*I’m not a chauvinist disclaimer*

Let’s face it: women have all they need when it comes to salons, spas, and other personal grooming facilities. It’s an industry miles and away removed from the tacky, catty perm stations with 2001: A Space Oddity-style hairdryers your mom and grandma used to visit. Every inch of a woman’s body can get variously whacked, waxed, plucked, shorn, trimmed, soaked, infused, humidified, or colored at the ubiquitous “unisex” salons.
    But these places aren’t truly for both genders. Sure, they invite men to come in for a haircut or manicure. But look around the next time you – dear sir – go into your favorite salon. Check out the magazines. Vogue, People, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, etc… these are women’s magazines. Yes, EW is a woman’s magazine. It is the Variety for Midwestern ladies, in fact.
    Now check out the smell. Does it strike you as masculine? What is it? Chemicals, for sure, but is it something you’d ever confuse for Giorgio Armani for Men fragrances? No.
With this flimsy theory thus established, let’s look at a place specifically for men – and not an Old Spice-drenched, stuffed bass on the wall, Burma Shaven, Chesterfield smoked, striped-pole-outside barbershop place, either.
    Opened late last year at 14 S.E. 3rd Street in downtown Evansville,     the V-Bar caters to men. No frilly, frou-frou magazines, no ancient hairdryers, just man stuff. Let’s look at what they offer…
    Haircuts – however you like them. Whether it’s up-to-the-minute styling or the same old cut you’ve gotten since the Ford administration, owner/stylist Kale Viehe (pronounced “Vee”) puts his many years of experience into his work. A lot of that experience is in both his genes – he’s a fourth-generation barber; his father, grandfather and great-grandfather each had barbershops in the area – and from his own years working and learning. Viehe attended art school, worked at a shop in Boonville, and further perfected his craft in Liverpool, England, where he learned that fashion, style, art and entertainment all contribute to a good look.
    Each of those features is found at V-Bar. A big screen projection set is set to permanent “guy movie” status. Kale also has a game system plugged in, so while you’re waiting you can exercise your thumbs. You can also enjoy a great cappuccino, coffee, tea or cold drink while you wait or after you’re finished.
    One of the coolest things is the acoustic/electric guitar Kale has hanging on the wall. He encourages clients to pick it up, plug it into the surround sound system and plink or strum out whatever you like. He even has a variety of effects you can use if you want to add some chorus or reverb or the like.
    Viehe’s art schooling shows in the symmetry and styling of the interior. Stark, even lines, muted earthy colors and a somewhat dim lighting design contribute to a high level of comfort and a feeling of a much larger space than is actually there. It’s sophisticated but as cozy as your living room.
    But all the bells and whistles wouldn’t mean much if there wasn’t a fine cut to be had. And Kale trimmed me up right. I even got the finest shave I think I’ve ever had, one of those old-school, straight razor, three-stage shave with lots of refreshingly healthy botanical-based creams and lotions. I highly recommend the shave – even if you really don’t need one that badly.
    This is the perfect time to stop by and visit Kale and his lovely wife Karolina. With the Holidays in full tilt, give the men on your list their own time at their own place. Gift certificates are available at V-Bar, and Kale has some awesome deals on grooming bags that include upscale products at downscale prices.
    Stop by or call at 962-0770. Hours are Monday thru Friday – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tell Kale I sent you… and maybe I’ll be there too, mangling the guitar and sipping a hot cup of Karolina’s killer iced Chai.