'Risque' men's salon continues US expansion

[The Hat]

Scantily-clad women and beer on tap: two things not normally associated with a men's hair salon. But one American franchise company called Knockouts is taking a different approach to the traditional grooming experience.

Described by some as 'Hooters and haircuts', Knockouts' customers get a styling or beauty service from ladies wearing mini-shorts and low-cut tops. And if their attention isn't sufficiently gained by the attractive employees, then watching a sports match on their individual flat screen TV or drinking complimentary beer might do the trick.

The sports-theme concept has turned Knockouts into a rapidly-growing franchise network in the US, gaining a strong fanbase with men across a host of states.

However, it hasn't been without controversy. One of its latest openings in Wisconsin has gained media attention after a member of the council insisted the salon was not appropriate for the Wauwatosa area. Alderman Don Birschel opposed Knockouts by comparing it with an escort service. The salon eventually got the go ahead last week but a ruling is to be made on whether it can provide massage services.

 

[eliza-bean]

i like it!its brave and is a sure winner! what man doesnt like boose and scantaly dressed women cutting their hair.....its a winning formula in the right place! genius!

and as for the controversy thats brilliant, what a good advertizment, thats a sure way to get your bussiness known!

i know our industry is very highly based on pride and opulance and professionalism but this is just a different take on it!

why play by the rules sometimes its when they are broken that brilliant things happen

 

[deanosnana]

IMHO, I feel this type of 'service' cheapens our profession!

 

[angelina221]

I think they should have a salon for the women too! It's not fair that just men get their own salon.
I want buff topless men, honed and toned with bulging thighs. Also a fridge full of chocolate and our own personal tv showing the shopping channels! Hmmm now that's an idea :lol:

 

[Kim Lawless]

I think it's hilarious!

 

[tog]

I think they should have a salon for the women too! It's not fair that just men get their own salon.
I want buff topless men, honed and toned with bulging thighs. Also a fridge full of chocolate and our own personal tv showing the shopping channels! Hmmm now that's an idea :lol:

Here here! you took the words right out of my mouth! in fact I was just sitting here wondering where I could recruit guys like that to work at my salon . . . :lol:

 

[Divine Beauty Newcastle]

Ugh, like we don't get enough disrespect from some men out there.

.................

Divine Beauty
Mobile Beauty & Holistics in Newcastle Upon Tyne
http://www.divine-beauty.co.uk
​

 

[deanosnana]

ugh, like we don't get enough disrespect from some men out there.

Amen!

 

[lisa.sharrock]

I think it's funny too!

Angelina, i'm in full agreement! Shall we set up our own franchise?!!! ;0)

 

[jacqueline]

I agree it cheapens things, as if we don't work hard enough in the industry to get away from this sort of thing.

It's not really a new concept as such as there are already franchises in the States where they have sports channels and probably beer so now the are just adding the girls.

 

[Catherine S]

Maybe I need to lighten up, but personally, I don't like this idea at all. I think it's cheap and nasty.

 

[fozzyo]

I am currently in the States and I think this is utterly brilliant! It taps into the America Man's mindset perfectly.

I don't think it 'cheapens' the profession at all, it just puts a different spin on it that appeals to a certain market.

 

[Catherine S]

I think that's a bit of an insult to decent men to call this the "man's mindset" though

 

[HairSquared]

They tried this concept about five years ago here, and it lasted all of 6 months. Throwing down an excess of money for a service that has doubled due to the nudity involoved led to accusations (rightfully so apparently) of prostitution and such.
It seems men believed that if they could pay extra for a topless cut, they could pay even more for whatever they wanted. FAIL.

 

[weezie]

I find it a bit tacky!

 

[Kim Lawless]

Oh yeah......tacky for sure........but still bloody hilarious. If men are stupid enough to pay for it then they deserve what they get, even if that is just a bad haircut.

 

[fozzyo]

Just to be clear Knockouts does not offer any topless or nude services!!

It is a Salon that offers hair services by good looking your girls, wearing tight fighting tops and shorts / mini skirts - I'm thinking cuts by Cheerleaders. They're probably a bit flirty and enjoy laughing with their clients.

To me that sounds like half the salons in my area, maybe the girls don't wear quite so short skirts but I can definitely think of several who fit the bill.

It is taking the concept of male grooming to a well branded, well designed and well targeted level.

 

[VHunter]

I have SEVERAL issues with this:

- it promotes objectifying women
- it promotes discrimination on the job force (the job description is to CUT HAIR etc... which has nothing to do with whether or not someone is unattractive or overweight or flat chested etc Why should the woman who looks like a model make more than one who doesn't for the same job?)
- it further denegrates the already low public-opinion of beauticians
- it puts women at risk of unwanted attention or innapropriate behaviour from the clients
- etc... I could go on forever

I like the beer and sports tv idea etc... but get rid of 'eye candy'.

While I'm all for open opportunities, and fresh ideas and targeting specific markets... I think this idea is "OTT" and thoroughly innapropriate.

If the men want 'eye candy', then let them buy a magazine or go to a strip club.

signed: truly sick and tired of 'sex' or the 'idea of sex' being used to sell everything from tools for your truck (snapon tools calendar - Google Searchtool distributor calendar images) to haircuts (see above). AND THEY WONDER WHY A) women think men are brainless and ruled by other parts of their anatomy and B) why men think women are simply there for their own enjoyment..........grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[fozzyo]

This is one of those arguments that can be argued for days on end both ways. Though I just want to make my standard comment about how it objectifies people.

I've just spend four fantastic days in one of my fave cities ... San Francisco. The bar boys here are both a pleasure to be served by and more often then not to look at as well. The fact that they wear tight revealing shirts (or sometimes they even forget to bring them to work) is of course a bonus for me. And they do it for a reason ... I tip better.

As much as it annoys people, sex and sexuality sells, always has and always will.

Mat

 

[MissOwen]

This is one of those arguments that can be argued for days on end both ways. Though I just want to make my standard comment about how it objectifies people.

I've just spend four fantastic days in one of my fave cities ... San Francisco. The bar boys here are both a pleasure to be served by and more often then not to look at as well. The fact that they wear tight revealing shirts (or sometimes they even forget to bring them to work) is of course a bonus for me. And they do it for a reason ... I tip better.

As much as it annoys people, sex and sexuality sells, always has and always will.

Mat

I totally agree, if we turned the tables and Angelina opened her hot male salon (please do!), everyone would be full of amusement about it! I'd be tempted to have a look!!

Men going to a strip club is often seen as seedy, women off to see the 'dream boys' receives a different view of fun and enjoyment.

This type of place will only appeal to a certain type of man and only a certain type of woman will work there.

The men will be the type not to concern so much about the quality as they will be enjoying the experience! :green:
The women who take the job will most likely be the type who enjoy using their blessed good looks to their advantage.

Its totally the choice of both of them to do it and good luck to them all!! :green: