Hair spas: putting the viral wellness treatment to the test

My hair has always been my fatal flaw. My bathroom is a mess of shampoo and conditioner bottles, promising oil control, volume and colour damage repair. I’d probably buy a product that promised the moon, if I could find it. 

I’d already tried everything to get my thin, oily hair under control when the internet introduced me to my new obsession: the hair spa. These sanctuaries of wellness offer treatments rooted in Japanese bathing traditions. You’ve likely seen the viral videos of calming hair-washing machines and in-depth scalp massages, set to soft spa music.  

Thankfully, I found a Hong Kong hair spa that offered what I was seeking in Svenson : a centre which touts science-backed treatments, expert trichologists (scalp doctors) and a focus on scalp health. “A head spa is an excellent option for anyone seeking to enhance scalp health, reduce stress and enjoy a relaxing experience,” says Svenson’s group chief trichologist Kim Fong. 

“If you're dealing with issues like dandruff, dryness or hair thinning, or if you simply want to improve your hair's shine and manageability, a head spa could be beneficial,” she continues, adding that Svenson offers everything from sebum-busting deep cleanses to radiofrequency treatments that stimulate growth. 

The head spa 

When I turned up at Svenson’s Central branch on Duddell Street, I was asked to complete a quick survey about my lifestyle habits, hair concerns and routine before sitting down with a trichologist for an in-depth assessment of my hair and scalp condition. It was grisly yet satisfying to watch on screen as a tiny camera zoomed in on my scalp and the condition of my pores. It immediately became apparent that my current hair routine wasn’t cutting it; my hair follicles were clogged with sebum – similar to what you’d find in your facial pores – which I was told directly affected hair growth.  

I was prescribed an Oxygen 2 Jet and Peeling Spray , designed to help deeply cleanse the scalp, as well as an Onsen Aroma Relaxation Hair Spa intended to coat the hair shafts in strength-building collagen. I was then led to a small but cosy treatment room where I was settled into a comfortable chair as the Oxyjet machine was rolled out, and the hair spa treatment began.  

Far from the rinse and wash that I initially expected, the Oxygen 2 Jet was actually more of a handheld pressure washing machine – combining microdroplets of saline solution and pure oxygen in a cooling jet which removes sebum build-up, dead skin and other impurities from your scalp. According to Svenson, the treatment also stimulates hair growth thanks to the direct streams of oxygen, which boost blood and lymph circulation around the area.

Meticulous care was taken throughout the process. Afterwards, my scalp felt instantly refreshed – though I wouldn’t see the full extent of the magic until later, when I returned to the trichologist for my post-treatment assessment.

Next, I was moved to another room for the onsen hair spa, which I had been most been looking forward to. Beyond its cleansing properties, it’s recommended for anyone struggling with stress or sleep quality. If you're like me and you love having your locks washed at the hair salon, this was all of that and more – relaxation is an understatement. Instead of a shower head, practitioners utilise a halo-shaped fountain which hovers over your hairline, trickling gentle jets of water which feel like someone combing their fingers through your hair. It lulled me dangerously close to sleep as Svenson’s collagen-building hair products were massaged into my scalp.  

The results

Once I was done and my hair was fully dried off, the results couldn’t lie – mostly because it was time to go under the microscope again with Svenson’s trichologist. As a micro-camera assessed my scalp condition, the post-treatment image was like comparing night and day: there wasn’t a spot of build-up to be seen anywhere and the irritation on my scalp had been soothed.  

The work wasn’t done, however, as I was recommended a sebum-busting shampoo to help manage my oily hair going forwards and promote thicker hair growth. The real results came in the days following, when my scalp was noticeably less itchy than it usually gets during the change of seasons. My hair looked healthier, shinier and fuller, too. As someone who struggles with insomnia, I also enjoyed an unexpected hair spa benefit the night after the treatment, in the form of deep, uninterrupted sleep for the first time in weeks. 

All in all, I’d recommend Svenson for anyone looking for a hair spa that prioritises science-backed treatments and hair and scalp health. The in-depth analysis, before-and-after differences and after-care recommendations ensured I was set up for long-term success. While the onsen hair spa was incredibly relaxing and I’d return for another in a heartbeat, Svenson places more emphasis on delivering clinical results than a blissful, hotel spa-like experience – an approach I personally appreciate.