Get your hair — and your drink — spiked at these grooming hotspots
 

FOR HER | Natural Hype

The Japanese have really mastered the art of precision, and nowhere is this more evident than in the streamlined operations of Fumio Ohnishi, 34, who runs this two-year-old salon as a solo stylist, with two female assistants, one of whom gave us a really blissful shampoo massage. Fumio, born in Osaka, has been living in Manila for around five years now and charges men and women a uniform price (PHP1,800) for a haircut.

He runs a tight ship in a tight space, with a red couch in a tiny reception area where you can discuss your preferred style before he starts snipping away. Right beside the couch is a bar with bottles of Japanese single malt whisky, Tanqueray gin, Jaegermeister and Hennessy, all standing proudly in line. However, drinks are not on the menu. Fumio has them for friends who drop by. But why be so cruel and leave them there for everyone to see, right?

Go ahead and ask for a shot while listening to Fumio’s clubby piped-in music. Mon-Sat by appointment only. 2/F Blue Sapphire Bldg, 2nd Ave cor 30th St, BGC, Taguig, +63 2 4784226. PHP1,800 for haircut.

FOR HIM | Felipe & Sons

This mancave offers everything a classic gentleman still needs in the 21st century: haircut and a shave, bespoke clothing, a shoe shine stand and a shot of liquor. A service that has been written up is the luxury straight razor shave (PHP800), a one-hour ritual that includes a lot of hot towels, a facial and back massage. They also have a less elaborate hair cut and rinse service (PHP250) that you can top up to include a barber’s massage (PHP300 for 30 minutes, PHP500 for 60 minutes).

For those who want a complete makeover, there are custom-measured shirts (PHP1,850) and pants (PHP3,550), among others, that take about a week to finish. Where does the drink come in? The Felipe (PHP590) package gets you a cut, shave and a drink (choice of Pale Pilsen or San Miguel Light).

But you can also order hard liquor (vodka, scotch, rum, whiskey) separately, with or without a service. Mezzanine A, LPL Mansions, 122 San Agustin St, Salcedo Village, Makati; +63 2 9497703. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 11am-9pm. Local and imported beer (PHP60-PHP160), vodka (PHP125-PHP200 per shot), whiskey (PHP160), single malt (PHP180-PHP425)