[admin]

OMAHA, Neb. -- Women are big business in the spa industry but men are closing the gap, experts said.  Local spas, including TeBella MedSpa, are appealing to a growing masculine clientele. TeBella owner Ronda Foley said 25 percent of her clients are men. Foley said it's a market that's long been ignored by the spa industry, and said she's figured out a way to tap into it.  "We have found that ESPN Radio and more male audiences are very receptive to our procedures," Foley said. Creative Hair Design Salon and Spa recently renovated to appeal to its male customers by adding a masculine pedicure room, private lockers and saunas.  "We've got a flat screen on the wall with two remotes," said owner John Mangiameli.  Esthetician Kristin Kramer said she used to only see men for waxing.  "Since we've done (the remodeling), we have had an increase with the men. Now I'm actually -- once I get them in here for waxing, they get facials done, they get massages done, they get pedicures."  "They're starting to get in here and see what they're missing out on, and once they see that, they're usually repeat customers," said massage therapist Tamara Murdock.  Bob Poppen recently got his very first microdermabrasion treatment, but he was no stranger to a spa. He has had a number of facials and Botox.  "I didn't care much about my skin in my 30s. When I got into my 40s, I looked in the mirror one day and said, 'Gosh, you're starting to look old. You better do something.' So, I've had some treatments," Poppen said. "It's just something more guys are doing now."  Spa treatments range from $23 manicures to $1,500 laser hair removal treatments.  Regardless of gender, experts said if you're going to a spa for a medical grade procedures like injections or laser hair removal, check the spas credentials and be sure they have medical professionals on staff.  http://www.ketv.com/news/10407760/detail.html