Christina V.
Yelp
I strayed from all that I knew.
I had been going to another salon in Mission Hills. I didn't hate it. They did a good job, but the last time I was in they seemed rushed and my gel manicure lasted less than a week (!!!), not to mention Fox News playing on the tv. Not my cup of tea.
So I strayed from the path. I tried somewhere new. And holy. heck.
Let's start with the basics:
1. No, there are no massage chairs (but be realistic, after that first round of massages, do you ever restart it? And for short and petite people, I hardly felt much of the massage anyway).
2. Yes, it's a bit more expensive (not anything to write home about, though).
3. No, they don't do acrylics or extensions (I am unaffected by this, but some people want that).
4. Yes, you should believe the hype/other reviewers.
The girls that did my nails (gel mani with art and regular pedi) were bright, bubbly, and super easy to talk to. The place has *epic* people watching. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Making an appointment was easy, and they do take walk-ins. I was welcomed and checked in quickly and offered a variety of beverages. I was introduced to my manicurist and invited to sit down in one of the comfy chairs they have.
First thing I noticed? No tubs. What's up? Oh, right, they fill a tub and bring it to you. Second thing I noticed? Everything is sterilized. I never noticed this at my other salon, but at this spot, they unwrap every tool from a sterilized plastic pouch as they start on you. In a state where toe fungus seems to run rampant, thank you thank you thank you for sterilizing tools!
Conversation with the girls was easy, and they made me feel extremely comfortable. I didn't feel like I was on a mani/pedi assembly line. Which I also had never really noticed was a thing before until it was absent--it was glorious. My nails had a habit of being ultra unhealthy and breaking after I started getting manicures. Partly because I think so many different things and chemicals are used. This place seemed a lot less toxic/more straightforward (and no bloody cuticles!).
My toes are neon coral and obnoxiously awesome, and my nails (with simple nail art) are matte (!!!) and fabulous. Part of why it was extra $$ was because I tipped so well! No regrets there, folks. It was worth it.
Parking can be annoying, as this place is just off University and Ohio, but I found free parking a block away. In a safe part of the neighborhood with many neighboring restaurants.
I will definitely be returning when it's time to get my next up on nail art!