Of Haircuts and Hangovers - San Diego AlphaMale Salon

Enlarge Photo

So I'll admit it probably wasn't the best idea to venture downtown to the Ivy Hotel for Shark Attack's DJ set and Sara Jean Underwood's (2007 Playmate of the Year) birthday party the night prior to my scheduled "man"pering (Yes, I know it's not a word, but for the purposes of this article it replaces the word "pampering" quite nicely) at the new AlphaMale salon in downtown San Diego.

My 1 p.m. appointment time might as well have been at the crack of dawn, as I don't recall being entirely awake upon my arrival at the salon's First and Broadway locale. Nevertheless, head throbbing and camera in hand, I sucked it up and ventured through the door and into whatever sort of "manscaping" the Alpha(fe)Male powers that be had in store for me.

As it turns out, item one on their agenda was alleviating my hangover. No sooner than I walked through the front door and into one of, if not the most, chic modern salons I've ever seen, did stylist Brittney Cartwright ask if I'd like an adult beverage.

Now, I've been to salons before and imbibed whilst getting a haircut, but AlphaMale essentially redefines the trend. Not only do they have high-class spirits such as Glenfiddich (which understandably appealed to my "Scotch, scotch, scotch... I love scotch" mentality) and Absolut, but all drinks are served in some of the finest glassware to be found anywhere, let alone in a salon.

Within five minutes of arriving, I found myself seated in the lounge area watching sports on a trio of flat panel televisions while sipping a Fat Tire served in a frosty mug. Scratch item one of the agenda.

It wasn't long before I shifted gears and opted for a Glenfiddich neat (after much (not really) arm twisting by owner Kimberly Hurtado) while Cartwright tended to sculpting the mop adorning, er plaguing, my dome.

The flat panel TV (yes, each station has one imbedded in the full-size mirror) managed to catch my eye sporadically, but I was more impressed with the ridiculously high-end barber chairs. According to Cartwright, "They're the second most expensive chair made" and one need merely sit in one of them to realize her statement seems a drastic understatement.

After my shampoo, cut and rinse, I was whisked away to another station by the lovely manicurist Mayra Rangel. Now, I've never had a manicure before so I hadn't a clue what to expect. I have, however, consumed scotch from time to time and partaken of the virtues of massage chars.

Never have I done both at the same time, however; let alone while getting a manicure. Needless to say, I added a number of firsts to the list in short order.

Post-manicure, I opted to lounge around in the massage chair for a spell while sipping on the remainder of my scotch. Massive storefront windows gave way to towering downtown high-rises, and on this particular bluebird afternoon the view was incredible; the scotch delectable; and the service, impeccable.

The AlphaMale, located at 969 First Avenue, is a full-service salon catering to men. From football on their personal HDTVs to facials, they cover manly to metro. In addition to haircuts and manicures, the salon also offers hot lather shaves, shoe shines and spa services such as coloring, waxes and massages. Not to mention they have ample accoutrements for hangover help (with non-alcoholic beverages galore for the kiddies and non-drinking set).

Don't take my word for it, however. Go check it out for yourself. The salon is hosting a red carpet event on Friday evening, April 18. The extravaganza will be catered by Currant, and will feature cocktails, of course. For more information on booking a chair or the upcoming shin-dig, visit AlphaMale here.