While one (read: I) can justify flying home to do one's hair every few months, it is impossible to rationalize weekend excursions for manicure-pedicure touchups, even for the most faithful salon-goers (read: me). In the last three years, I have personally taken it upon myself to solve this dilemma, by sampling all the nail studios in town, and I now bestow that knowledge upon the ladies of Duke, as we begin the month of debauchery (read: sorority and fraternity formals).
Elegant Nails
Price of Manicure-Pedicure: $33
Location: In Erwin Square, it's easy walking distance from East, unless you are walking back in the pedicure foam sandals.
Timing: A little over an hour, but that can double on busy days even if you have an appointment, which really means "you can start waiting at 5 o'clock...."
Quality: Good and consistent
Atmosphere: A cross between a Buddhist shrine and a neon world with Jerry Springer or Passions constantly in the background.
Magic Nails
Price: $35
Location: In Northgate Mall, a five-minute drive from East or 10 from West.
Timing: In and out in under an hour. Lots of technicians assure that even on busy days, there is minimal wait.
Quality: But that means they hurry and cuticle cutting can feel like a torturous exam.
Atmosphere: It's in Northgate Mall....
Avalon Beauty Center
Price: $40
Location: In the lovely Streets at Southpoint, so it's too far to justify if you are not doing additional shopping - so just do additional shopping.
Timing: one hour.
Quality: Excellent.
Atmosphere: Clean and serene (ahh, the difference between Northgate and Southpoint Malls).
Perfect Impressions
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Price: $47
Location: In Brightleaf Square, it's about a five-minute drive from either East or West
Timing: Give yourself two hours. They make nails a relaxing art work.
Quality: Very good.
Atmosphere: Personal and highly relaxing, even men feel comfortable frequenting it.
Wavelengths
Price: $58
Location: Ninth Street
Timing: This thorough job takes about two hours.
Quality: Excellent, particularly the pedicure.
Atmosphere: Tucked away into a quiet corner of the busy hair salon with a lovely technician.
-Whitney Beckett