A Dapper Dude’s Guide to Men’s Grooming in San Francisco
Some of the things women first notice about a man are his smile, his hair, and his shoes. Masculinity is no longer defined by the rugged looks and tough skin of our forefathers, but by how well a man carries himself. The modern man is refined and well groomed, dapper.
In our age of flexing on social media, appearances are everything and every week is fashion week. And while you don’t have to drape yourself in Versace cloths and schedule weekly visits to the salon, you should at least have a solid grooming routine. If you don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you. From the best barbershops to best grooming products, we have you covered from head to toe.
Just remember, it’s no longer a crime to want to look good, but can be a crime to look as good as you will after a visit to our top 12 men’s grooming destinations in SF.
Best Barbershops in San Francisco
A truly dapper dude should become a regular at his barbershop. A haircut every 2-4 weeks and a shave once a week will keep you looking sharp and feeling like a million bucks. Your barber is your personal consultant for the best hair products and styling, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Peoples Barber
$$ | 1259 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA
Traditional yet modern, Peoples Barber offers a luxury, full-service barbershop experience. Enjoy a complimentary beer as you wait your turn, shop their curated inventory grooming products, sharpen up with a straight razor shave, and leave refreshed with their hot towel treatment. Walk-ins are accepted, but online appointments are recommended.
J.P Kempt
$$ | 351 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
Visit J.P Kempt for one of the cleanest shaves money can buy in San Francisco. Their fantastic barbers will help you figure out the hairstyle that suits you best. Book an appointment, and be sure to also treat yourself to their barber facial during your visit to Divisadero’s favorite barbershop.
Fellow Barber
$$ | 696 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
A swank, retro-styled barbershop in the vibrant Mission District, Fellow Barber carries their own inventory of in-house grooming products available in shop and online. Ask about their soothing “Hangover Treatment”, a barber’s facial with hot towel and oil treatment.
Men’s Manicures and Pedicures in San Francisco
Gentlemen, you might be proud of those calluses you’ve “earned”, but there’s no bigger turnoff than nasty hands and feet. You don’t have to make it a routine to get your nails done, but for god’s sake, no woman enjoys being mauled by your jagged nails and dead skin. Clipping your nails once a week, using a pumice stone on dead skin, and routinely moisturizing can go a long way. If you’re unsure about how to properly care for your hands and feet, visit your local nail technician.
Cocoon Urban Day Spa
$$ | 330 1st Street, Floor 2, San Francisco, CA
Catering to men and women, Cocoon Urban Day Spa is one of the few selected salons in San Francisco within the Healthy Nail Salon Program. Offering full spa services like nail care, facial care, massages, and tanning, book an appointment and ask for the works.
Lucky Nails
$$ | 55A Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA
Since 1985, Lucky Nails has been offering full-service nail care and waxing for men and women. Conveniently located within the Financial District, visit Lucky Nails during lunch or after work.
Richmond Nail Salon
$ | 5856 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA
By pass the crowds of downtown and head out to the Richmond District for a visit to Richmond Nail Salon where you’ll receive top quality nail care at reasonable prices.
Men’s Day Spas in San Francisco
Long days and crazy nights can take a toll on your body and skin. Spa days aren’t just for women. Even the manliest of men need a little TLC every now and then. Rejuvenate with a massage and facial at some of our favorite spas in the City.
Kabuki Springs & Spa
$$ | 1750 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA
Great for groups, disconnect and spend a day of deep relaxation at Kabuki Springs. Featuring a beautiful traditional Japanese communal bath area, and offering an array of invigorating spa services like massages and facials, Kabuki Springs is a must visit within Japantown.
M Spa
$$ | 2187 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
One of the only man-centric spas in the City, M Spa specializes in luxury skin treatments specifically designed for men. Go in for a relaxing massage, full body exfoliation, and all your manscaping needs.
Spargo
$$$ | 1 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Grooming made easy, Spargo is a true one-stop-shop for men offering full salon, barber, and spa services.
Where to Shop for Men’s Grooming Products
Nobody enjoys acne and musty people, including you. A dapper dude should keep a steady skincare routine and always have 1 or 2 signature scents at any time. Be confident in your own skin by using a gentle daily cleanser, moisturizer, and weekly facial scrub to help ensure a clean and clear face. Subtle classic fragrances are always in fashion: go for a woody or spicy scent during the winter while switching over to a lighter, citrusy scent for spring and summer months.
AESOP Skincare
2450 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA
Don’t know where to start with your skincare routine? Visit the fantastic skincare specialists at AESOP on Fillmore Street for a consultation and customized body care regimen based on your specific skin type. AESOP also offers free samples so you don’t have to waste hundreds of dollars before finding the right product for you.
Barney’s Men’s Boutique
2 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA
One of first stops you should make if you’re new to the dapper game. Ask about all the best and latest men’s grooming and fragrance products to start designing your own personal grooming routine.
Kiehl’s
$$ | 865 Market Street, Suite 168, San Francisco, CA
Carrying everything a man might need to keep their skin clear and hair lush, visit Kiehl’s and ask one of their knowledgable staff members about the best products for your grooming regimen.
