I seldom get manicures or pedicures: having been blessed with nails resistant to chipping or breaking while within a reasonable length, I just usually cut my nails myself every month or so. Also, I usually devote the time and money for this kind of self-care towards other pursuits (like foodie meetups, yeah!).
Surprisingly though, far from being a frivolous self-indulgence, getting nails done actually can be very beneficial to most women’s well-being.
How?
A mani-pedi session at a local nail spa or salon is a precious moment when a woman can unplug from the usual concerns of work and family life. The half-hour it takes for a nail specialist to clean, cut, shape and file a woman’s nails is time she can spend with her phone hidden away as she lounges on a comfy chair with her hands and feet up. Many girls take this as an opportunity to de-stress.
A treatment also oftentimes include a relaxing hand and foot massage that helps improve blood circulation and ease joint movement in these limbs.
Furthermore, regular nail treatments also reduces the chances of nails developing fungi and other infections, thanks to the intensive cleaning that they go through.
I recently got to treat myself to these health benefits when I got a free mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics at SM Pasig (thanks to my good friend Jen of SandUnderMyFeet.com for the GC!).
Nailaholics is a chain of nail salons that seek to provide the metro’s denizens with a place to escape to and get pampered.
Inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast, its premises are marked by seaside inspired colors and decor. Soft mood piped-in music also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.
After ushering me to a lounge chair, my nail technicians (NTs) Issa and Dicel set about giving me and my nails a much-deserved treat which included:
Soaking my hands and feet in warm scented water for a few seconds. This helps to moisturize and soften my nails prior to the treatment.
Shaping my nails. My nails usually grow in a rounded shape so the NTs just clipped and filed my nails following this natural shape. This actually results to stronger nail growth.
Cleaning. A cuticle cream is applied to my nails and the cuticle is gently pushed down to create an appearance of longer nails.
Hand and Foot Massage. My hands and feet were applied with lotion and given a gentle reflexology massage. Ooh, this made me want to go back the very next day!
I opted not to have my nails colored because, being a no-frills girl at heart, I didn’t want the responsibility of maintaining colored nails.
My mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics was a welcome respite from the daily grind. Knowing that it actually contributes to my overall health, and to my confidence in presenting myself to the world, are welcome bonuses.
Now I’m thinking of treating my best gals to a nail spa day at Nailaholics for my birthday.
This Nailaholics branch is located at Unit 148 SM Center Frontera Verde C5 Ugong, Pasig City. Other branches in metro are located in the following cities:
- Makati: Cash and Carry, Glorietta 3, Ayala Malls Circuit
- Quezon City: Eastwood Citywalk, Fishermall, Gateway Mall Cubao, Robinsons Galleria, SM Fairview, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf
- Muntinlupa: Festival Mall Alabang, SM Muntinlupa
- Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
- Taguig: Uptown Mall BGC, Market! Market!
- Pasig: Robinsons Metro East
- Paranaque: SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, SM BF
- Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas, SM Southmall
- Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
- Marikina: SM Marikina, Ayala Malls Feliz
- Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
- San Juan: Unimart Greenhills
For more details, visit the Nailaholics website.