Haute Spot: Luxury Nail Lounge in Costa Mesa

Not all nail salons are created equal. This also applies to their level of cleanliness, which is often a major pet peeve for most of us. Fortunately, The Nail Lounge in Costa Mesa is offering “good, clean, fun” with the emphasis on, “clean.” It’s the ultimate pampering stop for a manicure or pedicure, in an environment that’s fun, relaxing, girly and did I mention clean?

This trendy nail lounge with its vibrant décor of fluffy fuchsia pillows, cobalt-blue walls and zesty orange and lime green accents, against spotless white comfy chairs makes you feel you’ve entered a modern-day Barbie home, which beats the generic and outdated appearance of most manicure salons around Orange County. However, beauty aside, it’s the attention to detail which sets this place apart.

Each stainless steel appliance is sterilized in an Autoclave (it’s what dentists use) and sealed in disposable sterilized pouches, along with individually wrapped mini-files and buffers, used only once and then given to each client. You’ll also be happy to hear that there are no spa chairs or whirlpool type foot baths which are known to be a breeding ground for germs, instead, disposable footbath liners are used and thrown away after each warm soothing soak.

Upscale nail polish brands such as O.P.I. and Essie as well as Chanel (first time we’ve seen this) are offered. Cathy Freeborn and Cherri Phan, owners of The Nail Lounge are veterans in the business and hands-on, so that on any given day you can see them giving their clients manicures and pedicures along with the rest of their staff.

Among their signature services are their Lounge Luxury Pedicures ($72); choices of scent include the Amazonian guava berry, pumpkin,chocolate or a favorite: rose. Real rose petals (infused with coconut powder and hydrating sea salt) are sprinkled in the footbath and during the service the color of the water naturally turns to a delightful pink. It’s the ultimate experience if you have the time (the procedure can take one and a half hours) and includes a regular pedicure service along with an exfoliating sugar scrub, a natural cooling menthol clay mask, paraffin wax and a relaxing crème leg and foot massage to top it all off.

It’s no wonder their Tootsie Tuesday is a hit, (customers receive a $14 saving on the Lounge Luxury Pedicure every Tuesday). If time is of the essence, you can opt for its “quickie” services, promising to give a combo mani and pedi in just 30 minutes or a quick file and polish change for $12.

The Nail Lounge, 369 E. 17th Street, #26, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; 949.515.5115; Open 7 days a week. www.TheNailLoungeOnline.com

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