Aromatherapy Head Spa

A typical session starts with a short chat about which scent you would like — lavender, bergamot, rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus blends are common — followed by an oil applied to the scalp, a massage sequence through the head and along the neck and shoulders, a shampoo and rinse at the basin, sometimes warm towels or steam, and a gentle dry. Some salons add a face or hand massage, tea, and a dim room with music. The format varies by salon.

Most people book it to unwind rather than to change how their hair looks, although the wash and blow-dry do leave the hair clean and soft. Afterwards the scalp usually feels warm and loose, and many people feel sleepy and calm for the rest of the evening. The pleasant effect is real but short-lived, and how much you enjoy it depends heavily on the therapist's technique and on whether the chosen scent suits you.

Two things happen at once. The massage itself — steady pressure, stroking and kneading across the scalp, the base of the skull and the shoulders — feels good and lets tight muscles relax, which is why the neck often feels looser afterwards. Meanwhile the aroma is being inhaled throughout, and scent is closely tied to mood and memory, so a blend you like tends to make the whole hour feel calmer. Essential oils are always diluted in a carrier oil before they touch the skin.