Learn Why We Don’t Offer Scalp Scoping

“Hey everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. I wanted to take a minute to explain something I get asked about a lot—why we don’t offer scalp scoping or scalp analysis.

At Sage, every one of our providers is a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. I personally come from 15 years of medical-aesthetic experience working alongside plastic surgeons and dermatologists, so staying compliant and within scope of practice is incredibly important to me.

Here’s the truth:

Scalp scoping can easily cross the line into diagnosing, and as non-medical professionals, we legally cannot diagnose scalp or skin conditions. I take that very seriously—not just for our licenses, but for your safety.

Our role at Sage is to support your scalp health through proven treatments, proper cleansing, lymphatic work, hydration, and education.

If a guest has a true medical concern—hair loss patterns, infection, psoriasis flare-ups, lesions—we will always recommend seeing a licensed medical professional or dermatologist. That’s the safest, most ethical thing to do.

We stay in our lane, we stay compliant, and we focus on what we do best:

Creating transformational, results-driven HeadSpa experiences that help you feel relaxed, renewed, and confident.

If you ever have questions about your scalp, we’re here to guide you—but we’ll always do it the right way.”

Why Our Products Set Sage Apart

(Davines for hair + scalp care, Societe for skin)

“Hey everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. I want to talk about something that really sets Sage apart — the products we use and why they matter so much for your results.

At Sage, every single product we touch has a purpose. We don’t just grab whatever is trending online. We choose products that are professional-grade, gentle, effective, and safe for the skin. Because your scalp is skin — and it deserves the same level of care and quality as your face.

For all of our hair and scalp care, we use Davines.

Davines is known worldwide for its clean, sustainable formulations and gentle surfactants that respect the scalp’s microbiome. Their products detox without stripping, hydrate without clogging, and support long-term scalp health. It’s one of the highest-quality haircare lines you can use — which is why we use it on every guest.

For anything related to the skin itself — masks, exfoliation, calming treatments, and our add-ons — we use Societe Skincare.

Societe is a clinical skincare line that’s used in dermatology practices and medical spas. Their formulations are designed to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and support barrier repair. This is crucial because most scalp issues—flaking, itching, congestion, sensitivity—are actually skin issues. So we treat the skin on your scalp the same way we’d treat sensitive facial skin.

Using these products matters because they’re free of harsh fragrances, heavy oils, and ingredients that can irritate the scalp or suffocate the follicles. A lot of viral or over-the-counter products can actually make scalp issues worse, which is why product quality is a huge part of the Sage experience.

Our philosophy is simple:

If it isn’t safe for sensitive skin, and if it doesn’t support long-term scalp health, it doesn’t come into our treatment rooms.

When you book at Sage, you’re not just getting a HeadSpa — you’re getting a treatment backed by science, clean chemistry, and intentional product selection that protects both your scalp and your results.”

Why I Started Sage HeadSpa

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. I want to share something a lot of people don’t know — the real reason I started Sage.

Before Sage, I spent 15 years working for other people. And don’t get me wrong, I loved the work… but I started to realize that in this industry, working on people all day is truly an energy exchange. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, and barely had anything left for myself at the end of the day.

My kids were in daycare for nine or more hours a day. My coworkers were doing the same. We were overworked, under-valued, and constantly being pushed to hit numbers, upsell products, and operate under pressure.

I remember thinking: This can’t be what a career in beauty and wellness is supposed to feel like.

That’s when Sage was born — from the belief that you can create a space where both clients and providers feel taken care of.

I wanted to build a work environment where our team actually enjoys coming in.

Where they aren’t micromanaged.

Where they don’t have to shove sales down someone’s throat to keep their job.

Where they can be relaxed, supported, and happy at work — because that energy directly translates to the client experience.

At Sage, our team has flexible schedules, creative freedom, balanced shifts, and real incentives as we grow. My biggest goal has always been the same: to take care of the people who take care of Sage every single day.

Sage wasn’t created from money — it was created from burnout, from experience, and from wanting something better for myself, my kids, my coworkers, and this industry as a whole.

And I’m really proud of what we’re building.”

Why We Offer Hands-On HeadSpa Training

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. I want to share why I decided to launch our Hands-On HeadSpa Training program across all 10 of our locations.

When we first opened in September 2023, I noticed something really important:

When someone has a bad experience with a HeadSpa, they don’t blame the provider — they blame the treatment itself.

That’s a problem for our entire industry.

I realized that if we want HeadSpa treatments to grow, evolve, and truly help people, then we can’t keep our knowledge locked in. We’ve tested hundreds of tools. We’ve updated, tweaked, and redesigned our protocols multiple times. We learned what works, what doesn’t, what causes irritation, what creates the best results, and what elevates the client experience.

Instead of competing with everyone, I wanted to collaborate.

I launched our hands-on training because I believe the industry is stronger when we share real education — not gatekeep, not guess, not copy trends that aren’t safe or effective. When estheticians and cosmetologists are trained properly, clients have better experiences. The whole industry gets elevated.

My goal has never been to be the only HeadSpa doing it ‘right.’

My goal is to raise the standard for everybody.

We built this program so professionals can learn a proven, safe, structured, results-driven method — something that took us years, hundreds of tools, and countless refinements to perfect. Because the more people who are trained well, the better the experience becomes for clients everywhere.

This isn’t competition.

This is collaboration.

This is how we move the industry forward.”

Why Botox, Devices, and Expensive Treatments Aren’t Always the Answer

(Your medical background → your mindset shift → your holistic approach → your educational mission)

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. Something I don’t talk about often is how my 15 years working with plastic surgeons and dermatologists shaped the way I approach beauty and wellness today.

I spent years in medical offices surrounded by the newest devices, lasers, expensive treatments, surgery, Botox, filler — and for a long time, I really believed those things were the only way to feel and look better.

But over time, and through my own health journey these last few years, I realized something important:

You can’t inject your way out of inflammation.

You can’t laser your way out of a stressed nervous system.

And you can’t procedure your way out of lifestyle issues, gut imbalance, or chronic stress.

What truly changed my skin, my energy, and my overall well-being was simple:

• Diet.
• Lifestyle.
• Lymphatic drainage.
• Protecting my skin’s microbiome.
• Supporting my gut health.
• Slowing down enough to actually take care of myself.

That shift changed my entire perspective — and it changed how I wanted to show up in this industry. I wanted to create a space that wasn’t about selling people the next expensive device or quick fix. I wanted a space rooted in education, real results, relaxation, and a more holistic, natural approach.

That’s why at Sage, our treatment rooms follow a clean, gentle, skin-first philosophy.

That’s why we focus on lymphatic drainage, scalp health, and supporting the skin barrier.

That’s why I post weekly educational carousels — because I want people to understand what’s actually happening in their bodies and why it matters.

I’m not against Botox or filler — they have their place. But they aren’t the solution to everything. And for many people, the real transformation happens when you focus on the root cause, not just the surface.

Sage was created to be that space — a place where education meets experience, where beauty meets balance, and where we support the body instead of fighting it.

How My Previous Event Company Helped Me Build Sage

“Hey everyone, it’s Emily. Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that Sage isn’t my first business. Before Sage, I actually owned an event company — and looking back, that experience taught me some of the most important lessons I still use today.

Running an event company taught me how to be resourceful, how to problem-solve on the spot, how to manage chaos calmly, how to communicate clearly, and how to lead people even when things get stressful.

I learned how to build systems, how to organize logistics, how to coordinate multiple moving parts, and how to make sure the client experience stayed consistent no matter what was happening behind the scenes.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but that business prepared me for Sage in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

It taught me:

• How to build a brand from nothing
• How to show up professionally
• How to market myself
• How to handle pressure
• How to build relationships with clients
• How to fix problems quickly and quietly
• How to trust myself as a leader

So when I opened Sage, I wasn’t starting from zero.

I had already learned what NOT to do.

I already knew how important systems, communication, organization, and client experience were.

And those lessons became the foundation of Sage — and later, the foundation of the HeadSpa Blueprint.

Because most people in the beauty industry are never taught:

• How to build a brand,
• How to structure their business,
• How to lead a team,
• How to find clients,
• How to grow sustainably,
• Or how to stay sane while doing all of that.

That’s why I created the Blueprint.

Not just from my 15 years in medical aesthetics…

Not just from building Sage into 10 locations…

But also from the early lessons I learned long before Sage existed.

Every chapter of my life has taught me something — and now I get to pass it on.”

Why We Partnered With Olivia & Brought Her Methods Into Sage

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. I want to share a little bit about our newest collaboration and why we’re so proud of it.

At Sage, everything we offer is rooted in a holistic, skin-first philosophy. So when we discovered Olivia Szmidt and her Get Face Fit™ method, it instantly aligned with what we believe in — results through intentional touch, not needles, toxins, or downtime.

Olivia’s technique is an advanced lymphatic drainage protocol that uses precise, rhythmic movements to activate the lymphatic system. It stimulates circulation, reduces puffiness, clears stagnation, and brings the skin back into balance. The results are immediate — you can literally see and feel the difference:

✨ less inflammation

✨ more sculpted contours

✨ brighter skin

✨ better blood flow

✨ and a natural, lifted look

What I love most is that it works with the body, not against it.

Olivia’s story also resonated with me — she was raised in Vienna, came from the luxury fashion world, and transitioned into holistic wellness, creating a method that’s taken Europe by storm. Her approach celebrates intention, touch, and long-term skin health, which fits seamlessly into everything we stand for at Sage.

That’s why we decided to bring her signature treatments — the Brazilian Face Lymphatic Drainage and The Face Sculpt Method™ — into all 10 of our Sage HeadSpa locations. It’s truly a global collaboration in natural beauty, and we’re honored to be able to offer it.

This partnership allows our clients to experience world-renowned facial sculpting techniques in a clean, holistic setting — without injections, without downtime, and without compromising their skin barrier or microbiome.

If you’re curious about these new services, they’re officially available to book at every Sage location. And trust me — once you experience them, you’ll understand why they’re loved all over the world.”

Why We Treat the Scalp as Skin — Not Hair

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. One of the biggest things I try to educate people on is this: your scalp is skin — not hair. And once you understand that, everything about how you care for it changes.

For 15 years, I worked alongside plastic surgeons and dermatologists, and something I learned early on is that the scalp has the exact same needs as the skin on your face.

• It has pores.
• It has follicles.
• It has a microbiome.
• It gets inflamed.
• It gets congested.

And it can be easily disrupted by the wrong products or habits.

Most people treat their scalp like an extension of their hair — and that’s where problems start.

When you treat the scalp as skin, you realize:

✨ dandruff is often inflammation, not dryness

✨ buildup can clog follicles just like clogged pores

✨ heavy oils can suffocate the scalp

✨ harsh fragrances + cheap ingredients can trigger irritation

✨ neglecting lymphatic flow can slow circulation and dull the scalp

✨ your gut, stress, sleep, and lifestyle all show up here

At Sage, our entire HeadSpa method is built around skin-first scalp care — not haircare.

• This is why we exfoliate.
• This is why we detox.
• This is why we use clinical-grade skincare products from Societe on the scalp.
• It’s why we choose gentle, microbiome-friendly shampoos from Davines.
• And it’s why our technique focuses on lymphatic drainage, inflammation reduction, and circulation — just like a holistic facial.

When you treat the scalp like skin, you stop chasing trends and quick fixes.

1. You stop masking symptoms.
2. You stop relying on oils, scrubs, or viral products that actually make things worse.
3. You start supporting real skin health.
4. You start reducing inflammation.
5. You start balancing the microbiome.
6. And you start creating an environment where healthy hair can actually grow.

At Sage, this is our entire philosophy:

Healthy scalp = healthy hair.

And healthy scalp starts with treating it like skin.

Why Our Treatments Are Both Deeply Relaxing andTransformative for Scalp Health

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. One thing I hear all the time is, ‘I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life,’ — and that’s amazing, because our treatments are extremely relaxing. But what most people don’t realize is that everything we do in the treatment room has a deeper purpose behind it.

Yes, we want you to unwind.

Yes, we want your nervous system to calm down.

But every step of our method is also designed to support real scalp health.

When you’re relaxed, your body shifts out of stress mode — and that alone improves circulation, lowers inflammation, and helps your scalp function better. That’s the holistic side of Sage.

But then we pair that relaxation with intentional technique:

✨ Exfoliation – to remove buildup, dead skin, residue, and congestion that suffocates follicles

✨ Deep cleansing – to rebalance oil production and protect the scalp microbiome

✨ Circulation work – to bring oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow back to the scalp

✨ Lymphatic drainage – to move out stagnation and reduce inflammation

✨ Hydration + nourishment – to restore the scalp barrier

Most people don’t realize it, but circulation and exfoliation are two of the most important things for scalp function. They help with:

• Improved oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Reduced excess oil
• Decreased flaking and irritation
• Better product absorption
• Healthier hair growth environment
• Lowering inflammation and tension

So while our treatments feel peaceful and calming — they are also incredibly functional.

It’s not just a relaxing service.

It’s not just a fancy shampoo.

It’s not just a trend.

It’s a treatment designed to support your scalp the same way you support the skin on your face — with exfoliation, hydration, circulation, and balance.

At Sage, we believe relaxation and results can exist together.

Because when your nervous system calms down and your scalp is cared for properly, that’s when real transformation happens.

Is HeadSpa Here to Stay? And Why Is It So Popular in Asia?

“Hi everyone, it’s Emily, Founder of Sage HeadSpa. A question I get a lot is whether the HeadSpa trend is here to stay — and why it’s so incredibly popular in Asia. And the answer is simple: HeadSpa isn’t a trend… it’s a cultural staple that the U.S. is finally catching up to.

In many Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea, scalp care has been part of beauty culture for decades. Not because it’s ‘cute’ or ‘viral,’ but because they understand that scalp health = hair health.

They treat the scalp the same way we treat the skin on our face — with exfoliation, cleansing, circulation work, and relaxation. It’s a whole philosophy rooted in:

✨ preventative care

✨ wellness

✨ lymphatic health

✨ ritual

✨ and long-term results

Meanwhile, in the U.S., haircare has always been treated from the hair down, not the scalp up. We focused on styling, coloring, and products… but not the foundation. That’s why HeadSpa feels “new” here — even though Asia has perfected it for 20+ years.

So yes, HeadSpa is absolutely here to stay, and here’s why:

Stress levels are higher than ever.

People need services that regulate the nervous system and provide true relaxation.

Women are more aware of scalp health, hair thinning, postpartum changes, and inflammation.

Education is growing — and so is demand.

The U.S. is shifting toward holistic beauty.

People are tired of harsh treatments and quick fixes. They want gentle, skin-first, inflammation-focused care.

Scalp health is the foundation of healthy hair.

Asia built their beauty culture around prevention… and the U.S. is finally joining that mindset.

HeadSpa works — and results speak louder than trends.

• Circulation improves.
• Inflammation decreases.
• The microbiome balances.
• Hair quality improves.
• Stress melts away.
• Clients feel the difference immediately.

At Sage, we’ve taken the traditional Asian HeadSpa concept and elevated it with a clean, skin-focused approach, lymphatic principles, and protocols refined through hundreds of tools and thousands of treatments since 2023.

So no — HeadSpa isn’t going anywhere.

If anything, the U.S. is just at the very beginning of a massive shift toward scalp wellness and stress-conscious beauty.