Midterm season is upon us, and, yet again, nervous nail-biting seems like everyone’s go-to reliever of stress. Two bleeding cuticles and five hangnails later, though,we realize that using our teeth to rip off our nails has not reduced any anxiety. Take a break from Bobst and treat yourself to a mani-pedi at these nail salons, all short walks from campus, that put the cure in “manicure.”
Tenoverten
Located atop Miss Lily’s on Houston Street, Tenoverten is a covert nail salon that prides itself on its socially conscious approach to manicures. The salon, with locations in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, makes its own 8-free nail polishes, which are also vegan and cruelty-free. Minimalist design, bright furniture and large windows providing natural light make getting manicures at Tenoverten feel almost therapeutic; the signature manicure is $25, but a polish change comes in at just $10.
Beauty Bar
Manicures and martinis — the two M’s every of-drinking-age person needs in life, and Beauty Bar on 14th Street offers just that in one glamorous visit. The all-in-one bar and salon, whose checkered floors and striped green walls make the vibe very speakeasy-esque, provides the perfect mix of daytime errand-running and nighttime partying we never knew we needed. Get a full manicure and a drink here for just $10. Talk about economical stress relief.
Il Girasole
This nail salon is so close to campus, it almost blends in with the other NYU buildings. Il Girasole’s decent prices and wide range of colors and services to choose from are great on their own, but the added 10 percent student discount is the real enticer. The brick walls, amber-hued undertones and friendly staff give the fast-paced salon a warm and cozy ambience perfect for relaxation. Manicures start off at $14 (not including the discount), but if you’re in need of some extra TLC, throw in a 30-minute Swedish Massage for $45.
Il Villagio
Can’t get enough of those student discounts? Neither can we, and Il Villagio, also, cuts off 10 percent for us NYU students trying to hustle in style. Manicures ring in at $15, before the discount, making this cozy salon, which is literally a two-minute walk from Bobst, the ideal spot for a beauty break. Select from a wide range of OPI and Essie colors, and then get undivided attention from the salon’s specialists as they paint your nails to perfection.
Paintbox
Paintbox is a high-end, luxury nail salon that specializes in ornate nail art, and though prices are on the more expensive side, the modern and brightly designed salon is the hallmark spot for treating yourself. Get a manicure here, and you won’t just be leaving with some freshly painted nails — sip on a free drink during your individualized color consultations with the spa’s experts while they personalize your look and catch you up to speed on seasonal trends and currently featured colors. Single color manicures start off at $35, and customized nail art comes in at a hefty, but totally worth it, $58.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Oct. 15 print edition. Email Celina Khorma at [email protected].
