In the process of looking and feeling your best, why should the girls have all the fun? This week’s City Guide explores a few of New York and Chicago’s men’s grooming spas for the utmost in expert and discreet masculine care. If you haven’t already, give these places a try–that business handshake calls for it.
New York’s exclusive, members-only Hommage Atelier
CHICAGO
It’s wintertime, and your face and hands bear the brunt of its abuse. Schedule a regular appointment for a men’s grooming manicure and a moisturizing hot towel shave that will leave your skin looking its best (and untouched by Mother Nature’s worst).
1. Truefitt & Hill. Named the world’s oldest barbershop by the Guinness World Book of Records, this luxuriously private men’s salon began in London, tending to the grooming needs of British royalty since 1805. If you’re a traditionalist and want to leave your hands, face, and hair to the utmost of experts, you can’t do much better than this place. 900 North Michigan Shops, Level 6 | truefittchicago.com
2. SIR Spa. A more casual and modern option, this expert spa offers a comprehensive menu of services: grooming (barber, manicure, pedicure), massage, facial, and body scrub treatments. A regular on Chicago “must” guides, the professionalism and efficiency of this men’s spa is often thorough and unmatched. 5151 North Clark | sirspa.com
NEW YORK
For such a small island, an astounding number of men’s grooming parlors abound. These two options offer modernity, efficiency, and–in a town where you can easily run into anyone–privacy.
1. Hommage Atelier. An exclusive members-only men’s club, this parlor prides itself not only on its top-notch hair, face, and skin grooming services, but also on its Madison Avenue discretion. High-tech tools–browse the news or check your portfolio on one of their iPads as you’re given a shave–and a selectively elite membership list consisting of “global business leaders and influencers” ensure that you could possibly get a bit of networking done, too, especially at their private events. 605 Madison Avenue, Penthouse | hommage.com
2. SPIFF For Men. For a more down-to-earth yet still luxurious experience, this sleek, modern men’s salon is your best bet. Their extensive menu of services includes grooming necessities such as the Spiff Classic, a head-to-toe package deal that give you a conditioning hair massage, haircut, hot towel shave, a manicure, and a shoeshine. Becoming a member gives you an unlimited number of haircuts, shaves, manicures, and shoeshines, along with discounts on the spa’s other services. 750 Third Avenue (at 46th St.) | spiffnyc.com