What a facial and head massage involves

A lot of the tension people carry sits above the shoulders. A tight jaw, a heavy forehead, that band of pressure across the temples by late afternoon. A facial and head massage is the treatment built for exactly that part of the body, and it is one of the quietest hours on our menu.

What a facial and head massage is

A facial and head massage is a gentle, unhurried treatment that works through the scalp, forehead, temples, jaw and the muscles at the base of the skull. You stay lying down and covered, and the work is done with slow fingertip pressure rather than the broad, firm strokes of a remedial massage. Nothing about it is clinical: it is hands, a light oil if you would like one, and a very quiet room.

Where head and jaw tension usually sits

Most people are surprised by how much is going on up there. The jaw holds a great deal, particularly if you clench through the day or overnight. The small muscles around the temples and eyes tighten after long hours on a screen. And the base of the skull, where the neck meets the head, is often the tightest spot of all, because it takes the load every time your head tips forward. Your therapist works through each of those areas in turn, checking the pressure as they go.

What a facial and head massage session involves

We will have a quick chat first about how you are feeling and whether there is anywhere in particular you would like the focus. From there you settle onto the table and the session moves slowly through the face, scalp and neck. Some people like a light oil or a drop of something calming, so if scent matters to you it is worth reading how we choose essential oils for massage and mentioning your preference when you arrive. Sessions run 30 minutes at $80 or 45 minutes at $100, and the full list sits on our facial and head massage menu.

Who tends to book a facial and head massage

It suits anyone who carries their tension above the neckline: desk workers, people who clench their jaw, and anyone who finds a full-body treatment more than they want on the day. It is also a gentle place to start if you have never had a massage before. If firmer work through the shoulders sounds closer to the mark, massage for desk neck and shoulder tension covers that instead, and reflexology is the other option for people who want something calm and contained rather than full body.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to take my makeup off for a facial and head massage?

It helps, but it is not essential. Mention it when you arrive and your therapist will either work around it or keep the session to the scalp, neck and jaw.

Will my hair be oily afterwards?

Only if you would like oil used through the scalp. Plenty of people book this treatment dry, or with the oil kept to the face and neck. Just say what you prefer at the start.

How long is a facial and head massage?

Thirty or forty five minutes. The shorter session covers the face, scalp and jaw. The longer one leaves time to work more thoroughly through the neck and the base of the skull.

If an hour of quiet above the shoulders sounds like what you need, you can check availability online any time, or have a look through our massage studio FAQ if there is something you would like to know first.