I’ve been going to Glosslab a little over a year now and it’s one of my two favorite NYC nail salons. If you’ve browsed my social lately, I’m sure you could figure out the other favorite of the two.

Clean, Dry, & Eco-Friendly

I’m obsessed with hygiene and so is Glosslab. That’s why we get along so great. Their professional staff sterilizes every tool in between uses. And for peace of mind, nail files and buffers are only for individual use. And there’s no water involved. Like lots of you ladies (and gents), I never had a dry manicure and it just seemed strange. I’ll admit that I was skeptical at first, but it makes sense.

As most of us know, water can be a breeding ground for all kinds of germs. And who needs bacteria lurking around our freshly manicured nails… I thought so. So, there’s no water wasted and no germs spread; no harm done. Plus, you’re mani will last longer. When you soak your hands and feet in a tub of water, your nails absorb that water, which can then change the nail’s natural shape. When the nail goes back to its normal shape, this weakens the newly applied polish causing chipping and peeling. I hate chipping my mani just a day later!

And if you thought soaking your fingers and toes in water was bad enough for the nail itself, imagine your cuticles! Naturally when cuticles are wet, they expand, similar to the nail bed. And when a manicurist goes to trim them, he or she may be cutting it way too close because the actual size of the cuticle is much larger than normal. That’s why cuticles may peel a few days after a manicure or pedicure.

Still skeptical? I get it. You may wonder how they’ll get all the dry/dead skin off your feet… Keratin socks, my friend. Not only does this make your skin soft, but it also strengthens and nourishes the nails.

Quality

Glosslab carries my favorite polish brand (aka Essie). And they’ve also introduced me to a few new nail polish brands. I’m loving the Smith & Cult polishes that they carry; it’s just a great brand and they have a unique selection of color palettes. Plus, high quality polish always lasts longer.

“Glosslab offers vegan polishes that are 10-free of: dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl toslamide, xylene, parabens, cruelty, and gluten.”

I’ve recently started using a variety vegan cosmetics. Please note that I am not vegan, nor have I switched all of the cosmetics I have at home. I’m just being a little more conscious about what chemicals are in the products that I’m using. I don’t know most of the ingredients that are listed on the back of nail polishes, but the Google results are pretty scary.

Decisions, Decisions

There are so many colors to choose from and a menu of designs to keep your mani interesting, whether you’re looking for bold, edgy, fun, etc. But you can also bring in a picture and let a manicurist help you create your look and choose color palettes to fit your design.

Location

Glosslab has two studios, located in the West Village and Flatiron. The West Village studio is my favorite spot! But, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the Flatiron space, now that they offer blowouts and select hair services. Some of you may have heard a little rumor that Glosslab had a studio downtown in The Conrad Hotel… It’s true, but they closed that location awhile back. I’m pretty sure it was just meant to be a pop-up, but don’t quote me on that.

Gorgeous nails don’t happen by chance! It happens by appointment.

Use promo code OSFL15 for 15% off your pedicure or gel manicure.

Don’t have a gal pal? Shoot me an email and let’s book a mani date! Just a tip for scheduling… I’m usually free for nails after work during the week or nice and early on a Saturday morning.

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