Spas and salons that cater exclusively to men—complete with manicures, facials, and straight-edge razor shaves—are popping up across the US. But instead of the pastel-colored decor found in a traditional salon, these spas include flat-panel TVs set to ESPN, beer on tap, and pool tables, reports the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper sent out four intrepid reporters to test the waters, and they came back with generally positive reviews.
Men accounted for 31% of the 111 million spa visits in the U.S. in 2006, up from 24% of 109 million visits in 2003, according to the International Spa Association. A haircut, shave, and manicure can cost $65 to $135 at one of the new swanky male-centered barbershops, but occasionally the service doesn't live up to the price, the reviewers say. (More hair stories.)