When it comes to beauty trends, they are never-ending. Skincare hacks, makeup trends, Botox, fillers, sculpting, there’s always something new. However, something I recently came across something that intrigued me more than anything else I’ve encountered in the beauty space—a headspa.
I know what you’re thinking: a spa just for my hair? Unnecessary.
I was of the same thought process before I arrived at my appointment at The Sage Headspa in Alpharetta, GA. To add more skepticism to the pot, I have had a head full of locs. Anyone with curly or kinky hair can understand my hesitation. Unfortunately, hair types, often associated with Black women, tend to be left out or discriminated against due to misconceptions of difficulty or more effort. Add locs into the mixture, and an inexperienced person may be scared to even touch my hair.
Nevertheless, I stepped out of my comfort zone to try this experience.
To give you an idea of what I’m working with, I have fairly mature locs, having loc’d my hair in 2021. I have about 80 locs in my hair, so they are decently thick, and they are about waist-length (I’m 5’2 for context).
My First Headspa Experience
My nerves were high as I headed to my appointment. Having done research ahead of time, there was no one on the website who even looked like me or had locs. However, upon arrival, it was clear that the staff was diverse.
I was assisted by Marissa, who met me at the door and escorted me into the most relaxing room I’ve ever been in. She gave me instructions on how to prepare for the appointment, which involved removing my shirt and any jewelry from my neck and face.
I felt my nerves spike as I am hard-of-hearing and wear hearing aids. I knew I’d need to remove them to prevent damage, but how would I be able to interact and speak with the masseuse? I asked her if I should remove them, and she said yes. The rest of the appointment, she spoke slowly (but not in that silly way that makes you feel stupid) and loudly so I could hear her. She also had no issue with repeating herself when asked. Safe to say accommodations are made for guests with disabilities.
After providing me with instructions, Marissa stepped out to let me prepare and put on the towel. I then climbed into quite literally the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had the pleasure of lying in. Not only was it comfortable, it was heated!
Once I was all settled, Marissa knocked and then entered the room. She asked me if I was comfortable, then informed me that she would be performing a detox on my locs. I genuinely perked up because I haven’t formally detoxed my locs in about two years, so it was well overdue. I also recently dyed my hair, so my locs definitely needed some TLC.
The lights were dimmed, and several diffusers were running in the room. There was also soothing music to enhance the ambiance. The combination of these elements actually eased any nerves I had. I became relaxed and let the masseuse get to work.
The best way I can describe the actual detox itself is like an elevated shampoo that you get from the hair salon, which is my favorite part of every salon visit. However, the headspa experience was calmer and much more focused. As opposed to washing, conditioning, and getting me into the chair, Marissa was able to directly address my scalp. It wasn’t just a good scratch to my scalp; there was stimulation!
Though I am not privy to the exact steps taken or products used, I did not care. I was able to truly unwind. There were a few times I almost drifted off to sleep! And if a scalp massage and loc detox weren’t enough, Marissa also provided a much-needed shoulder massage.
After rinsing my hair, I became a tad bit nervous again because drying locs is not quite the same as drying loose hair. But Marissa was on it. She wrapped them up really tight and allowed me to get dressed with the towel still on my head. She offered me water and walked me to the door at the end of my appointment.
As I walked to my car, I thought to myself, “I have got to do that again.”
About The Sage Headspa
Emily Condle, a clinical esthetician, and Desarai Mannelly, a master cosmetologist, founded The Sage Headspa. The duo combined the Japanese method with modern science to deliver customers an excellent experience. The head spa also offers treatments for your face, including masks and facials.
As mentioned, I patronized the Alpharetta location, which is local to Atlanta. If you’re not in Georgia, they also have locations in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and several locations in Florida.
