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Located on Lincoln Avenue just south of the triangle where Paulina and Roscoe intersect, CiCi Nails sits on one of the city´s historic neighborhood landmarks. But that´s about all that´s old fashioned about this hot spot. Clean and professional, yet bright and cheery with lilac walls, light oak floors and furnishings, vaulted ceilings, flat-screen TVs, two-story tall windows and camel-colored leather pedicure stations with white gauze curtain separators for privacy, CiCi´s is an upscale, modern haven for the fingers and toes. Owners Mike Kang and Kim Nguyen gave me a crash course in both the No Chip Manicure and Zoya Toxin-Free All Natural Spa Pedicure. Now put your idea of a traditional manicure aside because a No Chip is anything but ordinary - from the products used to the way they are applied. First, I picked my color from a selection of about 40 trendy and classic shades, a collection Kang says is growing by the week. Nguyen started by filing my nails, trimming the cuticles and then buffing the shiny smooth surface off the face of my nail while going with the grain of growth - think exfoliation. The reason for this step is that the gel-based polish is applied directly to the nail without a base coat, so the polish needs a rougher base to adhere to. While this might sound a bit abrasive, it´s actually the opposite. As Kang explained, the special polish blend actually strengthens the nail and heals previous damage from harsh chemicals found in traditional nail polish. The organic polish also is permeable and flexible - meaning the nail can breathe through the layers without trapping any bacteria or fungus that can lead to infection; and bend with regular wear and tear, so it never chips off in little pieces. In fact, this polish won´t come off until it´s taken off with a special remover and removal process, which can be done at CiCi or at home with the product and instructions provided at the end of the service. Nguyen applied the polish to each nail with a special, long, thin paint brush. After each coat, she directed me to place that finger under the UV lamp. And so the process goes, each finger, one by one, two coats each. While this seemed a bit lengthy as manicures go, when I compared the time spent for one treatment to the time it takes for a manicure every week, for three weeks - it´s actually less of an investment. Because this manicure can last up to three weeks! Since the polish itself doesn´t peel off, only the growth at the nail bed needs to be filled in. Plus, regular polish can be applied over the No Chip polish to change up the color. And after it ´s removed with regular nail polish, the original No Chip manicure remains. Just when I thought it couldn´t get any better, Nguyen informed me that I wouldn´t need to spend extra time drying; I could put my hands in my pockets, fumble for my car keys and put on my seatbelt without nicking or smudging my perfect 10. Another break-through service offered at CiCi Nails is the Zoya Toxin- Free All Natural Spa Pedicure. Kang explained the back story on this treatment as well. Conceived by Zoya Reyzis, an esthetician and salon owner who wanted a healthy, chemical-free alternative to the usual manicure and pedicure during her pregnancy. With the help of her chemist husband, she developed Zoya Nail Polish, free of harmful toxins like Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). The brand, which is highly touted by doctors, health magazines and other industry professionals, is chip-resistant, quick-drying and lasts 30% to 40% longer than other polishes. I selected a deep purple from more than 300 fashion forward colors, and then a CiCi nail technician indulged me with a luxurious, traditional spa pedicure. I soaked in a warm, sudsy citrus bath. Nguyen trimmed my nails and cuticles, buffed the calluses and massaged my feet and legs with a rich moisturizer. The Zoya polish application began with Qtica Natural Nail Growth Stimulator, a rather expensive base coat from the Zoya group that costs about $20 a bottle. She brushed on the color in meticulous, artistic strokes, followed by Qtica´s Extending Top Coat. The finishing touch, Half- Time Polish Drying Accelerator, which had my tootsies bone dry in less than seven minutes - no drying fan, no heat lamp, no flip-flops, no kidding. As I left Cici Nails with ten little treasures on my hands and on my feet, I marveled at their perfect shape and high-gloss shine. But on a less superficial note, I had a serious appreciation for the salon´s philosophy and investment in offering the No Chip Manicure and Zoya Toxin-Free All Natural Spa Pedicure. Both treatments deliver healthful advantages that reach far below the surface. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
Click here for printable coupon for Manicure and
Spa Pedicure Combination Specials: Monday -
Wednesday only $34 (Normally $42), Thursday -
Sunday only $37 (Normally $42)
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