Figgy Gashi started losing her hair during the pandemic. She had a hard time finding a solution to her problem. This concern quickly became an opportunity to fulfil her lifelong dream of opening her own business.
Gashi is a certified scalp technician. She trained at Belle Cheveu, a scalp massage academy in Japan.
“I tried getting a treatment, but there are none in Calgary,’” Gashi said.
After seeing the city needed Japanese-style scalp massage treatments, Gashi decided she could fill that gap by adding the service at her spa, which first opened in 2006.
The Japanese Scalp Massage offers two services for its clients.
The first treatment uses essential oils including cedarwood, tea tree, and rosemary. Gashi uses this mixture to promote hair growth, thickness, and shine.
She also offers a medical-grade treatment for clients with scalp issues like alopecia, psoriasis, or other concerns.
The massage uses a kneading technique which is a softer and gentler approach compared to the standard massage intensity. This method also stimulates the hair follicles which strengthens the hair and cleans the scalp.
“I keep it very simple and straight to the point. That’s what a lot of people want; the treatment, experience and a clean scalp,” Gashi said.
Shai Parker experienced her first Japanese scalp massage recently. She enjoyed the massage and called it a soothing experience.
“In a full body massage, your head gets left out. This is like another level of relaxation,” Parker said.
The massage takes at least an hour and begins with a quick consultation to determine the client’s scalp condition.
Gashi also uses combs and shampoos that stimulate the hair follicles. She also provides a heated bed, blanket and eye mask to customers to make them comfortable throughout the massage.
“Japanese Scalp Massage makes other women feel more confident and I’ve tried to establish this place where every single woman from all walks of life feels that,” said Gashi.
