Americans Are Flocking to Get Their Heads Rubbed

Getting a scalp or face massage is often a relaxing highlight of getting a haircut or a facial. Now, head spas are popping up across the country to offer deep cranial and facial relaxation. "Typically, when you go get a massage, the focus is ... your back, and I always wish there was more on my head, on my face especially, on my neck," Karena Kong, a frequent customer of Nen Head Spa in San Francisco, tells the AP. "When I saw that they give 90 minutes of just head, face, [and] shoulder massage, I felt like it's a great way to just focus on the areas that I love." More:

• History: Head spas originated in Japan, rooted in centuries-old practices that combine massage and herbal tinctures. Modern versions began gaining popularity in Japanese salons in the 1990s before spreading throughout Asia, and now the US.
• What to expect: A typical session lasts 60 or 90 minutes and often begins with a scalp inspection, followed by deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and extended head, face, and neck massage. Many services also include essential oils, conditioning masks, and aromatherapy in a quiet setting with dimmed lights and soft music. "The core part of it is actually getting your hair washed," says Peter Tham, Nen Head Spa's owner, where head massages cost about $100 an hour.
• Claims: Some head spas make health and medical claims about certain services, suggesting they can offer stress relief or treatment for scalp skin conditions, hair loss, or even alopecia, an autoimmune disorder. Experts caution that people with skin or hair conditions should see a dermatologist or other appropriate doctor for advice and possible treatment.
• Fans: At Sunday Headspa in San Francisco, each session starts with a technician inspecting hair follicles with a magnifying device and assessing their condition. Then customers get a deep clean, says Jolly Mac, the spa's coordinator. Customer Crystle Vitari first visited a head spa while visiting South Korea and finds it "rejuvenating," and soothing. "Every time, I fall asleep and take a nap ... because it's so relaxing," she says.