SOMA 02/01/2009
The Barber Lounge - Closet metrosexuals, rejoice!
You are no longer confined to the corner recliner at the manicurist and need not resign yourselves to undercover operations to maintain your manes. Evoking a mod sensibility with an urban twist, The Barber Lounge in SF's SOMA district has resurrected the barbershop of yore while offering services once exclusive to salons of the snooty variety - with nary a barbershop quartet in sight. Offering quality coiffure to both guys and dolls, the concept of the salon / barbershop / spa was developed by owner Greg Griffin, who thought to marry masculine and feminine salon experiences. Crops, crimps, shaves and shellacking abound at the urban digs, as well as visual displays of local artistry. This month, the salon hosts its Second Annual Anniversary and Art Event, where the works of eleven of San Francisco's brightest young artists will be shown and sold, and will continue to decorate the walls for four months. The bright and airy wood-and-stainless-steel aesthetic is the ideal mascu-femme environment in which both sexes can enjoy their respective treatments. Ladies can be spray-tanned and spackled by trained aestheticians, while gentlemen can be trimmed by master barbers. The nail care services offered blend exotic and therapeutic treatments to create a unique pampering experience for both established and new clientele. Voted "Best Massage" and "Best Manicure and Pedicure" of 2008 in San Francisco Weekly's annual readers poll, the numbers don't lie. With the cool and quirky collection of styling staff and plethora of pamperers, a sense of entitlement is not necessary to enjoy everything The Barber Lounge offers.
- Gareen Darakjian
visit website: SOMAMagazine.com
