Japanese-style head spa is opening in Bluffton soon. Here’s when and where
A new spa concept is set to open in Bluffton next month, offering a unique wellness service to the Lowcountry community.
The Lavender Lounge, a Japanese-inspired head spa, will open its doors on Oct. 10 at 14 Oak Forest Road, Suite B, with a grand opening set for Oct. 24.
Located in Belfair Towne Village, next door to House of Color Salon & Spa, The Lavender Lounge is tucked right within the Bluffton community and provides convenient access to nearby Hilton Head Island.
Here’s everything to know about this new business and what services it offers.
About the owner
The Lavender Lounge owner, Melissa Fahs, relocated to Bluffton from Massachusetts in 2023.
Holding a background as a former business owner and in marketing for hospitality and technology companies, Fahs initially didn’t know much about the wellness industry, until a business trip to Atlanta sparked a new career direction.
“My colleagues up north were flying down and had gotten stuck in a storm, but since I drove, I decided to visit my first head spa to fill the time,” she said.
That single visit had her hooked and led to months of research, other spa visits, obtaining her formal certification and eventually, the creation of her own space here in Bluffton.
“I realized there was nothing like this locally and saw an opportunity,” she said.
Now, after a year of securing her space and making renovations, Fahs says that she’s finally ready to open her doors.
What is a head spa?
While common in Japan, head spas are still relatively new in the U.S. The practice, dating back to the early 1600s, is based on the principle that scalp health is essential to overall hair and wellness.
“When you visit salons in Japan, primarily in Tokyo, head spa services are included as part of the service,” Fahs said. “Beauty and wellness go hand in hand, so these treatments almost work like a facial for your scalp.”
The technique used at The Lavender Lounge is rooted in traditional Japanese practices, which emphasize acupressure massage to stimulate circulation, support follicle health and promote relaxation.
These head spa treatments also have added health benefits, Fahs noted, which may include relief from headaches, improved sleep, reduced inflammation and increased hair growth due to cleaner, better-nourished hair follicles.
“Clients seek out head spa services for a variety of reasons – scalp conditions like dryness or oil buildup, migraines, hair loss, or simply to relax,” she said.
What The Lavender Lounge offers
The Lavender Lounge will operate five private treatment suites, allowing each client a one-on-one experience from consultation to final styling.
Each service begins with a scalp analysis using a trichoscope, a magnifying device that provides a detailed view of the scalp. This allows specialists to customize the treatment to the guest’s needs.
The spa uses filtered and softened water, aromatherapy and Japanese hair therapy products for treatments, which include exfoliation, a double cleanse, a mask, conditioning, massaging, and a blowout.
Fahs says that The Lavender Lounge uses equipment made by Takara Belmont, a Japanese salon equipment company, which features a spa basin designed to simulate the feel of a rainforest waterfall.
Fahs says The Lavender Lounge will offer three service tiers:
- Signature head spa (90 minutes): Priced at $230, offers basic treatment.
- Enhanced treatments (105 minutes): Priced around $250, offers more massage and additional services.
- Premium treatment (120 minutes): Up to $300, offers more massage and additional services.
Additional services include a shoulder, neck and hand massages, along with facials. Blowouts are included, but guests can opt out for reduced price options.
Fahs anticipates accommodating roughly 300 guests per week, and online booking will go live the week of October 10. Appointments can be made via the spa’s upcoming website, which is set to fully launch this weekend.
To learn more about The Lavender Lounge, you can visit their Facebook or website.
This story was originally published September 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
