1. 

   ballardmama1979
   

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   A friend recently introduced me to the long-lasting manicure wonders of shellac but her preferred place is in West Seattle. Anyone have a good spot close by in Ballard/Fremont area?

   Posted 11 months ago #
2. 

   putzer
   

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   I can't speak to the shellac (gel) because I just got a regular pedi... BUT the service was wonderful at Healthy Nails down on Market, just west of 24th. And they are still having their grand opening thru the end of July. Clean, friendly, & the chairs are great. They do offer shellac there, I just didn't choose that route this time.

   Posted 11 months ago #
3. 

   SmartsyArtsy
   

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   Hoa on Ballard Av is pleasant and good job done. The bad thing about those shellac/gel manicures is that they use straight acetone to remove the remnants, and that is nasty.

   Posted 11 months ago #
4. 

   Kyle
   

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   Being new to manis, what's the alternative to shellac? Regarding removal, I usually just let mine wear away, no acetone needed... but I'm curious about inexpensive manis in general and where to get a good one. Deals are the only reason I would get one, so what's the general cost of these babies? I had one at InSpa at UVillage once but it used up my $40 gift cert. there.

   Ballardmama, whatcha doing looking on this side of the lake? (If it's the same Ballardmama I know ...)

   Posted 10 months ago #
5. 

   chelsea
   

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   I last got a shellac at Hoa, and it was fine. Lasted for three weeks, including a trip to Taiwan and back.

   I've now moved to Healthy Nails on Market - they do do shellac, but I've been getting regular manis there since they opened, and they last longer than any other regular mani I've had. Best nail salon experience I've had in many years, decent prices, excellent customer service & my nails have honestly never looked better. I love those ladies.

   And, just a note - the shellac tends to dry out your nails and weaken them with prolonged use of the shellac. I keep the shellac for when I travel & get regular manis for when I'm just around my normal life. :) Your results may vary. :)

   Posted 10 months ago #
6. 

   ballardmama1979
   

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   Thanks for the recommendations! I actually just noticed Healthy Nails on Market this week while driving by so I'll try them since they're so close to me. I'm not the type to get my nails done constantly but I have thin, bendy nails and I love that having shellac on them makes them feel stronger. Also as a mom I'm constantly washing hands, bathing kids, doing dishes etc so a regular manicure only lasts about 2-3 days on me before it starts chipping. For years I've avoided manis entirely and opted for special occasion pedis instead since those last a long time. I did my first shellac 2 weeks ago and I'm headed to a wedding this weekend so I want to do them again soon. Tho I suspect I won't be keeping that up so regularly in a typical month :)

   ps - Kyle I must be a different Ballardmama (didn't know there were others) since I've always lived this side of the lake :)

   Posted 10 months ago #
7. 

   Nora Charles
   

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   I did not have such luck at Healthy Nails. I made an appointment a week in advance and when I got there I had to wait almost 30 mins to even get into the pedi chair. Once there my feet were soaking in that water for another 30 mins. The manager finally introduced me to the woman who was supposedly going to give me my pedicure. She sat down, got up and went down two chairs to another customer and started giving her a pedicure. I waited another 5 mins and finally got my pedicure. When I paid, I used a debit card and when I asked for a receipt the manager told me I would need to give her my password in order to get a receipt. Uhhhhh...NOT. She ended up writing a receipt on some business card. Don't think I'll be going back there anytime soon. Now on a more positive note...Bella Nails on lower Market (across from Majestic Bay)gives good mani/pedis and great massages. I'll keep going there!

   Posted 10 months ago #
8. 

   Ernie
   

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   Mrs Ernie loves Bella Nails and has been shellacked there many times.

   Asking for a debit password is just wrong, sounds criminal to me....

   Posted 10 months ago #
9. 

   Sarah N
   

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   I haven't been to the other salons mentioned previously, but I love Hoa salon on Ballard Ave. It's design is very upscale, the music is nice, no televisions, and no strong chemical smells. They carry Shellac and also the gel polish from OPI, which I can't remember the name of off hand. Anyhow, I've always been pleased with the service there and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a good nail salon in Ballard. Oh, and I really like the fact that they support local charities like the Ballard Food bank. Something you don't see too often from the typical nail salons.

   Posted 10 months ago #

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