb to help distribute the mask evenly through your hair. This step can get messy, so drape a towel or hair dyeing cape around your shoulders.

Cover your hair with a shower cap. If your hair is long, tie it up into a loose bun first. The shower cap will keep you clean and help trap heat from your scalp, making the mask more effective.

Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse the mask out with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse again.

• Bananas and olive oil: Mix a banana with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a blender. Massage the mask into your hair and scalp, then leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Honey and yoghurt: Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, then wait 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pumpkin: Mix 1 cup of plain pumpkin puree and 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, then leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Honey, olive oil, and avocado or egg yolks: Mix 1/2 cup of honey, 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado or egg yolks. Apply the mask to your hair, wait 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Avocado: Place half a peeled and pitted avocado in a blender. Add argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks for moisture, rosemary essential oil for a dry scalp, or apple cider vinegar for removing build-up. Blend until smooth, then apply to your hair and leave for 15 minutes.
• Eggs: Use egg whites, egg yolks, or whole eggs, depending on your hair type. Whisk until the colour is consistent, then apply to your hair and leave for 20 minutes.

You can also use coconut oil, olive oil, or castor oil as a hair mask.

Rinse with lukewarm water

Rinsing your hair with lukewarm water is the ideal way to wash your hair. It won't damage your hair, and it will feel soothing and effectively clean your hair.

Lukewarm water is best for rinsing out shampoo and conditioner. It is also good for your hair as it seals the cuticle back up and locks in the moisture from your conditioner. This leaves your hair looking extra hydrated, frizz-free and shiny.

Using lukewarm water to rinse your hair is especially beneficial if you have curly or thin hair, as it controls breakage, frizz and pesky flyaways.

Lukewarm water is also good for your scalp. It improves blood circulation, enabling your roots and scalp to receive valuable nutrients to stay healthy.

Overall, using lukewarm water to rinse your hair is a gentle and effective way to keep your hair and scalp clean, healthy and nourished.

Frequently asked questions