There are endless places to get nailed in New York. These just happen to be the best places to go if you want something extra special.
Snakeskin Mani Pedi
The latest in over-the-top beauty treatments is adhering actual snakeskin to your finger and toenails. The meticulous treatment takes two plus hours to carefully place the reptilian coating (Don’t worry, they only use skin that has been naturally shredded by healthy, unharmed snakes.) and costs a whopping $250, but it can last up to twelve weeks.
Choose from 170 color combos and whether to leave it textured (au natural) or smoothed out with a top coat.
Spa Martier, 1014 Second Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Streets, lower level (646-781-9758 or spamartierny.com)
Tenoverten
The posh Tribeca digs are relatively new and the ultimate spot for taking a load off and getting your nails did. Choose from swanky polishes by Chanel and RGB, relax in the extra comfy chairs and keep busy with an iPad (there’s one at every station) while an expert aesthetician carefully tends to your hands and feet. The best part is that they keep the prices affordable -- $20 for a mani, $35 for a pedi. On a scale of 1 to10, they get a 12.
Tenoverten, 112 Reade Street, at West Broadway, 2nd floor (212-406-1010 or tenoverten.com).
Marie Nails
If you can dream it up, they can make it happen at Marie Nails. Located in the heart of Soho, this salon is surprisingly under the radar. Cal Gel is the name of the game here, but the endless creative additions include glitter in any hue imaginable, gradation for seamless grow-out, hand-painted mini works of art and 3D options like beads and rhinestones.
Marie Nails, 155 Prince Street, between West Broadway and Thompson Street (646-370-4170 or marienails.com).
Valley
Originally located on the LES, this salon relocated to Nolita. What’s on hand? All the trendy mani-pedis like Minx (decals applied with heat in a plethora of jazzy designs), Cal Gel, 3D add-ons and insanely creative free-hand design. Check out their online photo gallery to see for yourself.
Valley, 198 Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-274-8985 or valleynyc.com).