Male-Friendly Spas in Northern NJ & NYC

By Sarah Emily Gilbert 

Spa days shouldn’t be a female-only experience. Treatments like facials and pedicures often fall into the “female sphere,” but men deserve to be primped and primed just as much as women. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make men feel more comfortable about entering a spa that’s likely to be full of women and decidedly feminine in its décor and amenities. There are, however, spas that are taking the industry into a unisex arena with male-focused services. Below, we highlight salons and spas that are making massages macho and are putting the “man” in manicure.

18|8 Bedminster

500 Hills Drive, Bedminster, NJ

908.857.4002; www.eighteeneight.com/bedminster-nj

Eighteen Eight Fine Men’s Salon has recently opened several locations in central and northern New Jersey.  Described as “The reinvention of the barber shop,” it offers everything from classic shaves to manicures by stylists trained in men’s grooming. Make it a spa day for all the guys with the Father-Son Haircut Package or the Groom/Bachelor Party Package.

Mandarin Oriental Spa

80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, NYC

212.805.8880; www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork

In addition to a three-hour Gentleman’s Retreat highlighted by scrubs and massages, this five-star hotel offers a 50-minute Men’s Focus Facial.  Aestheticians use an enzyme peel containing natural fruit acids that freshen skin and reduce wrinkles. The treatment includes a neck and shoulder massage and costs $230 Monday-Wednesday and $245 Thursday-Sunday.

Alora Ambiance Spa

109 Cornelia Street, Boonton, NJ

973.263.4555; www.aloraspa.com

This North Jersey spa has an entire “Men’s Menu” of services. They range from the $90 Gentlemen’s Facial to the $140 Mr. Peel Microdermabrasion, a minimally abrasive deep exfoliation of the skin’s top layer that helps lessen the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Kiehl’s Barber Shop

678 Ninth Avenue, NYC

212.956.2891; www.kiehls.com/spa1851.html

In true “guy” fashion, this upscale barbershop in Hell’s Kitchen accepts both appointments and walk-ins. The Kiehl’s franchise offers services like the Re-energizing Facial Masque for $15 or the Haircut and White Eagle Shave for $75 that uses Kiehl’s White Eagle shave cream spiked with Menthol and Camphor.  Men seeking a more traditional barbershop service should look into their $10 mustache or neck trim.

Depasquale the Spa

Powder Mill Plaza, Route 10 East 4, Gibraltar Drive, Morris Plains, NJ

973.538.3811; www.depasqualethespa.com

A popular stop for NYC commuters to de-stress before going home, Depasquale has a myriad of male-centered salon, spa, waxing, and threading services. All spa treatments, like their Deep Tissue Massage starting at $122, include the use of their locker room, steam showers, and lounge that are designed specifically for men.  Salon treatments include the $30 Reshade for Men, a natural-looking rinse of color for men who are going gray.

Why Not Men’s Spa

174 West 4th Street, NYC | 212.337.8551; www.whynotmenspa.com

True to its name, this West Village spa understands the plight of men in spas. Their pro-male menu includes the 90-minute Why Not Body Treatment for $155, a reasonable price for a soak in a tub of detoxifying salt and Yon-ka Phyto-Bain bath; an exfoliation, bucket poured rinse, body mask, and a scalp and back rub.

Dieci Uomo

48 West Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ

973.535.1400; www.dieciuomo.com

Dieci Uomo is the perfect entryway to the spa experience for men. Along with hair, shaving, waxing, and massage services, this men’s salon offers five different facials, including one that combats back acne. The 50-minute Dieci Uomo Classic Facial for $100 is great for a man’s first facial. It addresses male-specific problems like razor burn and ingrown hairs, and includes cleansing, steaming, a light extraction, and a massage.

Mortal Man Spa

257 W 39th Street, NY

347.752.2907; www.mortalman.com

With witty service names like the Your Daddy back, shoulder, ear, nose, and brow wax for $115, Mortal Man Spa creates a relaxed environment for men.  The no-frills spa offers unique services like ear candling, a $220 treatment wherein the narrow end of a candle is placed in an individual’s ear while the opposite end is lit. The candle flame creates a vacuum that gently draws out wax and impurities from the ear canal. Other menu items are the 60-minute facial called The Bon and an ionic detoxifying foot bath for $65.

John Allan’s Premiere Men’s Grooming Clubs

NYC shops in Tribeca, Midtown, Saks 5th Avenue, and Wall Street

Visit www.johnallans.com for location phone numbers

Fashioned after an exclusive club where men can kick back with a cold drink while getting a new hairstyle, John Allan’s caters to the modern man. Built on founder John Allan’s desire to help men refine their style while enjoying male camaraderie, it has revolutionized men’s grooming. The result is an old school-style NYC barbershop with high-end touches. For $75, men can enjoy the Signature Full Service: a scalp massage, shampoo, conditioning treatment, hot towel, haircut, manicure, and shoeshine.