8 Korean head spa spots in Singapore to treat yourself to

Earlier this year, my socials were flooded with videos of Korean head spas. A combination of ASMR, gorgeous aesthetics (that viral cascading waterfall looked soooooo soothing) and a scalp focused head massage was enticing on all levels. When I finally got to try it at Korean salon Suchehwa by Ted, I probably only stayed awake long enough to discuss my scalp issues. After that, it’s a blur of relaxing scents, calming water on my hair and warm, soothing stones wrapped in a towel on my stomach (which I first thought was my overheated phone in my sleepy haze).

Two hours of scalp-focused massage and treatments can’t be anything other than relaxing but what I’ve been impressed with is that my hair and scalp still feel cleansed and healthy, and it’s been almost a week now.

“Korean culture, and by extension, the core of K-Beauty, places a strong emphasis on anti-ageing as well as scalp care and hair, which are integral to daily life,” says Ted Kim, founder of Suchehwa by Ted, who brought in the head spa experience earlier this year after getting enquiries from customers about it. Think of it as a facial for your scalp, the head spa is a deeply cleansing treatment, which can then result in better and stronger hair growth.

While many salons here offer scalp treatments, Korean head spas stand out for often having a whopping 10-12 steps that include acupressure massage, that viral waterfall, scalp invigorating tools and tonic application. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all just for vibes. “While the cascading waterfall is a common feature in Korean head spas, it is more than just a gimmick,” explains Kim. “This rhythmic flow not only enhances relaxation but also helps release tension in the head. As the continuous stream of warm, nutrient-infused water flows over the scalp, it also deeply conditions your hair.” He adds that the treatment has been especially popular with new mums who struggle with postpartum hair loss, and that recently more friends and couples have been coming to the salon to try it together.

If you’re keen to give it a go, these treatments below are worth trying.

Suchehwa by Ted

A luxury Korean hair salon run by Ted Kim, former lead stylist at Leekaja Hair Salon, Suchehwa by Ted offers a traditional Korean Nourishing Head Spa (120 mins) and Phytopecia Head Spa (70 mins). The two hour luxurious signature treatment begins with a scalp analysis and a light cleanse followed by a decadent series of massages for scalp and neck. This is followed by the Waterfall Sauna Bath which relaxes the scalp and promotes hair growth. An eye mask and hot stone palm massage follows to ease tension after which a Hydro Oxygen Spray with hair tonic, Red Light massage and high frequency comb are applied to complete the treatment.

Suchehway by Ted is located at 9 Penang Road, #02-01 UBS Building East Wing, Singapore 238459, https://suchehwa.com/

Jo:Hwa Hair and Living

Taking its name from the Korean words for “make” and “positive transformations”, Jo:Hwa describes their head spa as “an experience that connects you to nature and to yourself.” A customised experience that focuses on problematic scalps and damaged hair, Jo:Hwa’s head spa managers who administer the treatment also perform the Chrono-Beauty technique, a method that rebalances the skin and scalp, reducing the effects of life stressors. Head spa treatments can range from 25 to 70 minutes and take place on relaxing head spa beds with pH02 ultrafine particle hydrating mist machines. Each treatment is focused on building a foundation of healthy hair roots and volume plus glossy and silky hair.

Jo:Hwa is located at 15 Stamford Road #01-64/65, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, City Hall, Singapore 178906, https://www.johwa.sg/

Korean Head Spa and Massage

This company offers three types of head spas (including one inspired by and using Ayurvedic herbs) and offers their services in a number of premium salons in town. Their signature True Care Head Spa begins in imported Takara Belmont Premium Salon Seats and aroma therapy chosen to perfectly match your mood. This continues with a head and shoulder massage before you are reclined with a lavender eye mask and the main event begins with a deep scalp wash, followed by head node combing to increase blood circulation. The treatment finishes with a hot steam ion treatment and scalp care application. Try them out at:

Bada Head Spa

333A Orchard Road, #03-13 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238867, https://badahair.sg/

You Are My Sunshine 

181 Orchard Rd, #03-06 Orchard Central Singapore 238896, https://youaremysunshine.sg/ 

Walking On Sunshine 

181 Orchard Rd, #03-07, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896, https://walkingonsunshine.sg/ 

Lily Head and Hair Spa

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This Japanese salon offers something different in terms of head spas with their Raw Honey Head Spa from Japan and Cream Bath Head Spa which is a Japanese take on a traditional Indonesian treatment. These both combine soothing and invigorating head massage with a deep cleanse, moisturising and repair.

Lily Head and Hair Spa is located at 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery, #03-16, Singapore 068815, https://www.barber25.net/head-hair-spa 

TrichoLab

Homegrown TrichoLab’s very own head spa is something to be experienced. Categorised into elements of Earth, Water, Fire and Air, each variation is designed to target specific hair and scalp concerns all within your own private, comfortable room. All treatments include scalp massage with specialised comb, shoulder and hand therapy with Aesop body scrub and massage oils, a serum specific to the treatment and head and neck massage. Prepare to spend at least 90 minutes here as well. 

Tricholab has an outlet at Wheelock Place and one at Plaza Singapore, https://www.tricholab.com.sg/tricholuxe-heavenly-head-spa/

Head Spa by GOYO

Ultimate comfort is their number one priority, as seen from their Japan-imported exclusive premium salon seats to a thorough head spa routine ready for you. Starting off with aroma therapy and a head and shoulder massage, relaxation comes easy as you unwind with an organic sesame seed and lavender eye mask before the treatment starts.

The treatment starts with a deep scalp nourishing, followed by head node combing using their top-quality headspa tools and hot steam to improve blood circulation to your scalp. Enjoy complimentary flower tea while the expert specialist finishes off your treatment with a scalp care application and a blow-dry.

Head Spa by GOYO is located at 333A Orchard Road, #03-15 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238867, https://www.goyo.sg

Additional reporting by Mandy Tan