Korean skincare trends have been viral, from glass skin to cherry lip makeup. Now, there seems to be a new one on the block — the Korean head spa, being touted as a better alternative to regular scalp treatments. With a promise to deep cleanse the hair, the treatment offers complete rejuvenation. But does it really deliver? We find out.
According to Lalita Arya, vice-president, DermaPuritys Aesthetic Clinic, Korean head spas emphasise the health of scalps. “Such procedures entail a sequence of actions ranging from deep cleaning, peeling, massage, and moisture. The desire is to eliminate the buildup of impurities, enhance blood flow, and create a proper scalp habitat,” said Arya.
Dr Jatin Mittal, co-founder, skin expert, and cosmetologist at Abhivrit Aesthetics New Delhi said Korean head spa is a specialised scalp treatment rooted in Korean beauty practices, focusing on improving scalp health, hair quality, and overall relaxation. “It’s similar to other spa treatments but specifically targets the scalp,” said Dr Mittal.
They emphasise how healthy scalps develop strong hairs. “Moreover, Korean head spas tend to take a more holistic approach; also looking at stress reduction along with overall wellness in addition to hair and scalp health,” said Dr Vidushi Jain, dermatologist and medical head at Dermalinks in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Dr Mittal further shared that Korean head spas often use traditional Korean herbal ingredients like ginseng, green tea, and mugwort, which are less common in Western head spas. “These natural remedies are believed to nourish the scalp and hair from within,” said Dr Mittal.
The techniques may include scalp scaling to remove dead skin cells, dandruff, and oil. “That is why Korean head spas can be very invigorating; they make the scalp feel refreshed,” said Arya.
How it works
Dr Mittal detailed the steps:
Scalp Analysis: The session usually begins with a detailed analysis of the scalp to determine its condition—whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or has issues like dandruff or hair loss.
Cleansing: A deep cleansing shampoo is applied to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. This step often includes a gentle scalp massage to stimulate blood circulation.
Massage: A key component is the scalp massage, which uses techniques like acupressure to relieve tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation. Some treatments also include neck and shoulder massages.
Treatment: Depending on your scalp’s needs, specific treatments like hydrating masks, serums, or essential oils are applied. These products are often infused with nourishing ingredients like ginseng, green tea, or other herbal extracts.
Steaming: Sometimes, a steam treatment is included to help the products penetrate deeper into the scalp and hair.
Rinsing and final touch: The treatment concludes with rinsing the products out and possibly applying a leave-in conditioner or serum.
Styling: If desired, the session can end with a blow-dry and styling.
While such treatments can be beneficial for many people, one should not rush to use them, stressed Arya.
That is because, the scalp is extremely sensitive and when one massages, treats it roughly, or uses chemicals, it gets damaged. “Some people experience skin conditions on the head such as eczema, psoriasis, and folliculitis. Thus, it is crucial to seek a dermatologist’s opinion before getting a head spa treatment. Furthermore, clients with sensitive skin or allergies need to be extra careful and should inform the therapist about it,” said Arya, advising taking treatments from professionals to avoid exacerbating skin issues.
Always be careful when going for new treatments (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Arya emphasised that such treatments “should not necessarily become a substitute for good home care”. “Cleansing of the scalp, conditioning and even the use of fingers to massage the scalp should be done regularly,” said Arya.
In cases where people experience continuous scalp problems with or after availing of head spa services, it is best to consult skin specialists, urged Arya.
