Blogs / Local Buzz / Summer 2012 / Chic Nail

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Chic Nail

Chic Nails Does More than Nails

The last time I had a mani-pedi was on my wedding day nine years ago. I know what you’re thinking, because I am too, yikes! My nails are short and stubby and don’t seem to warrant any polish. I paint my toes quickly and erratically when the summer months arrive, just prior to jamming them  into flip flops. My philosophy until now has been: “I can easily paint my nails, why pay someone?” That all changed when a friend generously bestowed upon me a gift certificate to Chic Nail Beauty Bar (located at 14 Croy St. in Hailey) for a manicure ($20)/spa pedicure ($35). I made an appointment for a Friday afternoon to start my weekend off right and was introduced to a whole new world of hand and hoof care.

I received an email for confirming my appointment for a one hour spa pedicure  which included a leg massage. I thought, well, this can’t be the one on my certificate for $35, I’ll let them know they might have it wrong. It was actually I who had it wrong and was shocked to learn that I could experience such extreme pampering for a mere $35.

I arrived at Chic Nail at the appointed time and was greeted by warm and friendly staff at every turn. Chic Nail is a beautifully designed space with a contemporary style, but with comfort definitely in mind. Three large white spa chairs face the “beauty bar” with a hairdresser’s station toward the back of the room. Massage and waxing rooms flank the waiting area where Stella Dot jewelry is sold. A variety of facials, spray tans and permanent makeup are also offered in this one-stop-shop spa. Clean, elegant and welcoming, I immediately began to relax and realize that this just might be the best way to spend a Friday afternoon.

I was ushered in to the waiting area where I chose a polish color (I call it J. LO Oyster white) and waited a few minutes before being seated on my throne. As I immersed my feet in the warm, bubbling water all the stress of the day washed away, just like on those old Calgon commercials. Kelly Moreland, owner and nail technician was friendly without being pushy. We chatted for a bit and then I read a magazine (Sun Valley Magazine Summer issue on stands now!) She and her co-workers had an excellent rapport and it was fun listening to them banter. I felt like a queen while Kelly rubbed salve, sugar scrubs and essential oils on my feet and legs. This is sooooooo worth $35 I thought, and silently thanked my friend who gave this me this thoughtful gift. After my legs and feet were massaged and rubbed to a glossy shine, she applied my polish (much better than I ever have, obviously) and added a couple of  protective coats.

 Next up came my manicure where more essential oils (from local GMA Honey’s Healing Salve), salt scrubs and lotions were massaged into my hands. My fingernails are so short, I opted for a neutral color and she added a protective top coat. I sipped wine (the one-year anniversary party was starting in 30 minutes) and relished the joys of spa life.

Although I didn’t get a chance to experience it while there, the newest addition to Chic Nail is their mobile Oxygen Bar. Oxygen Bars are said to increase energy, reduce stress, headaches and tiredness. Oxygen is reputed to provide beauty benefits such as maintaining a healthier complexion and clearing up blemishes. Chic’s Oxygen bar also has scents to choose from like: Peppermint  boosts cleansing, Lavendar is soothing, lime boosts energy and wintergreen is revitalizing. Oxygen is next on my list of must-dos. This year, you’ll find the Oxygen bar on weekend nights at Whiskey Jacques. (Oxygen Bars are thought to be helpful with altitude sickness and you guessed it, hangovers.)

 So, raise your glass to Chic Nail and their first year of doing business beautifully at their new location on Croy Street in Hailey. I don’t plan to wait nine more years to get a mani-pedi again. And neither do my hands and feet. 

 

  Julie "Scooter" Molema is Sun Valley Magazine's production director. She loves reading, hiking, making jewelry—and now getting pedicures.  Read more of her blogs here.