Perfect presentation requires lour hands and feet to be healthy, look good, all part of Luxury grooming for Gentlemen
Immaculate Manicure 1hr £57
A consultation is made, nails are cut and shaped, cuticles are soaked and exfoliate to remove any dead skin. Rich cream is massaged over your hands which are then placed into hot mitts for a deeply nourishing treat. Treatment is finished with a massage and a colour of your choice.
URBAN RETREAT AT HARRODS – The Nail Loft – www.gentlemansbutler.com – Luxury grooming
Pristine Pedicure 1hr 15mins £65
Feet are soaked in our luxury foot spa and a consultation is made. Toenails are cut and shaped, any hard skin is removed and feet are exfoliated to leave them smooth and soft. Cuticle work is carried out followed an application of rich cream over the feet which are then wrapped in cellophane and placed into heated booties. This deeply moisturising treat helps with very dry feet. The treatment is finished off with a massage to relax the feet and a toenail buff. A colour of your choice is then applied to the toenails.
On a beautiful Autumn Day wondering along the Kings Road, I found the door of “The Chelsea Day Spa”. Having just had lunch at Manicomio I was ready for some grooming. In many ways I think running any kind of salon is a bit like running a good restaurant. Do they know who you are, is your table ready, is the service good, are you comfortable and is the food tasty and lastly do you leave with a smile. The answer to all of the above was yes.
I had been booked in for a manicure and pedicure. Two treatments that really do a lot, firstly as a big walker and secondly because I suffered from eczema as I child. Now my hands are better I think for men and women well groomed hands says a lot.
The very elegant and fashion conscious Fay who runs the salon met me, knew who I was and very importantly made me feel welcome. As I was early I took a seat for a few minutes and immediately enjoyed one of the great things which is the light. The salon is light but cosy, a diificult thing to get right.
Rabia, my therapist met me showed me to my room and made me feel comfortable. We immediately started talking and soon the conversation turned to the Arab world, her as a native and I with a long background working with Arab culture and media. The order of the day was a pedicure and manicure. Both of which was performed very well. For me apart from obviously the result, being comfortable is very important. I am amazed how many very expensive pedicures can be performed whilst feeling like one is part of a gymn class. On this occasion I was certainly comfortable but the best are manicure and pedicure throwns. I left feeling relaxed with my feet feeling alive and my hands neet and tidy. I run out of time to have the spray tan but agreed with Fay I would return soon.
Without any doubt I would recommend a visit.
The Chelsea Day Spa, 2nd & 3rd Floor, 69a King’s Road, London SW3 4NX Tel 020 7351 0911
Adamina Spa 276-280 Kensington High Street, London W8 6ND – 0207 7511 611 – www.adaminaspa.com
If you are heading out to shop for interiors, south west and west London would be a likely destination. I suggest unwinding to start with that way you are relaxed, look good and feel focused for your outing. Sometimes in life we are reassuringly pleased. Visiting Adamina was one of those occasions. Situated close to the Commonwealth Institute Adamina is housed in an old bank, don’t worry no quips about money and happiness !!
Beautifully decorated they mix perfectly being a Spa and a friendly home, for this is how I felt. Positioned on 2 floors the changing rooms have a mild bohemian feel, which always pleases me.
Walking along the floor lit corridor to a sumptuous waiting room I waited for my first treatment, a Total Body Performance Massage. This uses Aromasoul Massage Oil (Jojba and Mineral oil) which leaves the skin smooth and compact and Essences (essential oils of basil, lemon, anise, cypress, lavender, mandarin and vitamin E for their draining and relaxing effect). I was made me feel totally at home. Being looked after is exactly what a spa should be.
One of the central/core remits of Spa’s are to be nurturing. In the same way hairdressers particularly for women need to have a caring aspect, due to the fact clients can feel vulnerable, Spa’s need to do the same. You do not want to visit a Spa and be thinking about your shopping, bills, cooking, work, you want to zone out as the Americans would say but to be able to do this your surroundings need to be conducive and your therapist needs to be caring so you then feel you can unwind, open up and be receptive to the heeling aspects of a Spa. This is exactly what Apple my masseuse achieved, some smiles, jokes and a true professionalism combined with a clean, calming room and sheets which I think are much better let me unwind.
They recommend for Home Care: Aromasoul Mediterranean Shower Gel and Body Cream
After this to a new room for an Anti-age performance facial with Sophie. This treatment uses the Chrono-Reverser range (active ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acids – AHA – to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and rough skin, Arginine to rebalance the Ph and hydrate the skin) and Age Performer Age Recover Serum to protect the skin from external environmental aggressions, responsible for premature skin ageing.
Recommended home care: Shave Performer and Age Performer.
And then to the nail room which I adored with a little escapism and a big smile, beautifully decorated, magazines a tv with DVD’s. Polio my nail technician put on Sex in the City which put a smile on my face just because here I was being pampered whilst watching a series about ladies constantly talking about male relationships. A little research always helps. I have had manicures across the world but this certainly fits into my top 3. She was friendly and welcoming not in a distant but in an inclusive way, made me my tea, checked I was conformable, asked how I liked my nails, then produced the goods, she was superb, and I was feeling a little wild that day so had a nail polish on as well (a mix of very pale pink and white) creates a nail which looks healthy and very smart. It may not be everyone’s choice but she made no presumptions and agreed after it looked very good. In addition she mentioned I had very soft cuticles so to be careful in the future.
Man Manicure Treatment and recommended home care: Lushly Hand Balm (active ingredients: Tiare extract and karite butter)
It’s the first time we have returned to renew our endorsement of any company or product so far.
The Hand and Foot Spa mixes elegant surroundings, comfort and professionalism. It’s a bit like sitting in the first class VIP lounge, no fuss they just get on with it, perfect luxury grooming for Gentlemen.
Treatment: The Hand and Foot Spa, Men’s Executive Pedicure, 65 mins
Signature foot treatment for men, enjoying all the benefits of the Maintenance Pedicure (toe-nails are tidied, cuticles are treated and hard skin is removed with a sea salt and oil exfoliation), with the addition of a deep-conditioning treatment. Feet are massaged with an intensive moisturiser and then put in heated boots. The gradual, relaxing warmth of the boots encourages the penetration of the moisturiser and helps to improve circulation. Nails are buffed to remove ridges, and feet are left looking good and feeling incredibly smooth.
Butler: Luxury grooming: The Hand and Foot Spa: Pedicure station
When I entered Fortnum & Mason in London’s Piccadilly my heart rate lowered and I felt my shoulders dropping.
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens luxury grooming
Why, because it is a very calming and lovely place to be. This is a shop that opened in 1707 and has a number of Royal Warrants. But “so what” you say and you are right, that may indicate quality but it is the first hand experience that counts, and that word experience is critical. Thankfully it has not been “improved” it just does things very calmly and very well and in my book that is just lovely. Walk through the gentleman’s department, the ladies perfumes, the food halls and you can tell, thought and creativity have been used to create a haven for our senses and emotions.
Gentlemans Butler: ladies gifts
Through the doors up the stairs and to the back of ladies perfumes you find Beauty a la Carte at Fortnum & Masons and you should definitely enter this into your little black book under refined, luxury grooming for Gentlemen.
The décor is extravagant and nurturing, crystal chandeliers, draped curtains and glass vases. You are entering a bespoke space, private, intimate and what seems exclusively yours for the treatment.
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens luxury grooming at Beauty a la Carte, Fortnum & Mason
Sarah, who runs the rooms, was going to attend to my facial and with a big smile mentioned the words pampering before the treatment starts. For those gentlemen who find all this metro sexual attentiveness a little alarming it is very nice and once you switch off you will probably fall asleep.
I had the Bespoke Facial which includes cleansing, gentle exfoliation, dermabrasion, massage including lymphatic, mask and moisturise to finish. The dermabrasion is good for ingrown hairs. It will minimise the fine lines and generally brighten a dull lifeless skin. Gentlemen’s skin can be sensitive and dry if over shaved therefore a weekly application of a mask, express flower gel, can brighten and hydrate the skin. A Linden blossom mask is an excellent product to apply over the beard area as this will reduce irritation and redness.
I think what defines excellence is an ability to use ones knowledge and then adapt and go one step further. Sarah is just that, a nice chat about this and that and then when asked specific questions she comes up trumps, but more than that she added extra information above the treatment. This makes one feel very assured. My skin felt alive, I felt rested and was a very satisfied client.
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens luxury grooming at Beauty a la Carte, Fortnum & Mason
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens luxury grooming: Beauty a la Carte: Pedicure & manicure room at Fortnum & Mason
After my facial I dressed and then was escorted to the Pedicure/manicure room which again is very private. The 2 ladies had big smiles and after I settled into the chair with a magazine and a cup of tea both treatments took place in tandem. One thing that is my pet hate is being uncomfortable so was very pleased that the pedicure/manicure thrown was comfortable and the beautician had space to move so I could just relax and let them take over. There are niceties about treatments but in general in my opinion it is about the positioning of the body, the product that is used and then lots and lots of experience. You can definitely tell the difference between a general all rounder and beautician who specialises. I was to find out I had no worries as both ladies were highly professional. My hands looked trim and especially noticed the cuticle work where Apricot cuticle oil had been used which softens cuticles and hydrates, though it was the pedicure products that really stood out, the Essie Brand, amazing, my feet feeling hydrated and very soft.
Loved it, professional, classic and relaxing, perfect.
Gentlemen, civilization, class, distinction and good old fashioned service, yes it does exist.
I am lucky enough to have been brought up by parents who valued doing things properly and as a Virgo I am a perfectionist, so to experience this first hand is very refreshing.
As you walk through the door of The Ritz Hotel in London you are walking into Royalty, a movie set, and a piece of amazing architecture all wrapped in one.
Classic English and London civility is about being looked after, efficiency and polite but friendly conversation whilst knowing that your beautician knows what she is doing.
The salon is tucked away, bespoke and so intimate you feel they are especially there for you. The pedicure throne is lovely and cosy set in the dormers of the hotel, light but private as you have a curtain keeping your area secluded.
Sat in the thrown with a cup of English tea in a bone china cup and saucer with a magazine in hand, I am comfortable, warm and starting to relax, just right.
My beautician answered my questions, and accommodated my decisions.
My feet were scrubbed, nails cut and cuticles tidied and feet massaged all with Orly pedicure products which felt fantastic. You know when a cream is doing the trick as is soaks right into the skin. At the end of my treatment I was not hurried but allowed to leave at my own pace.
Lovely to see some things do not change, thankfully, simple, classic pure class just right for a Gentleman who needs grooming.
Daniel Hersheson is situated on the 4th floor of London’s famous Harvey Nichols. For those of you who do not watch Absolutely Fabulous, Harvey Nichols is just next to Knightsbridge Underground, situated at the top of Sloane Street right opposite The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
A brand name many associate with British hairdressing, Daniel’s father was a hairdresser and his son Luke is a hairdresser. Starting at the age of fifteen he opened his first salon aged twenty one.
Harvey Nichols regardless of whether you are shopping or not is a stylish and vibrant place to walk through. Walking through the perfume department there was a hum of fashion chit chat. This is “Showtime” and certainly by the time I had reached the 4th floor my entertainment routes were coming alive “Darling”.
Entering the salon, however, I was a little nervous, not like me, as I am not endowed with a full head of hair and so entering one of the bastions of hairdressing packed full of chic, beautiful and glamorous people is a little unnerving. However my worries soon vanished as they are not only stylish but also caring and friendly.
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens Grooming: Daniel Hersheson – Harvey Nichols Salon
Coat taken, my hair consultant greeted me; it’s a long time since I have seen one of those. Whisked through to the hair area, I started with a Mediceuticals scalp treatment which includes a massage. Like many men I have thinning hair with bald areas and we too often forget to take care of the scalp and the hair we still have.
Statistically over 12% of men, women and children are presently troubled with a common scalp ailment and 97% of all people will experience some form of scalp problem in the course of their life, whether it be through genetics, stress, chemical enhancements, tools, techniques or a number of other possible causes. The treatment definitely felt like it was doing something and I can verify the fact that I noticed an improvement over the following weeks. The aim is to to achieve instant volume and increase hair density. Mediceuticals is used widely in salons, spa’s, hospitals and hair renew clinics across Europe.
Gentlemans Butler: Gentlemens Grooming: Harvey Nichols Pedicure area
Next my my manicurist & pedicurist spruced, preened and massaged my hands and feet. I do not normally advocate this being done on the run like this but it worked very well and the results were good. They do have there own manicure & pedicure area but time was short and this worked a treat. Half way through my hair stylist came and added our party and you could tell she was a pro, 5 different things going on at once but she looked after her client, cut my hair so it was all neat and smart.
The interior is very comfortable, though quite open plan, this is fashion so not for withering violets. I felt like a Prince, and all this was very quick. I was in and out in about an hour and twenty minutes: hair treatment, manicure & pedicure & haircut.
Pedicure and manicure and haircut happening all at once all whilst I was having a cup of earl grey tea so all I needed was someone to hold and turn the pages of my magazine !
I can safely say, I would not naturally find myself in Daniel Hersheson, though having been, I was very impressed. Definitely the right destination for being preened pre theatre or a date. They were friendly, very professional and I have to say it was nice to mix the hair treatment (which had a health angle) with the pampering that followed.
I left dead on time, wandering up through Hyde Park to have tea at The Mandeville Hotel with a PR company.
The range of products used was part of the Mediceutical range: Bioclenz Shampoo, Moist-Cyte Hydrating Therapy Conditioner, Numinox Follicle & Scalp Stimulator Scalp Tonic.
Daniel Hersheson – Harvey Nichols Salon
4th Floor
Harvey Nichols
Knightsbridge
London SW1 7RJ
If you are a fan of Swiss boutiques and Italian modernism I think you will like this addition. Refined, elegant and upmarket, even if your day has been rubbish you will feel fitter, cleaner and more go ahead afterwards.
For me first impressions are important so walking through a covered canopy that juts out into the street, feels like I maybe entering a classic Parisian hotel. Being met at the reception by a smart and friendly face is such a good start. I want to be looked after and I certainly was. Having had my coat taken, parted with my umbrella I was escorted downstairs and immediately greeted by a range of beautiful food. Yes you can have tea, coffee and a cake whilst your paws are preened.
After the standard client details are taken I was taken to a dedicated Gentlemen’s Pedicure room, you can choose this or not as you like. I have found one big distraction when having a pedicure is the seat, be it the lack of comfort or the fact that one is being asked to perform yoga so your therapist can reach your toes. This was not the case here as they have thought things through having built bespoke seat/thrones with a table for ones tea, a magazine in hand and a leg rest.
There is an overall emphasis on hygiene; you see the implements being taken out of sterile packaging which I found reassuring.
My Spanish chiropodist/pedicurist looked the part and certainly knew her stuff. Scrubs and machines at the ready she talked me through my sports pedicure. As I had broken my leg skiing when I was young there was insightful comment about the way I walked and how this impacts on my feet and suggestions about remedying this. The smell of Vanilla, gives one the feeling of cleanliness and nourishment. It also happens to be one of my favourite scents. The conversation flowed but I still had time for a good read and time to enjoy my tea. About an hour later my feet felt smooth, clean and refreshed.
I had opted for an express manicure as I like both hands and feet to be done at the same. I liked their timepiece “nurse” branding with the watch, very smart. Again I could tell she was well trained, she asked whether I wanted my nails square or rounded questions I like to hear.
For gentlemen who may wonder why bother, I say ask your girlfriend or wife’s view on your feet? After a game of rugby or a long walk how wonderful does it feel to put your feet in a bowl of hot water, take that thought and multiply by ten? If you have never had a pedicure you might be amazed about the difference. The secret is to find the right place, The Hand and Foot Spa is certainly this.
Perception is interesting, is it sissy or fashionable for men to have a manicure or pedicure.
Personally as someone who suffered from exema having presentable and well groomed hands is a real plus, a sign of confidence.
For a man or a woman to go into a meeting or a date with well groomed hands it will make a real difference.
During the first half of the twentieth century, men who visited barbershops often received a manicure as well as a haircut, shave and shoeshine.
We heard that James Bond gets manicures, so does David Beckham? However it should be noted that men have had beauty and grooming treatments for centuries.
People have been manicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures.
Originating from in China in 3,000 BC, the colour of ones nail indicated one’s social status, could one say the same thing today? according to a Ming dynasty manuscript, royal fingernails were painted black and red.
The Egyptians also coloured their nails, using red to show the highest social class. In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.
Gentlemans Butler has noted some famous films where men have manicures or a manicure is mentioned. Think of westerns and gangster films or the line in Trading Places
Please send scenes from films where Gentlemen’s manicures are mentioned.
Lastly have a read about the American pop sensations feelings on mens hands?
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