The Japanese head-spa treatment that went viral in 2024 has now cemented itself as a go-to self-care staple across Dubai. It’s a scalp facial that starts with warm steam, moves into a cloud of micro-bubbles to lift product build-up, and finishes with a slow, shiatsu-style massage that melts neck tension you didn’t know you’d been storing. The payoff is shinier hair, a clearer scalp, and the kind of head-to-toe calm usually reserved for post-vacation days.
Dubai salons have taken the hint—installing custom steam hoods, LED scalp lamps, and aroma misters—so you can now book this 60-to-90-minute escape everywhere from Fairmont’s Sheikh Zayed strip to Palm Jumeirah’s party hotels. Prices hover between Dhs 315 and Dhs 755, depending on how many extras (think keratin mists or blow-dries) you tack on. Ready to try it? Here’s the spots doing it best in the city.
Oniriq by Amel, Fairmont Dubai
Hidden on Sheikh Zayed Road, Oniriq calls its treatment a “dream capsule,” and that’s no click-bait. Lights dim to colour-therapy hues while therapists work through a six-step ritual: warm steam, clay detox, acupressure massage, serum infusion, then a blow-dry that somehow feels as relaxing as the massage itself. Expect to float out 90 minutes later, lighter by about Dhs 620 and several layers of stress.
ReFIVE Spa, FIVE Jumeirah Village
FIVE’s party-hotel reputation pauses the moment you lie back for the Sensorial Head Spa: a gentle exfoliating cleanse, shiatsu pressure-point work, and a steam hood perfumed with rosemary oil. The 90-minute escape clocks in at Dhs 555—pair it with a pool pass if you’re in full stay-cation mode.
Royal Nordic Beauty Salon, Jumeirah 2
Think Nordic calm meets Japanese technique. Their head spa layers a herbal wash, warm-steam mask, protein boost, and shoulder massage that unties laptop knots you forgot you had. The 70-minute service sits at Dhs 590, with a blow-dry add-on if you’re heading straight to dinner.
Zu Spa, Downtown Dubai
Need the benefits without the spend? Zu’s Zen Scalp Ritual packs a foaming double cleanse, green-tea clay mask, LED scalp light, and shoulder work for Dhs 400. It’s ladies-only, and the Instagram-ready treatment room books out after 6 p.m., so slide in earlier if you can.
Trû Beauty Lounge, Mirdif
This eco-minded salon in Mirdif City Centre has jumped on the head-spa wave with an organic twist. After a double cleanse, therapists run a micro-bubble wash through the hair, then wrap the scalp in a lavender-steam hood before working in a rosemary serum with slow, shiatsu strokes. Expect 60 minutes of shut-eye followed by a gentle blow-dry and herbal tea in their earthy-toned lounge.
SASALON, Internet City
Tucked between tech offices in DIC, SA Salon saves the real wow for its Japanese Spa room. The 60-minute ritual starts with a micro-bubble cleanse, followed by a lavender-steam hood and shiatsu pressure-point massage that reaches right into neck and shoulder knots. You’ll finish with a light blow-dry and a cup of ginger tea before diving back into Sheikh Zayed traffic.
Tips & Toes, Abu Dhabi (Khalifa Branch)
If you’re up for a drive, the UAE’s biggest salon chain, Tips & Toes, jumped on the trend with a Japanese Hair Spa: micro-bubble cleansing, acupressure massage, and a keratin mist finish for about Dhs 315. Only available at the Khalifa City branch in Abu Dhabi.
