Beauty: It’s a guy thing

LAHORE:
While women embrace cosmetic surgery, men have just recently started feeling less ashamed about getting facials and body waxes. Redah Misbah, the daughter of Masarrat Misbah, and the Creative Director of The Lounge, has taken advantage of this changing trend and introduced a salon which provides men with a masculine environment to indulge in activities our society does not generally consider masculine. Standing like an oasis in the middle of heavy traffic and the concrete jungle that surrounds Lahore’s Y Block in DHA, The Lounge has taken Lahore by storm. Even though the space itself does not seem large enough to host more than 12 guests at a time, it stands out as it does not give off a spa like sensibility.
Decor
With furnishings and decor of the salon in Depilex’s corporate colour Green, there seems to be an obvious retro yet soothing aura to the venue. It has been designed by Saad Kureshi and Ifran Chaudhary of Architect Inc and the interiors have been executed by two young aspiring decorators Sayeda and Aiyma.
Regarding the aesthetics of The Lounge, Masarrat Misbah, the visionary behind Depilex says, “We are trying to provide a client-friendly environment where men feel welcome, that’s why the interior is modern and in solid colours.”
Treatments
From facials, massages, groom and model make-up to highlighting and full body wax services, The Lounge offers it all.
The response
Men have responded positively as throngs of celebrities as well as self-proclaimed celebrities turned up at the spa launch. RJ Sumi was the first to comment, “Guys have found a place where they can find their ‘me time’.” Another client Mehdi was overheard saying, “This venture is going places!”
Regarding the choice of treatments, motor biking sensation Moin Khan said, “I am thrilled to get a pedicure.” Home decor expert Hamza Tarar said, “After getting my hair styled, I plan on getting a full body massage.” Another client, Mujtaba Khan of Zaka Group said, “The chairs look so comfortable that I cannot wait to get a manicure done.”
Talking to Redah Misbah
What all has been lined up for Depilex’s 30th anniversary?
The launch of The Lounge was the last thing on our anniversary agenda and with this new baby in place, we come out and celebrate our 30 years.
What sets The Lounge apart?
We are installing a tool that will allow clients to visually see how a particular shade would look on them.
Why do you think men will be more receptive to The Lounge?
Although men do utilise spa facilities at other unisex spas, we felt that it was time that a space was created that was solely for them and they could sit there without any inhibitions.
How did you decide on the services for men?
After extensive discussions with our regular clients and conducting intensive market surveys, we understood that the focus of men is more on the quality of the product. Therefore, we are using products from Guinot, Gilden Tree, Paul Mitchell and Wella.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2012.