Looking for a recommendation for a nail salon! I don't want extensions, fancy polish jobs, or anything but a presentable short-length manicure and polish, nor do I want a relentless upsell for the same
Have to second The Square. I've never felt more comfortable at any sort of salon as I do there. But it's not rock-bottom cheap, and you do get a nice scrub and massage as part of it. If you are looking to escape all frills, that might be an issue. But it feels so good! I recommend giving it a try even if you are leery of frills.
They don't do extension wacky stuff at all, so you can't get upsold into that.
despite its name, V.I.P. Spa and Nail in Porter Square (Mass Ave near Dunkin) is not super fancy. Reasonable rates and they do a great job. My last pedi lasted a month without chipping and looked great.
Over the years, I have tried every nail place in Davis, and found that Nail Image on Broadway in Teele Square is the best. Nicely priced, friendly staff, and the pedis often last over a month.
Yep, that one. :) (To OP: they also have those massage chairs if it matters to you.)
I did try The Square and found them very nice, but overpriced and the mani lasted about a day. Much-vaunted Julie's left my toes bleeding in a couple of spots and generally sore. WTF?
I love Julie's Nails, right on Elm Street next to McKinnons. I've been going there for 8 years, and even though I no longer live in Somerville, I still come back out here to get my nails done there. I haven't found a better or more affordable place to get my mani-pedis. They also have the massage chairs.
I didn't like the Square Nail. You just sit in a regular chair while they do your nails, and they seem really expensive for something I could do as well myself. Julie's does better than I can do myself, for $31 (mani-pedi - $20 for a pedicure, $11 for the manicure).
2nding liking Julie's and thinking that Square Nail is overpriced.
I also like Salon D'Elegance on Mass Ave, just past Pemberton Market. I've never had a pedicure that lasted so long, and they do $25 for a mani & pedi Monday-Wednesday. It's very clean and the decor is less kitschy than other nail salons.
Being a larger person, every time I've ever looked into The Square Nail Studio, all of their chairs look so small and flimsy (hello wicker!) and uncomfortable. I can't imagine being able to sit in one of those chairs for more than 5 minutes. Am happy to hear about the place on Broadway though.
I meant to add that the reason I am so grumpy/cranky about the chairs at The Square Nail is because I'd love a "chemical free buff" on my nails since I prefer a polish-free manicure which usually garners odd stares at more traditional places. So I feel shut out of a business that otherwise would cater exactly to my needs.
I like the new-ish place on Mass ave. Right Next to Cafe Barada and close to Pemberton Farms. It's Called Salon d'Elegance. It has a nice clean salon ambiance in the place. No TV blaring in the background. And you can get a mani/pedi for $35...cant beat that!
Lisa's nails on Central Street is great. They are right on the 88 bus line, are very clean, always take walk-ins, and their pedis and manis last the longest of any place I've gone to. They also shape your toenails so that they don't dig into your cuticles as they grow out, which is important to a pointy-shoe wearing gal like me! Reasonable prices, too.
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 02:38 pm (UTC)http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3715542689/davis-square-nails-spa-somerville
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 07:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 02:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-21 12:59 am (UTC)They don't do extension wacky stuff at all, so you can't get upsold into that.
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 02:59 pm (UTC)is not super fancy. Reasonable rates and they do a great job. My last pedi lasted a month without chipping and looked great.
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 03:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 08:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 08:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-21 12:31 am (UTC)I did try The Square and found them very nice, but overpriced and the mani lasted about a day. Much-vaunted Julie's left my toes bleeding in a couple of spots and generally sore. WTF?
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 03:45 pm (UTC)I didn't like the Square Nail. You just sit in a regular chair while they do your nails, and they seem really expensive for something I could do as well myself. Julie's does better than I can do myself, for $31 (mani-pedi - $20 for a pedicure, $11 for the manicure).
no subject
Date: 2010-07-20 06:50 pm (UTC)I also like Salon D'Elegance on Mass Ave, just past Pemberton Market. I've never had a pedicure that lasted so long, and they do $25 for a mani & pedi Monday-Wednesday. It's very clean and the decor is less kitschy than other nail salons.
no subject
Date: 2010-07-21 06:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-21 06:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-21 11:01 am (UTC)Lisa's Nails
Date: 2010-07-21 08:07 pm (UTC)Re: Lisa's Nails
Date: 2010-07-21 08:08 pm (UTC)