Head spas are taking over TikTok, so I tried one (and it wasn’t what I expected)

If you’re getting fed videos of head spas on your FYP and want to know what they’re actually like, here’s a breakdown of my experience at ATANA in Tempe. 

For months, my TikTok feed has been filled with videos of women going to head spas and getting their scalps vigorously scraped, meticulously cleansed, and then thoroughly conditioned. The customers always look so relaxed and satisfied throughout the process.

Feeling envious of their epic pampering, I decided it was time to try one for myself and booked an appointment at ATANA in Tempe. 

Photo courtesy of Jill Schildhouse.

My experience at a Tempe head spa: ATANA

The space was modern, minimal, and clean—designed to exude a sense of holistic well-being. The owner promptly greeted me and told me to make myself comfortable while I awaited my technician, as I had arrived a few minutes early. One wall featured shelves of eye-catching products formulated by a team of female chemists specifically for ATANA, and on the other side of the room was a row of hairdresser-style chairs where each treatment began and ended. 

Photo courtesy of Jill Schildhouse.

I had booked the 75-minute Signature anti-inflammatory scalp massage ($169), and the treatment began with a scalp analysis exam. I sat comfortably in a chair while my aesthetician used a specialized magnifier to examine areas of my scalp, allowing her to assess any issues like dryness, oiliness, or even clogged follicles. I got to watch it all on a screen as she identified some oily areas and mild product buildup. It was fascinating to see my own hair follicles so close up. She followed this with scalp scraping, a gentle but thorough exfoliation with a comb to remove dead skin cells so my scalp could breathe.

Afterward, we moved into the backroom, which houses a handful of private bays. I was instructed to remove my shirt (so it wouldn’t get wet), put on a robe, and then lay down on the table, which fully supported my neck and head. This is where the bulk of the work is done. My technician applied a Charcoal & Chamomile Detox Head Wash, touted for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties to bring balance to the scalp. 

Photo courtesy of Jill Schildhouse.

The treatment flowed smoothly into the Botanical Deep Conditioning, where my scalp and hair were treated to a nutrient-rich, hydrating blend of botanical extracts. As the conditioner worked its magic, the technician placed my head in a steaming apparatus. The warmth from the steam opened up my scalp’s pores, allowing the products to penetrate more deeply. While steaming, she massaged my arms and hands, further deepening my state of relaxation. 

When it was time to rinse, she selected the Green Tea & Rose Rinse and the Rice & Rosemary Protein Rinse. Green tea, known for its antioxidants, and rose, for its calming effect, left my scalp feeling refreshed and balanced. The rice and rosemary protein rinse was aimed at fortifying the hair shaft, adding strength and elasticity. 

The treatment was rounded out with a Mint & Sea Moss Foam Wash, which was delightfully refreshing. My aesthetician followed this with a Mint Conditioning and detangle step, using a mint-infused conditioner to soothe my scalp and detangle my hair.

Photo courtesy of Jill Schildhouse.

We moved back to the main room, and I settled into a chair at her station—a fortune cookie and tasty golden milk chai tea awaited me. Here, she used a high-frequency tool to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promote hair growth, and eliminate bacteria to reduce the risk of scalp infections. Next, she performed a meridian scalp massage, rooted in traditional techniques, to further promote circulation and balance the energy flow in my scalp. Finally, she applied tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties, which help reduce dandruff, soothe the scalp, and promote a balanced environment.

Then came the big moment: using the magnifying tool once again to inspect my scalp. Even my untrained eye could see a marked difference with less buildup and oil. Seems like it worked!

The last step was a blow-dry. I had incorrectly expected this to include a bit of styling, but it was truly just a means to dry my damp hair. I was relieved I didn’t have plans after this appointment because while my scalp looked and felt incredibly clean, my hair didn’t end up looking so hot. 

Photo courtesy of Jill Schildhouse.

The takeaway

Overall, this experience was quite different from the videos I’d seen on social media—those were more spa-like and dedicated to the massage, whereas ATANA was more focused on science-backed techniques and tools and a truly functional outcome.

Think of it as more of an investment in your scalp and hair health rather than a spa treatment, and you’ll be thrilled with the results. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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