Men Need a Little 'Me' Time, Too

Schinnerer said he was drawn to salons because of two women: his wife, Lana Schinnerer, and Gloria Harding, her friend.

Schinnerer said he started going to salons about six years ago to get more "manscaping" done and the occasional pedicure.

"It's nice to get your feet massaged, and it's something you can do with your wife," Schinnerer said. "My friends have never said anything about going, and I don't care if they do. They are missing out."

Schinnerer said he enjoys the salon but goes only about three times a year. Sometimes, he said, it is nice to keep all his hair.

"Believe me, my wife tells me all the time to get rid of nose hair or hair on my ears. I listen to her sometimes, but sometimes you just want to be manly and not do all that upkeep."

Martin said it was an afro that barbers couldn't handle that got him started on salons in the 1970s. But with the 'fro long gone, it was his daughter and the chance to donate to charity that got him to Tranquility on Thursday.

"I remember the first salon I went to was my mom's, and it was in a mall. I was sitting in the waiting area, and if I saw one of my friends come by I would hide my face in the magazine," he said. But now, he said, he's no longer embarrassed. "Things have changed. I have three daughters and a wife, so I am surrounded by women. I now live in a woman's world."

Although most of the men walked through the academy's door Thursday because they had a loved one in the business, Manassas resident Angel Montanez wandered in on his own.

The 39-year-old communications inspector's neon-yellow vest was covered by a purple smock. Although he kept his cellphone on hand for any work-related calls, Montanez said he was ready to relax and get pampered for a few hours.

"Friends pick on me, because they think I shouldn't waste that much time on myself," he said. "I say, if you can waste time beating yourself up, you can spend the same time getting pampered. This is not at all just a girl thing."

A salongoer for 10 years, Montanez said he likes the environment because stylists compliment customers and the services are extensive, allowing him to get not just a haircut, but a scalp massage and occasional pedicure.

"It is much appreciated," Montanez said.

On Thursday, Montanez opted to color his mustache, which grows half white and half brown, and get a "shoeshine," or highlights. Stylist Mollie Romine said she didn't know why the service is called a shoeshine, but it's how Tranquility markets the service to men.

After emerging from the dome-shaped Jetsons'-like hair dryer, Montanez said he was pleased with his new look. Salon employees told him he looked "10 years younger."

"See, they compliment you here. You don't get that at the barbershop," he said.

Montanez's hair coloring was probably the most exotic procedure done during the event meant to introduce men to waxings and other grooming procedures.

Oh well. At least the wings and drinks went over well.