TRIED & TRUE
The Salon
Pampered Soles
The Vibe
Not overly fancy. Also not a great place to gab with girlfriends—the chairs are far apart and there are curtains between them—but good for a relaxing solo treatment.
Cleanliness
Extremely clean. Technicians used brand-new foot files and tools were in sealed bags. Fresh towels covered each chair, and soaking tubs were lined.
Wait time
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Every chair was full when our tester visited.
The Treatment
In addition to the nail basics, soles were filed and legs/feet received a hot-towel treatment and a 10-minute massage. Good selection of OPI and Essie polishes, with “couture” brands available for an upcharge. Technicians worked diligently—no chitchat or upselling. Beverages were offered.
Price
$30–cash or check only. $2 upcharge for “couture” polishes.
Results
The meticulous treatment resulted in a beautiful, glossy look and smooth feet. Polish was ready to be changed after two weeks.
BARE BONES
The Salon
AN Nails
The Vibe
Small and bare. Our tester said it “kind of looks like a hallway.” Only six seats and two employees. Three TVs were playing MTV, Bravo, and the Travel Channel, and soft piano music played in the background.
Cleanliness
The salon was clean, and tools appeared to be, too. But technicians didn’t wear gloves.
Wait time
Appointments are a good idea. Otherwise, expect a 20-30 minute wait. The salon is closed Sundays and Mondays.
The Treatment
Nails were given a basic treatment (trimmed, filed, and painted), with a 15-minute long massage. Color selection was not overwhelming but sufficient. Technicians were friendly and didn’t force conversation or try to upsell. Soft drinks, water, beer, and wine were offered.
Price
$24
Results
No complaints on the finished look. Two weeks later, the polish was still going strong.
BIG & LOUD
The Salon
Hollywood Nails and Spa
The Vibe
Big and loud—in volume and decor. The two-story facility has more than a dozen pedicure stations and a surplus of technicians sitting around, talking noisily. Mini TVs are mounted on the walls and pop music plays overhead.
Cleanliness
Technicians wore gloves and the tub was lined, but our tester espied her technician rinsing the tools in her dirty water and returning them to his cart.
Wait time
No wait, even without an appointment on a Monday afternoon.
The Treatment
When our tester complained that her water was too hot, the technician told her she’d get used to it. Then he insulted her existing DIY pedicure. Thankfully, he shut up when he saw she was trying to read. The standard pedicure included a salt scrub, soothing gel, and hot-towel treatment.
Price
$30
Results
Shiny and smooth. It dulled over time but hadn’t chipped two weeks post-appointment.
PARTY NAILS
The Salon
Posh Nail Spa
The Vibe
Small and crowded, with modern, trendy décor. Around a dozen chairs, all of which were full. Our tester’s technician was dressed as if he was going clubbing later, and the salon played music to match.
Cleanliness
Our tester’s technician stopped repeatedly to text then returned to touching her feet. There were used glasses, cotton balls, and gloves strewn about.
Wait time
Appointments aren’t required but are recommended—and can be made online or over the phone.
The Treatment
Employees were less than hospitable—one couldn’t be bothered to look up from his iPad to let our six-months-pregnant tester sit. She wasn’t offered a drink, despite the glasses lying about. The pedicure included an exfoliation scrub, a hot towel wrap, and a nine-minute massage. Color selection was extensive.
Price
$30
Results
The polish was fine, but it began chipping within a week. Two weeks out, it was time for a new pedi.
LADY DAY
The Salon
The Spa at the Crescent
The Vibe
Expansive and ladylike. In addition to treatment rooms, the spa contains wet and dry saunas, a quiet room, and a TV room, all of which are available to spa guests. Private treatment rooms are also available upon request.
Cleanliness
Pristine. Tools appeared clean, and our tester got to take her file and buffer home with her.
Wait time
Appointments are required.
The Treatment
Prepare to be pampered, robe-and-slippers style. Employees attended to our tester’s every need, including bringing her several servings of ice water. The selection of polish colors was limited and on the matronly side. While the service lacked a massage, access to the spa facilities made up for it.
Price
$50 (includes unlimited day-of access to spa facilities)
Results
Not only did the polish look nice and last decently long, our tester’s feet felt soft and her cuticles were expertly trimmed back.
