Lice checking, crafts, and being touched by strangers: inside an ASMR role-playing resort

“It’s time to “Check your lice,” a woman passes by Mrs. K whispers directly into my ear as she begins running her fingers into my scalp and through each strand of hair. I’m in a dark room, oriental flute music plays in the background as I sit across from my partner, whose hair is also being stroked by a stranger. We close our eyes so we don’t burst out laughing.

“Well kids, no one wants to start their first day of school,” Mrs. A, my partner’s lice checker, exclaimed in a soft, velvety voice, most likely noticing the startled looks on our faces. “We’re going to be really thorough, because a lot of the little creatures and birds can hide really well.”

Our inspectors move on to draw lines and circles in our heads with metal sticks before combing our hair with combs while shuddering sensations creep from the back of my ears to the middle of my spine. At first it was uncomfortable, because honestly, I’ve never felt this sensation before and I’m not sure I’m doing what I should be right. But after 10 minutes of leaning into uncertainty and almost falling asleep, our session ends as we “get rid” of the lice and they tell us to “go back to class”.

You might be wondering, am I a kid? The answer is no. This is also not a type of knot. I’m in my 30s, and I don’t have fond memories of lining up for lice checks in the early 2000s in elementary school. But I’m here to experiment Tinglesbar ASMR Spa & Collective In Toronto, Canada. Dubbed the world’s first dedicated ASMR spa, I’m with a group of strangers pretending to be fifth graders for a paid ASMR experience — and yes, I’m totally terrified.

As a cynical person who hates viral internet trends carried over to IRL scenarios (think Labubu milkshakes on sale at Erewhon), I figured I’d never be able to take this seriously, especially when it came to strangers touching me or whispering in my ear. ASMR, or autonomic sensory meridian responseIt is a sensation caused by sounds, touch, or sensation that sends a tingling sensation through the body, usually around the neck and spine area. Its devotees claim that it induces a feeling of complete relaxation and calm, relieves anxiety, and even helps treat insomnia. It was a technical term Formulated in 2010Since then, ASMR videos have skyrocketed on YouTube and TikTok Billions of views. Some content of this type Creative people I made ASMR a full-time job, and continue year after year One of the most searched terms On platforms.

In the past couple of years, spas and spas offering ASMR experiences have popped up in the US, UK and Canada, offering back scratching, hair and facial combing, and soundscapes. But Tinglesbar stands out for its role-playing offerings, which include a Harry Potter role-play that aims to “take the panic away” from you, a Fairy’s Fortune role-play “that offers sweet fairy tale whims and sweet answers from your mysterious guide”, a doctor’s visit that “combines light tapping with gentle checks and reassuring conversation to de-stress”, a 1940s beauty parlor experience, plus group hangouts. Details can be customized, depending on a person’s “ASMR triggers.” Prices range from $139 CAD for an individual session with $50 USD for role-play add-ons, or from $25 to $75 USD for a group session.