For guys who have walked into any of the typical nail salons that litter the city, chances are you didn’t exactly feel, what’s the word, welcome. Among certain salon staples like the plush pastel chairs, glamorous nail care posters and a stockpile of Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Us Weekly, not to mention the five women that all simultaneously looked up to give you identical stares when you walked in, the typical nail salon is not quite designed with men in mind. The misconception that men don’t or shouldn’t groom their nails has trained us to think men sitting with their feet in a pedicure bath is bizarre, and don’t even think about putting polish on, no matter how “clear” it appears to be.
News Flash: men get their nails done. I know; it’s a harsh reality for some. You want to hear an even crazier one? Straight “manly” men get their nails done. Why? Hands are hands. Whether you’re tying a Full Windsor for work, gripping the weight bar for a bench press or strapping on stilettos for your nightly drag revue, men from all walks of life are paying attention to their nails, an escalating trend in recent years. As accommodating as some salons can be, sometimes women don’t realize that a guy can still want to feel like a guy, no matter what activity they may be partaking in. So where do you go to get that clean manicured look without feeling like you’re sitting in a room suffocated by estrogen?
Luckily in NYC, there are dozens of “dude-friendly” salons around and more are popping up all the time. Spiff, on 3rd Avenue between 46th and 47th, features a men’s-only modern atmosphere and an array of spa treatments designed just for guys. From manicures and pedicures to old-fashioned shaves and modern skin treatments, Spiff is a great go-to grooming option for guys, with complimentary alcohol while you indulge and apply a few finishing touches to complete your look, like a dapper shoeshine. Spiff is a definitely a “no girls allowed” spot to mark on your MANicure Map.
Check back here every other Friday for more reviews and tips on how guys are NAILING IT when it comes to their grooming.
