Japanese (ASMR) Head Spa and Massage in Gloucester
Welcome to The Light Touch Collective!
The Cotswold’s original Japanese – inspired ASMR Head Spa, where luxury, balance, inner calm and a full sensory experience await you.
Designed exclusively for women; immerse yourself in our signature treatments, including; Sensory Touch (ASMR) Massage, Sensory ASMR Head Spa (an elevated twist on the Japanese Head Spa featuring the renowned halo water therapy, Hair Play with carefully selected sensory tools (hair brushing, gentle detangling and scalp stimulation all specifically designed to engage the senses), Sensory based Facials and Scalp Massage.
Sensory Touch (ASMR) Massage is a feather-light, intentional form of contact designed to communicate safety to the nervous system. It uses slow rhythm, consistency, and presence rather than pressure or manipulation. Nicola has seamlessly woven this into her renowned Head Spa treatment experiences.
Founded by Nicola Rickards, The Light Touch Collective is dedicated to offering a sensory journey like no other, all aimed at gently balancing your nervous system offering deep relief from stress, anxiety, burnout, overwhelem and overstimulation. By blending intentional, rhythmic and gentle touch, with expert evidence based techniques; Nicola focus’ on enhancing wellbeing, easing tension, and restoring your inner balance, all whilst nourishing your scalp, hair and soul.
Nicola's specialist work is rooted in a deep, lived understanding of nervous system regulation. Through her own daily practice of intention, regulation, and stillness, she experienced first-hand how consistent, gentle input can support the body in shifting from states of overwhelm into calm and safety.
With multiple packages to choose from, you can book your regular escape today and boost your wellbeing to a higher level.
Location:
The Light Studios
4 Whitfield Street
Gloucester
GL1 1NA
Why Clients Recommend Our Massage in Gloucestershire
Finding a salon that feels like a sanctuary is rare, but that is exactly what The Light Touch Collective is for me. Every single experience here is nothing short of amazing, but more importantly, it is the one place where I feel truly safe and completely relaxed from the moment I walk in until the moment I leave. The studio at Sugar Close is beautiful—it’s not just well kept, it feels like a warm, cozy hug. The atmosphere, combined with that divine smell that always greets you, instantly dissolves the stress of the outside world. I’m a regular because this isn’t just a 'hair appointment' to me; it is my lifeline. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life or just need a quiet breather to reset, I know I can book here. Nic is the loveliest, most genuine soul I’ve ever met in the industry. She isn’t just doing a job; she cares deeply. I am so grateful for how she always manages to fit me in, even on Sundays—which are honestly my favourite days to visit. It has been such a joy to watch this business grow and evolve. Nic, you pour so much heart into what you do, and you deserve every bit of success coming your way. Thank you for being my safe space.
User1238
I would thoroughly recommend ‘the gentle reset experience’ which I experienced today for the first time. I felt completely calm & relaxed throughout. The treatment involved very gentle touching on my back , shoulders & arms and hair play all over my scalp. Along with aromatherapy smells, gentle music & sounds, it’s a completely different experience to a massage & I really would highly recommend it, I felt calm & relaxed for the rest of the day.
Elaine Hodgson
The experience was fantastic I felt so relaxed throughout the treatment and upon completion, it felt like the time flew by. Nicola was so welcoming and friendly and the set up in the room was comfortable and calming. I’ve never had had an experience before and would definitely do it again.
Natalie Price
Finding a salon that feels like a sanctuary is rare, but that is exactly what The Light Touch Collective is for me. Every single experience here is nothing short of amazing, but more importantly, it is the one place where I feel truly safe and completely relaxed from the moment I walk in until the moment I leave. The studio at Sugar Close is beautiful—it’s not just well kept, it feels like a warm, cozy hug. The atmosphere, combined with that divine smell that always greets you, instantly dissolves the stress of the outside world. I’m a regular because this isn’t just a 'hair appointment' to me; it is my lifeline. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life or just need a quiet breather to reset, I know I can book here. Nic is the loveliest, most genuine soul I’ve ever met in the industry. She isn’t just doing a job; she cares deeply. I am so grateful for how she always manages to fit me in, even on Sundays—which are honestly my favourite days to visit. It has been such a joy to watch this business grow and evolve. Nic, you pour so much heart into what you do, and you deserve every bit of success coming your way. Thank you for being my safe space.
User1238
I would thoroughly recommend ‘the gentle reset experience’ which I experienced today for the first time. I felt completely calm & relaxed throughout. The treatment involved very gentle touching on my back , shoulders & arms and hair play all over my scalp. Along with aromatherapy smells, gentle music & sounds, it’s a completely different experience to a massage & I really would highly recommend it, I felt calm & relaxed for the rest of the day.
Elaine Hodgson
The experience was fantastic I felt so relaxed throughout the treatment and upon completion, it felt like the time flew by. Nicola was so welcoming and friendly and the set up in the room was comfortable and calming. I’ve never had had an experience before and would definitely do it again.
Natalie Price
Where to Find Us in Gloucestershire
The Benefits of Sensory Touch
Through my practice, I’ve witnessed first-hand the profound ways sensory touch can support the nervous system and foster deep, embodied relaxation.
Nervous System and Emotional Regulation
· Deep relaxation
· A sense of safety and grounding in the body.
· Reduced mental noise and overstimulation
· Support with switching off and unwinding
Sensory and ASMR Responses
· Heightened sensory awareness
· ASMR responses such as tingling, warmth, or waves of calm and clarity
· Feeling soothed without needing to talk
· A deeply immersive, present moment experience
Rest, Recovery and Integration
· Improved quality of rest or sleep for some people
· Feeling more settled, balanced, or emotionally lighter
· A sense of rest or nervous system recalibration
· Carrying calm into the hours or days that follow
Responses vary widely. Some clients experience ASMR, others experience calm and grounding, or rest – all are valid nervous system
About Our Massage Services in Gloucester
Sensory Touch is a feather-light, intentional form of touch designed to communicate safety to the nervous system. It uses slow rhythm, consistency, and presence rather than pressure or manipulation. When the body receives this type of sensory input, the nervous system may respond with a gentle shift into the parasympathetic state (rest and digest), promoting a deeply restorative sense of calm, deep sensory relief and ASMR - Auto Sensory Meridian Response – a wave of calm, tingling, or deep relaxation as the body shifts out of alertness and into regulation. In this setting, ASMR isn’t something performed or forced. It is an internal response that arises when the right sensory queues are present.
Mental Health Nursing with distinction (Qualified in 2014) Breathwork and Grounding Practitioner Anatomy and Physiology Health and Safety
Nursing and Midwifery Council UWE - mental health nursing with distinction
International Practitioners of HolistIc Medicine
Accreditation Council of Holistic Healers
World Metaphysical Association
Arch Define Academy Holly Parker Beautiful Brows and Lashes CPD GDPR certified DBS
At your appointment: Cash is our preferred method of payment Bank transfer
Contactless (service fee applies)
✨ Booking Policy ✨
At Halo Aurora, I want every client to feel relaxed and supported. To keep things fair and ensure smooth running of the diary, please take a moment to read through the booking terms beow:
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💌 Booking Fee • A £10 non-refundable booking fee is required to secure your appointment. • Your appointment is not confirmed until this has been paid. The remaining balance is due on the day in cash.
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⏰ Treatment Times & Punctuality • If you arrive late, your treatment will still finish at the scheduled time and be charged at the full price agreed at booking • Please let me know if you are running behind – where possible I’ll try to accommodate, but this may not always be available.
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❌ Cancellations & Rescheduling • I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. • With 48+ hours’ notice, your booking fee can be transferred to a new appointment. • If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, the full treatment cost will apply and any gift voucher will be forfeited. • If you don’t attend your appointment (no-show), the full treatment cost will apply, gift vouchers will be forfeited, and a new booking fee will be required to rebook. • Repeated no-shows may affect your ability to book future appointments.
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🚪 Late Arrivals • A 15-minute grace period is offered. • If you arrive later than this, your treatment may not be able to go ahead, and the full treatment fee will apply. • A new booking fee will be required to rebook.
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🎁 Gift Vouchers are:
- Non-refundable under any circumstances
- Redeemable on full-price treatments only
- Not valid in conjunction with any offers, seasonal treatments, model slots, or discount codes
- Non exchangeable for cash
- Redeemable between the working hours of Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (treatment must finish by 5pm) if treatments are booked with a gift voucher outside of these hours you will be contacted to reschedule
- Gift vouchers are not currently redeemable at ‘The ASMR Sanctuary‘ location in Churchdown, they are only redeemable at our home based ‘Halo Aurora’, Abbeydale
- Expiry date – Valid for 12 months from purchase date
- Subject to availability. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment
- No change or credit will be given
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🌸 Special Notes • Female-only service. • Head spa treatments are not available during pregnancy. • Hair play and back treatments can be carried out seated during pregnancy to ensure comfort for you and your baby (Only after 13 weeks) • Please attend your appointment alone – we do not have a waiting area for guests. • If you pay in full prior to your appointment and cancel within 48 hours or do not attend, your payment will not be refundable.
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Booking an appointment and securing it with a booking fee confirms that you agree with these terms. Thank you for understanding and for respecting my time and business 🌿✨
My specialist work is rooted in a deep, lived understanding of nervous system regulation. Through my own daily practice of sensory touch and intentional stillness, I've experienced first-hand how consistent, gentle input can support the body in shifting from states of overwhelm into calm and safety. I also recognise that true regulation doesn't mean being calm all the time. It means building the capacity to move through stress without becoming overwhelmed - to return to balance more easily, rather than tipping into dysregulation.
This is why I view these treatments not as a one-off treatment, but as part of an ongoing nervous system care practice - where regular, immersive sensory experiences support resilience, stability and long-term wellbeing.
Nicola is pioneering the redefinition of ASMR Massage, moving beyond trend-led approaches to focus on what it truly is: the body’s natural response, activated through the expert and specialist Sensory Touch Method.
The Light Touch Collective specialises in sensory touch treatment experiences designed to promote deep relaxation, support nervous system regulation and to create the ideal conditions for ASMR (Auto Sensory Meridian Response), leaving you feeling regulated long after the experience comes to a gentle end. Each experience draws on The Art of Sensory Touch. Combing slow intentional light touch, soothing hair play, gentle hair brushing, interwoven with specialist sensory tools designed to create gentle sounds and subtle sensations, I am able to create the perfect conditions to welcome a true position of calm for my clients. I recognise that most women can move through life in a constant state burnout, alertness and overwhelm. These sensory touch treatments, create softness, safety and the care you truly deserve – offering a tailor made space to let go, breathe and simply be.
Head Spa and Massage Services in Gloucestershire
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Signature ASMR Head Spa
Sensory Touch (ASMR) Massage of arms, chest and scalp- Cooling Jade Eye Mask
- Hair Play with sensory tools
- Halo Water Therapy
- Hair cleanse with bubbly scalp massage
- Hair Conditioner
- Towel Dry
Please note that this package does not include a blow dry. Please choose a 90 minute and above Head Spa option if you would like to add this.
Please note that you will need to lay flat on your back during the treatment. We are unable to perform Head Spa's if you are pregnant or have hair extensions.
Areas of focus: Arms, Shoulders, Decolage (upper chest), Neck, Hair and Scalp.
18 years +. FEMALE ONLY. Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
The Light Head Spa
Sensory Touch (ASMR) Massage of arms, chest and scalp- Cooling jade Eye Mask
- Hair Play with sensory tools
- Halo Water Therapy
- Hair cleanse with bubbly scalp massage
- Hydrating Hair Masque
- Hair Conditioner
- Soft blow dry (partial and un-styled/ included in your treatment time)
Please note that you will need to lay flat on your back during the treatment. We are unable to perform Head Spa's if you are pregnant or have hair extensions.
Areas of focus: Arms, Shoulders, Decolage (upper chest), Neck, Hair and Scalp.
18 years +. FEMALE ONLY. Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
The Ultimate Head Spa
Sensory Touch (ASMR) Massage of arms, chest and scalp- Hair Play with sensory tools
- Cooling Jade Eye Mask
- Indian Head Massage Techniques with a luxury blend of oils
- Gentle scalp stimulation
- Halo Water Therapy
- Hair cleanse with bubbly scalp massage
- Hydrating Hair Masque
- Hair Conditioner
- Soft blow dry (partial and un-styled, included in your treatment time)
- Nourishing Light Hair Oil Blend
Please note that you will need to lay flat on your back during the treatment. We are unable to perform Head Spa's if you are pregnant or have hair extensions.
Areas of focus: Arms, Shoulders, Decolage (upper chest), Neck, Hair and Scalp.
18 years +. FEMALE ONLY. Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
Our Signature immersive and elevated twist on the Japanese Head Spa
The only place in Gloucester to offer all of our treatments in one!
Our Signature ASMR Head Spa Elegantly woven with: Sensory Facial The Light Scalp Spa Hair Play Back Tickles Soft unstyled blow dry
Please note that you will need to lay flat on your back during the treatment. We are unable to perform Head Spa's if you are pregnant or have hair extensions.
M M
All the benefits of our Signature ASMR Head Spa plus;
Sensory Facial
Not suitable during pregnancy Not suitable for hair extensions (perfect between refits) FEMALE ONLY
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
All the benefits of our Signature ASMR Head Spa plus;
Light Scalp Spa
Please note gift vouchers are redeemable Monday - Wednesday 10am - 3pm Not suitable during pregnancy Not suitable with hair extensions (perfect between refits) FEMALE ONLY
M M
Sensory Touch (ASMR Massage) with Sensory Tools- Hair Play with Sensory Tools
- Gentle hair brushing and detangling
- Attention given to baby hair (hair line)
Areas of focus: Hands, Arms, Shoulders, Decolage, Neck, Face, Hair and Scalp
Please note you will be led flat on your back so we are not able to complete treatments during pregnancy 18 years +. Female Clientele only.
M M
Sensory Touch (ASMR Massage) with Sensory Tools- Hair Play with Sensory Tools
- Gentle hair brushing and detangling
- Attention given to baby hair (hair line)
Areas of focus: Hands, Arms, Shoulders, Decolage, Neck, Face, Hair and Scalp
Please note you will be led flat on your back so we are not able to complete treatments during pregnancy 18 years +. Female Clientele only.
M M
Back Tickles - comfortably led on your front
Sensory Touch (ASMR Massage) with Sensory Tools- Sensory Touch with feather light touch
- Hair Play with Sensory Tools
- Gentle hair brushing and detangling
- Attention given to baby hair (hair line)
- Rhythmic Scalp Massage
- Specialist Techniques to guide your body and mind into a deep state of relaxation, restoration and inner balance.
Areas of focus: Back, Arms, Shoulders, Nape, Hair and Scalp
Please note you will be led face down - we are not able to complete treatments during pregnancy 18 years +. Female Clientele only.
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
Perfect for women who crave both back tickles and hair play!
Sensory Touch (ASMR Massage) with Sensory Tools- Sensory Touch with feather light touch
- Hair Play with Sensory Tools
- Gentle hair brushing and detangling
- Attention given to baby hair (hair line)
- Rhythmic Scalp Massage
- Specialist Techniques to guide your body and mind into a deep state of relaxation, restoration and inner balance.
Areas of focus: Back, Arms, Shoulders, Nape, Hair and Scalp
Please note you will be led flat on your back and face down during this treatment - we are not able to complete treatments during pregnancy 18 years +. Female Clientele only.
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
Perfect for women who crave both back tickles and hair play!
Sensory Touch (ASMR Massage) with Sensory Tools- Sensory Touch with feather light touch
- Hair Play with Sensory Tools
- Gentle hair brushing and detangling
- Attention given to baby hair (hair line)
- Rhythmic Scalp Massage
- Specialist Techniques to guide your body and mind into a deep state of relaxation, restoration and inner balance.
Areas of focus: Back, Arms, Shoulders, Nape, Hair and Scalp
Please note you will be led flat on your back and face down during this treatment - we are not able to complete treatments during pregnancy 18 years +. Female Clientele only.
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
- Hair Play
- Gentle brushing and detangling
- Soft facial ASMR massage with sensory tools
- Cleanse
- Toner
- Moisturiser
- Luxury blend of oils with facial massage
Not available during pregnancy FEMALE ONLY
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
- Hair Play
- Gentle brushing and detangling
- Soft facial ASMR massage with sensory tools
- Cleanse
- Toner
- Moisturiser
- Luxury blend of oils with facial massage
Not available during pregnancy FEMALE ONLY
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
M M
A luxurious scalp-focused sensory experience featuring a curated selection of delicate sensory instruments. Fine tools glide through the hair and across the scalp, awakening nerve endings and creating gentle tingling sensations.
The Perfect Pre Wash - Luxury oils are gently brushed and massaged through from your scalp through to the tips of your hair.
Vouchers redeemable Monday - Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Not suitable during pregnancy Not suitable with hair extensions, perfect between refits FEMALE ONLY
Train with the only Sensory Touch (ASMR) Practitioner in the South West of England with over 2 years dedicated experience!
COMING SOON...
Become a Sensory Touch Practitioner
As the demand for authentic and ethical ASMR and sensory-based wellness continues to grow, genuine expertise becomes ever more important - moving beyond imitation and trend-led practices.
Shaped by years of hands on specialist experience, grounded in the science of sensory touch, and informed by proven, transformative outcomes and techniques brought vividly to life with real clients, this course is intentionally designed for those who want to move beyond superficial, trend-led ASMR Massage and embrace its true form: sensory touch that evokes ASMR responses, not a direct technique that can be performed.
By joining me to set the standard in this field, you will truly stand out from the crowd and will:
- Practice Mastery of sensory touch techniques and the ASMR response.
- A true scientific understanding of how and why these methods work on the nervous system.
- Confidence to deliver authentic experiences that stand apart from superficial trend-driven approaches.
- The skills to build and maintain your own independent business, creating professional credibility, and financial freedom through offering specialist services.
- Personal growth and transformation, developing intuition, self awareness, and presence that extends beyond your practice into your daily life.
- Learn and align with the true principles of Sensory Light Touch and the ASMR Response, through guided demonstrations, and immersive learning.
- Develop the knowledge and skill to offer these experiences with professionalism, authority and by joining me to set the standard in this field.
- Gain practical guidance on starting and running a business.
- Align your practice with professional standards and ethical guidance.
- Unlock opportunities for further advanced training.
- Tips and tricks.
- And much more...
This is more than a course – it’s a career defining, personally transformative journey into authentic ASMR and sensory based wellness.
Harness the true power of expert, outcome driven and practice-proven training, and become a practitioner who can confidentially deliver sensory experiences that clients will trust, feel and remember.
To join our growing waitlist please contact me
Light Studios, 4 Whitfield Street, Gloucestershire, GL1 1NA, GB
07399 959820
Monday: 9:00 - 21:00 · Tuesday: 9:00 - 20:00 · Wednesday - Sunday: 9:00 - 17:00