Head Spa vs Massage: Which One Should You Book First?
Updated: 4 days ago
In the head spa vs massage choice, book a head spa first if you want a relaxing scalp massage plus a hair wash and blow-dry in 60 minutes ($68 promo), and a body massage first if your back, shoulders or legs feel tight ($75 for 60 minutes). Imperial Retreat offers both in Etobicoke and Newmarket, and packages combine them.
Quick Facts
Head spa | Imperial Head Spa, 60 min: $68 promo, $75 regular |
Body massage | Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Hot Stone: 60 min from $75 |
Both | Total Body Revival, 2 hrs, from $140 |
Locations | Etobicoke: 5555 Eglinton Ave West, 2nd Floor (647-800-0600); Newmarket: 26 Wilstead Drive at Davis & Yonge (647-800-0609) |
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What is the difference in head spa vs massage?
The main difference is focus: a head spa concentrates on the head, scalp and hair, while a body massage works on the back, shoulders, arms and legs. A head spa also includes cleansing, conditioning and drying.
Both are spa services designed to help you relax and ease tension. Which one feels right depends on where you hold stress and what you have planned afterwards.
How do head spa and body massage compare side by side?
Head spa and body massage compare closely on price but differ in what you experience. This table shows the key points.
Imperial Head Spa | Body massage | |
Length | 60 min (90 min options) | 60, 90 or 120 min |
Starting price | $68 promo, $75 regular | From $75 for 60 min |
Focus | Head, scalp, temples, hair | Back, shoulders, arms, legs |
Best for | A heavy head, screen-tired eyes, fresh hair | Tight back, shoulders or legs |
Hair afterwards | Cleansed, conditioned and dried | Unchanged |
Styles | Imperial, Emperor, Crown & Core | Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Hot Stone |
When should you book a head spa first?
Book a head spa first if you spend long hours at a screen, feel a heavy head at the end of the day or want to leave with fresh, dried hair. It is also a gentle first step if you have never had a massage.
First-timers often pick the 90-minute Emperor Head Spa, the most popular option, which adds a 30-minute facial with shoulder and neck massage for $110 on promo.
When should you book a body massage first?
Book a body massage first if your back, shoulders or legs feel tight after work, sport or travel. Swedish suits a gentle first visit, while Deep Tissue uses firmer pressure.
If you want massage covered by insurance, ask about RMT massage instead, provided by Registered Massage Therapists with insurance receipts; coverage depends on your plan.
Remember that body massage lengths are flexible. A 90-minute session from $110 gives more time for each area, while 120 minutes from $140 suits guests who want a full, unhurried visit.
• Swedish: gentle, flowing strokes for overall relaxation
• Deep Tissue: firmer pressure for tight areas
• Hot Stone: warmth plus massage
• Reflexology: focused on the feet and hands
Which should a first-timer book: head spa or massage?
A first-timer who is unsure should usually book the head spa, because it is the gentler introduction and the 90-minute Emperor Head Spa is the most popular first visit. You lie back, the session follows a clear set of steps, and you leave with clean, dried hair.
If your main reason for booking is a sore back or tight shoulders, start with a 60-minute Swedish or Deep Tissue body massage instead. You can always try the other service on your next visit.
Another option is to book both and compare. The Duo Escape, from $130 over 2 hours, lets one guest book two 60-minute services, such as a head spa and a body massage, or lets two guests each pick one. It is a simple way to settle the head spa vs massage question for yourself and decide what to book next time.
Can you combine a head spa and a massage?
Yes, you can combine them in one visit. The Total Body Revival pairs a 60-minute body massage with a 60-minute head massage for one person, from $140 over 2 hours.
The Imperial Crown & Core Ritual combines a 30-minute hot stone massage with the 60-minute head spa for $98. Both are available at Imperial Retreat in Etobicoke (5555 Eglinton Ave West) and Imperial Retreat in Newmarket (26 Wilstead Drive at Davis & Yonge).
Book online at imperialretreat.com/headspa for a head spa or imperialretreat.com/bodymassage for a body massage.
Is This You?
A weekend hockey player with sore shoulders might start with a 60-minute Deep Tissue massage, then try the Imperial Head Spa on a later visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a head spa more relaxing than a massage?
Neither is more relaxing for everyone. Many guests find a head spa calming for the mind, while a body massage eases tension in the back and shoulders.
How long is a body massage at Imperial Retreat?
A spa body massage at Imperial Retreat can be 60, 90 or 120 minutes, starting at $75, $110 and $140.
Which costs less, a head spa or a massage?
The 60-minute Imperial Head Spa is $68 on promo, and a 60-minute body massage starts at $75 at Imperial Retreat.
Can I get a head spa and a massage on the same day?
Yes, the Total Body Revival combines a 60-minute body massage and a 60-minute head massage for one person, from $140.
Is a head spa covered by insurance?
A head spa is a spa service and is not issued an RMT insurance receipt. For insurance receipts, book RMT massage with a Registered Massage Therapist and check your plan.
Imperial Retreat services are designed to support relaxation and overall wellness. They are not intended as medical treatment. For persistent health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
IMPERIAL RETREAT – CURRENT PROMOTIONS
Head Spa: Regular $75 → Promo $68 · 7 Days a Week 2 Guests Together: $130 total ($65 each) Emperor Head Spa (60 min Head Spa + 30 min Facial): Only $110 Etobicoke: 5555 Eglinton Ave W, Suite 216-219 | 647-800-0600 Newmarket: 26 Wilstead Drive (Davis & Yonge) | 647-800-0609 Open 7 Days a Week · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Related Keywords & Services head massage vs body massage · head spa first time · Swedish massage Etobicoke · Total Body Revival |
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