I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt guilty when it came to treating myself. Perhaps it was the way I was raised, or perhaps it was just the practical Singaporean within me. When it came to frivolous things and the non-essentials of daily life, I’d be a touch more stingy with my money.
For one, getting done up during Chinese New Year was an affair that I never really partook in. I have absolutely no shame admitting that the only time I really ever got my nails done was if I happened to be at Hai Di Lao — which has ceased their complimentary manicure services due to the pandemic.
Enter The Nail Social. This cosy little salon is nestled along the vibrant Haji Lane. It’s not out of place along the eclectic mix of tenants here — you’ll find it has its own colourful story behind it. In fact, there’s more reason to come here than just doing your nails.
Branding themselves as a socially conscious salon, they also function as a social enterprise.
When you come by, you’re contributing to the development and training of marginalised women with a high barrier to employment. The Nail Social uses its model to provide social support and training while eliminating donor dependency at the same time.
Keeping up with their theme, you’ll find that most of the products they use, sell or serve in our salon are non-toxic, eco-friendly, fair-trade and/or cruelty-free. For nail lacquers, they use Zoya as well as COAT (a homegrown brand!), while Angel Pro and Jacqueline Burchell being used for gel polishes. Formaldehyde, DBP, toluene and camphor free, all salon polishes are completely safe for use on both children and expectant moms!
The salon itself was warm and inviting, with just the right amount of light illuminating the premise. Plush sofas lined the floor, beckoning you to sink right into them.
Each cubicle was provided with its own iPad, providing entertainment while you get your nails done. While they usually offer drinks and snacks to go along with your services, unfortunately, to comply with safety measures concerning COVID-19, they are currently unable to do so.
Having said all that earlier, I came in for their Signature Pedicure.
Being a (self-proclaimed) athlete who is always on the move, my feet have suffered the brunt of my restlessness. Other than simple maintenance such as cutting my nails, years of neglect have rendered them, simply put, rather ugly — the kind that one would feel embarrassed visiting the salon for.
Thankfully, I was put right at ease with my nail therapist. She patiently attended to me, even as she had to repeat her questions multiple times due to my poor hearing.
The session started off with a foot soak in warm water. My nail therapist went on to file away my horribly uneven nails, making sure to double-check that the length was okay with me before proceeding further. By the end of it, by her skilful hands, I had even toe nails — something I had definitely not seen in a while!
Then, it was time for exfoliation. This started with a pumice stone. I have to admit this was not the most pleasant feeling in the world, but then again, it’s probably just me. It’s hard to describe, but if I had to put it into words, it feels like sandpaper on your skin — but in a good way!
After that, a scrub was applied to help slough off the excess dead skin. My dry, peeling cuticles were also cleaned up and with a slick of oil, given a new lease of life. The end result left my feet feeling soft and almost new, albeit a bit naked.
However, not to worry, because it certainly doesn’t end there. What followed was perhaps my favourite part of the whole experience — a luxurious and very much-needed massage.
Slathering my feet and lower portion of my legs with a generous amount of lotion, my nail therapist then proceeded to skilfully knead into my feet. No corner was left untouched, and somehow, she seemed to hit every aching spot.
Yes, it's cliché, but I really did feel the tension melt away from my feet. Now, who doesn’t love a good massage?
I have to give it to The Nail Social for service, though.
Not once was my nail therapist irritated with me, despite all my questions and my constant fidgeting (I have a hard time keeping still). She thoughtfully helped me pick a colour when I couldn’t quite decide what to get. She swatched each shade on my toe nails, and helped me decide what suited my skin tone the best.
The final decision went to me, of course, but being so fickle, I really appreciated the help.
Her skill was apparent at every step of the process. She was very precise in painting my nails, getting a thick and even coat on them with ease. Without needing so much as a touch-up, she then proceeded to do the next coat.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this, but by the end of it, my nails have truly never looked better. Whoever is training them, they are doing it really well.
If you’re looking to get your nails done, be it a manicure or a pedicure, I can’t possibly not recommend The Nail Social. Not only are they good at what they do, but when it comes to service, you really do get quality service, with a smile to boot!
When I told my nail therapist about my worries with smudging my freshly done nails against my footwear, she kindly applied a layer of oil to prevent it from getting nicked and scratched on the way home. Safe to say, it worked. As I write this a few days later, my nails are still looking as fresh as ever!
Perhaps I will treat myself to an occasional pedicure now and then in the future. But hey, knowing you’re contributing to the good of the community while doing it just gives you a little more excuse to indulge.
If you book The Nail Social through Native, you’ll get the full package — the Signature Manicure and Pedicure, for just $70. What a steal!
This article is in partnership with The Nail Social.
