One of the latest hair trends to hit North Texas can be found at Chadâm Hair Lounge and CO₂ Spa, where self-care starts at the scalp. Owners and husband-and-wife duo Adam Bok and Sarah Cha brought the popular CO₂ scalp treatment to Texas last summer, and it’s picked up—and delivered—plenty of steam.
Influencers have rushed to the spa for an invigorating session of scalp cleansing that involves microcurrent massages, essential oils, and bubbly water. The treatment started in Japan, and Bok, who has spent 24 years in the hair industry, claims he was one of the pioneers who brought it to Korea 16 years ago.
“The scalp is part of our skin, too,” Bok says as Cha translates his Korean. “We should all take care of it.”
Chadâm is focused primarily on scalp health, and Cha says the business is the only one of its kind in Texas that serves men and women who want to give their scalps a clean slate. A CO₂ treatment is different from a traditional head spa that will wash and dry your scalp, Cha says. The bubble toner and water treatment help lift buildup from scalp pores while massaging the scalp. What’s left behind is a squeaky-clean base for haircuts, color treatments, and blowouts, which the head spa also offers at an additional cost.
The CO₂ treatment is more than 10 steps and could take upwards of two hours depending on problem areas and styling. It’s $150 for one CO₂ treatment, plus the cost of any other add-on service. It’s safe for everyone to use, Cha says, even those who are pregnant. And if you’re not comfortable with showing your hair, there are private rooms in the back.
Clients come from far and wide to receive the treatment, and it’s encouraged to indulge in a deep clean once a month. Here’s what it looks like.
Drink service: Clients are given a complimentary cocktail and a plate of cookies and chocolate upon arrival.
Identify the issues: Using a magnifying lens attached to a phone, the stylists will take photos of the scalp to determine the treatment needed for the client. Problems can range from dry to oily scalps, but the main one is buildup.
Steam it out: The client’s head is covered in a massive shower cap attached to a steamer that is used to open pores on the scalp.
Break down the buildup: After figuring out a treatment plan, clients can choose a scent for the aromatic oil that will be used during a scalp massage. The massage is done in the chair and helps break down buildup on the scalp. A balm is placed on pressure points near the ears and on the neck to help the client relax.
Bubble time: The stylists apply a CO₂ bubble toner after the steam session. The tiny bubbles massage the pores on the scalp, Cha says.
Lather it up: In a room separated by a divider, one of four kinds of shampoo—dry, oily, sensitive, and hair loss—will be used to treat different problem areas. The shampoo is applied with another massage. A microcurrent massage is also delivered using a small device.
Rinse, rinse, rinse: The height of the treatment is the CO₂ waterfall. With a small towel over their eyes, clients will lie back with their hair in a basin while a steady stream of water hits their hairline and flows over the rest of the scalp. Hot steam infused with essential oils runs at the same time, creating a spa-like environment.
…And possibly repeat: Clients will remain under the CO₂ waterfall depending on the client’s problem areas.
Hair treatments: No conditioner is used, but there are different serums and oils that are applied for the hair following the CO₂ treatment.
The results: Using the magnifying lens again, stylists will take another photo to show a clean scalp. A scalp toner is applied to settle the skin.
Blowout and styling: One of the most important steps is the last step, Cha and Bok say. Hair and scalp need to be dried after washing. Drying the scalp helps prevent bacteria from growing, and bacteria can lead to itchiness, dandruff, and even fallout.
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