First, a bit of background ... I was not always so into my nails (I know, horrible). My mom, however, is quite fanatic about her nails. In fact, the smell of quick dry spray reminds me of my mother. This is because for years she didn't go get professional manicures and did her nails herself. And if they chipped, she'd have to touch it up. Thus, I think she ended up touching up nails practically every single night. I really didn't care how my nails looked, and I'd often do them just to please my mom. I did own nail polish (in junior high I had all kinds of ugly colors- blue, green, glitter top coats). And in college I used to do my nails before going home for breaks so that my mom wouldn't comment about how bad they looked (yes, mom, this is true).
Fast forward to my move to Manhattan in 2004. I would say that manicures and pedicures are probably the only thing that is cheaper in NYC than the rest of the country. Even when I was a broke graduate student, I could still come up with the money for a manicure. I'm no expert in economics or business but I'm sure this is because of the abundance of nail salons in the city. On the Upper East Side (and many other neighborhoods) there are often 2 on a block. In every apartment I ever lived in on the UES, I had my choice of probably 8-10 nails places in the surrounding few blocks. To compete with each other, prices must be low. So, you will find the $9 manicure. Before we moved, my manicure was $8.50. Now, I go to a place on 13th street and 1st avenue for $7. So with the low prices, my obsession began. I could go on about my obsessive nail behavior, but I think I should get to my point here (is there a point?).
When looking at apartments in Williamsburg I did my research about the amenities in the area. Supermarket? Not a chain but fairly-well stocked. Drug Store? The Duane Reade actually opened the same day we moved in. Starbucks? No, see previous post. Gym? Yes, and cheaper than NYSC. Nail salon? No. Really? Nope, no nail salon. I even asked our broker. He was married, I figured maybe his wife knew. I think Hubby wanted to kill me when I asked our broker where his wife got her nails done. How could we move here? How could we move to a place where people don't care about their nails?!?! OK, so I'm being a bit dramatic.
I found a place right off the L train at First Avenue for only $7. Sometimes I stop on my way home from work. And yes, sometimes I take the subway to get my nails done.
UNTIL NOW. It's true people, a nail place is opening on Bedford Ave. It should be open within the week. I keep peering in. I was thinking I'd be the number one customer. Also hoping to find some non-hipsters and bond over our favorite Essie colors. We can discuss whether it is better to put Sugar Daddy on top of Mademoiselle or the other way around. There is a problem, though. Today I noticed the sign inside says "Manicure $10". What?!?! This is what happens when there is no competition in the neighborhood! I'm not about to make a huge fuss over $3. But percentage-wise that's a huge increase! But maybe it is worth spending $3 extra so that I don't risk ruining my nails when I pull out my Metrocard! What would you do?
I promise to write again soon, and bring you more thought provoking topics, such a manicures and pedicures. :-)
So funny.. i think u have told me this story about your mom and I can hear your voice in my head telling me this story, haha...!! miss ya! xxxooo
ReplyDeleteWow NYC has some cheap manicures. I would give anything for that price. Especially in a city that supposedly costs as much with everything else.
ReplyDeleteIn San Antonio I had some cheap ones, I thought. For 15. But in Europe try 60 euros. For a pedi or a mani. The pedi's are dry too. No nice soak nothing.
America has it made with the nail salons.