The Guilt-Free Nail Salon Fashion Folks Are Trekking Downtown For
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about last year's New York Times exposé on the hazardous environments and discriminatory practices in nail salons in NYC, a city known for its cheap and fast manicures on every block. That piece inspired the idea of Van Court Studio, a new nail salon looking to give both customers and nail technicians a truly healthy, all-natural and toxic-free nail experience.
Founded by beauty insiders Ruth Kallens and Jessica Washick, Van Court Studio is shaking up New York's nail scene with waterless manicures (a more sanitary option, plus soaking your nails in water also causes your polish to chip faster), all 9 or 5-free (non-toxic) nail polishes, medical grade sterilized tools and equipment and all natural/organic creams and oils-which are all freshly hand-made at the studio.
The nail menu aims to make your mani or pedi into a facial-like experience, offering options like the 'Splittsville' mani for thin and peeling nails, the 'It's A Rough Road' pedi for dry, callused feet and many more with prices ranging from $35-$85. With Washick as the creative director and lead nail technician, Van Court boasts a fun nail art menu but sticking to their all-natural mantra, steers clear of gels or acrylics. And the added bonus? A fun, Instagram-friendly photo shoot area to show off your fresh mani-because, priorities.
Van Court Studio, located at 90 Water Street, opens to the public on Saturday, March 5.
