Inside Masa Kanai’s Japanese head spa, where personalised scalp care meets full-body relaxation…and seriously silky hair

My hair felt like actual silk after my appointment at Masa Kanai, but the feeling of complete relaxation was just as memorable. With a customised scalp treatment and an extensive massage that included my scalp, face, arms, shoulders, hands and feet, this was an experience I wanted to linger in. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed after an appointment.

The treatment began with a scalp scan, giving me a close-up look at my scalp and hair follicles. I found this fascinating. We’re so used to judging our hair by how it looks and feels, but being able to see what’s happening at the roots brings another dimension to caring for it. It also gave me a better understanding of why the treatment was being customised.

Ritsuko Borges tailored the treatment to my concerns, including changes in hair volume as I age. In her follow-up explanation, she told me: “You mentioned being concerned about changes in your hair volume as you age, so I chose Masa Kanai Head Spa’s original Saisei Blend.”

She described the blend as a rejuvenating treatment, with kelp for moisture and antioxidant support, goji berry powder for antioxidants and stronger hair, and ginger to promote circulation and activate the scalp. Hearing why she had chosen those ingredients made the personal attention behind the appointment even clearer.

Then there was the massage, which deserves a moment of its own. The extensive scalp and facial tension-release massage was incredible, and the attention extended to my arms, shoulders, hands and feet. As the appointment went on, I felt myself sinking further into relaxation. It was lovely to have so much of the experience devoted to easing tension alongside caring for my hair and scalp.

That emphasis on touch has a personal history. Ritsuko grew up in a nature-rich hot spring town about an hour from Tokyo, where bathing in the onsen, tea and herbs were part of everyday care.

“I hold dear the ancient Japanese wellness concept of yojo: eating a balanced diet and getting proper rest,” she explained. Daily bathing, she said, is also a kind of misogi: “a purification of the day’s energy and the body that prepares us for tomorrow.”

She has also practised Reiki personally for 20 years. “I believe in the healing that comes from touching myself and others with our hands, not with machines,” she told me. After experiencing the care and attention of her massage, I could understand how central that belief is to her approach.

Another memorable part of the appointment was the fine mist used during the treatment. I had initially thought of it as micro steam, but Ritsuko clarified the difference: “What you felt wasn’t traditional steam. It’s an ultrasonic mist: it isn’t hot, so it’s gentle and safe on the scalp, and its very fine particles help the treatment ingredients absorb more deeply.”

She explained that she applies it throughout the treatment to keep the head from feeling cold while the hair is wet. According to Ritsuko, it also helps soften lingering buildup so it can lift away more easily. For me, it added another soothing element to an already wonderfully relaxing experience.

And those products deserve a mention of their own. Ritsuko chose a shampoo containing collagen for moisture and green tea for its antioxidant benefits, followed by Masa Kanai’s original Silk Protein Treatment, which she explained was used to restore strength and shine.

What I can say from my own experience is that my hair felt unbelievably soft afterwards. Actual silk is still the closest description I can give it. The products felt so incredible that I immediately bought the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment. I wanted to continue that feeling at home.

Ritsuko’s advice on home care was refreshingly personal, too. She recommended starting with a scalp and hair assessment, then paying attention to how a routine feels: “Does it feel comfortable? Do you get any itchiness? Is the feel of your hair changing?” She also pointed out that our needs can shift with the seasons, so the products we use may need to change with them.

What made Masa Kanai memorable for me was how all these elements came together. The scalp scan offered an interesting insight into what was happening at the roots, the customised treatment felt attentive, and the massage gave me time to fully relax. Ritsuko’s warmth made the experience feel even more welcoming.

I left with wonderfully silky hair and a feeling of calm that was every bit as satisfying as the results. It was an incredible experience, and one I would happily return for.