The average men’s grooming routine has comfortably evolved past the perfunctory one-and-done soap bar. A quick shave and a grimacing slap of Aramis (or Old Spice, if you want to go really old-school) is so passé. As trends and habits populate the growing men’s beauty market, meticulous skincare steps have since taken over, slipping in the odd toner and La Mer eye cream without ever forgetting the all-important SPF protection. 

And gents, this is not just an exercise in vanity fare. According to Custom Market Insights, “the demand of global male grooming products market size and share was valued at approximately US$55 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach a value of around US$110 billion by 2030.” In that forecast period, the report also puts forth a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6 percent, supporting the rising phenomenon of increased beauty awareness among men. “Further, increasing demand for toiletries and shaving products is propelling the demand for male grooming products,” the report continues. “Awareness concerning cleanliness and personal hygiene is another significant factor boosting the market growth.”

These statistics are staggering. Outside of bathrooms, targeted treatments devised by top wellness destinations around the city add to this new standard of men’s grooming—an area that no longer begins and ends with a simple shave, pluck, or trim.  In Hong Kong, tried and tested, here are the finest establishments—posh, prim, and proper—that we at Robb Report Hong Kong have borne witness to.

The Mandarin Barber  

Quietly tucked away on the second floor of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is where you will find the legendary institution The Mandarin Barber. A Central mainstay since 1963, the well-respected venue—fitted with sophisticated marbling, deep oaks, and glossy leather—harks back to Old Shanghai aesthetics with a similarly traditional menu of bespoke grooming services for men. From a usual haircut and shave, lean back into a full head-to-toe treatment by the dedicated barber team with facials to massages, waxing, and a renowned Shanghainese Pedicure. 

Robb Recommends: The Get to the Root of Healthy-Looking Hair and Scalp treatment. It is a full hour of indulgence with Keravive, a “hydrafacial” treatment for the scalp.

The Peninsula Spa 

A decidedly luxurious venue with sweeping Victoria Harbour views, The Peninsula Spa—located at the historically acclaimed hotel of its namesake—is made up of lavish treatment rooms that continue the contemporary-meets-traditional Chinese design of space. Here, a series of treatments awaits, targeting the mind, body, soul, and anything in-between. 

Robb Recommends: The extensive range is inclusive to men, but for any gentlemen looking for something more specific, the 90-minute Intense Defense for Men is a facial effective in stimulating collagen, improving dullness, and brightening the complexion, all with Voya’s fine organic ingredients. 

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong  

For a restful day of full restoration, The Spa at Four Seasons Hong Kong is a worthy destination. Set in the heart of Central against enviable harbourfront views, the venue is a favourite of ours for the tranquil ambience that seemingly whisks you far, far away from the busy cityscape. With a comprehensive treatment menu, you will be spoilt for choice, from the relaxing Jade Stone Massage to the men’s specific Executive Grooming Facial, available in sessions of 60, 90, and 120 minutes, that cycles through a refreshing routine that cleanses and calms. 

Robb Recommends: The Cranial Sacral Therapy. Using gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back, this relieves the stress and pain caused by compression in the fascia and connective tissues. You will enjoy the best sleep thereafter.

Asaya 

Not just a well-thought-out spaced sandwiched between the floors of a well-heeled establishment, Asaya at Rosewood Hong Kong brands itself as an urban wellness concept. A tucked-away oasis in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, above and beyond the madding crowd, the luscious destination is vibrant with green foliage that compliments Asaya’s natural approach to holistic, tailored treatments. 

Robb Recommends: In addition to revitalising body treatments and intensive hair care by Shhh Salon’s flagship, the 60-minute Anti-Vice Skin Solution Treatment is an effective rescuer for any budding concerns, using Goa products (exclusive to Rosewood) to recover the skin from internal and external stressors using a strategic selection of acids, including retinol and AHAs.  

EstheClinic 

The trained experts at EstheClinic are not only well-informed in the latest skincare trends, but they also know exactly what your skin—or any part of your body—needs the moment you step into the pristine Central clinic. While most of the aesthetic beauty services are open to men, EstheClinc has tailored treatments that target specific concerns, from skin and scalp to body treatments. All the gadgets and machines aside, this scientific approach to grooming will leave you aglow from the inside out. 

Robb Recommends: The Glow to Go skin rejuvenation treatment with intense pulsed light. The overall effect is immediate; it reduces signs of aging, lightens dark spots with zero-pain IPL technology, and helps regenerate and rejuvenate your skin. Notable improvement on the overall tone and texture of your skin is palpable. 

Handsome Factory  

With over five brick-and-mortar spaces set up across Hong Kong, including a long-standing residency at Lane Crawford, Handsome Factory is a popular destination that promises an authentic barbershop experience. Each location is recognisable by its iconic retro design, decorated with checkered floors and plush leather seats where you will find traditional grooming services of wet shaves, beard trimming, and haircuts performed with precise efficiency.

Robb Recommends: The haircut and professional wet shave from a master barber. Sit back, relax, and let the experts morph you from feral man to gentleman.  

Yun Wellness at Island Shangri-La

We had an exclusive, “careful-the-paint-is-still-wet” preview, and we are swooning. Coming soon, the Island Shangri-La has an oasis, sanctuary, stylish high-tech gym, spa, VIP private room, recovery and treatment centre, pool, and garden restaurant all included in one large, expansive space under the aegis of the Yun Wellness title. Oh, and there is a tree in the centre of its cavernous rooms. 

Set to open in the summer of 2023, the eighth floor of the luxury hotel in the heart of Admiralty has upped the ante; there is nothing like this multi-hyphenate wellness club in the area, with the lushest interiors, function rooms, and healing centre. 

Robb Recommends: The gym. Every machine is a chic black gadget. With limited membership and access, this is for the chosen few. 

Watch this space as we get first look, images, and first dibs on what promises to be a game-changer in the grooming industry.