It’s not just the metrosexual man who goes in for spa session these days. A growing trend is for businessmen taking a little ‘me’ time to relax, while many men set foot through the doors thanks to recommendation or gift vouchers from friends. So if you think skin treatments are just for girls, think again.
Men are increasingly flocking to spas across the country, and Joanne James, of The Grooming Rooms, is a trendsetter of sorts. “There has been a definite change in attitude towards male grooming in recent years; they feel comfortable admitting to using skincare products. Men see the likes of David Beckham and Brad Pitt who looks after themselves and openly admit to using all types of moisturisers, eye creams and skin lotions,” she says.
“They see that it’s been done and socially accepted. Almost every skin range nowadays have a line exclusively for men so, therefore, men feel a lot more comfortable buying products.There is an extensive list of treatments for men, and skin treatments are adapted for male skin, because of its very different qualities.”
Many women know the value of treating themselves to a bit of pampering every now and then, but increasing amounts of men are doing so too and The Grooming Rooms caters for everything from a haircut or wet shave to a massage or an anti wrinkle injection. And there doesn’t seem to be any age limit on the kind of man who avails of their services – with clients that range from 20 to 60 and include everyone from businessmen to students.
A hot towel shave is probably the most popular treatment, although Joanne says deep cleanse facials and full body deep tissue massage are also very popular. It’s certainly a far cry from the days when most men would been embarrassed to admit that they even used a moisturiser.
“Irish men have become a lot more interested in treatments such as facials and pedicures as they feel it is more acceptable, whereas, before they may have been mocked by friends and family! Men’s feet are not great at the best of times so a pedicure is a great way to get them spruced up and by my experience wife’s and girlfriend’s are very thankful!”
But even though basic treatments are increasing in popularity – does she ever see Irish guys wearing more radical trends such as make-up for men?
“Men’s make-up products may or may not catch on, times are changing and you never know what’s around the corner. Certainly tinted moisturizer and concealer for blemishes or scarring are catching on, also. You see celebrities like Johnny Depp and Russell Brand wearing eyeliner so in time Irish men may become brave enough!”
The spa offers back or chest waxing from €40, while its popular programme of massages starts at €50 for a rejuvenating Indian head massage, going up to €95 for a hot stone back massage and €80 for a 60-minute deep tissue full body massage. Other treatments men are starting to take up include skincare, starting with a 30-minute facial at €50.
For more information – go to: www.thegroomingrooms.com
