Vietnamese herbal head spa (gội đầu dưỡng sinh) at home
Updated October 10, 2026 · 3 min read
The Vietnamese herbal head spa combines a warm herbal hair wash with scalp, face and neck massage. Here's what to expect when it comes to you.
What is gội đầu dưỡng sinh?
Gội đầu dưỡng sinh means something like "nourishing hair wash". It's a Vietnamese tradition that turns a simple shampoo into a long, slow ritual of washing and massage. Instead of a quick rinse, you lie back while your hair is washed with warm herbal water and your scalp, face and neck are massaged.
The herbal water is made from bồ kết (honey locust fruit), a traditional Vietnamese hair wash, and hương nhu (holy basil), which gives it a warm, fresh scent.
Step by step: what happens
Each therapist has their own rhythm, but a head spa usually follows this order.
- The therapist sets up a foldable professional wash basin and lays out towels.
- You lie on your back with your neck resting on the basin.
- Your hair is wetted and washed with warm bồ kết and hương nhu herbal water.
- A slow scalp massage with acupressure along the hairline and the crown.
- A gentle face massage around the temples, forehead and jaw.
- Neck and shoulder massage while your hair rests in a warm towel.
- Rinse, towel-dry and finish.
No salon needed: the therapist brings the basin
You might wonder how a hair wash works without a salon sink. The therapist brings a foldable professional wash basin designed for this treatment, along with what's needed for the herbal wash. All you need is a bed, sofa or mat to lie on, access to warm water from the bathroom, and a little floor space.
Let the therapist know if you have a hair dryer where you're staying, or bring your own towel if you prefer. Everything is packed away at the end.
How long and how much
A 60-minute session covers the full ritual at a relaxed pace. The 90-minute version gives more time for the scalp, face and neck massage, which is where most of the relaxation comes from.
- 60 min ₫280,000
- 90 min ₫380,000
Combine it with a foot or body massage
A head spa pairs naturally with a foot treatment: your head and neck are cared for, then your tired feet. It is a favourite way to end a day of walking around the Old Quarter. If you want the whole experience in one evening, the full relaxation combo brings it all together: a 75-minute oil body massage, a 45-minute head spa and a 30-minute foot massage.
- Full relaxation combo, 150 min: ₫790,000
- Foot soak and acupressure, 60 min: ₫250,000
Who it suits, and small tips
The head spa suits almost anyone: people who carry tension in the head and neck, anyone who has been out in the heat and dust all day, and those who simply want a calm, gentle treatment. It's also a nice choice the evening before a flight.
If you have a sensitive scalp, a recent hair treatment or any skin condition, mention it in the booking note. Book it in the evening so you can go to bed with clean, relaxed hair.