Today, there are several models of professional head spa beds on the market — with plumbing, without plumbing, with integrated tank, at different heights, with or without chromotherapy functions.
The head spa bed is the central piece of equipment for Japanese head spa — the ritual that combines massage, steam, and light therapy. Choosing the right model is not just about comparing technical specifications: it's about aligning your equipment with your space, your type of clientele, your schedule, and your pricing strategy — but it's also what will determine your working comfort, your profitability, and the experience you offer your clients.
Before investing in a head spa bed, take the time to evaluate these criteria. This guide provides you with concrete questions to ask your supplier so you don't discover a constraint after delivery. For everything related to practical installation, consult our guide installing a head spa in your salon or institute.
Criterion 1 — Head spa bed with or without plumbing: how to choose?
This is the first trade-off, and it dictates everything else. A head spa bed with plumbing requires a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and drainage nearby. In return, it offers unlimited autonomy — no tank to manage, continuous sessions without logistical interruption.
A head spa bed without plumbing operates with an integrated tank. It can be installed without any renovation work, in any space with an electrical outlet. The constraint: the tank must be filled before sessions and emptied at the end of the day. With a 90 L tank, you can do up to five sessions between refills — which covers most salon schedules.
The right question isn't "which one is better" — it's "which constraint do I prefer to manage daily": the logistics of the tank, or dependence on a fixed water point.
In the Sakura Head Spa range, both configurations are available: the Kyoto Japanese head spa bed with plumbing, and the Sapporo bed without plumbing with a 90 L autonomous tank. Discover our range of professional head spa equipment.
Criterion 2 — The ergonomics of a head spa bed for the practitioner
The ergonomics of a head spa bed are often evaluated from the client's perspective — neck support, reclined position, comfort during the treatment. But the ergonomics that truly determine the profitability of your investment are those for the practitioner.
Several sessions a day, six days a week: a poorly designed Japanese head spa bed for standing work can lead to accumulated neck and lower back strain. Always check the working height — is it suitable for your height without forcing you to bend over? Is the access to the scalp clear on both sides? Are accessories (arch, hand shower, fumigation) positioned so that they don't require repetitive, strenuous movements?
An ill-suited bed directly impacts your endurance throughout the day — and thus your ability to perform treatments under good conditions.
Criterion 3 — Features to check on a professional head spa bed
Not all head spa beds offer the same features. Here are the main ones and what they concretely bring to your service.
| Feature | What it offers | To check |
|---|---|---|
| LED Light Therapy | Enriches the sensory experience, visually differentiates the service | Number of light points, available colors |
| Steam / Fumigation | Opens cuticles, promotes absorption of treatments, enhances immersion | Compatibility with essential oils, capsule maintenance |
| Integrated water heater | Constant temperature from the start of the treatment, no waiting | Heating time, temperature maintenance |
| Golden arch / Chromotherapy | Strong visual impact, premium perceived value, social media content | Required ceiling height, stability of attachment |
| Leg/pelvis recess | Extended client comfort, long protocols without discomfort — available on the Izumi head spa basin | Check if this ergonomic feature is integrated into the model you are evaluating |
The rule: don't buy features you won't use. But don't skimp on a feature that directly conditions the perceived quality of your service — light therapy and steam, in particular, are often what clients remember and share. For a complete analysis of what the equipment brings to your profitability, consult our article on the benefits of professional head spa equipment.
Criterion 4 — Durability and After-Sales Service: questions to ask before buying
A Japanese head spa bed is a multi-year investment. Its durability depends as much on the quality of the materials as on the availability of after-sales service in case of breakdown or normal wear and tear.
Before any purchase, ask your supplier these questions: what is the warranty period for the bed and for the accessories separately? Is the after-sales service based in your country or managed from abroad? Are common replacement parts (seals, fumigation capsule, heating system) readily available? Is there a direct technical contact or do you go through a contact form?
A supplier who cannot clearly answer these questions deserves further questioning — or should be disregarded. A bed that is out of service for three weeks awaiting parts means a direct loss of income on your schedule.
Criterion 5 — Which head spa bed to choose based on your type of salon?
Choosing a head spa bed for a salon does not depend solely on design or budget — it depends on your operating context. The same bed can be an excellent investment in one establishment and a poor choice in another.
Multi-service hair salon: you integrate head spa into an existing menu with defined slots between two other services. The Izumi head spa basin — mobile, quick to set up — is often the most suitable entry point for testing the offering without reorganizing your space. If you already have a massage table, it simply positions at the head end of the client's table.
Beauty institute: you already offer body treatments, massages, and other standing protocols. The Izumi head spa basin on wheels remains the most flexible solution here — it combines with your existing massage table without altering your organization. If you want to move towards a dedicated professional head spa bed, make sure you can allocate a separate space for it, as its fixed height may not necessarily be suitable for other standing treatments.
Dedicated head spa cabin: your space is entirely designed for this ritual. This is the ideal context for a head spa bed with plumbing (Kyoto) or a head spa bed without plumbing with an autonomous tank (Sapporo) — maximum immersion, long protocols, justified premium positioning. Plan your final location before installation and check for a nearby water point if you opt for the plumbed version.
To evaluate the overall budget associated with your equipment choice, consult our guide what budget to plan for opening your head spa.
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FAQ - Choosing the right head spa bed
What is the difference between a head spa bed with and without plumbing?
The head spa bed with plumbing (Kyoto) offers unlimited autonomy but requires a fixed water point. The head spa bed without plumbing (Sapporo, 90 L tank) can be installed without renovation. The choice depends on your setup and the constraint you prefer to manage daily.
Is the height of the head spa bed important?
It is especially important if you plan to offer other standing treatments in the same space. A fixed-height Japanese head spa bed may not suit your working posture for other services. If this is the case, our team can guide you towards the most suitable configuration before you decide.
Is light therapy essential?
Not technically — but it is often crucial for perceived value and the visual content your clients share. It's one of the most frequently mentioned features in feedback after the first sessions.
What warranty should you expect on a professional head spa bed?
Minimum 2 years on the bed, separate warranty on accessories. Check the availability of parts and the location of the after-sales service — a local after-sales service significantly reduces delays in case of breakdown.
Can a head spa bed be used without training?
Nothing technically prohibits it, but without certified training, you will not have proof of competence for your professional liability insurance, nor the protocols to guarantee the quality of the treatment. A head spa basin or bed alone does not make a head spa.
