It seems Japan is the place to be at the moment, with record numbers of Australians visiting to experience the design, food and culture firsthand. However, in the south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, there’s no need to board a plane, as a little piece of Japan has arrived in the inner-city suburb of Armadale.

As the first stand-alone flagship location for Tokyo Headspa, the salon reflects the sophistication of Japanese aesthetics and becomes a calm, restorative space.

Previously, the brand operated in concession-style spaces, bringing its distinct approach to Japanese hair care to an enthusiastic clientele. With this new shopfront, Tokyo Headspa makes its presence felt through thoughtful design, tranquillity and a sense of retreat.

The project, conceived by Rebecca Vulic and senior interior designer Kristine Vibar of X + O, is both authentic and immersive. Dark, textural interiors set a soothing tone — a place to step away from the crowds and simply unwind.

At Tokyo Headspa, hair health is central. Washing and massage become rituals, and immersion in Japanese culture underpins the experience.

Located on busy High Street, the challenge for Vulic and Vibar was to create an interior that immediately transports customers elsewhere — and they have achieved exactly that.

From the moment of entry, the outside world fades into a sense of quiet. The 130-square-metre layout includes reception with a showcase of Yukata (traditional Japanese garments), trichologist and post-treatment rooms, a Zen garden, four treatment spaces, and back-of-house areas. A side corridor with subdued lighting connects the spaces and maintains the mood.

In line with sustainable thinking, much of the original fit-out was retained, including flooring, the shopfront, back-of-house and existing walls. The result is clean and minimal, reflecting a pared-back Japanese sensibility.

Every part of the space has been carefully considered, beginning at reception where clients choose their yukata and remove their shoes before being offered tea. A trichologist assesses hair and scalp health before treatment begins.

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A bench seat at the front sits behind an ethereal curtain that softens the street presence and sets the tone.

The minimal palette is grounded in walnut timber, silk-style and paper-textured wallpapers, dark wall panels reminiscent of volcanic rock, and tatami seating. Wall sconces, dimmable lighting, ambient music and Japanese fragrance complete the atmosphere.

Vulic says, “We created a pre-treatment area where the customer journey starts near reception, and then planned the treatment rooms toward the back, because acoustics were crucial. We had to work around existing walls and meet the challenges of the special Japanese chair that pivots, along with storage.”

In the treatment rooms, clients sit in chairs imported from Japan that rotate 90 degrees to support various treatments. Each room includes cleverly concealed, bento-box-style storage behind minimalist walnut sliding doors.

After their session, clients move to the Styling Bar and then the post-treatment lounge, where they relax on tatami-style seating, sip tea and browse curated hair-care products.

Every aspect of the wellness journey is considered — from the initial immersion in Japanese sights, sounds and rituals to the quiet pause at the end.

As Vulic notes, “The best aspect of the project is the customer experience. It’s not just getting your hair washed — it’s the full immersion into Japanese culture, from selecting your yukata to having tea and settling into the journey.”

Vibar adds, “Bringing in traditional Japanese culture is what sets the design apart, along with an emphasis on scalp and hair health rituals. It’s quite a complete experience.”

Whether a first-time visitor or returning client, Tokyo Headspa offers a thoughtful, sensory escape. The design supports the brand’s focus on wellness and elevates the overall experience.

X + O
xpluso.co

Photography
Spacecraft