6 Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Nail Appointment
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For most of us, when booking a mani/pedi we don't think beyond what colour of polish to choose. But since you're subjecting your fingers and toes to any manner of tools, germs, and experience of the technician, we've gathered the following guidelines you must read before your next nail appointment.
We met up with spa owner Cathy Mancini who runs Lux-Spa located in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s most posh part of town. Mancini says there are a few crucial details to take into consideration before getting a treatment.
“Before even making an appointment, I would suggest actually going to the establishment and having a look around for yourself. You want to make sure it actually looks clean. If it's dusty and grungy looking, why would you want to spend even five minutes in there?” says Mancini.
Even if it looks clean, you should ask to see how the stations and tools are sterilized. “You want to make sure they are using a product called Accel, which is sprayed in foot baths and on implements.”
At Lux-Spa, the estheticians all have college diplomas and/or certificates. Mancini says she runs a health conscious business, and her trained employees are huge on cleanliness and the clients’ well-being. “When receiving treatments cuticles mustn't be cut,” says Mancini, “Only the white dead skin is safe to remove. If you get rid of the cuticle, that area is wide open, anything can get in and cause infection.”
The attitudes of the employees play a big part in a relaxing spa experience. Mancini says to pay close attention to how they treat clientele: Do the clients look like they are being rushed out? Do clients look relaxed? Are they enjoying their services? How does staff interact with the clients?
Lux-Spa stands out from the others; you can't smell polish or other harsh products in the spa, and Mancini says Lux-Spa treatments last way longer. "You'll find that you won't need another pedi for six weeks, or a mani for three weeks. Most places you'll need a new one a week later!"
At Lux-Spa, Mancini says there are no unwanted surprises, “You must always watch out for additional charges. Many places have hidden fees for: callus removal, filing, cuticle work, massage, nail polish, etc.”
Most products used at Lux-Spa are organic. "Love Fresh", the organic and or all natural and very popular line used feels and smells like heaven.
Lux-Spa also treats their clients to complimentary coffee, tea and water. They host fun events like Martini Mani Mondays, and they’re always setting up Mani-Bar’s at various social functions in the GTA.
Checklist RE-CAP:
1. Don’t let your esthetician remove your cuticles
2. Make sure environment is clean; ask if they use good sterilizing products such as "Accel" for tools and stations
3. Ask how educated the employees are
4. Make sure other clients look like they’re content
5. Ask if creams and scrubs are organic or natural (no harsh chemicals)
6. Be sure you know what the full cost is, and what’s included in your treatment
ChickAdvisor’s favourite treatment? Lux-Spa’s “Chocolate Pedi”; a LUXiourious one hour and 15 minute pedicure!
Facebook Comments
15 Comments
 | Great article! My one and only experience in a salon was not a success... |
 | Such an important article. This applies to any place where you might get your nails done, not just for a luxury establishment! Mom goes to a local shop which is by no means high end, but they do a great job and I have gone to check the environment a few times. She used to go to a place w dust bunnies, and that was that for that one. It may be a little thing, but if they can't sweep, how clean can the rest be. |
 | Great article! Perfect advice, now to go scout out a place for a manicure! |
 | Great advice. Especially for someone trying a nail salon for the first time. |
 | Brilliant article. "Me & T Studio" in Toronto on Young Street is another great place. They even have a candy bar! |
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