Crowning Achievement | Solitaire Head Spa
Hannah Kagay spent years as a hairstylist listening to clients talk about chronic stress, scalp issues, hair loss, anxiety and burnout. Over time, a pattern emerged: people weren’t just looking for beauty services. They were craving relief.
That realization led Hannah to open Solitaire Head Spa in downtown Topeka in November 2024. The business offers head spa treatments — essentially facials for the scalp — designed to address both physical scalp health and stress relief.
While attending cosmetology school, Hannah had early exposure to specialized spa services and became fascinated by the way human touch could completely shift how someone feels, physically, emotionally and mentally.
“I always knew I wanted to own or lead a spa someday,” Hannah said. “But I also knew Topeka didn’t need another place to rush in and rush out. It needed a space where people could actually exhale. It had to feel personal, intentional and healing.”
“I already had a group of people who were ready to grow with this idea,” she said. “They just didn’t know it existed yet.”
Hannah was intentional about creating an experience that honors all hair textures and types.
“It was important to me that we weren’t offering a one-size-fits-all service,” she said. “Every scalp is different, every person is different, and our approach has to reflect that.”
The team addresses concerns including hair loss, dryness and sensitivity.
MORE THAN A SHAMPOO
For first-time guests, the idea of a head spa often brings up the thought of a really good, deep shampoo. While that’s not wrong, Hannah says, it barely scratches the surface.
“A head spa is essentially a facial for your scalp,” she said. “It’s intentional, therapeutic and layered.”
Each service begins with a detailed scalp analysis using specialized cameras to identify concerns such as dryness, buildup, hair loss or sensitivity. Treatments include dry scalp massage, detoxifying exfoliation, warm waterfall rinses, steam-infused moisture therapy and customized cleansing and conditioning. Services are performed while guests recline in zero-gravity massage chairs.
Longer services include extended massage, hot stone treatments and warm oil therapy using the spa’s homemade hair oil. They even offer mini facials.
“It’s less invasive than a full-body massage,” Hannah said, “which makes it more approachable for a lot of people. But the effects can be just as powerful.”
Services range from the 30-minute “Power Nap” treatment to the 60-minute “Sunday Afternoon Recharge” and the 90-minute “Solitaire Slumber.” Each builds on the previous level with additional treatments.
The “Rip Van Winkle” service for men includes facial hair cleansing.
“When I created the menu, I wanted people to choose how much time they could realistically give themselves,” Hannah said. “There’s no pressure, just options.”
RESTING YOUR HEAD
According to Hannah, what sets Solitaire apart from more traditional salons and wellness centers is its focus on the nervous system.
“Our services are designed to help the body shift out of constant stress mode,” Hannah said. “The rhythmic movements, warm water, extended touch — all of it works together to help people slow down.”
That shift is emotional as much as it is physical, she adds. Hannah says clients come for a variety of reasons: seasonal depression, anxiety, insomnia or hair loss tied to stress. Some come monthly for scalp health while others return because it’s an opportunity to relax.
“Most of the time, people don’t want to talk during treatment,” she said. “They want silence. They want to rest. And we honor that.”
Hannah trains the Solitaire team to read the room. Each guest’s preferences — including pressure level, conversation and areas of focus — are built into the experience from the start.
CONSISTENCY AND CARE
Hannah personally developed the spa’s signature scalp facial and trains each team member through a two- to three-month hands-on process, ensuring consistency across providers.
“I want clients to feel confident that no matter who they see, they’re getting the same caliber of care,” she said.
Massage therapists are brought in to refine techniques and ongoing education is emphasized. Each provider brings their own intuitive touch, but the core steps remain consistent.
HEALING BEYOND THE SPA
During the spa’s first year, Hannah offered one complimentary service per week to someone in need.
“It’s only an hour or so,” she said, “but giving someone a true break from life is an honor.”
Clients travel from across Kansas to experience the spa. The business can accommodate multiple guests at once for group bookings, which Hannah says have become especially popular.
The spa offers free outdoor yoga classes on the patio with Topeka Yoga Network. It also partners with Banyana Sauna for sauna collaborations, and with local coffee and tea shops for beverages.
“It’s inspiring to be part of a network that uplifts one another,” Hannah said. “Wellness doesn’t happen in isolation.”
