My honest review of the new Tokyo Headspa in Melbourne

The ultimate wash day.

We all know the best part about going to the hairdressers is the basin massage. And no matter how good it is, it’s never quite long enough. So if the thought of booking in for a dedicated hour of blissful basin time sounds appealing, you need to experience a traditional Japanese head spa.

Head spas have been trending all over TikTok and although they’ve been associated with K-beauty culture, they’ve also been a Japanese mainstay for years. There are different versions of this treatment on offer in Australia, most of which combine scalp analysis with massage, sometimes a facial, and a deep clean via an arched shower head that blasts your scalp from top to bottom.

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If your algorithm looks anything like mine, you’ve probably seen the viral reels of Tokyo Headspa’s lavish scalp treatments set in steamy, dimly-lit massage rooms. I’d been wanting to try it out for months, so when the news landed in my inbox that the first Tokyo Headspa was opening in Melbourne, I booked in to the Armadale salon for the full 70-minute traditional head bath experience.

What to expect from a Japanese head spa

Stepping inside the Tokyo Headspa reception, I was welcomed with a beautiful display of traditional Japanese kimonos and the smell of herbal tea brewing. I swapped my shoes for white slippers, chose a kimono to wear and was swiftly lead into a cosy room with a single massage chair and basin for my treatment.

To begin, my practitioner started with a scalp analysis. I’d filled out a consultation form in advance (do this so the paperwork doesn’t eat up your precious basin time!) and she confirmed my notes that my scalp can feel a bit dry and flakey, especially before wash day. This day I was very overdue for a wash, so the signature Himiko (also known as creambath) was going to give me a relaxing, yet deep cleanse.

I settled into the plush comfy chair, legs elevated and head back while she got the basin and products ready. The treatment started with a detoxifying, slow shampoo with a scalp massage, followed a second gentle shampoo that was extra frothy. Next, she applied the Beets Water Treatment which stimulates the hair follicles and encourages growth, followed by a nourishing conditioner to rehydrate my hair.

Then, unlike at the hairdressers, it didn’t stop. Knowing the scalp massage had only started meant I could fully relax, to the point where I felt myself nearly drift off to sleep a few times. The peak of the treatment is definitely when the water machine gets involved. Basically, your hair is cradled in a warm water bath while a pressurised water fountain runs up and down your scalp while you get a shoulder massage at the same time. I was in heaven.

After the most soothing 60 minutes of my life, my hair was wrapped up and gently towelled off, then blow-dried in the chair. You really feel like a helpless baby being looked after in the best possible way.

My results

It’s important not to expect a salon-level blow wave after the treatment. There is only time for a rough-dry, and since my hair is naturally wavy, I spent five minutes in the ‘self styling’ area afterwards, running the straighteners through my hair to smooth out the frizz – there’s a few heated hair tools and products provided.

After enjoying some tea in the relaxation lounge, I floated down Station Street unable to stop touching my hair, it felt the most clean it’s ever been. Aside from feeling super light and bouncy, it had amazing shine and my scalp felt invigorated. The feeling lasted much longer than my usual shampoo, too, I went an entire week before shampooing it again. It really was the best wash day ever, so I’d highly recommend lining one up for when you need a really deep clean and some self-care time.

To experience a Tokso Headspa for yourself, head here.