San Francisco's Best Manscaping 2008

This deluxe spa is an elegant oasis on the borders of Chinatown, North Beach and the Financial District.

Reviews:

• “the most sublime spa experience in san francisco”
• “Great customer service, professional facials.”
• “Best rockin massage!”
• “Champagne and brownies?”
• “Tru Love”

Tips: Modest spa-goers should be sure to request a same-sex masseuse. If not, you may get a practitioner of the opposite sex.

Tru or email Tru

Not your average barbershop, this gentleman’s joint doubles as a sports bar with a gigantic TV, fireplace and comfy couches.

Reviews:

• “not the best”
• “Best Hang out and Hair cut in the city!”
• “This place is phenomenal!!!”

MR. The Barbershop

Bella Schneider’s luxurious flagship full-service day spa and salon.

Reviews:

• “Five Stars for LaBelle”
• “mediocre airbrush tanning”
• “Love the Spa, NOT THE SALON”
• “Massage was awesome”
• “a very average day spa”

Tips: Children over 12 are welcome with appointment.

LaBELLE Day Spas & Salons or email LaBELLE Day Spas & Salons

Classic barbershop meets urban salon and day spa in a loft-like SoMa space.

Reviews:

• “Best Salon for Men and Women in San Francisco! "
• “Fabulous service and ambiance!”
• “Wouldn’t go anywhere else. The Barber Lounge is the place.”
• “Awesome shave experience.”
• “Shoking and terrible shave…………!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After all is called Barber Lounge…..”

Tips: There are three pay parking lots on Folsom Street within a block of the spa.

the barber lounge or email the barber lounge

Downtown San Francisco’s premier special event salon and spa.

Reviews:

• “Great Hands!”
• “Best Thai massage – see Paula”
• “Wonderful client service”
• “best eyebrows and facials”
• “Eyebrow waxing anyone?”

Tips: Gratuities are accepted in check or cash form only.

Spa Bar or email Spa Bar

Alterna-cool coiffeurs cut it, color it and style it, while estheticians rip it off with hot wax at this independent Castro salon.

Reviews:

• “If you understand that this is the BEST way to go for getting your hair done absolutely perfect…Go to Xavier! I travel internationally and every one wants to know who has cut my hair. The answer X”
• “Best highlights!”
• “Moving on”
• “Best of the best”
• “Jason Did It Right”

Tips: Customers are offered anything from tea to water, but opt for the Tea Forte; the pyramid-shaped packaging is too cute to resist.

Studio X

Guys get away from it all at this Castro day spa designed just for them.

Reviews:

• “Best de-stress massage”
• “Great massage from Ron”
• “1st timer’s awesome experience at Nickel”
• “Best Spa Experience of My Life”
• “Hallucination-inducing bliss”

Tips: Book an appointment during “Happy Hour” (Tue-Fri 2pm-3:30pm) and get 15 percent off your services. Packages are also available.

Nickel Spa For Men

Daring cuts and colors reign supreme at this hair headquarters for unconventional guys and gals.

Reviews:

• “Great hair!!”
• “I’m amazed”
• “Wow! I am sooooo happy to have found this place!!!! You will be too!!!”
• “Miguel My Bell”
• “Kat fixed me up!”

Tips: Late appointments are available for those who can’t make it during business hours.

Notorious for Hair or email Notorious for Hair

At this Japantown sanctuary, nirvana is attained for less than the cost of a good sushi dinner.

Reviews:

• “Only SF spa I repeatedly visit”
• “Very relaxing, rejeuvenating, good staff, clean.”
• “always relaxing environment!”
• “Amazing Shiatzu Massage, Wonderful Spa!”
• “Absolute Bliss!”

Tips: In addition to discount admission on weekdays ($15 before 5pm; $18 after), an early visit to the communal baths means fewer people, more relaxation.

Kabuki Springs & Spa or email Kabuki Springs & Spa