Loving Nail Spa

A decade ago, I often wondered why some women need to have a day in a week to just go and visit the nearest salon for a nail pampering session. Heck, it's a lot more practical to go for a DIY. Little did I know that I'll be getting that habit eventually. I'm thankful to know why.

I'm not a newbie when it comes nail pampering. It started with the need for an overall manicure -- more than just trimming, mind you.

My first nail salon was a small quaint salon down our condominium building. And then our favorite manicurista left the salon. Next stop was Beauty and Butter. I believe that I blogged about that a few months ago but didn't get into the habit of visiting the same shop due to proximity reasons (one salon is in MOA, the other in Megamall). Nail-a-Holics was my next choice since one that's located inside a mall is just walking distance from our condo. It gets somewhat busy on a weekend (which is my only availability) so I took it off my list. Then I tried Nail It! in Glorietta -- staff were good but it didn't work out for me since its convenience to mall goers made it too crowded. So what really got me into the weekly or bi-weekly addiction of nail pampering?

Nail Spa.

Nail Spa is not really that accessible. Going there might even seem impractical for the common fella since one needs to ride a cab just to get to their shop. Hence, initially, taking a cab was my only choice when going to their location. Eventually, I realized that you can exit Greenbelt 1 and simply cross to Gamboa Street. Five minutes of walking will lead you to their building. Not bad.

 

 

 Customers are greeted by a spacious front desk and a cushy couch meant for waiting customers. I generally don't have to wait for a long time though since I make appointments in advance and I am prompt in following my set schedules. Upon entrance, everyone is teased by bottles of different nail polish in a wide array of colors. They have Butter, Orly, OPI, Essie, Barry M (not Manilow though lol), Chanel, YSL and the list goes on.

The place doesn't get crowded easily and even if they're accommodating more than their usual amount of customers, privacy is still in place as one couch is located far from the other. Place doesn't get that noisy with the typical chitchats of their attendants. They are all very professional here.

 

There are two VIP tents which are practical for customers coming in by pairs. The tents are perfect for foot spa + pedicure combo since they have a very convenient wash area for two people inside.

My preferred service is express manicure and pedicure. I don't get tired of selecting the same services over and over since I take pleasure in all this nail salon's available polish brands and colors. Here are all the reasons why:

 

One can have Orly / China Glaze painted on their nails for free. A measly Php60 extra payment for premium brands like Orly and OPI. Designer polish like YSL, Butter and Chanel costs Php100. Fair, fair prices.

 

- The word according to Foursquare -

• "Look for Meden, Bing or Emily! The best nail technicians!"
• "Really nice ambience, good treatments (with lots of choices) and excellent polish, but always insist on getting a good therapist -- it's a mixed bag here."
• "Regie for my feet and Mary for my hands, superb tandem!"
• "Look for Merly, she's the Michaelangelo of nails."
• "The ambience is smooth and fresh, and the private tents, great for 2 are a moment of indulgence for a pampered feet/hands."

Here's their other pampering services: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/vainpire/media/menunokits.jpg.html


NAIL SPA MAKATI
109 Gamboa St. Legaspi Village, 
Makati City
(02) 817-3128.
Open daily, 10 am to 9 pm.

NAIL SPA SHANGRI-LA MALL
5F Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Edsa cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
(02) 687-4991 or (02) 687-7011 
Open daily, 11 am to 9 pm.  

NAIL SPA THE BLOCK
5F SM City North Edsa
Edsa cor. North Ave., Quezon City
(02) 441-0323
Open daily, 11 am to 9 pm. 

Rule that applies to all branches: Last call for services is approximately 1 hour before closing. Best to call for an appointment.