2009 Aug 29 Nailing Beijing's Best Manicures

Getting a 20-kuai manicure at a cramped, noisy salon in a clothing market is like gobbling fast food. Don’t you deserve better? The following salons offer you thoughtful service and a chance to exhale.
FSPA
The décor and music here are soothing enough to send any customer off to dreamland. Lounge chairs are separated by floor-to-ceiling gauze curtains. Besides OPI nail treatments (from RMB 150), FSPA also offers hand and foot treatments that deeply moisturize skin and protect nails.
Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Block BC, Chaowai Soho, B6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5900 1868) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街乙6号朝外Soho BC座地下1层
Lovely Nails
Embroidered silk chairs and gilded walls create a feeling of opulence. Besides basic manicures (RMB 90) and pedicures (RMB 130), the highly skilled staff offers many additional treatments such as nail hardening and nail smoothing.
Mon-Tue 12.30am-10pm, Wed-Sun 9.30am-10.30pm. 102 Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6417 5812) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里1层102
Morpho Helena Nail Salon
Recline with a glass of wine in the beautiful blue French armchairs, among red and gold curtains, and feel like a true parisienne. A unique touch: Staff are taught how to paint nails with the signature Morpho helena butterfly. Prices are very reasonable, with manicures at only RMB 30 and pedicures at RMB 50.
Daily 11am-10.30pm. 1/F, Bldg 16, Chaoyangmen Nandajie (west end of Yabao Lu), Chaoyang District (8563 3403) 朝阳区朝阳门南大街(雅宝路西边)16号楼1层
Kocoon Spa Lounge
Their unique Spa Manicure (RMB 220) and Spa Pedicure (RMB 290) packages include exfoliation with a sea salt scrub, massage and hydrating body butter wrap. Commune with nature as you gaze out over the treetops and unwind to gentle music.
Daily 11am-9.30pm. Rm C301, 3/F, North Bldg, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District (5208 6068) 朝阳区三里屯北街西侧81号那里花园北楼3层C301室
Frost Nails
An ideal place to get together with friends. Their new VIP lounge includes two private treatment rooms, a nail area, a bar and even a kids’ area to distract impatient tykes. Drawing on over 300 OPI colors, Frost Nails’ staff can delicately paint national flags on nails (from RMB 15). A deep-moisturizing foot treatment (dead skin removal, massage, paraffin mask) costs RMB 150.
Daily 11.30am-midnight. 2/F, Just Make Building, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (6417 9148) 朝阳区幸福村中路杰座大厦2层
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Ilinoi
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www.ilinoi.com
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