WINDERMERE, Fla. — The luxury of self-care and pampering isn’t just for women.

It's the message behind, Hammer & Nails, Central Florida’s first and only barber spa that just opened in Windermere.

After 22 years, Cut and Shave Artist Jason Vargas takes immense pride in his work.

“It is a little bit of a satisfaction when you see the client actually done with the service and see how great they feel about themselves,” said Vargas. 

That’s why when he saw the opportunity to work at Hammer & Nails — a luxury grooming experience tailored to men — he knew he had to take it. Here, he can take his time carefully crafting hair cuts, straight-razor shaves and facials.

“I’ve seen where a lot of places don’t even offer the straight razor,” said Vargas. “This is the highest level of self care that you can receive.”

Proving that self care isn’t just for the ladies.

“I’ve been in the position where it is all women in the room and all eyes are on you and it is pretty nerve-wracking… all the eyes are on you as a man,” said Vargas. 

That is exactly what owners Subadra Gutti and Madhavi Kasu wanted to avoid by creating this rugged environment for men to get pampered. It’s a new concept they think will take off.

“We just live the space and the ambiance here. I feel like it is catered to men. It’s mainly, there are wood tones…. you know men are typically very uncomfortable getting their nails done. They are walking into the usual women’s space where they feel like they just aren’t welcome and this is a space that is catered just for them,” said Gutti.

A stop at the in-house bar for a premium pour and some of their new clients feel more comfortable tucking into a leather chair, watching a game and trying out premium services like the Jack Hammer Manicure and Pedicure. For Nick Cotton, this is a first.

“I have never had a pedicure done so my wife was very encouraging for me to get this done and I am very much enjoying it,” “I will never have to clip my toenails again,” said Cotton. 

A luxury he now thinks more men should be open to trying .

“By having some bourbon when you come in is a great way to break the ice and have that conversation,” said Cotton, laughing. 

As for Vargas, the smiles on his client’s faces are enough to tell him he’s in the right place.

“This luxury and this attention for men is definitely something that we have needed in the industry for quite some time now,” said Vargas. 

Now, while they cater this shop to men, they will offer services to women who don’t want to miss out on the fun.