We’re busting the myth that spa days are made for women. There’s really no reason a man can’t enjoy the benefits of a fresh fade, manicured nails, and glowing skin. With salons in Reno that either cater to the male crowd or at least offer services tailored to their needs, you’re out of excuses to start getting pampered.
Hair and Nails
Derby Barber and Supply, a 1920s throwback men’s salon, specializes in haircuts and beard care. Owner Vinnie Gravallese opened the spot as a calling card to the barbershops popular in Boston. Located below street level, the vibe fits the location, and with a men’s product line and full cocktail program, it’s become somewhat of a hangout.
“I definitely noticed that there wasn’t anything out there for men that was like, you know, an experience,” Gravallese says of opening Derby in 2015. Staff dress in shirts, tie, and vest. There are custom wood details and artwork that are decidedly masculine and reference the time period. “It’s a total vibe.”
In addition to classic fades and other haircuts, Derby offers straight razor shaves and beard trims.
Last year, Hammer & Nails opened its first Reno location in South Reno with a second location quick to follow in April; this one in Caughlin Ranch.
Kim Wiggins, general manager of the South Reno location, says the goal is for men to pamper themselves. “We are definitely about setting the tone and really kind of making a comfortable environment for men.”
Women are, of course, welcome, but that’s not who the services cater to. Manicures and pedicures are performed in custom leather chairs with retractable foot spa basins and a wider seat. There are no acrylics or polish offerings—a conscious decision to not only cement who target clientele is but also to remove the smells associated with these products.
Each chair has its own 55-inch television and Bose noise-canceling headphones so guys can watch the game or whatever else they desire while kicking back.
Full haircare services are also part of the line-up. In addition to cuts and shaves, beard and head cameo services are popular. These use a translucent color to blend out grey hairs in about five to ten minutes. The color fades over time so it’s not the same as a typical dye job, and the time commitment is minimal. “It’s more of a natural treatment for [men],” Wiggins explains.
And, if hair loss is becoming a concern, HydraFacial performed on the scalp can help. At Plumb + Pine, the HydraFacial Keravive is essentially a scalp facial. The facial uses, “HydraFacial-patented suction technology to boost scalp health and natural hair growth,” says Ashley Pearce, an aesthetician at Plumb + Pine. “The Keravive peptide complex is a special blend of nourishing peptides and growth factors to support fuller, healthier hair.”
Another option is using stem cells to regrow your own hair with Procell Microchanneling, which sounds more intimidating than it is. “We are using growth factors cultured from stem cells, which have the ability to stimulate your scalp to produce hair again,” Pearce says.
Skin Care
Pearce laments that facials aren’t just for women. “Because everyone has skin and everyone ages.” Men’s facials are offered at both Dolce Vita Wellness Spa and Plumb + Pine. At Plumb + Pine, “The men’s facial includes a double cleanse, exfoliate, mask and massage, and finishing products,” says Pearce. “Results with relaxation built in.”
Facials for men follow the same steps as for women; there’s always a customized approach.
At Dolce Vita, The full-service day spa offers massages, skin care, and a medical spa. “Usually, the day begins with a soak in our mineral jacuzzi along with a smoothie or a nice old fashioned, a relaxing recline at the fire pit overlooking the pond, and a deep healing heat up in the dry sauna in the men's locker room,” says Kat Mortlock, the medical spa manager and patient coordinator. “Once fully relaxed, they then come over to the med spa for their self-improvement treatments all to be finalized with kicking your feet up in the ocean room, watching the array of fish while listening to the tranquil sounds of water.”
One of Dolce Vita’s most unique offerings is the Visia Skin Analysis system, using UV lighting and cross-polarized flashes to take in-depth scans of the skin. The scans show technicians a closeup of imperfections and, using these scans, a customized skincare regimen is provided. “Everyone’s face and skin is different and that means that our treatments are always going to be customized to your exact needs,” says Mortlock.
Other services men enjoy at Dolce Vita? Men's Botox or "BroTox" and Coolsculpting Fat Reduction for the chin, abs, or love handles.
Cocktail Programs
Derby, Dolce Vita, and Hammer & Nails all offer robust cocktail programs with service.
Derby has a cocktail consultant/mixologist on staff to help create the cocktail menu and the lounge area invites guests to hang before or after their appointment.
Dolce Vita has its own cocktail menu and full bar (that also serves non-alcoholic drinks) where you can sip an old fashioned or share a bottle of champagne.
Hammer & Nails serves a variety of mixed drinks and members can enjoy a complimentary liquor locker.