If you’ve spent time on haircare TikTok, you’ve probably encountered the idea of head spas—luxurious treatments that come from Japan, centered on deep cleansing of the scalp, massage, and occasionally scalp assessments for customized haircare recommendations.

Now, French haircare brand Kérastase is introducing a tech-driven angle to the trend by rolling out K-SCAN, an AI-enhanced scalp and hair analysis device crafted to provide personalized insights during your salon visit.

What Is Kérastase’s K-SCAN?

K-SCAN is a free add-on service offered at selected Kérastase partner salons. The procedure is straightforward: your stylist employs a hand-held device with a microscopic camera to capture a detailed image of your scalp under different lighting scenarios—white LED, cross-polarized white light, and UV light. Kérastase’s proprietary AI analyzes the image, and the findings are promptly presented on a tablet.

The tool assesses various indicators of scalp and hair health, such as dandruff levels, pore cleanliness, hair density, and the balance of your microbiome. This AI was created by L’Oréal Groupe researchers in Paris and trained using over 12,000 images from participants aged 18 to 60 across China, France, and Mauritius.

Mashable had an early glimpse at K-SCAN during its trial launch in Spain and Australia, before its wider global introduction. While there are a few kinks to resolve, the insights provided by the tool are both valuable and complimentary—making it an obvious choice to try during your upcoming salon appointment.

K-SCAN vs. Traditional Japanese Head Spas

After having a scalp analysis at a head spa in Tokyo, I was eager to see how K-SCAN compared. My Japanese session involved several microscopic images and a language gap that was bridged by Google Translate. I was informed that my scalp was dry (surprising, as I believed it to be oily) and that my concerns about hair loss were unwarranted—though I remained doubtful.

While the Tokyo experience was informative, it left me without a specific action plan. I was told to moisturize my scalp, but was given no guidance on what products to use or how to apply them.

In comparison, K-SCAN provided a more streamlined and practical experience. The analysis relied on a single image, but before beginning, the stylist asked a few quick questions regarding my haircare habits. Once the scan was finished, the AI-generated results were displayed on a tablet, featuring visual indicators like green boxes around follicles to assess density and UV imaging to monitor microbiome health.

The findings aligned with what I had been told in Tokyo: my scalp is indeed dry, and my fears of hair loss are likely overstated. The stylist then suggested a personalized Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment suited to my scalp’s requirements, followed by a second scan to compare before-and-after results. Although the only noticeable change was a bit of irritation from the massage, the overall experience felt beneficial and reassuring.

What Sets K-SCAN Apart?

Unlike my prior head spa experience, K-SCAN provided me with more than just information—it offered a plan. Based on my results, I received recommendations for three Kérastase products: Nutritive Bain Satin Riche shampoo, Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum, and the Chronologiste Intense Regenerating Mask. The stylist even demonstrated how to apply the serum, making the advice actionable.

Indeed, Kérastase products are relatively expensive, and the suggestions are confined to their product range. However, even if you don’t intend to splurge, the insights can steer you towards more budget-friendly alternatives and help you create a better routine.

Post-Scan Follow-Up: Room for Improvement

After my visit, I was informed that I would receive an email containing my K-SCAN results. Though the email arrived, it was underwhelming. It did not include the scalp images shown during the appointment and instead featured vague sliding scale graphs. Some data even contradicted what I observed in the salon—for instance, my microbiome score was high in person but low in the email. The product suggestions were also presented without context or guidance on usage.

Additionally, the stylist noted that K-SCAN images are deleted daily, so there is no ongoing record of your scalp’s condition. If you plan to return for follow-up scans, it’s wise to take pictures of the tablet screen yourself.

Final Thoughts

Since using K-SCAN, I feel more assured and knowledgeable about my haircare routine. Whether it’s the Kérastase products or my new emphasis on hydrating my scalp, I have observed my hair becoming softer, healthier, and less frizzy.

While the email follow-up could certainly be improved, the in-salon experience itself is a valuable resource for anyone aiming to gain a better understanding of their scalp and hair health. And with no additional fee, there’s little reason not to give it a try.

To locate a participating salon nearby,