In desperate need of a mani-pedi? The choice is endless in Abu Dhabi, with everything from cheap and cheerful nail bars to luxurious lounges. So pick a colour, grab a stack of magazines and relax.
Nail Fashion: Salon style: Nails Fashion might not look particularly glam with its white, slightly clinical interiors and simply-dressed staff; a rack of Ahlan! back issues and a few fash mags scattered about the place are pretty much the only decoration. But don’t be put off, this manicure spot is always busy for a reason. The service is swift and professional and the manicurists are always up for a natter.
Signature manicures: Regular manicures are on offer, but the salon specialises in Gelish nails. These are ultra popular at the moment because they last much longer than conventional polish (they don’t chip, just curl at the edges after about three weeks). A little on the expensive side, and need to be professionally soaked off, but if chipped nails drive you nuts, it’s worth it.
Price: A gelish manicure costs Dhs160 and a regular manicure costs a reasonable Dhs50.
Fotouh Al Khair Mall (02 633 0467).
Color Me Spa: Salon Style: The clue is in the name – the multicoloured walls and furniture at this Khalifa City A villa give it a young, girly vibe. Customers are settled into bright, comfy chairs to relax as they watch reruns of Friends or Sex and the City on the television screens around the room.
Signature manicures: There are all sorts of mani-pedi packages here that include scrubs and soaks, all of which are quite reasonably priced. This is the only salon we know of that does OPI Shatter, leaving a funky broken glass pattern on your nails. They also do the famed Minx manicures, which come in a range of shiny, metallic shades. We love the ghetto fabulous gold.
Price: Minx manicure costs Dhs220. Basic manicure costs Dhs50.
Color Me Spa, Khalifa City A (02 556 4557).
Tips and Toes: Salon style: This chain has its salons decked out in funky, Southeast Asian style, with wooden floors and bright cushions strewn about. You’ll hardly notice though, as the place is always crammed full of ladies being filed, buffed and polished. The staff are accommodating and super-friendly, never rushing you even when the salon is very busy.
Signature manicures: The Balinese hand and feet packages are an affordable treat – you can choose from a rejuvenating flower remedy, detoxing ginger treatment or refreshing cucumber and aloe vera. You’ll be left smelling delicious as well as having perfect nails.
Price: Balinese mani-pedi costs Dhs200. Basic manicure costs Dhs50.
Tips and Toes, various locations including Marina Mall (02 681 8386).
Sisters Lounge: Salon style: An ultra-feminine villa devoted to all manner of beautifying practices, with sleek cream furnishings, splashes of zebra print, funky pictures on the walls and a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Visit if you want to feel a million miles away from the bustling city as you get your talons painted.
Signature manicure: At the moment, Sister’s Lounge is the only place in the city offering the infamous snakeskin manicures (for the uninitiated, flakes of snakeskin are sealed to your nails for an edgy, fashion-forward look). This isn’t a cheap treatment, but it’s still immensely popular with girls who want to rock the reptilian look.
Price: Dhs900 for the full set, or Dhs90 per nail. Basic manicures will set you back Dhs70.
Sisters Lounge, Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Street (02 222 2502).
