Dear Laurel: My boyfriend works in construction and has extremely rough hands and feet. He could really use a manicure and pedicure, but he refuses to go to a spa and thinks that those types of places are only for women. I’ve been trying to explain to him that he would really benefit from having a manicure and pedicure, but he just laughs at me and thinks I’m being ridiculous. Please help!
Brenda ~ Woburn
Dear Brenda: There is nothing more irritating to your delicate skin then the feeling of sandpaper where your significant other’s hands and feet should be, however, getting your man to the spa will probably prove to be more painful. These days, most men are being exposed to the benefits of a spa experience by the women in their lives and they are usually hooked after their very first visit. Unfortunately, many of today’s manly men still believe that a visit to spa signifies that they are more of a “girly” man… they couldn’t be more wrong! Most spas now even offer services that cater especially to men; customized facials, sports massages, athletic pedicures and men’s manicures are just a few examples.
Despite what the majority of men admit, more and more of them are paying better attention to their grooming habits and making manicures and pedicures, as well as other treatments, a part of their personal maintenance routine. I’ve definitely seen an increase over the last couple of years in men visiting my spa and they include television sports anchors, police officers, construction workers, business executives and the like. Men are now making regular appointments to have therapeutic massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and some are even daring to have their brows waxed and shaped.
Manicures and pedicures go beyond “foo-foo” pampering and actually provide relief from things like painful hangnails, rough calluses and irritated dry skin, as well as relief from the constant complaints from their loved ones. If this isn’t reason enough for your man to take the plunge, I have come up with a list of other reasons to convince them to partake in this luxurious experience.
- It Feels Good: Besides the obvious benefits of having cuticles and calluses catered to, manicures and pedicures come with a relaxing mini massage that makes them even more fabulous.
- It Looks Good: Regular manicures and pedicures help to keep hands and feet looking clean and presentable, which is much more attractive than the rough and rugged look.
- Stress Relief: Taking an hour or so off to help forget about the stresses of work is not only relaxing, it’s healthy!
- It’s Sexy: Let’s face it, women love a man who takes care of himself. Don’t get me wrong, being obsessed with ones looks is not attractive, but taking pride in one’s appearance says he cares.
If you are a woman who is trying to get her man to the spa, don’t give up. You may even try offering to make an appointment together and make a date of it. If you are a man who has always thought that manicures and pedicures were for women only, think again. There are a lot of “manly men” out there who think that a trip to the spa is a manly enough.
Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com
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