The Ultimate Guide To A Luxurious Head Spa Experience At Home

How to Do a Head Spa at Home

A head spa is a great way to relax and unwind while also improving your scalp and hair health. The practice has roots in Eastern culture and has been traditionally performed in Japan and Korea for years.

1. Pre-treat your scalp:

Start with a pre-shampoo treatment that targets your specific scalp concerns. Scrubs work well for this step, and you can use a scalp brush or your fingertips to apply the product.

2. Give yourself a head massage:

After applying the scrub or pre-treatment, gently massage your scalp in small circular motions, starting at the hairline and working towards the back of your head. Use the pads of your fingers to avoid damaging your scalp.

3. Shampoo and condition your hair:

Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type and concerns. If your hair requires extra TLC, apply a hair mask and wrap your head in a warm towel before rinsing.

4. Apply a leave-in scalp serum or lotion:

Complete the routine with a gentle scalp massage using a leave-in scalp serum or lotion. This will help nourish and soothe your scalp while providing additional benefits like dandruff control.

Creating a relaxing atmosphere with dim lights, candles, and your favorite essential oils can further enhance your at-home head spa experience.

Scalp massage with warm oil

Warm oil scalp massages are a healing process that can be done at home and are an excellent way to relax and unwind. The process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, choose your oil. Coconut oil is a great option as it is safe for all hair types and prevents protein loss. Other options include sesame seed oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and avocado oil. The choice of oil depends on your hair type and specific hair concerns. For instance, jojoba and almond oils are good for oily hair as they are absorbed quickly.

Next, warm up 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen oil. You can do this by placing the oil in a bowl and heating some water in a saucepan. Place the bowl of oil in the saucepan and heat until warm. Be careful not to overheat the oil, it should be comfortable to touch.

Now, apply the oil to your scalp. Using your fingertips, gently massage the oil into your scalp, applying a little pressure at specific points. Ensure your scalp is thoroughly covered before moving on to massaging your hair.

After your scalp is covered in oil, use your fingertips to massage your scalp in small circular motions, working from your hairline towards the back of your head. Be sure to use the pads of your fingers to avoid damaging your scalp. Continue massaging for about 5 minutes.

Once you have finished massaging, dip a towel in hot water and squeeze out the excess. Wrap the towel around your hair to allow the oil to penetrate your scalp further. Leave the towel on for about 5-6 minutes.

Finally, wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Be sure to rinse out all the oil from your hair.

A warm oil scalp massage is a great way to improve blood circulation, enhance hair growth, and provide deep nourishment to your hair. It is a simple and effective treatment that can be done at home to promote healthy and shiny hair.

Steam hair with a warm towel

Steaming your hair with a warm towel is a great way to open up your hair follicles, allowing the oils to penetrate deep into your scalp. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this at home:

Firstly, you will need to heat up some water. You can do this by boiling a kettle, running the hot tap, or even microwaving a bowl of water. Be sure to test the temperature before proceeding – it should be hot but not uncomfortable. Next, take a clean towel (a hand towel or washcloth is ideal) and dip it into the hot water. Wring out the excess water so that the towel is damp, not dripping.

Now, you can add some essential oils to your damp towel. Essential oils are not only relaxing but also have several benefits for your skin and hair. Popular choices include lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. Alternatively, you could use a pre-shave oil such as Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil, which contains moisturising sunflower oil and soothing aloe. If you are feeling congested, Vicks VapoRub can be a great option as it contains menthol. Simply spread a thin layer of your chosen product onto the centre of the towel.

Once your towel is ready, it's time to wrap it around your hair. Make sure your hair is damp, not dripping wet, to ensure the towel stays in place. You can divide your hair into sections to make this easier. Cover all areas, from the roots to the ends, and secure the towel if needed. Leave the towel in place for around 5-6 minutes.

Finally, remove the towel and proceed to wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. And that's it! You have successfully steamed your hair with a warm towel, preparing your hair for the next steps of your at-home head spa.

Wash hair with a mild shampoo

After applying oil and steaming your hair, it's time to wash it with a mild shampoo. It's important to use lukewarm or cold water, as hot water can be harmful to the hair roots.

Mild shampoos are formulated with gentler cleansing agents than regular shampoos, so they won't strip your hair of its natural oils or cause irritation. They typically contain conditioning agents, such as natural oils or botanical extracts, to keep your hair soft and healthy.

When selecting a mild shampoo, look for one that is free of sulfates and strong detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead, opt for shampoos with milder cleansing agents, like cocamidopropyl betaine, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohols, and sodium lauraminopropionate.

You can find mild shampoos at most supermarkets, drugstores, or online. They tend to be more expensive than regular shampoos, ranging from $5 to $30 per bottle.

• Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo with Pure Coconut Oil
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
• L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo
• OGX Hydrate and Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

Once you've selected your mild shampoo, gently massage it into your scalp and hair. Use enough shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair and remove any remaining oil. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

If your hair is very dry, you may want to follow up with a conditioner to provide additional moisture. Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.

Apply a conditioner

After shampooing, it's time to apply a conditioner. You can use a simple conditioner, or try a natural alternative such as the water of tea leaves with a few drops of lime juice added, or a paste made from grated beetroot and hibiscus powder. Hibiscus flower powder is a great base, rich in iron and other vitamins. Leave this on for half an hour, then rinse with warm water, without shampoo.

If you're using a regular conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes before washing it out. This will help to soften your hair.

If your hair is in good shape, you can skip the conditioner and move straight on to a hair mask.

Finish with a hair mask

After you've shampooed and conditioned your hair, it's time to finish your at-home head spa with a hair mask.

First, choose and prepare your mask. You can use any type of hair mask you want. A store-bought one will work fine, but a homemade one is also an option. If you're making your own, try one of these recipes:

• Bananas and olive oil: In a blender, mix together a banana with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Honey and yogurt: Mix together 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Pumpkin: Mix together 1 cup of plain pumpkin puree and 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
• Honey: Pour 1/2 cup of honey into a small dish. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of avocado or egg yolks.
• Avocado: Place half a peeled and pitted avocado into a blender. Add one of the following: 2 tablespoons of argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks for moisture; 10 drops of rosemary essential oil for a dry scalp; or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for removing build-up.
• Eggs: Pour 1/2 cup of egg whites, egg yolks, or whole eggs into a cup. Whisk until the colour is consistent.

Double the recipe if you have long or thick hair.

Next, apply the mask to your hair, starting from the roots. Divide your hair into sections first if needed. Use a wide-toothed comb to help distribute the mask. Drape a towel or hair dyeing cape around your shoulders to keep things tidy.

Cover your hair with a shower cap. If your hair is very long, pull it into a loose bun and secure it with a clip before putting on the shower cap.

Let the mask sit for 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of mask you're using. Don't leave it on for longer than the instructions advise, as this could cause hair breakage.

Finally, rinse the mask out using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse the conditioner out. If the mask recipe includes different cleansing instructions, follow those instead.

And there you have it—your very own at-home head spa!

Frequently asked questions