Image via Complex Original
When it comes to looking good, it all comes down to individual responsibility. Not only do you have to take your personal image seriously, but you have to take the necessary steps to get it right. How do New York City’s male tastemakers keep their body (from head to toe) in working order? We sent Vashtie Kola on a hunt to find out everyone’s go-to spot for male grooming.
A-Trak
Go-To Spots: Cowshed Spa, Great Jones Spa
"I like the Cowshed Spa at Soho House New York. It’s small, so it’s never too crowded. Before that I used to go to Great Jones Spa. Anyone who flies as much as I do needs a deep tissue massage as often as possible. Men shouldn’t be afraid of the mani-pedi either. Actually, Great Jones Spa has a great 'men’s facial' that includes a shoulder massage. I don’t go to spas for male grooming though. Although I think that is very important too, I let my barber groom his areas of jurisdiction, and I can handle the rest myself."
Angelo Baque
Go-To Spot: His Bathroom
"I like to handle all of the above myself. It’s a fine line between pimpin’ and metrosexuality."
Brenmar
Go-To Spots: 88 Chinese Qi Gong Tui-Na, Union Barbers
"I have three different places that I go to in New York to get 'groomed' up. None of these are particularly cool or trendy, but they are close to where I live or my studio, they’re cheap, and they get the job done. For massages, I go to 88 Chinese Qi Gong Tui-Na at 329 Bowery. Ladies giving full body massages for $42 an hour, I’m not mad at that. My barber is a Dominican dude named Chiky who has a space by Havemeyer and S. 3rd. There’s no sign anywhere to be seen, but he swears the shop is called Union Barbers. For hands and feet, Marcy Nail & Spa—also in South Williamsburg on S. 4th—works for me. I ain’t getting nothing fancy and the ladies already know me, so it’s chill."
Victor Cruz
Go-To Spot: Aire Ancient Baths
"My go-to spot in NYC for male pampering and/or grooming is Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca. They have a great selection of hot and cold tubs with different temperatures to fit what you’re looking for. After an hour or so of enjoying the baths, you have a two- and four-hand massage option that is the best. Definitely one of the most relaxing places in all of NYC."
Don C
Go-To Spot: Wherever he is
"I have friends in high places, so I fortunately enjoy the luxury of house calls from Johnny Cake in NYC, Drew Henderson in Chi-Town and Ibn Jasper in L.A. and everywhere else in the world."
Josh Madden
Go-To Spots: Three Squares, East Village Barbers, Graceland
"There are three places I go to get my hair cut. When you’re a dude, you’re either going the high-end route or the barber. If you have a good head of hair and want to keep it looking fresh, hit up Jordan at Three Squares. He is the Michael Jordan of hair stuff. He’s like Tony Hawk with scissors—all finesse. We were there a couple weeks ago and Stefan Janoski was in the chair before us.
"If you have short hair and you want to keep it close cut, hit up Dr. Mike at East Village Barbers. (Tell him Josh Madden sent you for the hook-up.) They have an old fashioned barber shop vibe complete with arguing and Playboy mags.
"For the Brooklyn fellas, hit up Graceland. I’ve known Bethany for five or six years and she’s one of the hardest working people I know—in any business. She’s self-made, blue collar, no frills, awesome to talk to, and damn good with the scissors for any length of hair and any style."
Jonathan Mannion
“You should put on the best version of yourself when you go out in the world because that is a show of respect to the other people around you.” – Tom Ford
"I would add to Tom’s quote by saying that it’s important to respect yourself, reward your efforts with what makes you fulfilled, and always value and appreciate the luxuries that life affords us. Throughout my life, I was raised to be a gentleman in every situation. This simple mindset is applied to everything that I do, whether it’s attending a party, ordering a bottle of wine, sending a thank you note, or keeping myself well groomed and styled.
"Speaking on the subject, I’m big on getting a massage after grueling photo shoots on the road. My favorite places that I’ve been for a massage are The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain, and the Four Seasons in Tokyo.
"I get regular haircuts from a Japanese salon in New York called T-Gardens on 59th, or at another called Hayato in Gramercy Park. Both salons are meticulous and passionate about their craft.
"I dislike manicures, but I always trim my nails. A good pedicure before heading to the Caribbean is a must, but year-round, the toenails stay clipped. I have a tendency to have a beard and it is always well maintained by yours truly.
"I’m a perfectionist, and making a good impression is key in this industry. Also, you never know when a photo opportunity is right around the corner in this day and age of social media. To sum up my approach for grooming and style in a phrase, I turn to the words of the immortal Outkast… 'So fresh and so clean.'"
Steve Nash
Go-To Spot: Ada Nails & Spa
"The only grooming I do is the 'tag along with Brit for a pedicure' procedure. Anywhere with warm water to soak my feet. Ada Nails & Spa on West Broadway. Big time."
Dan Solomito
Go-To Spots: ALE Studios, Frank’s Chop Shop, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Spa
"When it comes to cuts, I hit up my boy AJ who owns ALE Studios, which is a 'by appointment only' barbershop in Brooklyn that is also a vintage clothing shop. When I walk in, I’m greeted with a cold beer and great music playing. I always seem to meet cool, new people when I’m in there which makes for great conversation while waiting or getting cut. And most importantly, I get a great haircut there.
"I usually shape up and clean up my own beard at home, but when I want a pro to have at it, I hit up my boy Mike Malbon who runs Frank’s Chop Shop in the LES. They were one of the first to have that ’50s aesthetic that’s now everywhere in New York. The hot face towels, warm shaving cream and straight razor always has me walking out feeling so fresh and so clean. I go back with the whole Frank family, so I always like supporting the people I came up with.
"Lastly, when it comes to relaxing on a vacation, the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Spa in Montego Bay is my spot. Since I have family out there, I visit the island a decent amount and always go back to this spa. They also were one of the first to carry Isola body products—my sister’s scrub line."
Nigel Sylvester
Go-To Spots: Headquarters Barber Shop, Graceful Spa
"I get my hair cuts from HQ Barbershop in Queens and massages from Graceful Spa in the city."
Scott Williams
Go-To Spots: His Bathroom, Great Jones Spa, Juvenex
"For grooming? The bathroom. I like to handle that myself. For massage, it’s Great Jones Spa or Juvenex."