Lately, in Wilmington, I've been seeing a lot of ads for scalp and head treatments, with several new head spas opening up over the past year and half or so. It seems that this luxury treatment has emerged in the US within the past two years. 

For my birthday this past Saturday, I decided to head to one to find out what it's about and see if I actually relaxed! 

I booked an appointment at Millaine Head Spa, located in the Mayfaire area of Wilmington. It's not far from Wrightsville Beach and there is also a location in Southport.

Millaine Head Spa is located in a retail unit within Mayfaire Flats, one of the local apartment communities. With it being a Saturday, it was quiet over there! 

Originating from India & Asia, head and scalp treatments have been around for over 2000 years, mostly through Aryuvedic practice of champi (head massage). 

In more modern times, the Japanese defined the formal spa experience as we now know it. Taking off in 2024- 2026, head spas are more common now. 

So what is a head or scalp spa?

It is an experience focused entirely on your scalp, hair, and potentially face (depending on your desired areas of work). It's supposed to reset your scalp so that you hair grows better and fuller. I already have a full head of hair (no problems there, as you can see below), so we focused on the relaxation part of the experience. I have always loved people playing with my hair and often crave extra massages when my salon stylist cuts my hair! 

Before the experience.

What happens?

• In my specific instance, the therapist greeted me, and walked me through the process at their specific location. I was given a robe and a towel (with velcro attachments) to slip into. During my experience, I was the only client in the room. This particular spa only offers space for two clients, so it is very quiet. The lights were dimmed and there was soft music playing.

• After changing, I was guided towards a salon chair. The therapist produced a scalp machine. Using a probe, she viewed my scalp and we were able to access the condition via picture. I thought my scalp would have had more buildup than it did, but other than oil, she noted it was pretty clean. 

• They use this tool to guide their utilization of various products offered. There are different types of treatments for scalps that deal with oily, dryness, dandruff, or other skin conditions. The therapist described what she was planning to do, and asked me questions if I wanted additional items. 

• Afterwards, I'm invited to lie down on a bed, with my head resting on a head pedestal. The therapist begins her work. In my case, she started with my facial masks before moving to my hair. Massage, shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, and a hair mask were all included in this treatment. 

• The bed is set up next to a water machine and there is a moveable half ring known was the Water Halo. This was used to wet and rinse, but it actually has a purpose. The waterfall is supposed to mimic ASMR (if that's not your thing, then the sound might annoy you), but also acts as a stimulatent. Rather than one rush of water from a nozzle, the water is between the water jets.

• My back became uncomfortable about two thirds of the way into the treatment, so just note that if you are one with issues. They can adjust bolsters to help you become comfortable. 

• After your treatment is over, the therapist gives you time to get up and meets you back in the salon chair. You will review your scalp using the same machine one more time, checking out the differences. A rough dry is offered with the treatment, or for an added fee, a blow- out can be offered. 

• At check out, she did note the products used, but I personally didn't feel that it was over-salesy, like some spas and salons try to do. 

• Also, this particular spa offers a referral reward! 

Still in my post- bliss haze! My hair was mostly dry at this point.