Exploring the Vietnamese Head Massage & Herbal Hair Wash — A Traveler’s Guide – District 1

Walking through the bustling streets of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll soon discover a world of sensory delights – and one of the most rejuvenating is a traditional Vietnamese head massage and herbal hair wash (gội đầu dưỡng sinh).

Tucked away on 154 Cống Quỳnh Street (Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward), Siz Spa is a cozy, tourist-friendly retreat just steps from backpacker haven Bùi Viện and other central landmarks.

From the moment you step inside, the city’s frenzy fades. The spa’s interior is bright and tidy, with natural wood tones and potted plants that give a peaceful, resort-like feel. Soft Vietnamese folk music plays in the background, and the faint scent of lemongrass fills the air – a calming introduction to your treatment.

Experienced therapists in friendly uniforms welcome you with smiles and fresh herbal tea, inviting you to sit down and unwind before the service even begins.

A Time-Honored Vietnamese Ritual

The herbal hair wash is more than just a shampoo – it’s a cherished wellness ritual in Vietnam. Known locally as gội đầu dưỡng sinh (literally “nourishing head wash”), this practice combines centuries of herbal medicine with relaxing massage techniques.

Hair has always been an important symbol of health and beauty in Vietnamese culture, so washing it is seen as a cleansing ritual that refreshes both body and spirit.

Herbs play a central role in this tradition. Historic beauty regimens called for infusions of bồ kết (the soapberry fruit) or vỏ bứa (pomelo peel) boiled into shampoo – these natural cleansers remove dirt and impart shine.

Other botanical ingredients like lemongrass (sả), pandan leaf (lá dứa), wild turmeric, and green tea are prized for their scalp-soothing and strengthening properties. In fact, Siz Spa’s signature hair-wash formula is a custom blend of classic Vietnamese herbs (bồ kết, lemongrass, pomelo peel, wild turmeric) plus green tea for extra antioxidants.

These ingredients reflect the đông y (Eastern medicine) principle of using nature’s pharmacy: each herb has a purpose, whether it’s to fight dandruff, boost circulation, or calm irritation.

The concept of herbal hair washing also ties into the broader Vietnamese emphasis on wellness. As one travel writer notes, “the art of massage and the rituals of herbal hair washing have long been cherished traditions” in Vietnam.

When you lie back for your head spa, you’re participating in a ritual of dưỡng sinh – literally “nourishing life” – that generations of Vietnamese have enjoyed. In modern spas like Siz, this ancient ritual is fused with contemporary comfort: clean facilities, private rooms, and English-speaking staff make it easy for travelers to experience an authentically Vietnamese therapy without any confusion.

Siz Spa – A Central Oasis

Siz Spa (often written “SIZ Spa”) is located in the heart of District 1, making it incredibly convenient for tourists. It’s housed in a narrow street-front shop on Cong Quynh, just a few minutes’ walk from the lively Bùi Viện Backpacker Street and Phạm Ngũ Lão area. Inside, the vibe is calm and minimalist – a deliberate contrast to Saigon’s busy sidewalks. The spa is spotlessly clean (routinely praised in reviews) and designed for relaxation. You’ll notice thoughtful details like soft lighting, Vietnamese art on the walls, and fresh-cut lotus flowers on the table, all of which contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.

Upon arrival, guests are offered a refreshing herbal infusion – often a lemongrass tea – and asked to fill out a quick intake form (no language barrier, many staff speak English). The friendly staff guide you through the spa. In a small locker room (pictured) you change into a light robe and slippers. Rút gọn bằng AI

The environment feels hygienic and professional: glowing metal switches, neatly folded towels, and labels in both Vietnamese and English ensure comfort. Reviewers frequently note that Siz Spa is “loved by tourists” and “highly rated for cleanliness and service” – a relief for travelers who might be wary of local spas.Rút gọn bằng AI

The Head Spa Ritual: Step by Step

The hair-wash treatment at Siz Spa is divided into stages. While each therapist has their own style, the basic flow is familiar to anyone who’s had a Vietnamese gội đầu dưỡng sinh. Here’s what you can expect:

• Preliminary Scalp Massage: First, you sit down at the reclining wash basin. The therapist pours warm water over your hair to wet it, and begins by gently massaging your scalp with the fingertips. These circular kneading motions stimulate blood flow and relax tight scalp muscles – a surprisingly soothing sensation after a long flight or day of sightseeing.

As one travel guide describes, “the hairdresser starts by massaging the scalp… to stimulate blood circulation and relax the muscles”. Take a deep breath as tension starts to melt away.

• Herbal Shampoo Application: Next comes the soap – but in this case it’s a rich, herbal shampoo brewed from Vietnamese plants. The therapist lathers your hair from root to tip, working in fragrant botanicals.

Siz Spa’s signature mixture might include lemongrass (sả) and soapberry (bồ kết), and even pandan and ginseng, all known for cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening effects. As the shampoo foams, you’ll feel the pleasant warmth and gentle pressure. In practice, the soothing herbal aroma and head massage feel like a small steam spa for your senses.

• Deep Scalp Massage: With the shampoo on, the therapist continues massaging – this time more extensively across your head, neck, and sometimes shoulders. Every few minutes the shampoo is rinsed slightly and reapplied, so the massage alternates with gentle rinsing.

This is often the most relaxing part: 15–20 minutes of rhythmic kneading releases endorphins and eases fatigue. Siz Spa even includes a short shoulder-and-face massage during the rinse phase, ensuring your entire upper body unwinds as the herbs work.

• Final Rinse and Herbal Steam: After the main massage, the shampoo is washed out thoroughly with warm water. At this point many Vietnamese spas add a warm towel wrap or a quick herbal steaming pot to the service.

The towel (often pre-heated) is placed over your hair or shoulders to open pores and let the remaining herbal oils penetrate. This steamy, scented moment is deeply tranquil.

As Siz Spa promises, the combination of nước thảo dược (herbal water) and massage makes your hair soft and your scalp purified. The warm rinse washes away any remaining impurities, and you might catch the faint herbal fragrance lingering in your now-clean hair.

• Conditioning & Finishing Touches: Many packages include a final conditioner or hair serum, often infused with natural extracts (coconut, aloe vera, green tea, etc.). The therapist massages in this serum, giving one last gentle head massage.

After a quick rinse, your hair is gently towel-dried and sometimes blow-dried on low heat. When you finally stand up, your scalp feels cool and light, and your hair has a new bounce and shine.

Photo: Siz Spa’s hair-wash stations – comfortable reclining chairs with foot basins (the “LISTENING HANDS” room). Guests lean back as therapists pour warm herbal water and massage the scalp.

Throughout the treatment you’ll notice a harmony of sensations: warm herbal steam, the squish of shampoo between your fingers, and a cascading rinse of water. The decor – burlap sacks of herbs, framed botanical prints on the wall – reinforces the natural theme. Soft music (sometimes Vietnamese folk tunes or gentle string instrumentals) plays quietly. By the end, travelers often remark that “tensions fade, replaced by a sense of serenity,” just as one Siz Spa description poetically notes.

Benefits for Body and Mind

This Thai- or Indian-style massage of the head, combined with Vietnamese herbal shampoo, offers notable benefits – especially for jet-lagged or stressed travelers. From a physical standpoint, the treatment deeply cleanses and hydrates your hair and scalp. The herbal shampoo removes dust, oil, and product buildup, leaving your scalp feeling clear and refreshed. Nourishing botanical extracts replenish moisture and strengthen hair fibers , so your hair looks and feels healthier. Regular customers note reduced itchiness and shine, thanks to the anti-dandruff action of ingredients like soapberry and lemongrass.

• Deep Cleansing & Scalp Care: The treatment flushes out pollution and revitalizes roots. Many travelers in Saigon suffer from an oily scalp in the tropical climate; an herbal wash is an effective way to reset.
• Hydration & Hair Vitality: Rich conditioners and steam infusion mean extra moisture for your strands. You’ll leave with noticeably softer, more manageable hair.
• Relaxation & Stress Relief: Beyond the hair benefits, the head massage is profoundly calming. The warm water and gentle acupressure trigger the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response in your body. Travelers often experience a pleasant drowsiness or mild euphoria. This is especially helpful after travel fatigue – as Siz Spa’s guide suggests, a session after a long day (or before a big dinner) will “leave you glowing and refreshed”.
• Improved Circulation & Sleep: By stimulating blood flow, scalp massage can relieve headaches and tension. Many guests report sleeping better that night, thanks to reduced muscle tightness and stress. It’s like a natural, drug-free pick-me-up that also soothes migraines or sinus pressure.
• Mindfulness Pause: Finally, the experience itself encourages you to slow down and be present. In the middle of a hectic trip, a half-hour of undisturbed pampering can boost your mood as much as any day’s sightseeing.

Timing Your Appointment

Planning when to indulge is part of the fun. Because the head spa is quick (30–60 minutes for the basic wash) and centrally located, it fits easily into a busy itinerary. Many travelers treat it as a midday break.

For example, after a morning of museums or shopping in Ben Thanh Market, you might head to Siz Spa for a lunch-hour refresh. The spa’s “convenient city location” – within walking distance of Nguyen Hue, Bui Vien, and market areas – makes it ideal for a quick pick-me-up between tours.

Another smart slot is late afternoon or early evening. Siz Spa itself suggests booking a combo massage-and-hair package before dinner, so you can linger in the afterglow as you head out to Saigon’s nightlife. This way, you’ll also avoid the midday heat and enjoy the cool respite of air-conditioned comfort.

If you have a long-haul flight, consider stopping by the spa right upon arrival in Saigon to shake off jet lag. Alternatively, on your last day, a herbal hair wash can be a refreshing finish before packing up – your hair is clean for the flight home, and you feel relaxed heading to the airport.

About Siz Spa

Siz Spa (often styled SIZ Spa & Retreat) is located at 154 Cống Quỳnh Street, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It’s open daily, and walk-ins are usually welcome, though booking ahead via their website or phone is recommended during peak tourist seasons.

The spa’s official website (https://sizspa.com) provides the full list of services, hours, and an easy online booking option. On-site you’ll find additional treatments beyond the herbal hair wash, from full-body massages to facial scrubs; many travelers enjoy combining a 30-minute hair spa with a 60-minute body massage for the ultimate rejuvenation.

In summary, Siz Spa offers travelers an authentic taste of Vietnamese spa culture right in the heart of Saigon. Its emphasis on natural ingredients, skilled therapists, and a peaceful setting has made it a top-rated choice. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on honeymoon, or simply a weary explorer, this herbal head massage and wash is a rejuvenating experience. I

t’s no wonder reviewers call it a “must-try ritual” after a week in Vietnam. For weary shoulders, thirsty hair, and a tired mind, Siz Spa’s signature head spa provides a little slice of Vietnamese serenity amid the city’s buzz.

Address: Siz Spa – 154 Cống Quỳnh, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, HCMC
Website: https://sizspa.com
Facebook: Siz Spa – Foot & Body Massage 

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About the Vietnamese Head Massage & Herbal Hair Wash at Siz Spa

1. Do I need to book in advance?
While Siz Spa accepts walk-ins, booking in advance — especially during weekends or tourist peak seasons — ensures you get your preferred time slot. You can book directly through their website or by phone.

2. How long does the treatment take?
A standalone herbal hair wash and head massage usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the package. Combo treatments with body massage can extend to 90 minutes or more.

3. What herbs are used in the treatment?
Siz Spa uses a blend of traditional Vietnamese herbs such as bồ kết (soapberry), vỏ bưởi (pomelo peel), sả (lemongrass), green tea, and wild turmeric. These are chosen for their cleansing, strengthening, and soothing properties.

4. Is it suitable for all hair types?
Yes. The herbal blend is gentle and free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for all hair types — including colored or chemically treated hair.

5. What should I wear to the spa?
Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy hair products before your appointment. You’ll be provided with a robe and towel at the spa.

6. Will my hair be styled afterward?
The service includes towel drying and, if requested, a gentle blow dry. It is not a full hairstyling session, but your hair will be left clean, fresh, and lightly scented with herbs.

7. Is it okay if I don’t speak Vietnamese?
Yes. Most staff at Siz Spa speak basic English, and you can easily communicate preferences such as pressure level. Learning a few Vietnamese phrases like “Nhẹ hơn” (softer) or “Mạnh hơn” (stronger) can add a nice cultural touch.

8. Can men have this treatment too?
Absolutely. Herbal hair washing is popular with both men and women in Vietnam, and the scalp massage benefits everyone.

9. Is the treatment safe for sensitive scalps?
Yes, but if you have known allergies or scalp conditions, inform your therapist beforehand so they can adjust the herbs or technique.

10. How close is Siz Spa to major attractions?
The spa is in District 1, about a 5-minute walk from Bùi Viện Street and a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market, making it easy to include in your sightseeing day.