Heads up, fashionistas. There is one part of our glorious bodies that we tend to decorate the same regardless of the weather. Sleeves get longer in the winter and hair wilts in the summer but our nails can always be sharp. Whether you are a DIY gal or a spa chick, your mani-pedi is an essential part of your beauty repertoire, right?
It goes without saying that my city girl nails are busy. These bejeweled darlings do many things like flag down wayward taxis, write spicy love advice columns, begrudgingly wash dishes, open my Mom's snail mail, and tweet my crowd on twitter. Accordingly, my nail lacquer colors change with my mood -- blood red for intrigue, poppy blue for fun. Unfortunately, getting a manicure feels like a countdown clock is running from the moment that my nails are freshly polished.
I see you wishing that regular nail polish acted like acrylics. Le sigh, no more. Brands including, Creative Nails Designs aka CND's Shellac Nails, Opi Axxium, CalGel Nail Systems, and Harmony's Gelish Soak Off Polish have heard our cries and created new gel-style, long-lasting manicures.
With these new gel manicures there's practically no smell, the color variety is growing, and most importantly, the freshly lacquered look lasts at least 14 days! I've even heard some reports of the mani lasting four weeks. The nail tech polishes the gel on like your regular nail polish (unlike Minx Nails which are applied like a sticker) and then your nails are cured to dryness under a UV lamp in-between each coat. The nail gel dries almost instantly to a brilliant and colorful shine. You can either return to the salon to get the product removed or use an acetone-based product like Shellac remover wraps at home.
Here's where to go in NYC for your shellac-style gel manicure and pedicure:
Where to get shellac nails in Midtown West
So you're hard at work in Midtown Manhattan or walking past the always strumming naked cowboy away on your way home. Either way you're a Midtown Diva and you need your nails done, now. Escape Skin Care Salon & Day Spa is your Shellac nail station and the owner Amilia is your rescuer. In addition to new standards like Minx nails, Escape Skin Care Salon & Day Spa also offers treatments such as photo-rejuvenation facials.Escape charges $45.00 for any kind of Shellac manicure including French and (unlike most salons) does not charge for Shellac removal. A full Shellac pedicure costs $60.00. Escape Skin Care Salon & Day Spa is located at 101 West 55th Street between Avenue Of The Americas & 7th Avenue.Give them a ring at (212) 581-3343.
Where to get shellac nails on the Upper East Side
I went to a girls' school on the Upper East Side. Most of the time, to our headmistress' dismay, our fingernails looked like mini beavers had been gnawing at them. Luckily, we've all grown up to be proper young ladies. On the UES you can get your nails "ladies who lunch" presentable at Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spa, even if you really are a lady who litigates by day, instead. The incredible customer service at Jin Soon's makes it totally worth the price. As it says on their site, "even mermaids will wish they had feet."Jin Soon is primarily by appointment. They take walk-ins only if they are not busy. The shellac mani costs $45.00 and the shellac pedicure costs $60.00. Shellac polish removal is $7.35. Jin Soon has East and West Village locations, as well. Find Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spa at 421 East 73rd Street. For more information call (212) 249-9144.
Where to get shellac nails in Flatiron District
The Flatiron District is one of my favorite parts of the city. Would-be models click clack, red leather portfolios in hand, side-by-side with punks and chic new mamas and papas. Fresh Spa is your nail respite in the Flatiron District.Fresh Spa's basic shellac manicure is $30.00, the French shellac manicure is $35.00, and the pedicure is $40.00. Ask for Sabrina; she's a sweetheart. Find Fresh Spa on the border of Flatiron and Chelsea at 27 West 15th Street. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Let them know you're on the way at (212) 206-6988.
Where to get shellac nails on the Upper West Side
Women on the Upper West Side always look focused. On what exactly, I'm not sure, but Nails by Young keeps them looking fresh and so clean. Their prices aren't bad either. Nails by Young charges $35.00 for a shellac manicure and an additional $10.00 for shellac French manicure. It's $45 for a shellac pedicure, and $75 for the shellac mani-pedi combination. There is a $5 charge for shellac removal only if you are switching to a regular manicure.Find Nails By Young at 165 West 72nd Street between Columbus Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue on the UWS. Young answers the phone herself and they also offer OPI Axxium soak off gel manicures. Make an appointment by calling (212) 873-2473.
Where to get shellac nails in the West Village
In the West Village, traditionally anything goes. It's like the subway above ground for blocks and blocks. Floris Spa & Nail is the spot to get a mani-pedi that fits your fun and funky lifestyle. Floris offers both Opi Axxium and CND shellac manicures for $45.00 with pedicures for only an additional $25.00.Floris Spa & Nail is located at 74 Fifth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets. Grace answers the phone, but you'll need Su Jin or one of the other techs that specializes in shellac gel nails. Call ahead to make your preferred appointment: (212) 414-9533.
Where to get shellac nails in Soho
Hey, gorgeous. Yeah, you. I see you stomping down that catwalk that others think is a cobblestone street in Soho. Obviously Soho Nails is the only way to go. The customer service is impeccable whether you are here for shellac nails or a bikini wax.Soho Nails charges $30.00 for the shellac manicure and $50.00 for the pedicure. They have Opi Axxium, but note they don't have all of the colors. Soho Nails is at 458 West Broadway. An appointment is required. Put their number in your phone on speed dial: (212) 475-6368.
Well, there you have it. Straight from my official "Lifestyle Passionista Little Pink Book", that's where to get a shellac mani-pedi anywhere in New York City.
