As a gay man of a certain age, it’s an almost comical thing to admit that up until very recently, I’ve never had a facial before in my life. I have Instagram to thank you for introducing me to this wonderful experience.
You see, a few years ago, I was contacted by Joshua Trzato of the local spa, The Male Room, via the Instagram account I use for Gay Santa Fe. We chatted, about real estate (not skincare), met a few times at local Friends of Dorothy gatherings, and recently I told Joshua I’d love to interview him for the website. A few weeks later, I was at his spa getting my first facial.
I never knew you could put so many creams on my face! Going in, I thought I might be nervous, but it was so relaxing—not only the facial but his energy. Days later, people were still commenting on my glowing skin—a testament to Joshua’s expertise, the man behind this unique grooming destination that’s changing how Santa Fe men approach self-care.
The Male Room isn’t your typical spa experience, and that’s precisely how Josh wants it. One of the things I noticed first was the music, which Joshua is proud to say isn’t “your typical spa music. I might do a 90s pop playlist, or classic country, a mix with Spanish guitars, or electronic loungey music, but definitely not flutes.” This refreshing approach to male grooming is the culmination of Josh’s two-decade journey through the beauty industry.
A Santa Fe Native
Growing up gay in Santa Fe, Joshua was like many LGBTQ+ youth at the time – he couldn’t wait to leave town after high school. “I felt like I was the only person my age who was gay,” he remembers. “Santa Fe was so small, and I couldn’t fathom staying here forever.” His path led him first to Albuquerque, then Dallas, where he worked in advertising and marketing – until the 2008 recession provided an unexpected opportunity for reinvention.
“I was laid off and was so excited that I didn’t have to go back to work,” Joshua says. “It was an opportunity to determine my next point of action.” Having always been passionate about skincare, he moved to the Windy City. He enrolled in Chicago’s Aveda Institute, launching a career working in high-end spas that would span nearly 20 years between Chicago and Dallas.
A Return to New Mexico
In 2021, life brought Joshua full circle when he and his husband moved to Santa Fe to be closer to family. Recognizing a gap in the market for male-focused aesthetic services, he launched The Male Room, offering a range of treatments tailored specifically to men’s needs.
The service menu is comprehensive: custom facials using high-end product lines like Mr. Lulu (focused on correcting sun damage) and Circadia (anti-aging), chemical peels, and full-body waxing. But what differentiates The Male Room is Josh’s understanding of what men actually want – and need – when it comes to grooming.
Joshua also provides trimming services but has his own ethos on the process, so it’s definitely not a DIY thing. “What men get wrong with trimming is that it’s not balanced,” he explains. They’ll trim the crotch down to the skin, but let the hair go crazy everywhere else.”
His expertise extends to everything from eyebrow shaping and nostril waxing to more intimate grooming services. “Back and shoulder waxing are pretty popular, as are genitalia,” he says, adding that waxing is gaining in popularity in Santa Fe. “More men, gay and straight, are opening up to these services.”
A Santa Fe-Specific Approach
The Male Room’s treatments are particularly suited to Santa Fe’s unique environment. “We live in a high desert with high UV exposure,” Joshua notes, explaining why his facials are customized to address both immediate skin concerns and long-term protection. His body treatments incorporate local ingredients, like a piñon and lavender dry exfoliation followed by salt scrub, designed to combat the effects of the arid climate.
Operating Sundays and Mondays by appointment only, The Male Room has built a loyal following. While 80% of clients are male, the owner’s expertise has attracted a growing female clientele for skincare services. His clients come primarily from Santa Fe, with some traveling from as far as Albuquerque and Pagosa Springs for his services.
“There are a couple of other male estheticians in town, but their clientele is more female based,” Joshua says. “I’m making sure the guys get some love.” This focused attention on male grooming needs, combined with a relaxed, judgment-free environment, makes The Male Room a unique addition to Santa Fe’s wellness scene.
My Final Word
As a recent convert to facials, I can easily evangelize The Male Room and Joshua’s approach to men’s spa treatments. The price is great; I want to share that experience with the community. I want people to come jump on the vibe train with this guy. The level of service he offered was pretty incredible.
Joshua is offering an introductory 20% discount to anyone who mentions my name or the Gay Santa Fe blog!
https://www.themaleroomsantafe.com/
