Australian Vogue 05/01/2007
In today's metrosexual society, most guys will admit to a grooming routine. But ever tried to plan a salon date with one? San Francisco girls will welcome newly opened The Barber Lounge. The brainchild of local stylist Greg Griffin, the unique venue blends the high-end offerings you expect of a full service salon and day spa for girls with old-world services for the lads, such as hot towel shaving and facial hair trimming. A welcoming fit-out blends contemporary interiors with barbershop retro - a swirling red and white vintage pole and 1930s leather chairs.
Housed in a huge sun-drenched space in the hip SoMa district, this is something more intimate than the ubiquitous loft-housed establishment. "I wanted to keep the feeling of going to someones house," says Griffin, who once cut hair from his live-work loft nearby. Visitors arrive to find a huge lobby, complete with couches, dining table and bookshelves heavy with design and art volumes. "I wanted it to be a place for people to hang out," he says. This and the presence of Louie, Griffin's delightfully friendly French bulldog, mean that girls need no longer fear grumpy faces in the waiting room when they emerge from their afternoon of preening. - Jo Abbie
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