Every two weeks Burton Greenberg comes into the M.A.C. Barbershop for a pedicure. For him, it's the ultimate relaxation.
As Gloria Morris, a Barbershop employee, pampers his feet, he sits back in a vibrating massage chair with a cup of coffee swirling with cream and the latest St. Louis Post Dispatch. He's been doing this for about two years.
"I think I saw another person getting one (a pedicure) here, and I decided to try it," Greenberg said.
He's been hooked ever since. As he sits back in the pedicure throne with a paper and a relaxed grin on his face, it's easy to understand why he keeps coming back for more.
Gloria begins Greenberg's pedicure with a warm foot soak in a Peppermint-and-Eucalyptus-scented bubble basin. She uses Creative Spa Products, which incorporate essential oils for a luxurious spa experience.
"It (a pedicure) makes your life better," Gloria said. "I think it makes you better as a person. I don't think you realize how uncomfortable your feet are until you get a pedicure."
To make her clients' feet more comfortable, Gloria spends a lot of time removing dead skin. She first sands the feet with an exfoliating sander. Then, she lathers them with sweet-smelling sea salt until the until they are smooth and callus-free. Finally, she gently works thick lotion into the clients' feet and shins.
Gloria also pays extra attention to the toes. She clips, cleans and buffs them, and if clients want, she can add strengthener, polish or repair a broken nail with glue.
"It's maintenance, and it keeps the feet well," Gloria said. "A lot of older people can't reach their feet, and if they did, they could really hurt themselves."
After working at the M.A.C. for almost a year, Gloria says the setup at the Club is ideal. She can sit next to clients and give them $20 manicures while they're getting their hair trimmed. Then, she can concentrate on their feet.
"Maybe it's the best known secret here at the M.A.C.," Gloria said jokingly.
Greenberg's pedicure takes less than an hour, but Gloria warns it may take longer for clients who don't receive bi-weekly treatment. She works as long as the clients' feet need her attention.
The special attention Gloria gives each client is well worth the $40 a pedicure costs. Prior to each appointment she gets her client his/her favorite drink and reading material. Some members like coffee from the cafeteria or wine from the bar. As she works on the members' feet, they sit back in a vibrating chair with a remote to the big screen TV on the left and controls to the massaging chair on the right.
"It's incredibly relaxing and very soothing," Gloria said. "It's a great escape for the gentlemen."
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