For me, a hair spa has always been one of the easiest ways to give myself TLC. The warm water, the slow massage, the chance to switch off for an hour — it's less about vanity and more about that pause, that reset. I walk out not just with shinier strands but with lighter shoulders. That's why when I started seeing the Korean hair spa go viral — videos of steaming scalp massages, glossy transformations, even waterfall rinses all over Instagram— I knew I had to try it for myself.
I first came across the Korean head spa the way most of us did — scrolling late at night. TikTok and Instagram were flooded with ASMR-style videos of foamy scalp cleansers, LED combs, and therapists pouring warm water in a waterfall rinse. It looked oddly satisfying, almost meditative. Add to that celebrities like BLACKPINK's Jennie, Hailey Bieber, and Kim Kardashian showing off their glossy, post-head spa hair, and suddenly this ritual was everywhere. What really caught my attention was how editors abroad were calling it "skincare for your scalp." That felt like the natural next step after the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine changed how we treat skin — now it was the scalp's turn in the spotlight.
01The Ultimate Korean Hair Spa Experience
When I finally decided to book myself in for the K-Ssence Head Ritual at Lakmē Salon, Audrey D'Souza, National Creative Director – Hair, Lakmē Salon, was there to guide me in. I've met Audrey before, and what always strikes me about her is how she gets Indian hair — the texture, the everyday struggles, the way our climate affects it — but at the same time, she's so tuned into what's happening globally. That balance instantly put me at ease. If I was going to try a Korean-inspired ritual here in Mumbai, I couldn't think of a better person to have leading me through it.
Before we began, Audrey explained why the K-Ssence Head Ritual is unlike a regular hair spa. "This Korean-inspired treatment is a 90-minute, 15-step journey. It's far more than an elaborate feel-good ritual — it's built on scalp-first care and powered by bio-fermented ingredients that make every step more effective," said Audrey D'Souza, National Creative Director – Hair, Lakmē Salon. "At Lakmē Salon, we've combined advanced technology with traditional botanicals to deliver not just shine, but long-term scalp health and deep relaxation."
The ritual starts off with a scalp analysis, a quick but revealing check of what my scalp actually needed. From there, the cleansing phase began: a gentle shampoo to refresh the strands, followed by an intense scalp cleanser that lifted away buildup. Already, my scalp felt lighter and cleaner.
The therapy phase came next, and this is where the innovation unfolded. A galvanic brush massage boosted circulation, followed by the application of a scalp vaccine — a potent formula designed to strengthen and nourish. Then came an LED red-light comb massage, soothing and revitalising, and a round of warm steam to open the pores and maximise absorption.
After that intensity, the relaxation phase was a treat. A refreshing waterfall rinse flowed across my scalp, followed by a calming hand massage that grounded the entire experience. A layer of nourishing conditioner softened the strands, and another round of galvanic stimulation locked in the benefits.
The ritual ended with the finishing phase: a second scalp analysis to assess improvements, a targeted scalp spray to balance and refresh, a shine-boosting serum for instant gloss, and finally, a professional blow-dry to seal it all in.
By the end of all 15 steps, my hair was visibly glossier, yes — but more than that, my scalp felt refreshed, light, and cared for.
02Final Verdict
This is an elaborate ritual, no two ways about it — and that's exactly what makes it special. If you love hair care rituals, this is a must-try. We all know how important circulation is for scalp health, and the way this treatment layers massage, steam, light therapy, and even a waterfall shower makes it feel like an elevated Korean champi. It's indulgent, yes, but indulgence done with precision. This is definitely not something you can try at home — there are too many steps — this feels more like a passport to a princess-level treatment, the kind you'll want to come back to when you need your scalp and senses reset.
By the end of the 90 minutes, my hair felt softer, my scalp lighter, and my mood calmer. But what stayed with me most was the detail — every step had a purpose, every touch felt intentional. For someone who believes in the power of rituals, this one goes beyond beauty. It's not just about walking out with glossy strands; it's about giving yourself permission to pause, to indulge, and to return to something that feels restorative. For me, it was like a skincare routine for the scalp. That's why the Korean hair spa lives up to the hype — and why I'd go back for it in a heartbeat.
If you're wondering how this treatment really works and what sets it apart, here are some FAQs that break down its unique benefits.
Q. What makes this scalp treatment different from a regular hair spa?
Unlike a basic hair spa, this ritual focuses on deep cleansing and exfoliation. It removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the scalp while unclogging hair follicles — setting the stage for healthier hair growth.
Q. How does the treatment improve scalp health?
The 15-step process promotes long-term scalp health by using advanced techniques like LED light therapy, galvanic massage, and fermented ingredients. Together, they balance the scalp, strengthen follicles, and create the right environment for growth.
Q. Does this treatment also help with stress relief?
Yes! The ritual is designed to be as relaxing as it is effective. The massage techniques and waterfall rinse not only boost circulation but also leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated.
Q. Is the treatment the same for everyone?
No — each session begins with a detailed scalp analysis. Based on your scalp's needs, the products and techniques are customized, ensuring a treatment that's completely personal to you.
Q. What kind of products are used in the Korean head spa?
The ritual uses premium, high-quality products infused with fermented ingredients, botanicals, and targeted serums. These are carefully chosen to deliver both immediate shine and lasting results.
Q. Is it just about the scalp, or does it have a holistic benefit?
It's holistic. The treatment combines traditional Korean techniques with modern innovations like LED combs and galvanic brushes, making it a sensory and restorative experience for both scalp and mind.
Q. Will it actually make my hair look better?
Absolutely. By strengthening hair follicles, reducing breakage, and nourishing from the roots, the treatment helps hair appear thicker, fuller, and glossier over time.
Q. Why is the Korean head spa suddenly so popular?
Because it taps into the global trend of skincare-inspired hair rituals. Much like the 10-step Korean skincare routine changed the way we approach skin, this head spa is redefining how we care for our scalp — making it one of the hottest beauty experiences right now.
