Jay Nails

I decided to use my Friday night visit to Yi Pak as the jumping-off point to a week of self-indulgent pampering as a birthday gift to myself.  My dogs were barking, particularly after a looong day of work, and they really needed some attention, so I went to get a pedicure at Jay Nails on Broadway and 9th Street in Greenwich Village.

Jay Nails uses the bubbling foot spa that's been blamed over the years for harboring bacteria- the spa jets are often overlooked during the sanitizing process.  I'm not sure how I feel about these foot spas; I've never had any problems, but maybe I've been lucky.  All I can say is that the bubbling effect feels good!

I went from deep red polish by Essie (sorry, I've forgotten the name) to a sheer pale pink one by O.P.I. (I think it was Catch the Garter).  The nail tech was very pleasant and eager to please, and she was extra-thorough in removing the raggedy-looking skin around my toenails.  My feet got a good scrub-down with an exfoliating gel and pumice stone, and she didn't neglect my lower legs either.  Both legs and feet were then slathered with hot cream before the polish application.  I think the whole thing took no more than 20 minutes, tops.  Shoulder and neck rubs commenced after I was politely led to the drying station.

I also appreciated the lack of pressure to add on a 10-minute leg massage to the pedicure.  I might have gone for it if I had not been kneaded and scrubbed to within an inch of my life the prior evening at Yi Pak.

An hour after I walked into Jay Nails, I left with nicely-polished piggies and a wallet that was $34 lighter ($28 + tip).  The only thing I would change would be my choice of polish color- it's a little too sheer and my toes look kind of bare.  At least they look well-groomed!

My verdict?  Jay Nails gives good value for the dollar, particularly considering they're in Manhattan. 

Jay Nails
780 Broadway (between 9th and 10th Streets)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 375-8277