As London edges from summer into early autumn, the city begins to shift – the mornings a little sharper, the light softer, and even small things, like how my hair responds to the changing air, become noticeable. The seasonal change always leaves me a bit unsettled: skin that feels different, hair that reacts in unpredictable ways, and the body itself adjusting to a new rhythm. It felt like the right moment to try something beyond the usual quick fixes: Papilla by Kim Lim, newly opened in London and offering its signature Qi Flow Scalp Revival treatment.
Papilla is well established in Asia, known for its science-led, clinically focused approach to scalp health and hair regrowth. Founded in 2019 by Kim Lim, the brand is built on one clear promise: results. “I’ve always had a passion for everything beauty, and scalp and hair are a large part of that too, even though they tend to be overlooked when people think about ‘beauty’,” Kim explains. “More importantly, I feel that effective non-invasive treatments are hard to find, so I wanted to introduce alternatives to people who prefer not to go through surgery but are looking for real results.”
The London branch sits quietly at 11 Grosvenor Square, framed by the Georgian façades of Mayfair and offering sweeping views over the green square below. The calm, measured space feels far removed from the city beyond its windows, a deliberate pause before the treatment begins. A cup of herbal tea is offered almost immediately, and it’s the kind of small gesture that signals the experience will be attentive and considered. It’s a moment to settle, to tune in, and to prepare for the session ahead.
Just as autumn is a time of letting go – the shedding of leaves, the light dimming earlier – the scalp too goes through cycles of renewal and release. The 10-step Qi Flow Scalp Revival treatment mirrors these natural rhythms. It begins by clearing, detoxifying, and soothing, before building toward regeneration, nourishment, and balance. The first stage is an assessment of my scalp, where the therapist examines its condition – dryness, oil production, areas of tightness. Even in this initial observation, it was clear that the treatment would be responsive rather than formulaic.
Mugwort, a traditional Asian herb, formed the first sensory anchor. Its earthy, slightly bitter scent carried a grounding quality, and its purpose was just as stabilising: purifying the scalp, balancing oil secretion, soothing irritation, and enhancing circulation. Instead of being heavy-handed, the effect was subtle – like a gentle clearing, making way for healthier growth. From there, the Advanced Scalp Solution was layered in, a formula with stem cells and regenerative ingredients that aim to repair follicular damage and extend the growth cycle. A herbal mask followed, drawing out buildup while delivering moisture, and throughout the process aromatherapy oils kept the senses calm and the circulation flowing.
What struck me was how the treatment felt like it was moving in rhythm with the season. Autumn is about shedding and preparing for renewal, and this felt the same – clearing what wasn’t needed, laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
The philosophy behind it all is rooted in a blend of Asian and European practices. On one side: aromatherapy, sandalwood comb stimulation, Crown “Qi” therapy – all designed to ease stress and encourage energy flow. These had a meditative, almost ritual quality. On the other hand: European technologies brought a more clinical precision. Growth formulas developed in France and the UK, advanced electroporation to push active ingredients deeper into the scalp, and light therapy to strengthen the scalp barrier and reactivate follicles. The combination could have felt jarring, but it didn’t. Instead, the fusion felt natural – like the way the seasons themselves blend rather than break. One moment gives way to another, and both belong.
The highlight for me was the massage. It wasn’t just a pleasant add-on but the moment when the treatment really landed. Pressure points across the scalp, neck, and shoulders were worked with care, loosening knots I hadn’t realised I was carrying. At times, it felt like my scalp was “waking up,” circulation suddenly rushing where it had been sluggish. The sensation was immediate and physical, like stepping outside on the first crisp autumn morning: sharper, cleaner, enlivening.
The long-term results will take time (new growth comes in months, not days), but I left feeling a clear difference. My scalp felt lighter, less weighed down, and my roots felt firmer. Even that small shift carried weight. Papilla often notes that clients notice these early changes before they see new growth: less oil, reduced buildup, stronger strands, and an overall sense of scalp comfort. It’s a slower, more cyclical kind of beauty – one that works in time with the body rather than against it.
Papilla’s approach is both meticulous and hands-on. Kim is involved in every aspect of product development and treatment design, ensuring that the experience is not only effective but also holistic. Her philosophy extends beyond hair health to wellness more broadly. “Sunblock, always,” she says, recalling advice from her family. “Protecting your skin from the sun is the best investment you can make for lasting beauty and health.” And when it comes to building something meaningful, she is equally straightforward: “Always keep your passion and don’t give up even when times are hard. That’s the only way you can ever build anything.”
That philosophy runs through the whole experience. The space is calm without being clinical, the staff attentive without being intrusive, and the treatment deliberate in pace and detail. Nothing felt rushed or generic. Every step had a reason, and that intention carried through to how I felt walking out: lighter, clearer, more aligned with the season itself.
Perhaps that’s why the timing mattered so much. Autumn asks us to let go and prepare for what’s next, and this treatment felt like a physical expression of that. A shedding of buildup and strain, followed by the quiet promise of renewal. In a city full of quick fixes, Papilla offers something steadier – care that takes time, cycles that matter, and the reminder that renewal isn’t instant. Like the seasons, it arrives in its own time, if we give it the right conditions.
IG: @papillabykimlim.uk
Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International