Australian equipment and training specialists, HeadSpa Solutions has officially launched a five module Korea Head Spa Specialist training course designed for local therapists looking to train in the field.
The digital-first course covers the key principles and practices of effective head spa treatment, including: Head Spa Foundations & Hair/Scalp Physiology, Scalp Conditions & Diseases, Nutrition & Cosmetology, Head Spa Programming & Consultation, plus one day of practical (including massage, tool use, product use, scans, and consultation).
Professional Beauty spoke with HeadSpa Solutions Managing Director/CEO, Nicky Kim-McCormack to learn what therapists can expect from the course and company:
In what year did Headspa Solutions launch?
“We technically started early last year but officially registered as a company in June. We really launched with a bang at the Beauty Expo in ICC Sydney in August 2024. You can spot our Facebook or Instagram posts on our pages!”
What are the advantages of working with a company like Headspa Solutions that are based locally?
“Headspa Solutions is proudly Australian owned and operated so you’ll be supporting a local business. We are a leading provider of premium Korean head spa products, equipment, training and experiences. We hold exclusive Australian distributorship of our brands. We’ve done all the legwork so you don’t have to, and strive to make your Korean head spa journey accessible and easy by simplifying the set up processes (It’s so important to us that it’s part of our slogan!)
We’re also picky. After extensive market analysis and research, we hand-picked top quality, premium, industry-leading brands with research labs that develop new and innovative products that are clinically proven to show results. This is all supported by specifically designed hands-on training courses to further optimise treatment experiences.
We are all-in-one; truly a one-stop-shop. We have built a whole head spa ecosystem where everything you’ll need to set up a successful head spa is all in one local supplier:
- Don’t deal with various different vendors
- Don’t deal with foreign companies and language barriers
- We won’t disappear or ghost you
- We’re in the same time zone for urgent matters
- Rely on us to be on your side and represent you, should anything go ‘pear-shaped’
- We’re a reliable expert who can consult and advise on best set up and running of the programs
- We will be there assisting in the whole process of setting it up, including assisting with orders and logistics, to training onsite.
Last but most perhaps most importantly, we are genuine and believe that our client’s success is our success.”
“We have built a whole head spa ecosystem where everything you’ll need to set up a successful head spa is all in one local supplier.”
Have you witnessed major growth in the head spa space in Australia of late?
“Yes, I definitely feel there’s been significant interest and growth in the head spa industry in Australia over the past 24 months. The demand for holistic wellness treatments, scalp health, and relaxation therapies has surged, with clients seeking more than just traditional hair service. However, duration between clients’ routine hair and spa services have increased likely due to financial/economic pressures.
According to a May 2024 report released by IBIS World on the Australian beauty industry, “there is growing evidence that people are looking for treatments that are multifaceted (i.e. all-in-one treatments), looking for efficiency in time and money.”
Head spas are becoming a sought-after experience in high-end salons and wellness centres driven by increased awareness of scalp care’s role in hair health. I also believe interest is driven by head spa’s uniqueness and appeal to the masses, who are increasingly leading busy lifestyles and thereby, accumulating stress.
I see the increasing demand for unique and authentic experiences that promote not only relaxation and wellbeing, but also lasting tangible results to common head and scalp issues, such as excess sebum production, product build-up, hair thinning, damaged hair, and dry scalps. People don’t often realise they have such issues until they see them with their own eyes under our micro view scanners!
In short, consumers are increasingly looking for holistic treatments that go beyond just relaxation and look for tangible results which Korean style head spas offer and, I believe, has that competitive edge in the current market.”
You import premium head spa products from Korea. Are all of your head spa devices also made in Korea?
“We proudly import premium Korean head spa products, including equipment, treatments, and training. All of our head spa devices are designed in Korea as we wanted to focus on this not only as part of our point of difference, but also as we know how meticulous and cut-throat the Korean market is. In Korea, if you’re not the best-of-the-best, you will quickly be replaced. So we are confident that our products have been well-tested and tried in a highly competitive market before landing on our shores.”
Tell us about the HeadSpa Solutions Academy.
“When I first experienced head spas in Korea about 20+ years ago, I was amazed by the science, relaxation, and therapeutic benefits they offered, not just for scalp and hair health, but for overall wellbeing; it was a life changing experience. With the abundance of nerves and vessels in our heads (and the fact that we rarely relax those tissues and tensions), I came out more relaxed than with a full body massage with the added bonus of getting a deep scalp cleanse.
However, I quickly realised that access to head spas back home was limited (non-existent back then) to those in the know within Korean ‘hubs’ in Sydney, and thought ‘surely someone in this industry will bring this to Australia soon’. Once I started my research, it soon became obvious that high-quality education and training in this field was in its infancy and was limited, especially in Australia. The lack of knowledge and access to Korean brands and supplies proved to be one of the main roadblocks for salons.
That’s why I founded HeadSpa Solutions and HeadSpa Solutions Academy – to bridge this gap and provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and accreditation needed to master the art of head spa treatments, which then allows them to appreciate and expect better from products and devices.
We are proud to be the only organisation in Australia recognised by the International Head Spa Association (IHSA) using the same highly sought-after syllabus and textbook used by top technicians and universities in South Korea.
Our academy isn’t just about learning techniques; it’s about empowering beauty and wellness professionals to offer transformative services and be confident in passing on knowledge around the importance of scalp health. Did you know that the scalp is the first place to start ageing and impacts the facial tissue and muscle that sit below? Thanks gravity! A good scalp lifting massage can provide a similar result to a face lift and lasts 3-4 weeks! Students will see many of these ‘fun facts’ throughout my course which I hope will help to peak their clients’ interest and learning.
Our course is divided into five parts as we thought it would be easier as a bite-sized short course for busy salon and spa owners. This is also why we made it self-paced and online for four out of five parts. The parts also allow more experienced professionals with varying degrees of knowledge to pick and choose areas they felt they needed.
Once they complete all four modules or show proof of competency in all areas within those topics, they can enrol into the final module – the full day small group or 1:1 practical session. This is either onsite within their store/set up (recommended) or in Sydney in one of my demo training centres/salons.”
One module of the course is dedicated to nutrition and cosmetology. Why are these important when undertaking head spa training?
“Scalp health is directly linked to our overall wellness, making nutrition and cosmetology crucial components of our training. Understanding how diet affects scalp conditions, hair growth, and overall skin health helps professionals provide holistic recommendations to clients that deliver the best, faster, lasting results.
In this unit, trainees will explore the essential nutrients that support hair growth, understand the impact of dietary choices on scalp health, and gain expert insights into addressing common hair and scalp concerns caused by nutritional deficiencies.
In terms of cosmetology, the knowledge ensures that treatments are not only effective but also tailored to different scalp and hair types. Scalp is skin and so the principles of good basic skin care routine or good facial spa applies (hence why there’s a term that I’ve seen floated scalp facial or scalpcial) This involves deep cleansing, exfoliating, deep nutrient/hydration via mask packs/essences/ampoules, and toners/tonic sprays. I searched for a brand like our EH+ that can support these principles while catering for customisation and personalisation of different scalp types.
Trained Head Spa Specialists can also utilise different combinations of these products to treat a variety of conditions. This is why education is key and specialists need to know what they’re doing to keep returning clients. I refer to trainees as Head Spa Specialists instead of therapists, as these skills specialise in scalp care beyond the capabilities of a therapist, masseuse or glorified shampoo-er!”
“Understanding how diet affects scalp conditions, hair growth, and overall skin health helps professionals provide holistic recommendations to clients that deliver the best, faster, lasting results.”
Are students who sign up to the HeadSpa Solutions Academy required to have had any formal beauty training previously?
“No prior beauty training is required to enrol. Our course is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced professionals. We provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring that all students – regardless of background – can develop the necessary skills to excel in head spa treatments.”
When and how can students get started with HeadSpa Solutions Academy?
“Students can enrol in HeadSpa Solutions Academy straight away and at any time. We offer flexible learning options, including in-person workshops and online modules, to suit different schedules.
To enrol is straight forward:
- visit our website here and click through to join the course
- OR sign up with an online account and once payment is made, start straight away!”
For a limited time, Professional Beauty readers can enjoy $50 off any course module when using the code: PROFBEAUTY50. Promotion ends June 30, 2025. Limited to one time use per person.
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