New Brisbane

I was going to save the first entry of our new lifestyle section for a report on my upcoming weekend adventure, but I was so impressed by my Friday night to Elan Hair & Body on Edward St in the city that I’ve decided it deserves to be first.

élan Men’s Hair & Body
162 Edward St
Brisbane

Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6pm (Thurs: 8:30am-8pm)
Sat: 10am-4pm
Ph: (07) 3003 0031
web: www.elanstyle.com.au
Gift Vouchers Availale

Since moving to Brisbane in March ‘08, I’ve lamented the loss of my stylist in Perth. It took me 15 years to find a men’s stylist who was genuinely concerned about giving a quality cut and who didn’t mind being challenged creatively. Since coming to Brisbane, all I’ve been stuck with is luxury-salon wannabes who serve a fantastic cappucino, but who give a terrible haircut, often resulting in a fauxhawk, or some other terrible hair style - yes gentleman, that’s right, the fauxhawk went out in 2007, along with popped collars on pink polo shirts and other similarly hideous trends I refused to buy into.

Another reason I’ve been sad about losing my stylist is that he also did male waxing and grooming, and as it’s not a subject I feel comfortable asking just anybody about, the persian rug that I call my back & shoulder hair has remained in tact. Fortunately, in addition to being a specialist men’s hair salon, Elan’s also does waxing, massage and beauty treatments (rugged & manly beauty treatments, I should add) and after getting my haircut there, and meeeting the staff, I feel fully comfortable coming back to Elan’s sometime in the near future to meet some of my author style needs.

My visit to Elan’s resulted after a decision on Thursday afternoon to get my haircut in preperation for a big weekend, but not wanting to trust my beloved locks to the fauxhawk butcher again, I turned to my trusty friend Google. Within minutes I was checking out Elan’s website, which while not working in Firefox (Ed’s browser of choice), is amazing nonetheless - with lots of information on their services, pricing and specials, as well as the ability to book online.

Even at short notice, they were able to squeeze me in and with their handy CBD location on Edward St, I was able to duck in shortly after work on Friday evening. Once there, I opted for the $40 introductory special they’re running in January for new customers, which is reported to contain over $300 in value.

Élan Introductory Pack - $39.95

- Pre-cut consultation
- ‘Élan Signature’ style cut
- Relaxing shampoo & wash
- Invigorating deep scalp massage
- Styling demonstration on how to get that ‘salon’ look every day
- ‘Élan essential’ hot towel and cold infused towel revitalisation
- Refreshments of your choice from our salon menu
- Traditional neck-shave with a cut-throat razor
- VIP “Welcome Pack” with special bonus gifts ($200 value!)

After a few seconds sitting with the provided beverage, the package begins with a quick consultation with my stylist about what I want to do, and she immediately wins me over by laughing at my not-always-funny jokes and by her shared hatred of fauxhawks and popped collars on pink polo shirts. She explains to me what would work with my hairline and why, and asked lots of quesetions and gave good feedback on my answers, which left me with some great options.

From there, we moved to the hairwashing portion of my introductory package, where I got to sit in the massage chair while my hair was washed and then my scalp massaged. I’m not sure why the wateer she used on my head was cold, but I can only assume there was a secret stylist reason behind it. Either that or it was an accident.

While I was in the chair with my head in a sink, I thought it would be a good opportunity to ask her about the other services she offered. My stylist seemed to know her stuff, though didn’t really elaborate too much, which is good on one hand as it wasn’t a pushy sale, but unfortunate on the other as I was genuinely interested in Elan’s other services. I could’ve kept asking questions, but I knew most of what they offered from my previous trip to their website anyway.

The cut itself went rather well, with my stylist making friendly chit chat the whole through. Continuing on from her pre-cut consultation, she discussed the various options I had to work with my particular head of hair - what would be best, how I should wear it, etc. Followed by a bit of styling clay to finish the look, I was quite pleased with the result and I will definitely be making Elan my new place to go for a haircut.

“I will definitely be making Elan my new place to go for a haircut.”

Following the cut, I had the back of my neck and my sideburns shaved with a “cut-throat” razor - something the fauxhawk guy never did and which is my base-level standard for a decent men’s stylist. Fashion tip for the guys - hairy necks are not and have never been ‘in’, get that neckline tidied up pronto.

This close shave was then followed by a hot & cold towel face treatment, which was rather pleasant, and the whole process was wrapped up with a spray of cologne - I opted for Ferrari’s fragrance. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my $200 gift/sample pack at the time, but I’m assured it will be mailed out to me.

All up, my visit to Elan Hair & Body made what can sometimes be a chore for us guys into a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to get back to try out their deluxe 45 minute shave, or one of their hand/foot treatments. For the ladies out there looking to get their man something special (perhaps for upcoming Valentine’s Day?), I would definitely recommend a gift certificate from their website - for a haircut at the least, and a deluxe package if you really want to treat them.

- Ross