A serene escape for stressed-out professionals and self-care enthusiasts has arrived in Jacksonville.
Sage Head Spa is part of a new wave of U.S. wellness services specializing in scalp-focused care.
Founder Emily Condle started the business as a single location in Alpharetta, Georgia, but quickly expanded it into a 10-location brand, including five spots in Florida.
“We needed to open in Jacksonville because I know what a big city it is,” Condle said, “and it really excited me. I think Jacksonville has the most potential out of all of our Florida locations.”
Sage’s unique offerings blend two goals: restoring scalp health and providing deep, restorative relaxation. Basically, Condle said, it’s a facial experience for your head.
“[There is] such an emphasis on taking care of your face, but your scalp is essentially the start of your face,” she said. “If you aren’t taking care of your scalp, those types of things — like greasy hair — can translate to the skin on your face.”
The trend, while new but growing in the U.S., has long been a staple of beauty and wellness culture in places like Korea and Japan. Condle, who spent more than a decade working in med spas and plastic surgery settings, saw the growing popularity of head spa services stateside and teamed up with Desarai Kirylczuk Mannelly to bring a more holistic, luxury version to American markets.
Amid a growing cultural emphasis on self-care and mental health, Sage’s service menu starts at a one-hour scalp cleanse for $175 with additional treatment options available at varying price points or as add-ons.
The goal is more than just clean hair, though.
“Our treatment rooms are very relaxing,” Condle said. “We have our robes and our bedding that’s so luxe and soft.”
Before the water starts running, clients complete an intake form that asks about everything from water temperature to massage pressure preferences, ensuring they can fully relax during the session and can have a quiet experience.
Most guests fall asleep within 15 minutes, Condle joked.
She added that her passion for the business goes beyond serving clients: It’s also about creating a sustainable, healthy workplace for her team.
At the end of each session, clients are offered a choice of tea and a branded hair clip. Sage also offers rough-drying services to remove moisture but does not offer blowouts as it’s not “the focus of the service” and the business does not want to compete with other local salons.
“The most rewarding thing is when a client says it’s the best thing they’ve experienced in the last three years,” Condle said. “Feedback from clientele is so rewarding.”