And relax... ; It's not just women who enjoy a bit of pampering, more and more men are treating themselves too. Darryl Webber visits Menace in Shenfield for a bit of pampering

This must be one of the most stressful times of the year. In thebleak midwinter, in the midst of an economic recession and withChristmas fast approaching, it's no wonder many of us are feeling abit frazzled at the moment.

With this in mind, and a six-month-old baby determined that Inever get a full night's sleep, I was quick to snap up the offer ofa treatment at Menace, the award winning male grooming salon inShenfield last week.

The salon has just been shortlisted for the titles of Best NewSalon of 2011 and Best Male Grooming Salon of 2011 at theProfessional Beauty Awards so they're obviously experts in the artof getting you to unwind.

Many women know the value of treating themselves to a bit ofpampering every now and then, but increasing amounts of men aredoing so too and Menace caters for everything from a haircut or wetshave to a massage or ear candles.

Matt Norris of Menace suggested I have the Forty 5 Forty 5, atreatment of two halves with a 45 minute massage followed by a 45minute facial.

Menace is right in the High Street of Shenfield, but when you'reup in the treatment room you could be miles away.

Soothing music sets the tone and Becky started off by giving mean Indian head massage. I could soon feel the stresses and strainsof life melting away.

Next was a massage, working out the knots in my back, necks andshoulders... of which there were quite a few.

By now I was fully relaxed and in a almost semi-conscious state;but the facial soon woke me up!

This was an eight-step process starting with two cleansings, thenexfoliation to remove skin cells, extractions to improve thecomplexion, a massage to improve collagen, a face mask to providehydration and vitamins, followed by toner and then moisturiser.

All the time, Becky explained what each step was doing and it wascertainly a learning experience for me to find out how much damageyour skin takes just in everyday life.

After my 90 minutes of treatments, I felt a new man. The naggingaches and pains in my back and shoulders had gone.

And my face felt tingling and fresh in the chilly December air asI walked out of the salon, ready to face the stresses and strains ofthe festive season again.

A 90 minute Forty 5 Forty 5 treatment at Menace costs Pounds 75.There are plenty of other treatment packages for guys and you canbuy gift vouchers for Christmas from Menace on 01277 201200 or atwww.menacegrooming.co.uk Festive beauty treats every day of adventWho said there should only be Twelve Days of Christmas?BeautyBay.com is counting down the days to Christmas throughoutDecember with an exclusive advent calendar offering the gift ofbeauty. Behind every door is a festive treat, such as free delivery,exclusive offer, discount code or beauty tip. The advent calendarwill be updated daily and is available at www.beautybay.com/pages/Christmas_ Advent_Calendar.