The Story Behind Mercer Head Spa: How Two Founders Brought Washington's First Luxury Japanese Head Spa to Life
Mercer Island is about to welcome something truly special: Mercer Head Spa, the first luxury Japanese head spa in Washington state. But behind this tranquil wellness destination is a story of friendship, vision, and a shared love for healing through holistic care.
Co-founders Gigi Jirapolchet and Cynthia Li met in 2022 under casual circumstances—through a wedding, no less. Gigi attended as her boyfriend’s plus one and was immediately drawn to Cynthia’s warm energy. The two quickly bonded over their shared passions: wellness, food, and tech. Weekly meetups became the norm, and with Cynthia living just down the road, their connection grew stronger.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2023, over a cozy dinner at Gigi’s home, that the spark for Mercer Head Spa was lit. Gigi shared how head spa treatments had dramatically improved her health, especially in managing painful migraines caused by an autoimmune condition. While living in New York City, she had discovered the therapeutic benefits of Japanese head spas—specialized treatments focused on scalp detox, relaxation, and nervous system reset. But during a recent visit, her favorite NYC spa was booked out for over a year.
That moment sparked a realization: despite Washington’s vibrant wellness scene, there wasn’t a single luxury head spa to be found. Both women connected over this gap—and how often they had to travel overseas or to major cities just to find these treatments.
With Gigi's experience in digital marketing, she knew this was an idea worth pursuing. The very next day, she texted Cynthia, “Are you serious about starting a head spa here?” The answer was a resounding yes.
The two spent nearly a year scouting the perfect location. From Kirkland to Bellevue and Lynnwood, they explored countless spaces before discovering Mercer Island. With its central location between Seattle and the Eastside, its peaceful atmosphere, and its tight-knit, wellness-forward community, Mercer Island felt like home.
In their commitment to building a spa rooted in education and trust, both Gigi and Cynthia began pursuing their aesthetician and cosmetology licenses. They wanted to ensure they could speak from an informed place—not just as founders, but as trained professionals who deeply understand scalp care, hair health, and overall wellness. That foundation is now a core part of how they train their team and connect with clients.
Mercer Head Spa was born not just out of a market need, but from a genuine passion to create something beautiful, healing, and thoughtfully designed. From the carefully curated treatments to the serene, spa-like interiors, everything is a reflection of the founders' shared vision.
Now, as the grand opening approaches, Mercer Island residents and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing the deeply relaxing and restorative benefits of a Japanese head spa, without ever having to leave the state.
Whether you're seeking relief from migraines, looking to boost scalp health, or simply need a nervous system reset in a calm, luxurious setting — Mercer Head Spa is poised to become a must-visit wellness destination in Mercer Island and beyond.