How often should you have a herbal head spa? Tips for before and after
After their first herbal head spa — gội đầu dưỡng sinh, the Vietnamese ritual of washing and massaging the scalp with warm herbal water — many Latus guests ask the same question: "I love how light and clear my head feels — so how often should I come back?" The answer depends on your daily rhythm, the condition of your scalp and what you want from it. This article suggests a sensible frequency, along with tips for before and after your session, so you can enjoy it fully and make that sense of calm last longer.
How is a herbal head spa different from a regular hair wash?
A hair wash at the salon is mainly about getting your hair clean. A herbal head spa spends most of its time on relaxation: warm herbal water, gentle pressure on the scalp, neck, shoulders and face, and a quiet space where your mind can "switch off" for a while.
So a herbal head spa doesn't replace washing your hair at home. Think of it as regular self-care — much like a massage — that helps your body unwind and eases that heavy-headed feeling after stressful days at work.
How often should you have a herbal head spa?
There's no single answer that suits everyone. Here's a rough guide based on common needs:
| Your situation | Suggested frequency |
|---|---|
| You want to relax and look after yourself regularly | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Mentally demanding work, frequent stress or a heavy head | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Long hours at a computer, often a stiff neck and shoulders | Once a week, possibly combined with a neck & shoulder massage |
| Trouble sleeping, or sleeping lightly | Once a week, ideally in the late afternoon or evening |
| Busy, high-pressure periods (year-end, exam season…) | Up to once a week for a few weeks |
A few simple principles:
- Listen to your body. If you sleep better and your head feels clear for a few days afterwards, you've found the right rhythm. If the heaviness returns quickly, you can shorten the gap between visits.
- Regular beats intensive. Once a week for a month usually feels better than going several days in a row and then stopping for a long time.
- There's no need to overdo it. Going several times a week brings little extra benefit, and your scalp also needs time to keep its natural oils.
Which treatment should you choose at Latus?
How often you come also depends on how much time you have for each visit. Latus currently offers three head spa options:
| Treatment | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Medicine Head Spa | 45 min | A quick weekly session after work |
| Hair Wash, Facial Care and Face Mask | 60 min | Relaxing your scalp and caring for your skin at the same time |
| Wellness Head Spa | 85 min | Deep relaxation, a "reset" after a stressful stretch |
Many guests alternate: a Traditional Medicine Head Spa in busy weeks, and the full Wellness Head Spa once a month. You can add a Herbal Foot Soak or a Sauna to warm up your body. See the details and prices on our herbal head spa page or in our price list.
Before your herbal head spa
A little preparation makes your session even more enjoyable:
- There's no need to wash your hair at home first. It will be thoroughly cleansed during the treatment.
- Eat lightly — don't come too hungry or too full. On an empty stomach you may feel dizzy lying down for a long time with warm water; on a full one, lying on your back can be uncomfortable. About an hour after a meal is ideal.
- Avoid alcohol beforehand. Your body relaxes better when your head is clear.
- Take out contact lenses and remove earrings if you can, so the face and ear massage is more comfortable.
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early so you're not rushed and have time to talk to your therapist.
- Tell us about your health in advance: any cuts, inflammation, fungal infection or heavy dandruff on your scalp; recent hair colouring, perming or straightening; neck pain or a neck or shoulder injury; high or low blood pressure; or if you're pregnant.
If you prefer firmer or lighter pressure, or warmer or cooler water, just tell your therapist — the treatment will be adjusted to how you feel.
After your herbal head spa
At Latus, your hair is blow-dried before you leave. To make the sense of calm last longer:
Straight after your session
- Drink a glass of warm water and sit for a few minutes before getting up and moving around, especially if you tend to feel a little dizzy when you change position.
- Avoid cold wind and air conditioning blowing directly onto your head and neck right after your session. If you're heading home by motorbike in the evening, remember your helmet and a jacket.
- Give your phone and computer a rest for a while afterwards — let your mind enjoy a little more downtime.
Over the next 1–2 days
- There's no need to wash your hair again the next day. If your hair gets oily quickly, you can wash it gently with a mild shampoo the following day.
- Go to bed a little earlier than usual if you can. Many people find it easier to fall asleep on the evening of their session.
- Sit with good posture at work and get up to stretch every hour, so your neck and shoulders don't tighten up again too soon.
Caring for your scalp at home between sessions
- Wash with comfortably warm water, never too hot.
- Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails) for a few minutes while washing.
- Dry your roots before bed — avoid going to sleep with wet hair.
Who should take extra care?
A herbal head spa is generally gentle, but please check with your doctor or let us know in advance if any of the following apply to you:
- Mums-to-be, especially in the first trimester: check with your doctor first, and tell us how many weeks pregnant you are when booking so we can adjust your position, the water temperature and the pressure. You may also like to look at our dedicated prenatal treatments.
- Existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of cervical spine degeneration or neck injury.
- A sensitive scalp, or one that is inflamed, has open wounds, or is being treated for a fungal infection or psoriasis.
- Recent illness, a fever or feeling completely run-down — it's best to wait until you're well again.
A herbal head spa supports relaxation and helps you feel more comfortable, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If headaches or sleeplessness persist, please see a doctor to find the cause.
Pair it for a more complete experience
A herbal head spa paired with a neck & shoulder massage or a foot massage is a favourite combination with our guests, especially office workers. If you'd like to set aside a whole session for yourself, the Gentle Touch of Peace package already combines a facial massage, exfoliation, a face mask, a traditional herbal head spa, a neck & shoulder or foot massage and a herbal foot soak — see our spa packages.
If this is your first time at a spa, First time at Latus Spa: which treatment is right for you? will give you a clearer picture.
Book a herbal head spa in Thu Duc
Latus Spa is at 85 Street 2, Van Phuc City, Hiep Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, open 9:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday. Evening and weekend slots tend to fill up, so please book ahead and Latus will hold a room and a therapist for you.
You can book online in just a few steps, or call or message us on Zalo at 0702 666 358 for advice on the right treatment. We look forward to welcoming you at Latus — give your mind a real break.