I was recently chatting about my beauty column with some friends when they told me their husbands also enjoyed the features, whilst surprised I’ve come to realise men are more into their skincare than they might care to admit and I’m not talking about the odd shave balm - wives do talk you know! So I thought it about time to set the record straight that whilst some may not know their exfoliators from their retinols (note guys it’s not eyewash), most do like a moisturiser and a massage - so it was only fitting that I investigated the male treatment industry further.
I knew where to go straight away as their reputation outstands them not because they’re an award winning salon which won the Best Male Grooming Salon 2011 in the UK beating Selfridges and Harrods, but because I’d heard and read up on Matthew Norris the owner who has twice won Essex Young Entrepreneur of the year – in fact he is responsible for introducing the first male salon in Essex - Menace Male Grooming and this niche that he founded has been incredibly successful. You know you’re looking at the Burj of all salon beyond 5 stars, when you can use their website and book your own appointments online thus eliminating any embarrassing calls whilst nosey co-workers listen in! Their retail products range from top end Mayfair products to Dermalogica’s no-nonsense approach that give amazing results. Treatments include packages such as Sultan’s Special - a deluxe Cut Throat Shave and Indian Head Massage, stress relieving Hot Stone Massages, Botox, Callus Foot Peel (ideal for sporty men) and even ear and nostril hair removal and whilst this is the crème de la crème of all male grooming, the staff of 6 are extremely friendly, down to earth and most importantly confidential.
Now my only problem with writing this article was I needed a tester as whilst I would have loved all the treatments on offer (bar the Back and Chest Wax), I obviously needed a man. So I thought it only fair to send Matt (the kids father), for a day of pampering as knew with all the long hours he works in the City he could do with a massage, facial oh and did I mention waxing!
Menace Male Grooming is situated in the heart of Shenfield High Street (ideal for commuters) but discreetly hidden away - one would miss it would it not be for the flag above the entrance and barbers sign. Lining the stairs are features and awards detailing the history and success of the salon. As you enter you’re greeted with a barber area which has the most important feature – Sky TV! And then leading away via stairs are two therapy rooms, one for sports massage and one for treatments both understated in neutral tones which give an air of calm and tranquillity.
Matt’s treatment began with the waxing and Abbey Chitolie his therapist was extremely sympathetic (albeit I wasn’t), as this was Matt’s first taste of hair removal however, the warm tea tree wax and her swift and precise movements meant it was over extremely quickly and Matt was then left to enjoy a deep tissue massage, facial, a truly pampering foot treatment - using a skin softening mask and whilst this penetrated into his feet he was sent into oblivion with an amazing scalp massage. When he surfaced all tension had been removed, his skin looked incredible, smooth and fresh like he’d spent a week skiing and all the stress of trading life had just floated away and I knew that he would be booking in again - especially when he mentioned it was worth missing the most important game of Charlton’s season!
For a fantastic Valentines gift send your man for some pampering - if booked by 14th February you get a 10% of all packages. Call 01277 202448 and quote askmollybeauty or book online at www.menacegrooming.co.uk.
If you have a business in Essex you would like featured please contact me on askmollybeauty@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty.
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