The Groom at the Salon

Let’s “face it” (pun intended). Why shouldn’t you and your groomsmen enjoy a morning of pampering and relaxation like the bride and the bridesmaids customarily do on the day of the wedding?

Maybe you and the guys need to take in a round of golf, shoot some baskets or do whatever it is that you guys do during your last hours of bonding time as a single man, but you should also plan to head to the salon or barber lounge (an upscale barber shop) before meeting your bride at the altar.

Barber lounges are one of the hottest new trends for men. Many salons now have designated grooming areas for male guests. You and your friends can enjoy many of the new masculine amenities and services these salons and lounges have to offer in a very masculine atmosphere that includes flat screen TVs, pool tables, game tables, foosball, shoe shines, and the list goes on. Some even have a bar where you can pour a hot coffee, a healthy concoction, or a cold one.
    

THE SHAVE

What a lost art – the hot lather razor shave! First of all, you need to know there is a difference between a barber chair and a styling chair. Imagine kicking back in the cushioned barber chair, closing your eyes and breathing in the warm moisture from the cocooning layers of hot steamy towels as they begin to gently soften your morning stubble. As you fall into relaxation mode, the application of a warm lather prepares your facial hair for the straight razor that begins to gently glide over your face.

Before long, your skin is smooth as a baby’s bottom – but it’s time to wake up! After the shave, you’ll feel facial towels, fresh from a bath of icy water (not to worry, we’ll give you fair warning) and you’ll feel your pores close and your skin begin to tighten. That part may seem shocking,but it feels absolutely invigorating!

No longer is there a need to slap your face with an after shave lotion and scream (ouch!). We’ll follow through with a post-shave lotion or moisturizer with an SPF which, by the way, should be used daily to protect your skin from the sun – yes, guys can get skin cancer too.

We would be remiss not to mention the essential necessities. You know… those unsightly hairs in the ears, nostrils and brows must be removed. To get rid of that uni-brow, try a quick wax. If you’re conscious of unwanted body hair, wax on wax off!
 

THE HAIRCUT

Anything goes! But you definitely want to have a clean, charming look on your wedding day. Hair styling aids used to achieve that polished look are endless.  

The head shave is also a very common service for both the young and the young at heart. The same procedures that are used for a straight razor shave can be used on the head, and don’t forget the SPF!  Keep in mind, you probably don’t want to surprise your bride at the altar with a shaved head if she’s not expecting it.
 

THE FACIAL  

It’s a fact of life – both men and women get older and we both show the same signs of aging. Breakouts or a sluggish complexion can be a result of stress, tension, your work environment and lack of a simple daily skin care regimen. A consultation with an esthetician could result in professional products and services such as facials, anti-aging treatments, microdermabrasion and other treatments that can clear things up fairly quickly… just don’t wait until the very last minute to get your skin looking its best!
 

THE MASSAGE

Do yourself and everyone else a favor and schedule a massage or two. It will help with pre-wedding stress and jitters.
 

THE MANICURE AND PEDICURE

OK, you know about the notorious “hand on hand” wedding photo showing off your wedding bands and your symbolic commitment to each other, right?  It’s so important to make sure your hands and feet are well groomed. No, it is not just for girls and no, you aren’t less of a man if you do it. A manicure and pedicure are an extension of your male hygiene that needs to be addressed. We hear it all of the time from the girls – I just wish he would do something about his rough hands or his stained, untrimmed nails. Eeeek his feet! Think about your honeymoon. Get the picture?  
 

DON'T WORRY ABOUT A THING

All you have to do to make your barber lounge experience another great memory on your most memorable day is brush your teeth and show up. No need to shave. Come casual and leave it to the pros. You will look your very best from head to toe when it’s time to head to the church!