Ashburton's First Head Spa: Bringing a Piece of Vietnam to Mid Canterbury
Ashburton is a town full of hardworking people. From farmers and tradies to gardeners and everyone who spends long days on their feet, many of us are so busy getting through the day that we don't always make time for ourselves.
That's why I wanted to bring something different to our community. I'm Kim, the founder of Lelei Beauty Spa. As a Vietnamese woman, I wanted to share a piece of my sweet homeland with Ashburton: an experience that combines traditional Vietnamese-inspired hair care, hands-on massage, and a chance to slow down.
A journey back to my roots
To learn more about the head spa experience, I travelled back to Vietnam, my homeland, and trained at a local spa called Com Spa – Gội Đầu Dưỡng Sinh Đông Y.
I wanted to understand the techniques behind the treatment, not simply copy the steps. I was interested in the way hair washing, scalp massage and traditional herbal hair care came together to create a relaxing experience.
The Vietnamese approach to gội đầu dưỡng sinh (head spa) goes beyond an ordinary hair wash. It combines hair and scalp care with massage and relaxation, drawing inspiration from traditional wellness practices.
For me, learning in Vietnam made the experience more meaningful. It was an opportunity to connect with the culture behind the treatment and bring that knowledge back to New Zealand.
Why Ashburton?
Living and working in Mid Canterbury, I know how busy life can get. There are long working days, family commitments and plenty to do, especially for people whose jobs keep them outdoors or on their feet.
Sometimes, you don't need another big thing on your to-do list. You just need an hour to yourself.
I wanted to create a place where locals could lie back, have their hair washed, enjoy a relaxing scalp massage and let someone else take care of them for a change.
You don't need to know anything about Vietnamese traditions to enjoy it. You can simply come in, get comfortable and enjoy the experience.
More than a hair wash
At Lelei Beauty Spa, our Vietnamese Head Spa brings together a structured 10-step treatment, hands-on massage and Vietnamese herbal shampoo.
Our shampoo features traditional ingredients such as bồ kết, or soapberry, alongside herbs and botanicals used in Vietnamese-inspired hair care, and is imported directly from Vietnam.
Every part of the experience reflects what I wanted to bring to Ashburton: something different from an ordinary hair wash, with a connection to the traditions that inspired it.
And the story doesn't end with me. Our Senior therapist Linh brings years of spa experience from Saigon and her own family's background in traditional therapeutic massage. Her story, and the hands-on techniques she brings to our treatments, deserve a story of their own.
A little piece of Vietnam, right here in Ashburton
I'm proud to have brought a little piece of my Vietnamese heritage to Ashburton. What started as a journey back to my roots has become something special I get to share with our local community.
Step into Lelei Beauty Spa, unwind, and feel like you've escaped on a little holiday to Vietnam without leaving Ashburton.
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