Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon

Key Pieces

TOP: GOLD VELVET TOP  |  OVERALLS: BLACK A-LINE OVERALLS  |  SHOES: BLACK ANKLE-STRAP HEELS  |  LIPS: RED LIPSTICK ('FIRE')

Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon

Having my nails painted is one of my favorite ways to feel pampered. I love escaping to the nail salon to relax and spoil my hands and feet any chance I get.

I am frequently asked by you guys where my favorite local Phoenix nail salon is, and I have sent you here or there to a local neighborhood spot, but I recently discovered a new boutique nail salon in town that I love so I wanted to share: it's called PROSE and it's located on Camelback Road (with a second location opening in Scottsdale this February).

What I love about PROSE is that they offer premium hand and foot care, using some of my favorite products (including Vinylux) in a thoughtfully designed, clean and comfortable environment. Their cutting-edge bright, chic atmosphere elevates the experience while their artists provide signature services as you relax in custom cozy sofa chairs. And you can rest easy knowing your hands and feet are cleanly being cared for with their advanced sterilization through the use of medical-grade machines.

I usually make my appointment on my phone using their app, which is nice that I don't have to constantly be searching for their number online every time I want a manicure. And I love that I know when I show up that an artist is ready to provide expert service. At my old neighborhood salon, I used to make appointments and who the heck knew if a chair would be available when I arrived. So it's nice to know a PROSE artist is ready to pamper me.

Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon

Also, I've gotta be honest, I have been dying to get my nails done since having Luna but I really haven't had the chance to because it's so hard for me to leave her (I am a bit obsessed with her if you haven't noticed). So I'd prefer to be able to bring her with me to my appointments so I don't have to rush home afterward to feed her. But I want to make sure it's safe to bring her, so I really like that PROSE has made a commitment to remove chemicals from its salons, including toxic acrylic nail services.

Anyway, for those who don't live in Phoenix, I thought I might share with you my top tips for what to look for in a nail salon, like PROSE.

What to Look for in a Nail Salon

Make sure the tools and bowls are always disinfected

Nothing grosses me out more than sticking my toes in an unsterile pedicure bowl. I have heard horror stories of what can happen if non-sterilized tools are used and just the thought of putting my feet into a dirty bowl filled with bacteria terrifies me. Look for salons that use jet-free basins. Also, don't be afraid to ask if they are using single-use files. Nail files, buffers, and pumice bars cannot be sterilized so keep that in mind as well.

Make sure the artist knows how to properly apply or remove your chosen product

Like I mentioned above, I love Vinylux. And for those of you know don't know, it's meant to be used without a base coat. I have been to many salons, however, that applied a base coat despite carrying the product, which made it chip faster. I also got an SNS gel manicure once and went to the salon to have it removed, but instead of soaking it off, they damaged my nails by completely filing them off. Hacking, scraping or metal tools aren't necessary for the removal of gels. Don't let your artist cut corners.

Make sure the artists are attentive and care about your hands and feet

I have had services where the artist was too busy watching the television to care about taking proper care of my hands and feet. The massage was too quick and my cuticles ended up being poked too hard and bleeding. I came to the salon to relax, not to worry about monitoring the artist.

Make sure the nail salon provides hand sanitization

Washing hands is the most basic way of minimizing the transmission of bacteria and germs. Make sure the nail salon you choose provides clean, soapy water to soak your hands and nails (and make sure there aren't marbles because those need to be sanitized). Plus, a disinfecting soap is the perfect way to prep your nails before polish.

What do you guys look for in a nail salon?

Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon
Dash of Darling | Phoenix boutique nail salon

Images thanks to Lauren J. Photography and hair by Tara Hainsworth

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