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Luxury Care from Root to Soul.

More than scalp care, this is a restorative ritual designed to nourish your scalp, calm your nervous system, and invite your body into deep relaxation. Through warm water, soothing touch, and a deeply restorative experience, you'll find space to slow down, let go, and simply be.

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A guest lying back beneath the copper head spa halo as water fans over the scalp In the treatment room

The Awaken Difference.

A Japanese-inspired head spa unlike any other. Many head spas are designed to help you relax. At Awaken Ritual, relaxation is only the beginning.

We believe beautiful, healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. That is why every ritual blends Japanese-inspired head spa techniques with professional botanical scalp wellness to restore balance, encourage relaxation, and create the ideal foundation for healthier-looking hair.

Your scalp is living skin, deserving of the same thoughtful care as the rest of your body. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all treatment, every ritual is personalized to your unique scalp condition, concerns, and wellness goals.

Powered by the Surface Awaken Scalp Facial System

Every Awaken Ritual is built around the exclusive Surface Awaken Scalp Facial System, a professional botanical scalp wellness program designed to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize the scalp.

Powered by plant-based ingredients including peppermint, capsicum, saw palmetto, and other nourishing botanicals, this specialized system gently exfoliates, detoxifies, stimulates healthy circulation, and supports the ideal environment for healthier-looking hair.

We don't simply wash your hair. We care for the scalp where healthy hair begins.

The Benefits of Your Ritual

Every step of your ritual has been intentionally designed to nurture both your scalp and your sense of well-being. As your treatment unfolds, you will experience benefits that extend beyond relaxation and support the long-term health of your scalp and hair.

During your ritual, you will experience:

  • Deep cleansing to remove buildup, excess oil, and impurities
  • Botanical nourishment that revitalizes the scalp and supports healthier-looking hair
  • Therapeutic massage that encourages healthy circulation and eases tension
  • Relaxation for the scalp, neck, and shoulders to help quiet both body and mind
  • A refreshed, balanced scalp that creates the ideal environment for healthy hair

Is Awaken Ritual Right for You?

Our rituals are ideal for anyone looking to improve scalp health while enjoying a deeply restorative self-care experience.

You may especially benefit if you experience:

  • Dry, oily, itchy, or flaky scalp
  • Product buildup
  • Hair thinning or increased shedding
  • Hair loss related to medications or hormonal changes
  • Stress, tension, headaches, or mental fatigue
  • A desire to slow down, recharge, and prioritize self-care

More Than a Head Spa

Our goal isn't simply to help you relax for an hour. Our goal is to help you leave feeling lighter, calmer, and renewed, with a healthier scalp, healthier-looking hair, and a greater sense of well-being.

Because when your scalp is cared for, your hair has the opportunity to thrive. And when you take time to care for yourself, the benefits extend far beyond the treatment room.

The Menu

Healthy Hair Begins with a Healthy Scalp.

Choose the experience that best supports your scalp wellness goals, from luxurious relaxation rituals to personalized hair restoration.

Surface Awaken standards: cruelty free, natural ingredients, paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, and vegan
What We Use

Products chosen with care.

We keep the shelf small and deliberate. Everything used in the studio is something we trust on our own hands and would recommend without hesitation.

Surface Awaken

Clean, plant-forward hair and scalp care that carries the head spa treatment from cleanse to finish. Powered by plant-based botanicals including peppermint, capsicum, and saw palmetto to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize the scalp.

Gift Cards

Give the gift of a ritual.

A gift card can be put toward any service in the studio. Purchase online and it arrives by email, ready to print or forward.

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Booking

Request your session.

There is no online calendar here. Tell us a little about yourself and we will reach out to find a time that works.

Preferred contact method
Preferred days
Preferred time of day
Add enhancements to your ritual
Have you had a professional head spa or massage before?
What are you hoping to achieve?

Shelly will reach out within 24 hours to confirm your appointment. Questions? Text 402-499-8784.

Visiting

A few things before you come in.

The Shelly Awaken Head Spa is a private suite located in Studio Nine Six 11. Treatments for men and women, one guest at a time, no rush, no noise. Most people arrive carrying more tension in their scalp than they realized, and leave lighter than they came.

Getting here

The Studio

630 N. Cotner Blvd
Cotner Office Plaza Building
Lincoln, NE

Park near the white fence around the daycare play area, on the side facing Gateway Mall. Walk up the pathway between the building and the fence and enter through Door C at the end of the walkway. Once inside Door C, go through the unmarked door immediately on your left, in front of the stairs. The suite is on your right.

If you have any trouble finding us, text Shelly at 402-499-8784.

What to wear

Come comfortable

You will be lying flat on your back for the whole session, covered by a heated blanket with your legs supported on a bolster.

For comfort and to protect your clothing, guests are asked to remove all clothing and jewelry above the waist. Robes and wrap-around towels are provided.

Wear comfortable pants, and if your feet tend to get cold, bring cozy socks. You will leave with towel-dried, wet hair, so bring a clip, hat, or beanie if the weather calls for it.

Note: this service is not recommended for guests with hair extensions.

What to expect

Your visit

Arrive a few minutes early and settle in. We will talk briefly about your scalp and what you are hoping for, then you will lie back and let the treatment take over.

You will leave with a clean scalp, a clear head, and hair that feels its best. Plan to move a little slower on your way out.

To get the full benefit of the scalp treatment, avoid blow drying or using styling products for 24 to 48 hours afterward.

Before Your Ritual

Questions we hear most.

We have gathered answers to the questions we hear most often to help you feel informed, comfortable, and excited for your visit. If you don't see your question here, we are always happy to help.

Before Your Visit

Should I wash my hair before my appointment?

No. Please arrive with your hair just as it is. There is no need to wash it beforehand. Your ritual begins with a professional scalp cleansing designed to remove excess oil, buildup, and impurities.

To help us spend more time caring for your scalp and less time brushing your hair, we kindly ask that you arrive with your hair brushed and free of significant tangles or knots.

Should I remove my makeup?

If possible, we recommend arriving with your makeup already removed, especially eye makeup.

Your ritual includes massage around the forehead, temples, and hairline, and removing makeup beforehand allows you to fully relax without worrying about smudging or transferring makeup during your treatment.

If you arrive wearing makeup, we will gladly provide a makeup remover wipe before your ritual begins.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing is recommended so you can completely relax during your experience.

You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and change into a spa wrap before your treatment begins, so comfortable pants are recommended. If your feet tend to get cold, warm socks are also encouraged to help you stay cozy throughout your ritual.

Should I bring anything?

Everything needed for your ritual is provided.

Because you will be leaving with towel-dried, damp hair, you may wish to bring a hair clip, baseball cap, beanie, hood, or other head covering if you are running errands or heading out afterward.

During Your Ritual

Will my hair be wet when I leave?

Yes. Your hair will be towel dried but will still be damp when your appointment is complete.

For the greatest benefit, we recommend allowing your hair to air dry naturally and avoiding styling products for the next 24 to 48 hours whenever possible, giving your scalp time to fully enjoy the benefits of your treatment.

Can my hair be blow-dried after my treatment?

To preserve the benefits of your ritual, blow-drying is not included. We encourage guests to allow their scalp and hair to rest naturally following the treatment.

Is the treatment painful?

Not at all.

Your ritual is designed to be deeply relaxing and restorative. If at any point you would like lighter or firmer pressure, or something simply does not feel comfortable, please let us know. Your comfort is always our priority.

Hair and Scalp Wellness

Can a head spa help with hair thinning?

A healthy scalp provides the best possible environment for healthy hair.

While a head spa cannot guarantee hair growth or reverse medical hair loss, regular scalp care may improve overall scalp health by reducing buildup, supporting healthy circulation, and maintaining a balanced environment for healthier-looking hair.

Can a head spa help with dandruff or an itchy scalp?

Many guests experiencing dryness, excess oil, flaking, product buildup, or scalp irritation find regular scalp care beneficial.

During your consultation, we will discuss your concerns and personalize your ritual whenever appropriate.

How often should I receive a head spa?

That depends on your individual goals and scalp condition.

Much like a professional facial, many guests choose to receive a head spa every 4 to 6 weeks as part of their regular self-care and wellness routine. Guests working to improve specific scalp concerns may benefit from more frequent visits initially before transitioning to a maintenance schedule.

During your visit, we will recommend a treatment plan that is personalized for your scalp's unique needs.

Will one treatment solve my scalp concerns?

Many guests notice their scalp feels cleaner, calmer, and more refreshed after just one visit.

However, lasting improvements in scalp health are best achieved through consistent treatments combined with an appropriate home care routine.

Health and Safety

Can I receive a head spa if I'm pregnant?

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any medical concerns, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before scheduling.

Please also let us know during your consultation so we can determine whether any modifications are appropriate.

Are there any conditions that would prevent me from receiving a treatment?

For your safety, treatments may need to be postponed if you have an active scalp infection, open wounds, recent scalp surgery, severe sunburn, or another contagious scalp condition.

Please disclose any relevant medical information during your consultation so we can safely personalize your experience.

Can I receive a head spa if I have hair extensions?

Unfortunately, no.

At Awaken Ritual, every treatment is designed to thoroughly cleanse, massage, and care for the entire scalp. Hair extensions prevent us from safely accessing all areas of the scalp and may become tangled during the massage and brushing techniques used throughout your ritual.

Because we are committed to providing the highest quality experience and results, we do not perform head spa services on guests with hair extensions.

Booking and Appointments

How do I schedule an appointment?

Complete the appointment request form on this site and we will personally contact you to find a day and time that works best for your schedule.

Do I need to complete the consultation form?

Yes. All first-time guests are asked to complete a confidential consultation and informed consent form before their appointment.

This allows us to personalize your ritual while ensuring your comfort and safety.

What is your cancellation policy?

Because your appointment is reserved exclusively for you, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Late cancellations and missed appointments may be subject to a cancellation fee. If you are feeling unwell or experience an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss the best option for rescheduling.

What happens if I arrive late?

Arriving on time allows you to enjoy your complete ritual.

If you arrive late, your service may need to be shortened to respect the appointments that follow. If there is not enough time to safely complete your treatment, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Still have a question?

Every guest's scalp, hair, and wellness journey is unique. If there is anything you would like to ask before your visit, we would love to hear from you.

Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and excited from the moment you book until the moment you leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and cared for.

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