By Mercy Kokwon
For decades, the barbershop was one of the most predictable spaces in a man’s life. You walked in, sat down, got a haircut or a shave, caught up on football gossip, and walked out in under thirty minutes. It was quick, functional, and as straightforward as could be.
But something is changing in the grooming world, and it’s not just the hairstyles. Today’s barbershops, better known as men’s spas, have transformed into destinations of luxury and relaxation. Forget the squeaky chairs, buzzing clippers, and endless football arguments. Step into a modern men’s spa and you’re more likely to be greeted by scented candles, soothing music, and a stylist offering a hot towel, a facial scrub, or even a shoulder massage.
What used to be a simple grooming errand has become a full-blown indulgence. And men, it seems, can’t get enough.
The biggest shift in men’s spas is that shaving is no longer just about getting rid of stubble. It’s a ritual. The hot towels, the foamy lathers, the gentle handwork, and the finishing touch of aftershave oils all combine to create a spa-like experience. In some establishments, female attendants, better known as ‘shampoo girls’, step in with head, neck, or shoulder massages, with a soft gentle touch, stretching what was once a 15-minute service into an hour or more of pampering.
The result? Men are returning to spas more frequently, sometimes once a week, even when there isn’t much hair to shave. The beard may be barely grown, but the pull of relaxation is irresistible.
The modern man has discovered what women have known for centuries: beauty treatments are addictive not just for how they make you look, but how they make you feel.
The rise of men’s spas isn’t simply about vanity. It’s about stress relief, confidence, and wellness. Many men today work long hours, and these grooming sessions offer them a rare moment of escape. The atmosphere alone, low lighting, fragrant oils, quiet conversations, is enough to make them book their next appointment before leaving.
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It also helps that looking sharp has become a social expectation. From corporate offices to Instagram feeds, appearance plays a big role in first impressions. For men, that translates to more than just a clean shave, it’s glowing skin, trimmed beards, and a polished look. Spas offer all this in one package, making them a one-stop shop for the modern gentleman.
Of course, such rapid growth in popularity hasn’t come without whispers. The idea of ladies massaging men during grooming sessions has sparked debates in some circles. Is it purely self-care, or are these spas crossing the line into indulgence that borders on entertainment?
On social media, the jokes fly thick and fast. Memes circulate about men “shaving air” just to justify another visit. Girlfriends and wives sometimes tease their partners about these frequent trips, questioning whether it’s really the beard that needs trimming or the shoulders that need rubbing.
Yet, for the most part, the trend is embraced as harmless. Just as women have always had their hair and nail salons as spaces for rejuvenation, men’s spas are carving out a similar niche. If anything, the controversy only fuels the curiosity and makes the spa experience more desirable.
What started as a few luxury spots in major towns has grown into a thriving industry. Men’s spas are popping up everywhere, from high-end malls to neighborhood corners, each offering slightly different experiences but all built around the same idea: grooming with a touch of comfort.
Packages now extend beyond shaving. Some spas offer facials, manicures, pedicures, and even foot scrubs designed especially for men. Interiors are styled like lounges, with leather seats, flat screens, and refreshments. A quick shave has become a session worth lingering in.
Industry experts say this growth mirrors global trends. Around the world, men’s grooming is one of the fastest-expanding segments of the beauty industry, and Kenya is catching up fast. Spas are not only normalizing self-care for men but also making it aspirational. It also underscores how beauty and fashion have expanded beyond clothing and haircuts.
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And perhaps that’s why the controversy doesn’t stick. The truth is, men have simply discovered the joy of being pampered, and once you’ve had a taste, it’s hard to go back.
So the next time you spot a man walking out of a spa looking fresher than ever, don’t assume it was just about the shave. Chances are, he’s enjoyed an hour of quiet indulgence, a moment of care, and a boost of confidence. And he’ll be back.
