Treating yourself to a spa day is always a good idea—but have you ever given your scalp the attention it deserves? While head spas may feel like a new wellness trend, the practice has deep roots in Asian traditions, where it’s been used for centuries to promote balance, enhance well-being and encourage deep relaxation. For the ultimate in pre-holiday relaxation, check out one of our locally owned head spas. Indulge in luxurious scalp treatments designed to rejuvenate your roots, boost scalp health and deliver next-level self-care. Trust us—your mind, body and scalp will thank you.
Holistica Headspa & Skin
With over 25 years as an esthetician and 10 years in medical aesthetics (plastic surgery and dermatology), Toni Droge, the founder of Holistica Headspa & Skin, blends holistic Asian scalp therapy with modern medical esthetics. Her unique approach was inspired by backpacking journeys across Asia, allowing her to create a distinctive and effective experience for her clientele.
When a client comes in for a 70 or 90-minute headspa treatment, Droge and her trained staff will first do an in-depth scalp analysis. “A lot of people have underlying conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis that they're not even aware of,” she explains. “We work with a local dermatologist who may refer a client with a lot of scalp buildup. We can prep the skin for the medication that the doctors prescribe to penetrate and work better, giving them a clean slate to start with.” After the analysis, clients relax and rejuvenate with a custom scalp cleanse, exfoliation, mask and essential oils. The treatment also comes with a mini facial, massage, warm towels, aromatherapy and a magical waterfall halo. The heavenly experience ends with a light blow-dry. Where other spas may use recycled water, Holistica’s treatment beds utilize unlimited fresh warm water running through a halo for the entire treatment. “It’s a holistic experience, it's all organic and the relaxation is so incredible that most people fall asleep. Our spa is decorated in an Asian-like, very relaxed vibe. It's very dark. We play very relaxing flute music and our clients leave feeling very relaxed and rejuvenated,” says Droge. “We truly work to improve your scalp health, not just clean it.” Holistica Headspa & Skin, 3060 University Parkway, Sarasota, 941-287-0018, holisticaheadspa.com
Hair Spa of Sarasota
At Hair Spa of Sarasota, founder Christina Reiss believes that true beauty begins with balance— of body, mind and spirit. Her holistic approach to hair care is rooted in the idea that nurturing the whole person leads to deeper relaxation, better health and radiant results. Conveniently located on North Beneva Rd in Sarasota, Reiss has created a peaceful retreat where luxury hair care meets mindful self-care. Originally from Washington, D.C., Reiss began her journey as an assistant to a stylist. After relocating to Sarasota nearly 20 years ago, she quickly discovered the joy she brought her clients by helping them feel refreshed and at ease. That experience inspired her to build a business focused on creating the ultimate in relaxation and personalized care.
Hair Spa of Sarasota offers a unique, full-body massage bed experience paired with an indulgent, seven-step hair treatment. The ritual begins with a gentle exfoliation using a fine-tooth comb to remove dead skin cells from the scalp. A cooling tea tree scalp scrub follows, along with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate product buildup. Reiss then applies a deeply moisturizing shampoo and nutrient-rich hair masque to hydrate and restore processed or dry hair. A soothing massage, aromatic steam treatment to open scalp pores and hair cuticles, and calming aromatherapy round out the spa-like experience. Each session concludes with a professional blow dry and style—an extra touch that sets her apart from others. In addition to the signature treatment, Reiss offers waterless “hair play” sessions on a flatbed and gentle sensory therapy, both designed to help clients unwind through touch and tranquility.
“The Hair Spa treatment I offer is an affordable way to maintain scalp and hair health,” says Reiss. “It helps prevent skin conditions, removes buildup, promotes growth, exfoliates the scalp and improves circulation. And unlike many places, I always include a blow dry and style—it’s part of the complete experience.” An experienced barber who is certified in hair care and passionate about wellness, Reiss takes pride in understanding different hair types and matching them with the right products. She recommends monthly visits to maintain optimal hair and scalp health—and, most importantly, to give yourself the gift of deep relaxation. Hair Spa of Sarasota, 501 N Beneva Rd #260, Sarasota, hairspaofsarasota.com/ ; instagram.com/hairspaofsarasota
Hair & Earth Organic Salon and Headspa
Hair & Earth Salon, owned and operated by Erinn Earth, offers a full range of salon services—cuts, color, highlights and smoothing treatments—using safe, organic and effective products. Located on Central Avenue in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the salon provides a holistic and peaceful atmosphere that supports relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition to traditional hair services, Earth also offers red light therapy and specialized Ayurvedic scalp treatments.The Ayurvedic scalp massage at Hair & Earth integrates ancient healing techniques rooted in Ayurveda—an Indian system of medicine that means “knowledge of life.” These treatments aim to restore balance and support the body’s natural energy systems. Each session begins with intentional breathing to help the client relax and become fully present. The massage includes work on the scalp, neck, jawline, face and ears, with a focus on lymphatic drainage and key pressure points. Warm oil is then gently poured onto the scalp, followed by a pressure point massage using stones. The massage ends with hot steam towels wrapped around the head and face to encourage deep relaxation. The 45-minute session can be followed by an optional shampoo, haircut and blow-dry.
Beyond relaxation, these treatments have numerous potential health benefits. “Your scalp has pressure points that correspond to every part of the body,” Earth explains. “This therapy can support digestion, regulate heart rate, calm the nervous system, improve hormonal balance and help ease emotional conditions like depression and anxiety. When we slow down and engage with these ancient, tried and true healing methods, we can experience profound transformation.”
Originally from Illinois, Earth brings a unique blend of expertise to her practice that truly helps her connect with her clients. She is a certified yoga teacher with advanced training in massage techniques and a former social worker with a degree in psychology. With over 15 years of experience in the Sarasota area, she is deeply committed to helping others cultivate self-awareness, find calm and create inner peace. “When you connect to your breath,” she says, “you automatically begin to relax—and that’s where healing begins.” Hair & Earth, 200 Central Ave, Suite 18, Sarasota, 941-284-9563, hairandearth.glossgenius.com
Clareza Skin
Bradenton native and certified skincare specialist Sarah Fannin founded Clareza Skin in 2023, introducing the region’s first salon to specialize in headspa treatments. While many advised her to open in more commercially bustling areas like Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, Fannin stayed true to her roots, launching the salon just a mile from her home. Her mission was clear: to offer high-quality, specialized treatments in her own community—eliminating the need for local residents to travel elsewhere for advanced skincare services. Being a pioneer in the headspa space was, in Fannin’s words, “incredibly exciting—and a little terrifying,” but ultimately “nothing short of amazing.” Her vision was to build a sanctuary grounded in intention, depth and connection. That vision is paying off—not only is the Bradenton community embracing her, but clients are also now traveling hours just to experience what Clareza Skin has to offer.
“What sets me apart from other headspas is that mine is skincare-focused—it’s more like a facial for your scalp,” Fannin explains. “The scalp is an extension of the face, so I treat its skin with the same care and attention.” The signature 75-minute headspa treatment at Clareza begins with a cozy bed, robe and cover and a scalp analysis using a microscope—not for diagnosis, but to visually show clients what’s happening on their scalp. An eye mask is provided to help clients fully relax before a luxurious sequence begins: steam therapy, massage and a toner mist gently combed through the hair. Fannin then applies a hot oil that she creates herself and continues the massage. A scalp scrub—crafted with clay, tea tree oil and clarifying salts—follows. She enhances the treatment with tools like a vibrating comb for added relaxation. The deeply relaxing experience concludes with a gentle shampoo and post-treatment scalp analysis. Clients are sent home with a sample of Fannin’s custom-blended oil made with jojoba oil, rosemary, frankincense and myrrh. Clareza Skin, 401 60th St West, Bradenton, clarezaskin.com.
