(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) As male grooming continues to grow in popularity we head down to Hommage Atelier to find out what men really want
There was a time when “metrosexuality” was seen as the exception rather than the norm but it’s clear those days are long gone. Welcome to the age of male pampering where cuticles are well manicured and skin is given the kind of treatment once reserved for the Kardashian clan.
While there’s nothing particularly surprising about how some men have begun to embrace these new rituals I’ll freely admit that it’s never registered on my personal radar until a recent visit to upscale male salon Hommage Atelier. In the spirit of full disclosure you should know that I’m the type of guy whose nails are cracked from constant biting and whose beard tends to resemble Forest Gump during his cross country run of self-discovery. In basic terms: I’ve never had the patience to groom.
But that’s probably what makes me an interesting (if not slightly pathetic) candidate to visit a male spa. I say life is about stepping outside your comfort zone so bring on the scary looking filers and weird sounding creams.
Situated in the marble palace that is the DIFC - where lords of finance stroll about in expensive suits and loafers which probably exceed the value of my car - Hommage Atelier does justice to its location. I feel as though I’m walking into an intimidating boardroom as executives sit in leather-bound chairs enjoying a shave and cut with a foot massage thrown in for good measure. The staff welcome me the way a favourite aunt might but Kansas this is not.
We start out taking baby steps as I’m first treated to a precision shave using the French brand’s signature line of products that are so masculine scented you might feel the need to grunt. I’ve never actually been shaven by a female stylist but I quickly come to understand that women truly are superior in all things.
The real primping is about to begin when I’m shifted to a small spa-like room for the shop’s famed Black Diamond Exfoliation treatment. As a non-expert it’s hard to accurately describe the steps involved in a process that left my face feeling as though an entire decade of dead skin cells were miraculously peeled away. Have you ever seen a tarantula shed its exoskeleton That’s what I’m living through - my own personal Discovery Channel special.
My rejuvenated self is then moved on for a manicure and pedicure a first time experience that went so well I almost wanted to shake hands with every passerby just so they might notice. Did I know that toenails were not supposed to be shaped like that It was all a valuable education I’ll admit.
Hommage Atelier and similar institutions have been around for ages but that their clientèle has grown and diversified in recent years is a testament to the changing psyche of the modern yet refined brute. Consider it a new-age gentleman’s club where men who take pride in their appearance can do so without judgment. And after a few hours of head-to-toe attention here it’s not hard to grasp the appeal.
To make a booking call 04 351 4876 or visit. www.hommage.com.
ROOM TO GROOM
shaving and skin care should be a priority for every man so if you’re in the market for some top-grade products check out these hot buys. From Czech & Speake there’s a manicure set (Dhs2253) that contains an array of handmade tools in a leather-bound case as well as a full shaving kit with razor and brush (Dhs2074). For your skin there’s Almond Oil Soap by Dr. Harris (Dhs154) that’s made with masculinity in mind. Available online at www.mrporter.com.
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