Spa Offers Japanese Scalp & Hair Treatment

For Atlantans ready to try a different type of spa experience, Mer Aqua Head Spa offers a blissful hair and scalp treatment that not only provides real benefits, but also leaves a person walking on a cloud afterwards, feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

Modeled after the head and hair spas found throughout Tokyo, Mer is located in Salon Doremi in Johns Creek. According to owner, MyThanh Le, who has more than 30 years of experience in the hair business, “For a long time, all of our clients raved about the shampoo and massages we gave them before their haircuts and other services. I felt like we could offer a stand-alone deluxe treatment focused exclusively on scalp rejuvenation and hydration that would deeply cleanse, nourish, and treat the hair and scalp, all while our clients simply relax and enjoy.”

And indeed, the experience at Mer is a most soothing treatment and massage, taking the usual hour or so at the hair salon to a new level, and leaving each client with shiny, soft tresses to boot! Treatments are specifically designed for clients with a range of needs and conditions, such as thinning hair, dandruff, dry or itchy scalp, colored hair, over-processed hair, and oily hair. With many years in the hair salon business, the specialists are uniquely qualified to provide the most appropriate treatments for each client.

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Walking into a tranquil, Zen-like communal space, each client is ushered into a private room to trade their top for an oversized wraparound towel that is securely fastened with a Velcro fastener. Once the treatment begins, clients will be glad they changed since the shoulders and top of the back get splashed quite a bit during the treatment. Joining their therapist at a specially designed massage table attached to a deep shampoo basin, clients lie down surrounded by curtains, affording them the privacy to relax or drift off to sleep.

The hair and scalp treatment room is set and ready to receive the next guest.

The Mer Ultimate ($125) lasts an hour and a half and includes a thorough facial before and during the hair and scalp treatment. Beginning with a spray of lemongrass essential oil, the facial begins and includes makeup removal, deep cleansing, exfoliation, and a mask. A relaxing forehead, neck and shoulder massage follows and includes the arms and hands.

The hair and scalp treatment starts with an exfoliation using a specially designed brush that essentially feels like a fantastic head scratch. Multiple scalp and hair elixirs follow. The therapist then adds in an incredible scalp massage and uses a micro nano steamer so that the pores are open for maximum saturation of the facial moisturizer and hair conditioning treatment. The hair conditioner, applied next, contains keratin and hyaluronic acid, components known for reconstructing and moisturizing hair, smoothing the cuticle, and protecting the strands from dryness.

There are many steps in the entire process, but all the client needs to do is just lie back and relax while the capable therapist works her magic.

Le compares the hair and scalp to flowers in the garden soil, sharing that hair is a reflection of a healthy scalp. She believes the scalp needs to be treated naturally and with care in order to obtain stronger, healthier hair.

“I have also made sure that our massage techniques signal the brain to release feel good chemicals called endorphins, which boost energy and provide a sense of peace and happiness. As a result, the stress hormones, cortisol, and adrenaline, begin to decrease and the overall effect is one of euphoria and bliss,” added Le.

Mer Aqua Head Spa is open on Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments may be made by phone at 770-740-0052 or online by visiting salondoremi.com.