DO you ever think about the state of your scalp?
Scalp health isn’t something I’d ever really considered - I mean, it’s not up there with general health niggles - until I was invited to try a ‘head spa’.
As I get older, and my hair gets thinner, I try to keep my scalp hydrated and cleansed while washing my hair. But other than that, I don’t pay it much attention. I have a face cleansing routine, and a hair washing routine, but my poor scalp has, at times, been sunburnt and itchy and I’ve barely taken notice of it.
So when I was asked to try a head spa treatment, based on a holistic wellness ritual, I was intrigued. I love a head massage - I find it blissfully relaxing - so the idea of being treated to what is essentially a ‘facial for the scalp’ sounded like heaven.
The head spa concept draws on Japanese massage techniques and holistic rituals dating back centuries. Combining advanced scalp analysis, deep cleansing and massage, it’s an intricate wellness and beauty treatment that is becoming increasingly popular in hair care.
Dawn Walsh offers head spa sessions at her hair salon in the Dean Clough complex in Halifax. Dawn and her team have trained in the specialised technique, and since she launched the head spa earlier this year it has really taken off. “One customer loves it so much she has it done once a week,” smiles Dawn.
The head spa specialises in bespoke scalp and hair treatments - as well as being an incredibly relaxing experience, it’s aimed at restoring balance and supporting healthy hair growth.
Dawn describes it as a “relaxing, restorative treatment designed to care for both scalp and mind”.
Storeys by Dawn Walsh is in The Courtyard, Dean Clough, Halifax.
“Through a combination of scalp analysis, deep cleansing, exfoliation, nourishing treatments, soothing massage and relaxing water therapy, a head spa helps cleanse the scalp, loosen build-up, support scalp comfort and melt away everyday stress,” she adds.
Her salon, Storeys by Dawn Walsh, is in one of the former mill buildings on what was the mighty Crossley Carpets site in Halifax. Now Dean Clough, it’s home to a variety of businesses, including bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, a wellness centre and a theatre.
Dawn, from Bradford, has been in hairdressing for more than 30 years and has had the Dean Clough salon since 2023. She styles hair for weddings and red carpet ceremonies, including the Olivier Awards in London.
Arriving at the salon, I’m led into the head spa treatment room by stylist Jade Florence, who carries out an analysis of my scalp. I feel quite nervous - no-one has ever examined my scalp before. It feels a bit like waiting for exam results.
Jade takes me through the consultation and tells me why a nourished, hydrated scalp is important for healthy hair.
Our scalp plays a significant role in our hair health. Knowing whether it’s oily, dry or sensitive can help us choose products that meet those needs - protecting the scalp and boosting hair health and growth.
Kerastase hair care products are bespoke to clients' needs. (Image: Dawn Walsh)
Storeys specialises in Kérastase hair care products, bespoke to clients’ needs, and has partnered with the brand on head spa treatments. Jade uses a K-scan scalp scanner to assess the condition and needs of my scalp. Taking just a tiny section of my scalp, I wonder how it could detect anything - but this specialist ‘diagnosis tool’ produces high resolution images, revealing what the naked eye can’t see. It provides an in-depth analysis, used to create a personalised treatment.
Dawn using a K-scan scalp scanner.
Within minutes the scalp analysis results are in... and it seems a bit grim. My hair mass volume is ‘low’ and my hair strength is ‘weak’. Hair density is 56 and hair diameter scores 57, which means ‘fine’. Scalp microbiome indicator is low and my hair ageing index is 95per cent. I know my hair is fine, and has become more so with menopause, but seeing it written down is quite startling. However, my hair fall risk is low, which I guess is good. Right?
The relaxing head spa treatment room.
Overall, the pre-treatment analysis reveals I have a sensitive scalp, my hair ageing index is high and my scalp sebum condition is normal. My ‘scalp wellness index’ is 65 out of 100.
My recommendation is Chronologiste: an invigorating shampoo “to fight off signs of ageing scalp and hair”; a revitalising mask, infused with hyaluronic acid, abyssine and vitamin E, “to provide intense nourishment”; and a defence serum “for unbalanced scalps”.
Blinded by science, I lie on the treatment bed and feel instantly relaxed. It’s a sanctuary of calm and, wearing a mask infused with active ingredients for skin and haircare, I feel in safe hands with Jade, who takes me through the three parts of the head spa - bathe, treat and care.
It starts with a deep cleanse, followed by the Halo Waterfall - a gentle stream of warm water over my forehead and scalp. I could happily have someone washing my hair all day long so I’m already relaxed by the time the scalp massage begins.
It is utterly blissful - I can feel myself unwinding. While the massage releases tension and stimulates blood flow, the Kérastase treatment is applied to the scalp in a ritual that revitalises and hydrates each strand of hair.
After the massage I step into the main salon for a blow dry, which is the final stage of the treatment. My scalp feels cleansed and nourished and my hair looks and feels healthy and shiny.
The whole experience has been so relaxing, I feel I need to add it to my overall hair care ritual. I’ll certainly be booking another head spa. As well as addressing my scalp health, it’s been a lovely soothing, holistic experience.
“Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp,” says Dawn. “Just like the skin on our face, our scalp deserves regular care, cleansing and nourishment. A healthy scalp helps create the right environment for stronger, healthier looking hair.”
* Storeys by Dawn Walsh is in The Courtyard, Dean Clough, Halifax.
Tel. 07722102396. Email: dawnwalsh12@gmail.com. Instagram: @storeysbydawnwalsh. Website: storeysbydawnwalsh.co.uk