If you've ever had a massage, you know that when the therapist starts working on your scalp, it's like the skies have opened up and angels are singing down upon you. There's so much tension we hold in our heads, and yet the area is frequently neglected. Our scalps are also prone to everything from itchy spots and dandruff to oiliness and product buildup. Head spas -- which are popping up everywhere at a rapid rate -- put your scalp care at top priority, massaging away tension awhile catering to your overall scalp and hair health.

"The reason we're seeing more head spas popping up is because people are starting to realize that a healthy scalp is key to having healthy hair," says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon. "I know firsthand how critical it is to keep the scalp free from buildup, oil, and debris. The rise of self-care trends has also made scalp care feel like a luxury experience, which appeals to people looking for both aesthetic and therapeutic benefits."

So what exactly is a head spa, what are the key benefits, and what can you expect at an appointment? We're covering everything ahead.

Head spas focus squarely on scalp and hair health above all else. "It typically combines various techniques, including massages, exfoliation, cleansing, and nourishing treatments, to promote overall scalp health and enhance hair quality," says hairstylist Zanya Gissler. "The experience is designed to be both relaxing and rejuvenating, often incorporating aromatherapy and soothing products."

Suitable for people with all hair textures, appointments last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. On average, an appointment costs between $50 and $200, though Gissler says you may pay more at a high-end location or if you're opting for special add-on services. Often, appointments are catered specifically to your needs after a visual assessment and discussion with your practitioner.

Relaxation and wellness is a key component of head spas, but the emphasis on scalp care offers lots of other benefits, too.

"The true benefit of a head spa is the attention paid to the scalp, which can foster a healthier environment in which your hair can grow," says Geeta Yadav, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. "Our scalps are often considered an afterthought unless there is a significant or noticeable issue. While we don't often notice scalp buildup, it's very common and can congest the hair follicle and inhibit healthy hair growth."

Head spas are often set up as a mix between a relaxing spa and hair salon. The location I visited, Atana Head Spa in Tempe, Ariz., had two separate areas: one that looked like a bright, well-lit hair salon and another darker area where treatment rooms were located.

My appointment started in the chair, where we discussed my concerns and goals. Next, my practitioner used a handheld camera device that went deep into the scalp to get a super close-up visual of what was happening on my head. The video was projected on a screen so I could see too, and to say it was grody is an understatement. Even though I'd just washed my hair the day before, I had flakes, buildup, and areas of dryness that corresponded with some light itching.

This assessment gave my practitioner information to create a treatment game plan, which involved scalp scraping (so gross, but so satisfying), an oil treatment at the root, and several different scalp and hair masks/treatments to exfoliate and hydrate. The first two steps were performed at the chair, and then we moved to the treatment rooms for the rest.

In the treatment room, I laid on a flat massage table with a large sink/tub at the head. There was lots of massaging action from her hands and from the water pressure, and she even massaged my arms, hands, chest, and upper back while one of the masks set.

After, we went back to the chair to comb through my hair and to take another look with the camera, which revealed a very clean and hydrated scalp. She also did a rough blow-dry, which at that head spa was the common practice (versus a full blow-dry/style). She finished with a tea tree oil spray, and then I was given a delicious lavender latte before heading on my way.

Head spas are definitely a luxury -- just like nail appointments, massages, and facials. I consider it a "treat yourself and your scalp" situation where it may not be a monthly practice, but is something nice to do for yourself every once in a while. I think it also makes a great gift idea, and would be nice before a big event when you want to feel and look your greatest.