Manicures & Pedicures
Berkeley Parents Network >
Advice >
Beauty & Fitness >
Spa Services > Manicures & Pedicures
May 2007
Can anyone recommend a nail salon or somewhere to get a
manicure/pedicure where either they use non-toxic polish and
materials, or one that is very well ventilated? I can't breathe
in most nail salons - and would love to go somewhere where some
of the healthier kinds of stuff is used.
Must be some in this area?
check out joi nail salon on solano in berkeley. they carry
regular brands (like essie & opi) but also some non-toxic ones
(non-toluene, maybe?). anyway, it's a very nice relaxed
experience and never reeks of those awful fumes. i've been
there now two or three times and have always been pleased with
my pedicures. hope that helps!
breathing free
I can't rave enough about the Nail Spa on Telegraph in Berkeley. They
have excellent
ventilation and have a full line of non-toxic/vegan nail polish. Not to
mention their
wonderful indulgences like aromatherapy salt scrubs and other treatments.
They even
have an autoclave so there's no issue with cleanliness. They will be
opening another
location on College across from Safeway sometime in the next few months.
You can
call them at 510-644-9900 or visit their website at:
http://www.nailspa.biz/
Melissa
try cuticles on park blvd. in glenview. it's been open about a year now
and owned and
operated by two women from the claremont spa. they are sweet and
professional. they
take pride in their cleanliness and spa-like products, and the salon is
like no other nail
salon you've seen. it's a little on the pricey side, so i only frequent it
as a treat; but,
well worth it when i do.
pedicure junkie
Azul Spa on Encinada off Solano in Berkeley has none of that
icky smell about it. They don't do the plastic nails there
which I think is the main source of that noxious smell plus it
is well ventilated. Also, you get the feeling that everyone is
making ok money there too to ameliorate any liberal guilt one
might have.
Sarah
Joi Nail Spa on Solano is exactly what you are looking for. I highly
recommend it.
Liz O.
I've been going to Chantee at Hair to Serve in the Beauty Center
store on Piedmont Avenue since 1999. She runs a one-woman,
multi-service salon and has lots of regulars, so call ahead and
make an appointment 510-923-1339. Because she is the only person
there doing nails or hair, you won't be drowning in a sea of
other people's chemicals during your service. I love the fact
that she is very meticulous and takes her time with each client.
And she is impeccably clean with all her equipment and tools.
It's not like a nailshop assembly line. Prices are not rock
bottom cheap, but very reasonable and worth it for the extra care
she takes. She sees lots of clients for hair, so the nail polish
only comes out now and then.
A devoted regular
Feb 2007
Can anyone recommend a nail salon in Albany or Berkeley which
does a good job with acrylic nails? Preferably someplace
reasonably priced which takes walk-ins, not a salon or spa. Thanks!
MB
Try Emily at Ashby Nails, right across from the BART flea market. She
does excellent work and her son, as well. I have gone there loyally for
years.
A satisfied customer
Sara's Nails in El Cerrito Plaza does lots of acrylic nails
(silk wrap, gel and regular acrylic), does a good job, and takes
walk-ins (there are usually 6-7 manicurists working there).
anon
August 2006
Can anyone recommend a place in or near Berkeley where one can
get a great manicure and pedicure, where they do a good and not
painful job and, as part of the service, they give you a really
great hand/foot massage? I've used Fancy Nails on Shattuck for
a while, and they're okay but not great. The Claremont is too
expensive (!). Azul used to have someone I liked (I think her
name is Emily), but I think she left. Any other ideas would be
very much appreciated. Thanks!
The massage is the best part
Last year for Mother's day my husband got me a pedicure at
Argania Salon on Martin Luther King, Jr, North of University
Avenue. It was heavenly! It was a ''hot rock'' pedicure, which
was new to me and I loved it. I distinctly remember the massage
as better than I had ever had at the regular nail salons.
Certainly worth a try.
www.arganiasalon.com
1801 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
(cross street Delaware)
(510) 883-1832
Tues-Sat: 10:00 am- 7:00 pm
Shoshana
I have had great pedicures at Bellisima on Shattuck near Ashby,
particularly from Helen. The cost is $25 and they do a wonderful
sea salt scrub on your calves and feet.
me
May 2006
I'm looking for a nail salon that does not use whirlpool tubs for
pedicures because I am concerned about contracting bacteria from
the water jets. I would like to find a salon that cleans the feet
in a bowl with a disposable liner. Can someone recommend a
reasonably priced and ''safe'' pedicure in the East Bay? Thanks.
Susan
You should try Polish on Piedmont Ave. (510) 601-0909. They use foot bowls which
are scrubbed clean after each client (I've watched them.) They also give you your own
set of nail tools - emery board, orange stick, toe separators, etc. You can bring
them
back with you or just get a fresh set next time. I too am worried about unsafe
pedicures, and have been very happy with the nail techs and their practices - plus,
it's
a nice, comfortable place and they're really good!
Carla
I've found Delane's Natural Nail Care to be at the height of
sanitization. She is really committed (not just her words) to
keeping her clients safe. I interviewed her a few years ago for a
health education class I was taking and she helped me with a
presentation I was preparing on Hepatitis C. During the interview
she shared a lot of other useful information with me about
choosing a salon and what to look out for. She is very
knowledgeable about the spread of diseases in the nail care
industry. She has a very lovely shop - private rooms, very
relaxing...I actually fell asleep in her chair during my pedicure
(smile). Check it out:
http://www.delanesnails.com/
Anhara
July 2005
I'm looking for a recommendation for a pedicure/spa chair salon
in downtown Oakland, near Chinatown or City Center. Thanks!
rami
Try Elite Nails in the City Center complex (on the middle level,
same as Kinko's). Very clean, friendly salon with spa pedicures.
happy toes
Oct 2004
I'm looking for a manicurist (Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito area)
for a French Manicure that will hopefully last a couple of weeks.
Recommendations and prices would be greatly appreciated!
Shelley
Sherry at Elixir on Hopkins Street in Berkeley gave me a
manicure that lasted two weeks (I did wear gloves to do
dishes). Lovely shape and long-lasting, too! 526.1700
anon
I like Mais Beauty Nails in El Cerrito. It is on San Pablo Ave
across from JV center. They are reasonable and very good.
b3rkl33m0m
June 2004
Hello,
I'm looking for a clean, reasonable nail salon. I live in the
Claremont Canyon above the Claremont Hotel. Any suggestions?
anon
Well, since you live above the Claremont, there's always the
Spa at the Claremont, but if you're looking for something more
affordable (albeit further away), I highly recommend Polish on
Piedmont Avenue. They are scrupulously clean, and obsessed (in
a good way) with sanitation. Their services are very reasonably
priced for the quality of the work they do. They use the
highest quality products (polishes like Essie, Chanel, Deborah
Lippmann), which may not be to their benefit because pedicures
can last up to a month. They also offer discounted, "express"
services where they give you a spa quality manicure or pedicure
without the frills. It's still plenty relaxing and pampering,
but it's less expensive and perfect if you don't have a lot of
time to spend. This is their website: http://polishspa.com/
I just found a great--and affordable--salon for a luxurious
pedicure: Argania Salon, 1801 MLK, 883-1832. It's a spacious
and pleasant salon, and there's only one manicurist, so it's not
all full of nail polish fumes. She spent close to an hour and a
half on my feet, and it cost only $30 (price goes up to $35
starting July 1). If you go, tell her the very pregnant woman
recommended her!
Pregnant and polished
June 2004
Help! I really, really need a pedicure. I have the roughest
feet, especially around my heels. My husband says I need to be
reshod (as in horses!). I need a miracle worker - know any?
Mrs. Ed
I really like The Nail Shop, on Grand (around the corner from
the Grand Lake Theater). Clean and bright, and a pedicure with
nice long foot bath and foot massage is only $15.
Jen
April 2004
I am looking for a nail salon which would be willing to host a birthday party for
my soon to be five year old. I am looking for a salon that would do mani/pedi's
for about ten little girls. I would like for the salon to be near a restaurant
(casual) that we could have a cake, or the salon would be willing to let us have
cake there. I need a salon that is clean and friendly. I have been to Mani-Pedi
in Potero Hill which offers parties. It is perfect except that it's catering more
towards people who live in the neighborhood and can go home for cake
etc..and will only allow the party in the salon for about 30minutes which just
isn't long enough. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am willing
to go as far as SF or Walnut Creek...As a last report I would entertain the idea of
a nail professional coming to my house for the party. Has anyone out there
been crazy enough to do this type of party with any success???
cannon
I haven't been there for a party, but Cool Tops is a fun
atmosphere and offers hair-do and manicure birthday parties.
They're in Lafayette and San Ramon.
http://www.coolcutsforkids.com/parties.htm
I went into one of my regular nail salons to get my monthly brow
wax a few months ago only to discover the place had been taken
over by a pre-teen/teen mani/pedicure party.
The girls that were there looked like they were having a ball. It
is a cool birthday idea for some girls.
I tried to imagine myself at that party, and I wouldn't have had
a good time. It would have been too much for me.
My younger sister and her friends would have totally been into it.
The salon that was hosting the mani/pedicure party was the salon
on Grand Ave by the eye doctor. Can't remember the name of the
salon though. They have good rates in general and it looks like
this isn't their first party. You could probably get a good rate.
Hope this helps.
beth
May 2003
I am looking for a reasonably priced place to receive a quality
maniure and pedicure. I only do this about every three to four
months adn would like to find someplace that is unhurried and
relaxing. I would appreciate any recommendations. Thank You!
I have consulted the existing recommendations, but they seem to
be quite old.
elise
I recently had the best manicure and pedicure of my life at
Moonshadow Salon at 2634 Ashby in Berkeley. Halina Myca is most
thorough and professional. The charge is $46, which isn't cheap,
but it also takes about 1.5 hours. She also uses a nail polish
line (Zoya, I think?) that does not have harsh chemicals. The
salon's number is 510-841-4696.
Kristin
A really good place for a manicure/pedicure is DTN Nails on Mt.
Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. I live in Berkeley and make the trip
out there occasionally just because they are so good and
reasonably priced. They charge about $22 for a pedicure. You
sit in the massage chair and they do a full pedicure plus a 5-10
minute foot massage on each foot! It feels great. They also do
the paraffin treatment free of charge if you want it. Most of
all, I just get really good pedicure's there that don't chip.
There's a place I go in berkeley occasionally when I can't get
out to Lafayette and their work is just much more sloppy.
have fun
December 2002
Can anyone recommend an excellent manicurist in/near Berkeley who
charges less than $25.00?
Lynde
Top Silk Nails on San Pablo Ave at Marin gives a nice manicure
for about $10. They also have spa chairs for a relaxing
pedicure. The owner, Ana, has an amazing orchid collection. 524-
8817
Cheryl
If Montlclair isn't too far for you, I would recommend Bozenna
skin care. Bozenna does all the work herself, her manicures are
$21 and they have lasted me up to three weeks. She is excellent
and I can't recommend her enough.
anon
When I lived closer, I always went to Galaxy nails in Berkeley
on College/Claremont across from the Safeway on Claremont. $30
for manicure AND pedicure. I think it's $10 for just manicure.
They're very nice ladies and you don't usually need an
appointment.
Nancy D
July 1999
I'd really love a great recommendation for a pedicure and manicure place
in the Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito area. I'd like some place that'll
do good job scrubbing your feet and give a great, long massage for the
hand and/or feet. Diane
I go to Albany Nail Salon on Solano Ave (cross street is Stannage).
Being too pregnant to reach my toes, I am indulging myself in these
last couple of months with regular pedicures! Compared to the couple
of other places I've been to, Albany Nail does a good job, paying
attention to the rough spots, callouses, etc. The massage is probably
a couple of minutes, not too long, but they may be willing to extend
it if you asked (and gave a good tip!). Although I live in Moraga, I
come to Albany because it's much cheaper (Albany Nail charges $18 for
a pedicure). Heather
I am not the kind of person who would have her fingernails painted. I have
the fingernails of a gardener, which is to say they are not my best
feature. And my feet ... let's put it this way: I'm glad they are out of
sight most of the time. So despite my friends' raves, I have always
resisted having a pedicure. Last week I finally broke down and tried it,
and now I'm a believer. It is great. I highly recommend getting a pedicure
to all parents as an inexpensive little 45-minute indulgence, and not just
for moms - dads should try it too. During my visit, a guy was getting a
manicure, and then an elderly couple came in - she got her nails done while
he had a pedicure. So, it really is for everybody.
I went to Galaxy Nails on Claremont just above College, recommended by a
co-worker. She said other places are about the same. It was $22 for a
pedicure, and on impulse I also said OK to a manicure (no polish), so my
total was $30. They have this special chair for pedicures, like a
shoe-shine chair, with a little feet-sized jacuzzi. They fill it up with
soapy warm water and flip on the whirlpool action, and you sit back and read
your People Magazine while your feet soak. Then they do all sorts of
scrubbing and sanding and filing and clipping until you don't recognize your
own feet. Don't worry - it doesn't hurt, and they pay no attention to the
terrible state of the feet you walked in on. Then they rub lotion in and
give you a little massage. That feels great. Finally, if you are so
inclined, you may select one of a million different colors to have painted
on your toenails, which nobody ever has to see if you don't want them too as
long as you never go barefoot or wear sandals. I chose Garnet Red. When I
got home my kids had a little fit over this - they are used to seeing my
dirty, calloused, dried out, unpolished feet and I guess the change was
a bit of a shock. That was fun. Plus, I proudly wear sandals now!
Ginger
I have heard that the Claremont Hotel Spa is great too if you want to
go upscale. I checked into this and it is $45 for a 50-minute pedicure
and $65 for an 80-min pedicure which includes some sort of hot wax
treatment. I might try that sometime.
I've gotten pedicures occasionally at Sara's Nails in El Cerrito Plaza. My
feet are very happy
June
Home |
Reviews |
Advice |
Members |
Post a Message
Join BPN |
Help |
What's New |
Search |
Contact Us
Last updated: Jun 23, 2007
Copyright © 1996-2008 Berkeley Parents Network
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network. Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.