Photo by Ken Penn
High Point Barber Shop opened in summer 2014.
In the chaotic flurry that comes with planning a wedding, it can be easy to forget about one of its most important elements: the groom. While many of the festivities and pre-wedding events focus on the bride, preparations should also include the soon-to-be hitched gentleman. To primp and pamper the special guy before his special day, we spoke with three local businesses to see how they cater to grooms.
High Point Barber Shop & Shave Parlor
When it comes to a shave, it doesn’t get more old-school than this. Since it opened in September, the Fan business has focused on providing traditional men’s haircuts and straight-razor shaves.
“It’s a really involved shave,” explains High Point co-owner Elliott Kinney. “It’s a lot more than what you’ll be doing at home. It’s a luxury, and we make it that.”
Each $30 shave includes a rich lather, artful precision and a calming pace. Though High Point doesn’t currently offer a special package for grooms and groomsmen, it is possible to close down the shop for a party. Kinney recommends booking well in advance.
“Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the most traditional ways a man can pamper himself,” he says.
112 N. Meadow St., 980-6982, highpointbarbershop.com
Photo courtesy of Glow Med Spa
Glow Med Spa
Getting a wax might not sound like the most relaxing endeavor for a man, but he’ll certainly look better for it. For grooms, Glow Med Spa owner Shia Noth recommends a little “manscaping” — waxing the ears, brow and nose ahead of the wedding day. For these areas the spa uses a hard wax, which doesn’t adhere to skin.
If the bride and groom are going somewhere tropical for their honeymoon, the spa also offers back and chest waxing. Noth recommends that first-timers have at least two waxes before the one preceding the wedding, to see how the skin reacts.
“Our waxing is considered the most painless in Richmond, our spas have been five-stars since we opened, and we use the nicest kind of wax available,” Noth says.
Glow Med Spa has three locations, one in Carytown (3202 W. Cary St.), one in Short Pump (201 Towne Center West Blvd., Suite 705) and one in Northside (5109 Lakeside Ave.). 262-0330, glowmedspa.net
Photo by Ash Daniel
Parkside Barber Shop and Grooming Lounge
This barber shop in Innsbrook is no stranger to pampering grooms. Opened by Robert Jones in 1995 and expanded last year, Parkside hosted groom’s parties every weekend this summer.
“We create a nice environment for a groom to enjoy the company of his friends before he gets hitched,” says Jones. In addition to cutting hair, the business also offers straight-razor shaves, shoe shines and repairs, massages, pedicures and manicures. “We wanted a place where a man can get all of his grooming needs taken care of in one place.”
For a groom’s party, he offers complimentary beer and wine, and can also provide a catered breakfast.
“Many guys have a beer first thing in the morning because they had a good time the night before,” says Jones of the groom’s parties. “They can expect to get an old-school, clean-cut haircut in a fun and relaxing environment.”
10833 W. Broad St., 273-1613, parksidebarbershop.com
