Dareth Murphy said she has wanted to be a hairstylist since she was a little girl. With that quest at the center of her career aspirations, she stumbled upon a related field of interest.

“During COVID doom scrolling, I watched Japanese videos about head spas, and I loved the idea,” she said. “I thought one day when I become a hairstylist, I would add the service to the list.”

And the time has come. Opening this week is Brainwashed Head Spa & Salon located at Platinum Suites in Bridgeport.

Employed at Platinum Salon for three years, Murphy continues all hair services including women’s cuts, color, color correction, styling, and extensions. She also offers head spa services.

“The best way to explain it is a facial for your scalp. It’s super relaxing and very beneficial and there are different reasons for getting it,” she said. “You may simply want luscious hair or want to relax and enjoy the waterfall and massage techniques. It is a wellness experience to relax your mind and rejuvenate your scalp.”

The head spa services are unique and relatively new in the states and there are none in the immediate area. The closest, Murphy believes, is in Morgantown. Though some salons are incorporating waterfalls, Brain Washed is the real deal.

“I have the massage bed plus the irrigation system,” she said. “It’s a very catered service. You tell me what kind of pressure you like and why you are getting the service.”

Options include but aren’t limited to the 90-minute Clarified Cranium, which includes a microscope scalp analysis, blow dry, and style, and the 45-minute Halo Wash, a mini version of the head spa experience.

Women are very into skincare these days, and that is good, Murphy said.

“But it’s the scalp’s turn. Good hair comes from a healthy scalp,” she said. “You can use all the products you want, but getting good blood circulation through massage is giving the scalp the extra care it needs.”

Murphy considered a couple of different names for her new business, but Brain Washed was decided upon.

“I’m not fancy and don’t want to try to be anything I’m not,” she said. “It’s fun and edgy at the spa and I want to keep it real – girls being girls. It’s hot pink and super fun.”

Murphy is a 2005 graduate of Bridgeport High School.

Hair and scalp services are available by appointment only. Learn more about Brainwashed Head Spa & Salon, located inside Platinum Suites at 102 Thompson Drive, at the website HERE.