Grooming for the Guys
A Herriman lounge is on a mission to help Utah dudes embrace self-care — rich mahogany, leather-bound books and a Guinness soak.
Hammer & Nails lounge in Herriman isn't your typical in-and-out guys' haircut stop. A typical salon can feel clinical, utilitarian. But Hammer & Nails is going for something more like a vibe of, in the words of Ron Burgundy, "rich mahogany and leather-bound books." The shop is on a quest to create a space where men can relax and recharge.
"We have more of an upscale atmosphere than your typical franchise salon," says Herriman location owner Damien Olson. "We have a great aesthetic, and the quality of products we use is much higher, without too big a price hike to the customer."
Along with standard barber services, the hyper-masculine salon also offers facials, manicures and pedicures designed with men in mind — opening a higher level of self-care to those who feel those spaces are female-exclusive.
Typically, the only places for manicures and pedicures are very feminine. For a lot of men, entering that kind of space feels uncomfortable, almost like you're in a fishbowl.
Hammer & Nails' men-forward services take place in private rooms, with music, television and quality seating, for the ultimate relaxation: insecurity-free. And it's not just for the boys — Olson says many couples come in for date night. "Women are by no means excluded from our services," he says. "It's just a different environment, and a different aesthetic final product."
The salon's services are focused on skin health and clean products, as evidenced by the filler-free requirements of their in-house lines. Whether you're looking for a routine membership to maintain healthy skin and hair, or a more luxurious experience for a special occasion — such as the Hops and Cedar mani-pedi, featuring a Guinness soak and cedarwood essential oil — Hammer & Nails is your go-to stop.
Olson encourages any guy who's never been to a higher-end salon to give it a try. "We upgrade everyone to the VIP level for their first visit, so they can really experience this level of care," he says. "When you come here, you aren't just a number. You're our guest."
Treat yourself
Olson's top recommendations for summer skin and beard care: beard oil, because a lot of people don't realize you have to maintain facial hair — taking care of the skin underneath is crucial. An all-purpose moisturizer, critical when we get into the dry summer months. Clean shampoo and conditioner without fillers or phosphates. And a callous softener, to soften up those feet for barefoot beach days.