the Cost of Manicures

It was a basic men's manicure. Hands soaked, nails clipped and buffed, cuticles trimmed, gossip exchanged. The usual. Other services are available including a full paint job or acrylic nails, but neither is particularly masculine, as well as pedicures. As the nail parlor was attached to a salon, hair cuts and styling were also available.

I made an appointment in a busy local shop, I arrived early and didn't have to wait long to be taken care of because I'd scheduled the time beforehand. First my hands were soaked and scrubbed in a watery solution to soften the nails and cuticles, then my nails were clipped and cuticles trimmed and filed, finally my nails were buffed smooth. Gossip was exchanged throughout. Mostly the manicurist talking and me going, "oh, really! you don't say!" and things like that. All told, it was a rather relaxing 20 minutes.

A good manicurist is like a good barber, they have to be able to understand your tastes and know how to ask the right questions to get you exactly what you want. A clean, organized shop is probably the most obvious thing to consider. A busy shop is probably the most important, that way you have a pretty good idea that they do good work because they're in demand. An appointment will help you minimize your wait time before service.