Lifestyle(Archives)
The Tommy Gun’s Experience
I now know why women enjoy going to the spa so much. For myself (and I’m sure many men) the process of getting a haircut is akin to going to the dentist (albeit less painful) or getting an oil change. It’s simply something that has to be done. Shaving falls under the same category, although at least we can do that ourselves. But combining the two into an exhilarating experience has made Tommy Gun’s a favourite destination of Fort McMurray men for the last several years. I had to find out first-hand what all the hype was about.
Upon entering the downtown location in Clearwater Landing (a second location recently opened in Stoneycreek) I was immediately greeted by a friendly hostess who led me over to their touch screen. I punched in my name and phone number and was given an approximate wait time. Now normally waiting for an appointment is a pain in the butt. Most places will have a small selection of magazines but Tommy Gun’s goes well beyond that. In addition to the Men’s magazines, they also have leather chairs, a big screen TV and a selection of arcade games like pinball and Big Buck Hunter. I actually found myself wishing my wait time was longer! I had barely had a chance to sip on my complimentary coffee when my name was called to the chair.
The Tommy Gun’s décor is something that needs to be seen. Part barbershop, part mancave- the centrepiece of the room is a beautiful Harley Davidson motorcycle with a gigantic Mac Tools toolbox behind it. Doesn’t get much more manly than that! I was greeted by the very friendly and knowledgeable Kathy who sat me down in the chair. I was able to keep tabs on the tennis match with a TV built into the mirror- meaning at almost any position during the haircut I was able to view it. Kathy and I discussed a few looks before she went right to work on my hair. With a satisfying cut and a shampoo, it was now time for my hot shave!
If you’ve never experienced a hot shave before, you are missing out. Satisfying in the way that your razor at home just can’t emanate. I have had a few hot shaves before at various barbershops in and out of Fort McMurray, and although they were mostly satisfactory, I can’t say they had nearly the amount of care and precision as Tommy Gun’s. Before the razor even touched my face I was treated to about four or five hot towels different lotions or creams - each one separated by a relaxing hot towel that helped to open up my pores. Kathy kept me informed the whole time, explaining the various products she was using and even the purpose (i.e. this one cleans out the grime, this one exfoliates your skin).Throughout the hot shave, Kathy took her time to make sure every spot was cleaned. At no point did it feel rushed; in fact, it was so relaxing I almost nodded off a few times. I’m told I wouldn’t be the first person to briefly doze off during one of Tommy Gun’s hot shaves!
After another hot towel and some after shave lotion and cream I was treated to le crème de la crop of the Tommy Gun’s experience: the Scalp Massage. You forget just how sensitive the scalp area is until you feel the pure exhilaration of one, and it’s the perfect way to finish off your Tommy Gun’s experience. Kathy also took the time to style my hair following the massage.
Upon leaving I took the time to check out Tommy Gun’s great product selection of all kinds of shampoo, creams and moisturizers used during the cut and shave. They also had some neat, rather unexpected products like tattoo care kits. Don’t forget to get a stamp card as you leave...your 11th cut will be free!
Tommy Gun’s is open seven days a week for walk-ins only for men and “soon to be men” in Clearwater Landing and Stoney Creek.
