Massage unrestricted, washing and hair care regulated. Wellness massage with no therapeutic purpose: the Cour de cassation (France's highest court) confirmed this in 2021 and the DGCCRF (French consumer protection authority) restated it in February 2026.
Good to know: a head spa ritual without shampoo or cosmetic products counts as wellness massage, which anyone may practise in France without a diploma (Cour de cassation, 2021; DGCCRF, 2026), provided no health benefit is promised. This is the approach taught by Heaven Head Spa Rituals (My Rituals Formation), our partner course. Discover the course →
Hair washing falls under hairdressing (CAP minimum, BP to run a salon) and scalp treatments with products fall under beauty therapy (CAP esthétique). In December 2025, the Government attached the sector's “new specialisations” to hairdressing. The chambres de métiers (chambers of trades) require a CAP esthétique for their own Head Spa courses.
Any health promise (hair loss, migraines, sleep).
Have your protocol approved by your chambre de métiers (CMA) before you register your business.
Online course of 17 modules plus a supervised practice day near Thonon-les-Bains, with a free tool kit.
Two in-person days, including a full day of practice on a model, with a free starter kit; sessions near Paris (Trappes), near Lyon (Givors), in Valence and in Marseille.
Online theory, then a practice day in one of the network's nine cities, in groups of no more than 6 trainees; equipment sold separately.
At least 40 hours of e-learning, then a practice day in pairs at one of the network's centres; price on request.
8 hours of e-learning, then a practical day in pairs at a Paris showroom (15th arrondissement); accessory kit and permanent platform access included, basin not included.
One 8-hour day, mainly practical, in Issy-les-Moulineaux or on the Côte d'Azur, table and heated linen provided; can be funded by an OPCO (French sector training fund) or France Travail depending on your status.
One day at a salon in the 11th arrondissement, 6 people maximum: demonstration on a model, then practice between trainees, lunch included and a free return visit if you are unsure.
One day including 4 hours of supervised practice on a model, 4 people maximum, followed by an assessment in a professional setting; can be funded by FAFCEA or OPCO EP.
Intensive one-day advanced course on live models, with a starter kit and 6 months' access to the Marseille and Lyon (Brignais) centres for practice.
Wellness massage with no therapeutic purpose: the Cour de cassation (France's highest court) confirmed this in 2021 and the DGCCRF (French consumer protection authority) restated it in February 2026. Hair washing falls under hairdressing (CAP minimum, BP to run a salon) and scalp treatments with products fall under beauty therapy (CAP esthétique). In December 2025, the Government attached the sector's “new specialisations” to hairdressing. The chambres de métiers (chambers of trades) require a CAP esthétique for their own Head Spa courses.
Any health promise (hair loss, migraines, sleep).
Have your protocol approved by your chambre de métiers (CMA) before you register your business.
Summary of the rules as at the date shown, not legal advice.
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