June 5, 2006

Man, Oh Man

State Street Barbers

Men and women really are different.

They may claim to love facials and manicures these days, but guys would still rather get their groom on in a setting that makes them feel much more butchy than bitchy.

So what’s the manly thing to do? Take a trip to the new and notably upscale (but still man’s-man) State Street Barbers.

The barber pole, wood paneling, funky early-’20s memorabilia, and leather barber chairs guarantee plenty of that club-room, no-girls-allowed feel.

And the shave is the ultimate — done by certified barbers who learned to use a razor on a sheet of glass (whoa!) who will tip him back in a plush recliner and roll through the rituals of hot towel steam, preshave oil, and two applications of hot lather before they even start shaving.

The haircut begins with a shampoo, scalp massage, and hot towel for the face. Then it’s on to the cut, a straightedge neck shave, and a shoulder massage.

And if, after all that, he still can’t get comfy with indulging, well, odds are good that he’s compensating for something.

State Street Barbers, 1313 Washington Street, South End (617-753-9990 or statestreetbarbers.com).