JOHN ALLAN’S AT THE BAY 176 Yonge, 2nd floor, 416-861-6307, johnallans.com.
“Back in 88, persuading a guy to get a manicure was like convincing him to get a root canal,” says John Allan, (pictured right) describing his early days grooming the men of Manhattan at his first NYC club. Now, getting your nails clipped and buffed is an indispensable part of his signature service, an hour of handsome pampering that’s luring Canadian customers to his first international location in the menswear department of The Bay’s flagship Toronto store.
Slip into your smock, cleverly cut more like a blazer than a bathrobe, and start off with a scalp-massaging shampoo and conditioning. After a hot towel in a traditional barber’s chair, settle into a leather lounger for your haircut and hand treatment. A quick shoeshine finishes you off.
Allen calls what his salons offer a micro-luxury, indulgent enough so men feel spoiled but not so posh that they go running back to their $12 barber.
John Allan picks: The signature full service is $65 hair colouring starts at $38, while cuts are $51 if all you need is the shoeshine, that will be $4.
Look for: The John Allan’s line of hair, skin, shave and styling products, including an addictive Mint Hydrating Conditioner that leaves your scalp feeling completely cool and fresh.
Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm.
