ManCave理发师休息室is at the intersection of a men's salon and a barbershop, created with the aim of being a cut above the rest.

"We wanted to make it different from other barbershops," explains owner Vivian Tien, who opened the Annex shop on March 1. "When you're thinking barbershops, you're thinking 'Oh, it's old school with Italian men. And you're in and out. Quick.' We wanted to cater to all sorts of men. Men that want to pamper themselves."

If you want a classic barbershop feel with a hand massage and a mini-facial, you're in good hands. Literally. Their signature cut, the 007, for instance, comes equipped with a cut, shampoo, head and hand massage, a hand wax, mini-facial and, to top it off (pun intended), they provide a complimentary two-week, post-cut clean up. That will run you $39. They also offer a standard cut and styling - the Wise Guy - for $27. Straight razor shaves ($32) and beard trims ($14) are also on the list.

They balance out the pampering with the classic, yet ultra-modern barbershop feel. When I walk in on a bright weekday evening, there's a well-dressed middle-aged man sitting on a black leather couch in the waiting area browsing aGQ. (Channing Tatum is on the cover. His hair looks nice.) Beside him, a big screen TV is showing a balding, overweight bloke throwing darts.

There are a pair of classic black and silver Belmont barber chairs sitting idly in the front window. The modern aesthetic holds steady throughout the length of the shop with a straightforward black and white colour palette, including the six barber chairs. They currently house five full-time barbers; three female barbers and two males.

To continue with the modern take on a barbershop, there are TVs at every barber station so you can watch a balding, overweight bloke throw darts as you get cleaned-up.

Overall, there's a complete lack of pretension at ManCave. It's almost too welcoming if that's a thing. If you're into a tight fadeaveca hand massage, you've found your new favourite barbershop.

Photos byJames C. Lee.