Highlights, massages, manicures, pedicures and haircuts — all things provided at most beauty salons in the area. When people think of those who take advantage of these services, many typically think of females. However, that perception has changed over the past few years.

The popularity of males going to beauty salons for numerous services has been consistently growing. The reasons behind this new trend are numerous.

Patty Pumfrey, the owner of Unique Concepts Salon in Sycamore, said the reason behind the increased popularity among males coming to salons is the atmosphere.

“Guys really like the interaction and relationships between stylist and customer. They also like that we have fun personalities. Overall, they like the atmosphere,” she said.

Javier Ruiz, a freshman finance major, gets his hair cut at Reyna’s Beauty Salon & Barber Shop, 149 S. Third St., and enjoys the feel of the establishment.

“I like getting my hair cut [at Reyna’s] because she makes you feel welcomed and at home. She keeps up really great conversation and makes you the center of attention,” Ruiz said.

Jane Levinsky, the owner of Studio One, 444 E. Hillcrest Drive, agrees the atmosphere of a salon makes a huge difference. She believes, however, that the progressiveness of the today’s society contributes to the growth of males coming to salons.

“Once the term ‘metrosexual’ became a label for men who care about their appearance, they began to be comfortable with this fact, and the term made it okay to come to salons. For males who aren’t metrosexual, simply seeing men at salons makes it seem more acceptable and normal,” Levinsky said.

Another way salons are making males feel accepted and comfortable at their establishments has to do with gender inclusive decor and feel.

Phillip Garee, a freshman political science major, has taken advantage of the massage services offered at salons.

“I was comfortable walking into the salon because I didn’t feel like it was just for girls; it was gender neutral,” he said.

Levinsky said at Studio One they make a deliberate attempt to have the salon be neutral.

“The setting isn’t like a beauty shop or a masculine barbershop. That way it’s comfortable for our male and female customers,” Levinsky said.

Whether males are coming to salons for the atmosphere or just because it’s now acceptable, they are taking advantage of the services offered.

“Males get haircuts and massages the most, but some males are getting manicures and pedicures also. The popularity of these services has gone up,” Pumfrey said.

With the popularity rising, the future of males in salons looks bright.

“I think [the number] will double or triple in the next few years,” Levinsky said.