Head Trips
While facials, massages and pedicures are standard fare at most day spas, the scalp is often neglected. Many pamper-palaces are adding trichology, the study and care of the scalp and hair, to their menus.. After a consultation and scalp analysis, a hair and scalp regime is prescribed along with recommendations for diet and vitamin supplements. The fun part begins when a technician applies prescribed tonics and conditioners via a knee-weakening scalp, neck and shoulders massage. Where to treat yourself to trichology? Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spas nationwide (800-99-ARDEN); Kiva in Chicago (312-840-8100); and Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre (212-753-9600) and JF Lazartique (212-288-2250) in New York.

Bali High
The thought of exotic island rituals recreated in a Manhattan day spa seems far-fetched, yet the Away Spa at the W Hotel (212-407-2970) offers two authentic treatments. The Javanese Lulur (1 hour, $150), originally performed on brides for 40 consecutive days before their wedding, features the scent of jasmine throughout the multi-staged service - a Balinese full-body massage followed by exfoliating the skin with a blend of rice, turmeric, sandalwood and jasmine flowers. The service winds down with a floral bath and application of jasmine-frangipani lotion. For a truly bone-warming experience, consider the Bali Spice (1 hour, $150), a service incorporating heat-producing ingredients such as rice, cloves, ginger and island spices to relieve muscles aches, improve circulation and provide an overall sense of wellbeing. A Balinese acupressure massage, a full body exfoliating spice mask and simultaneous foot rub relax and condition the whole system. A warm bath and island spice lotion application complete the treatment.

The New Stone Age
Hot stone massage (also known as La Stone Therapy), popular at destination spas, is now appearing on many day spa menus. The innovative technique uses smooth heated basalt stones to knead and soothe the muscles. The warmth penetrates the body quickly and allows the muscles to relax faster, thus providing a deeper and more effective massage. Clients begin by laying on top of stones, while the therapist places others in strategic positions between the fingers and toes, and on the face, arms and legs. Longer, Swedish-style massage movements are also performed with stones, with a light application of oil. The Spa at Brickwalk in Fairfield, CT (203-259-8757); The Homestead in Newtown, PA (215-579-1200) are among the many day spas who offer this unique modality. For other spas that offer La Stone Thereapy, visit www.lastonethereapy.com.

Happy Hues
One of the most unusual yet soothing spa trends is Color Therapy. A specially designed camera photographs your "aura", outlining the colors that surround your body at that moment. From these results, your therapist will draw an appropriately tinted bath to enhance, improve or change your current color status (i.e. mood). For example, if there's a lot of red in your aura, indicating stress, a calming blue bath would help relieve your anxiety. Color Therapy is offered at day spas and available for home use. For more information, visit www.colortherapy.com.

Take The Plunge
Ordinary cleansers remove dirt, oil and makeup from the skin's surface, but we've discovered something that goes beyond soap and water. High Performance Hygiene introduces Facial Dips, designed to cleanse the delicate membranes of the eyes and nose, removing unwanted bacteria before it reaches the body. As the name implies, pour the clear liquid into a large bowl and submerge the face and nose into the dip. It's quick, refreshing and ideal for city dwellers exposed to pollution, smoke and recycled air. Three varieties are available by calling 888-262-5700.

Stylish Spa-ing
Why save the glamour for after your spa services? Swap those plain white towels and slippers for marabou trimmed pedicure sandals and wraps, leopard velvet sleepmasks and sequined headbands from Mimi A La Mode. Extra roomy "Bouffant" showercaps adorned with anything from daisies to bumblebees are ideal for protecting delicate coifs. Chic spa-goers can find these accessories in department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Fred Segal and Nordstrom, and specialty boutiques worldwide. Prices range from $8.95 to $49.95. Call 415-538-3382 or visit www.mimialamode.com.

Power Shower
Add some oomph to your daily sudsing with Water Pik's Misting Massage Shower Head. Designed with seven different settings to accommodate a wide range of needs, the Misting Massage Shower Head recreates the therapeutic effects of an authentic hydrotherapy shower found in many spas. Options include the "Morning Surf Massage" to simulate a relaxing rubdown; the "Bay Shore Spray" for a powerful, directed downpour and the "Sea Foam Spray", delivering a soothing champagne bubble mist. 21 nozzles, dual controls and a pressure gauge allow you to customize your shower experience. A tip: get your day started with a burst of energy by alternating hot and cold water for one-minute intervals. This will stimulate the circulation and kick start your metabolism. The Teledyne Water Pik Misting Massage Shower Head is available for $46.99 - $55.99 at department, houseware and hardware stores nationwide; call 800-525-2774 or visit www.waterpik.com.

Beyond Pampering
Kiva, one of Chicago's premier day spas, addresses beauty from the inside out. In addition to a wide array of spa and salon services, visitors can sample heart-healthy spa cuisine such as organic yogurt, dry pan-roasted sesame granola, coriander-encrusted tiger shrimp and seared sushimi tuna at the Nourishments Cafe. Remedies, a retail section packed with medicinal teas, herbal liquids, capsules and homeopathy encourages a well-balanced mind and body. For more information, call 312-840-8100