18|8 salon offers unique grooming experience for men

David and Andrea Floyd have a large metal plaque on a wall in their business that tells of a discovery that Harry Brearly found in England in 1913. He discovered that adding 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel to steel eliminated the steel’s tendency to oxidize and rust, transforming it into a better looking and performing stainless steel. The Floyds’ business, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon at University Station in Westwood, offers clients a wide selection of grooming services.

18|8 Fine Men’s Salon owner David Floyd

“When you feel confident in how you look, it gives you that confidence to go out and do your best,” David Floyd said.

The Floyds opened 18|8 in May of 2016. “What really attracted us was how unique it was,” Floyd said. “It’s a completely different experience.”

Eighteen Eight accepts drop-in clients, but people are encouraged to make an appointment. Once they arrive, a receptionist greets them and directs them to a waiting area that includes a television set, magazines, and a beverage station with water, sodas, juice, and coffee.

The salon is decorated in dark earth tones and comprises several semi-private grooming stations, a private room for waxing services, and restrooms. Each station includes a large wall mirror, sink and towel-warmer. A stylist escorts clients to an area in the back of the salon where an armoire holds several robes. Clients choose a robe, change out of their shirt in one of the restrooms, and then  head to the stylist’s grooming station for a consultation about how the clients style their hair.

“Training is a huge part of our culture here,” Floyd said, adding that stylists undergo monthly training workshops on all aspects of cutting and styling hair and other grooming services.

For a Classic Haircut, the stylist begins by washing the clients’ hair and then cutting it in such a way to leave the clients with what Floyd called a long, lean, angular look. “That’s how men look,” he said.

Stylists also trim the clients’ neck and then wash their hair a second time to clear their skin of loose hair. Clients enjoy a warm towel over their face for three to four minutes before their hair is styled. Then the client changes from robe back to shirt. “You can walk out of here, you feel great,” Floyd said.

In addition to the Classic Haircut, 18|8 offers an Executive Haircut, which includes a five-minute neck and scalp massage, and a Young Master Haircut for those under 12 years of age. They also offer an Executive Membership option of paying in advance for seven haircuts with a $5 discount. The membership includes seven cleanups (one between each haircut), 50 percent off one grooming service, and 15 percent off all retail products.

Floyd acknowledged that some people may have the perception that 18|8 is a salon that clients visit only before heading to a wedding or prom. “We’re a special occasion place, but not just for special occasions,” he said. “We’re priced to be a place where guys come every four to six weeks to get their hair cut.”

And as the sign on the receptionist’s counter says, women are welcome. “Everybody’s welcome,” Floyd said.

18|8 is located at 143 University Avenue, across the parking lot from Home Goods at the University Station shopping center. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call 781-917-3333 or visit eighteeneight.com/westwood-ma.

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on Apr 28 2017. Filed under Business. Both comments and pings are currently closed.