Let’s get one thing straight–it’s 2015, and men these days are expected to be just as well groomed as women. Of course, that means going to a salon–an experience many a male would rather forgo. But any fellas out there who consider going to a salon “too girly” have clearly never been to one of the myriad dude-friendly salons that have popped up all over the country in recent years. It’s time to sit back, relax, and get pampered–all without having to sacrifice your masculinity–because here are the best men’s salons in America.
1) John Allan’s
Locations: Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC; Midtown, NYC; TriBeCa, NYC; Wall Street, NYC; San Francisco; and Beverly Hills
John Allan’s feels more like a private gentleman’s club than a salon–there’s a clubroom, beer on tap, private liquor bottle storage, billiards, and a rotating collection of art. Not to mention the memberships, which go for $950/year and include unlimited Signature Full Service Treatments–a scalp massaging shampoo and conditioning treatment, a hot towel, a haircut, a manicure, a shoe shine, and as much beer as you can drink in an hour long grooming appointment. Just twelve visits in a year and the membership pays for itself, but don’t forget to indulge in pedicures, facials, and straight razor shaves as well.
2) The Grooming Lounge
Locations: Washington, D.C. and McLean, VA
The Grooming Lounge is the D.C. area’s premier place for a haircut and a shave, but they offer a lot more than that. Everything from gray blending and hair coloring to back and chest waxing is on the table at this temple to men’s grooming. Of course, looking good is not cheap, neither is going on an endless string of first dates. Don’t forget to stock up on the seemingly endless array of Grooming Lounge signature products available at both locations.
3) The Art of Shaving
Locations: Too many to name–there are locations in almost 40 states!
The grooming options at this mega salon are limited, but they are fantastic at what they do–haircuts, beard trims, and the finest straight razor shaves on the planet. Their signature service, the 45 minute Royal Shave, is about as luxurious and pampering as men’s grooming treatments get.
4) Martial Vivot Salon Pour Hommes
Location: Midtown, NYC
Martial Vivot’s namesake salon feels more like an intimate cocktail hour than a barbershop–exposed brick, a flat-screen TV, and a silver tray featuring the finest top-shelf liquors all greet clients upon their arrival. The haircuts–punctuated by a scalp massaging shampooing and a manicure–are brisk, precise, are as fantastic as one would imagine for their price–$320 for a cut from the master himself, or between $125 and $215 for a cut from another stylist.