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According to a recent survey by Modern Salon, a beauty industry trade magazine, nail-care bookings have increased 15% over last year. And in Southern California, where clients pay from $5 to $35 for a natural manicure (as opposed to the much pricier artificial nails), nail technicians say women in the work force are most likely to splurge on their digits.
“It’s a small luxury that working women are giving themselves . . . they consider it part of good grooming,” says Barbara Feiner, executive editor of Nailpro, a Van Nuys-based trade magazine for manicurists.
COLOR
Nail polish color is a regional taste. In Los Angeles, “French tips (clear with a chalk-white tip) and sheer polishes are by far the favorites,” says Brenda Massey, buyer for the 900 JC Penney hair and nail salons nationwide.
Penney’s most popular shades are OPI’s Caribbean Coral, a sheer, pale coral, and Tangerine Mousse, a similar shade by Creative Nail. Chanel’s best-selling shades include Nude and Natural Pink. And at the Estee Lauder counter, Southern California women are buying up Rose Diamond, a pale pink.
While the L.A. preference is for pale translucent color, at Azizi Nails salon in the Fox Hills area, customers love GiGi’s French Gold Mist, a sheer metallic glaze.
In the San Fernando Valley, Nail Fetish-owner Lori Waggoner reports that OPI’s Miami Spice--a sheer earthy coral color--sells out first.
And at Johnson & Guess in Pico-Robertson teen-agers are asking for Brucci’s Neon Pinkest and Orly’s Orange Flash, two vivid colors that buck that natural trend.
SHAPE
They call it the “squoval” and it’s the most-requested new look in fingernails. Not yet an entry in the dictionary, squoval is the latest jargon for a squared-off nail whose corners are slightly rounded and whose tip extends just to end of the finger.
“It’s also called the active nail,” says Susan Weiss-Fischmann, artistic director of OPI, a North Hollywood-based nail products manufacturer. “This is the most practical shape for women who use a computer, garden, play sports, take care of children, cook, or need a professional look. Now who does that leave out?”
SOURCES
A $20 to $35 manicure is a luxury for most women, but there are some manicure bargains--all under $12. Good bets include:
Azizi Nails and Facials, 5838 Overhill Drive, Los Angeles. (213) 299-7047
Manicurist Azizi Williams includes Egyptian massage in a popular treatment. Manicure $9 or manicure and pedicure for for $18.50. Paraffin wax treatment for extra softening, add $4. Book early, she does 40 to 55 pairs of hands a week.
Johnson & Guess Salon, 1444 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite B, Beverly Hills. (310) 278-8364
Manicurist Jerry Kimbell has a star-studded clientele that includes Patti LaBelle, Stefanie Williams, Luther VanDross and Cecily Tyson. This 12-year veteran charges $10 to $12 for her natural nail treatments, $15 with a hot-oil treatment.
Nail Fetish, 1811 W. Verdugo Blvd., Burbank. (818) 840-0075
Manicurist Lori Waggoner and five other technicians specialize in sculptured nails ($25 for a full set, $15 to fill in as they grow out), and charges $8 for a natural manicure. Make appointments early, she only has time for two manicures a day--the rest of the time she’s booked by advertising agencies to do the nails of models.
Carol’s Nails, 9 E. Main St., Alhambra. (818) 576-5512
At Carol Tran’s small but comfortable salon three doors east of Garfield Avenue, clients can get a manicure for $8 and a pedicure for $10; $14 will buy you a combo. A full set of artificial nails starts at $20; a fill is $15, and a silk wrap is $18. The hours are perfect for women with busy schedules, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week and unlike many salons, Carol’s is open on Monday. Tran says she tries to accommodate all walk-ins but recommends appointments, especially on Friday and Saturday when “things really get busy.”
