Fall reset: What a Japanese head spa did for my scalp.
This is part one of the science-backed fall reset with Chemistry Cachet.
We often think about taking care of our skin, body and hair, but what about your scalp?
As the season begins to change, your scalp can be noticeably dryer with more visible buildup.
Japanese head spa videos are all over social media, but I wanted to know whether the experience offered anything beyond a relaxing trend.
My favorite thing is testing treatments firsthand, then getting to share the real results with you.
I visited The Wellness Bar in Stephenville for a treatment with Olivia Coster, who specializes in Japanese head spas.
The approximately 50-minute appointment was incredibly relaxing, but the most interesting part for me as a chemist was seeing close-up images of my scalp before and after.
If you want to see this amazing relaxation and before and after scalp close ups, check out this Facebook video I shared.
My hair looked shiny and bouncy when we finished, yet the scalp images told the better story.
I had more dead skin and buildup than I expected. It was a good reminder that healthy-looking
hair begins with attention to the skin underneath it.
The chemistry of scalp buildup
The scalp produces sebum, a lipid-rich material that helps protect the skin and hair.
It also sheds skin cells and comes into contact with sweat, dust, dry shampoo, conditioner and styling
products.
These products aren’t necessarily bad, but residue can accumulate depending on hair type, washing habits and formulation.
Traditional shampooing may not fully remove stubborn buildup and dead skin, which can leave your hair feeling less than fresh, even after washing.
Sometimes, your scalp simply needs a deeper, more targeted cleansing treatment.
The appointment began with facial cleansing and a hydrating mask, then Olivia moved to my hair.
She used cleansing products featuring tea tree oil and thoroughly worked shampoo through the scalp.
Tea tree oil has been studied for antimicrobial properties, although the concentration and full product formulation determine what it can actually do.
Next came scalp massage using her hands and specialized tools. Massage adds mechanical action that can loosen material at the surface and also makes the treatment deeply relaxing.
The curved waterfall rinse was my favorite portion. Continuous streams of warm water moved over my hair and scalp, carrying away the material the cleansing step had loosened.
After a final rinse and blow-dry, my hair felt noticeably light, clean and smooth.
She also did a close up of my scalp after the treatment, and I was blown away how much cleaner it was.
A head spa is perfect for someone who uses a great deal of styling product or dry shampoo, notices excess oil or wants focused scalp cleansing paired with stress relief.
Olivia suggested spacing relaxation visits about three to four weeks apart, oily-scalp or excessive-buildup visits about two to three weeks apart, and dry or itchy-scalp visits about three to four weeks apart.
But you can do it just once and see the benefits.
For me, this experience was worth it because it combined rest, thorough cleansing and a visible before-and-after comparison.
I didn’t realize how badly my scalp needed some TLC.
Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger, and founder of Chemistry Cachet, which is now celebrating 11 years of trusted, science-based tips on skincare, cleaning, gardening, and health. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 10, Alexis is passionate about pain management research, exercise and sharing realistic wellness solutions for women and families. She grew up in Stephenville and moved back several years ago to raise her kids! When she’s not working on skincare or cleaning experiments, you can find her spending time with her husband, a former Marine and first responder, their two children Amelia and Tucker. Or taking a pilates class around town. You can also find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, now on TikTok!
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