Now trending: Head spas in Charlotte
December 23, 2024
Crown care: Head spas in Charlotte offer top-notch scalp treatments for relief and relaxation.
by Krisha Chachra
One of the top-trending wellness treatments starts with caring for your head. The ancient Asian practice of scalp massages and head spas, recently popularized in the West largely through TikTok and Instagram, has spawned new facilities across the country — and Charlotte is no exception.
Sometimes referred to as a facial for your hair, scalp massages have been used in Japan for centuries to balance the body’s energy by stimulating blood flow from the head. In India, Himalayans over 3,000 years ago used scalp massages as part of their Ayurvedic medicine system to connect the mind and body. Massaging the head and scalp is said to not only de-stress the body but also strengthen hair — and deepen connections between family members who groomed each other.
“We believe there is a strong connection between people through human touch,” says Anna Pham, owner of Passion Head Co. based in University City. “You can feel the good energy translate from our hands to the pressure points on your head that can relieve stress.”
Kecia Purser, owner of year-old The Head Spa Sanctuary in Steele Creek, recently leased the Samuel Younts House in downtown Pineville to expand her services. This 5,000-square-foot historic home built in 1873 will allow the sanctuary to offer larger group experiences.
Several head spas in the area distinguish themselves by offering various services, add-ons, tools and techniques. Here are a few to consider.
The Head Spa Sanctuary
With its new Pineville location slated to open in March 2025, The Head Spa Sanctuary has an air of luxury and comfort. It’s also the only head spa in Charlotte certified in Japanese Yume rituals that combine deep-cleansing techniques with soothing massage practices. Before treatment begins, a specialist takes close-up photos of your hair follicles and scalp. Following an analysis, a treatment plan using plant-based exfoliants and organic hair products is determined.
“You can see a huge difference from the before and after pictures, where the scalp goes from red and flaky to almost translucent and glossy,” says Michelle Miranda, a head spa specialist. “We like to say that a scalp treatment is like tending the soil to grow a healthy garden — in this case, the garden is your hair.” The Head Spa Sanctuary has 60-, 90- and 120-minute treatments, with the latter including a mini-facial and the use of jade tools in the scalp massage. All treatments include mist therapy, a Japanese onsen eye mask and time under a soothing waterfall head bath. Guests can enhance their experience with Champagne, tea or fruit.
In the new location, The Sanctuary will add locker rooms and cozy robes along with a massage room with four zero-gravity chairs. They’ll also introduce a new luxury offering — a multi-handed treatment where up to five specialists work on your face, each arm and foot at the same time.
Passion Hair Co.
Passion Hair Co. founder Pham remembers her mother and grandmother in Vietnam using head massage techniques to address pain.
“These methods were passed down from generation to generation, and now I feel I am called to help share this experience with my community in Charlotte,” she says.
Passion Hair is a true passion project for Pham. She and her team are licensed cosmetologists but wanted to expand their services to include authentic Vietnamese head spa treatments.
“We had clients come in suffering from migraines and headaches, and when we massaged their scalp using techniques I learned in Asia, the tension was released and they would cry out loud in relief,” she explains. “I just knew I wanted to share this relaxation experience with everyone.”
Starting with one treatment table in 2021, Passion Hair has since expanded to five beds. After a five-minute consultation, customers choose from a 60-, 70- or 90-minute service that includes hair washing; scalp, neck and shoulder massages; and mini-facials. Add-ons include extra massage time, a lymphatic facial or a blowout to finish the experience.
“The technician really scrubbed the scalp and used every minute massaging with care using the strength of her fingers,” says client Nithya Joseph. “It reminded me of the authentic head massages we’d get in India — plus the beds were so comfortable.”
Pham believes the passion her team has for the process results in healthier benefits for her clients. “People report that they have the best sleep after a head spa service and lymphatic facial with us,” she says. “Better sleep leads to better health.” SP
Other Queen City head spas
Sage Head Spa: With a single massage bed, Sage Head Spa offers an intimate, personalized experience inside Salon Lofts-SouthPark. The room is cozy and warm, with a faux fireplace and heated bed. Treatments by esthetician Brianna Gibbs range from an hour to 75 minutes. One option includes a luxurious oxygen mask that softens and hydrates the face. Another offers a jelly mask with LED blue or red-light therapy to address acne, wrinkles, aches and pains. Add-ons include dermaplaning, hot stones, paraffin hand treatments and deep conditioning. Gibbs uses peppermint oil with a cool towel producing an “icy-hot” feeling to relax muscles or ease pain.
Head Spa Chalet: Family-owned Head Spa Chalet is located at Salons by JC-Providence Commons. Focusing on deep cleaning using high-end shampoo and conditioning oil, treatments range from 60 to 90 minutes and can be experienced solo or as a couple. A scalp scrub and massage are included in the 90-minute service, and an optional hair analysis is available 30 minutes prior to service.
