Snip, snip! (Photo via 123RF)

If you’re a guy who doesn’t like going to those boisterous salons catering to the ladies or barbershops that specialize in using dog clippers, someone who just wants to have his hair cut well—but quietly—and with no extra hassle, you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy lanes of Shimokitazawa, among a host of independent coffee shops, purveyors of vintage goods and even waffle houses, Dude is a salon with its priorities firmly in place. The staff there are friendly but efficient, and what they’re keen on doing is giving you what you came for—a stylish haircut that suits you the best and will have you looking and feeling great for the coming summer. They also believe in providing a totally relaxing atmosphere and leaving their customers in peace as they get a trim. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude.

Special Offer:

• Bring this copy of Metropolis for a free English-language consultation

2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-3468-9116. Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. Nearest station: Shimokitazawa. www.dude.jp

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For the man looking to get inked, Ink Illusion Tattoo is a very private studio conveniently located a short walking distance from Shibuya. With two female tattoo artists on staff, Ink Illusion offers a variety of options including full color creations, black & gray work and tribal designs. Original concepts or ideas are more than welcome, and you can bring in your own design or simply sit down and work with the staff to develop an original one created just for you. Of course, you can always choose from one of the many traditional Japanese designs they have on display in their studio for your new piece of body art. One point is ¥7,000; cash only. They’re more than happy to accept inquiries at any time, but if you don’t want to wait for other clients who called in advance, it’s best to make a reservation.

Special Offer:

• Bring this copy of Metropolis for coin-size work from ¥5,000, card size from ¥25,000 and post card-size from ¥40,000

1007 Daines Ichiban-kan Shibuya, 1-11-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3463-3347. Email: info@inkillusion.com. Daily, 2-8pm. Nearest station: Shibuya. www.inkillusion.com

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MDSA

You’ve been hibernating all winter. Now that summer’s here, it’s time to lose the scruff and do a little “manscaping” to look your best for hot days at the beach and lounging on a Tokyo rooftop deck. MDSA Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Juban station, offers secluded treatment rooms, English-speaking staff, a reservation-only policy and an atmosphere that caters to men—as well as women—so it’s not all feminine. The tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs, shoulders, bellies and those “mankini” lines come direct from the U.S. Head in for a free consultation and a localized hair-removal trial to see for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal discomfort and the good value. Rooms can service two people, so bring your friend or girlfriend along to also benefit from MDSA’s service while they hold your hand—if you’re man enough!

Special Offer:

• Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a full face treatment for ¥23,000 (reg. ¥29,250)  or upper back for ¥17,400 (reg. ¥20,500)

Services:

• Men’s hair removal (per visit/per five sessions):
• “Speedo” area: ¥38,000/¥133,000
• Full face: ¥29,250/¥87,750
• Upper body: ¥65,000/¥247,000

2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6435-1276. Email: info@mds-a.jp. Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-11:30pm. Nearest station: Azabu-Juban. http://mds-a.jp/english

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 Sakazen

Tired of trying on that classy shirt only to find that your physique defies Japanese clothing sizes? Maybe you gave up trying a long time ago. Help is at hand in the heart of Shibuya. Sakazen is the perfect place for guys to jump into a cool new wardrobe for the hot summer months. Offering everything from casual clothing to formal suits, the shop specializes in fashion for big and tall men and also stocks regular sizes, which means there’s something for everyone. Their summer-long sale (on until the end of August) has gentlemen’s casual and business wear up to 80 percent off. Suits with an extra pair of pants can be had for just ¥19,000 (reg. ¥49,000) or business jackets for ¥9,800 (reg. ¥29,000). World-famous brands including Versace, Armani and Hugo Boss are available at great prices—and in just your size. So forget flying home to replenish your closet, head to Shibuya and get yourself suited up.

Special Offer:

• Bring in this copy of Metropolis and receive 10% off selected items

29-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3770-1641. Daily 11am-9:30pm. Nearest station: Shibuya. www.sakazen.co.jp

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Sin Den

In Tokyo, guy grooming is a given and summer is the prime time to heat things up with your sense of style. Let the experts at Sin Den help you nail a fresh look that’s easy to maintain and city smart, bring your hairstyle to its peak condition or show off highlights and shades that are huge this year. Sin Den stylists listen to what you want. Whether you like it rough, suave, slick or scruffy, they’ve got you covered with their bilingual and internationally trained team. Why not combine services and save time with a nailist who puts the “man” in manicure! New to Sin Den? Please take advantage of our sizzling summertime deal: trim twenty percent off any man’s first cut or colour. Already enjoying Sin Den’s wickedly great reputation? Add to the fun: just introduce a new gentleman client, and you’ll both get 20% off your next service.

Special Offer:

• 20% off the cost of all treatments on your first appointment (offer valid until Aug 31, 2014)

3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3405-4409. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www.sinden.com

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 VIP Creative Hair

With a friendly, English-speaking team of experts who have been serving the foreign and Japanese communities in Tokyo for many years, VIP Creative Hair salon is here to meet all your hair care needs. Whether you’re looking for just a trim or a hot new look for summer, Yuko and her staff will roll out the red carpet and treat you right as they help you upgrade your look for beach, party and travel season. All of their basic men’s cuts include a stimulating shampoo, style, refreshing hot or cold towel and relaxing shoulder massage. Cuts are carried out in private rooms and beverages are served on request. As their loyal foreign clients will attest, you can leave your stress behind, relax and enjoy the VIP treatment at this exceptional hair salon.

Special Offer:

• Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off plus a 15-min head spa (valid until the end of Aug 2014)

Services:

• Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights and head spa
• Body: Waxing and men’s facials

2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minatu-ku. Tel: 03-6408-6132. Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon. Nearest station: Hiroo or Roppongi. www.vipcreativehair.jp