Nails by Christy: A hidden retreat for your hands and feet

PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

Who says that getting a manicure or pedicure can’t be as luxurious as going in for a facial or massage—that they can’t be just as comfortable, relaxing and refreshing? Like a lot of women, I used to find the mani/pedi experience to be anything but pleasant—in fact, it bordered on noxious: too loud, too fast, too rough, too many chemicals floating in the air. Eventually, I gave up.

But then one day I stumbled upon Nails by Christy, hidden away in an almost secret location in Naples. Walking by what turned out to be Christy’s window, I spied a woman awash in pleasure, her (presumably) tired and achy feet (aren’t everyone’s?) being lovingly massaged. And I investigated: While there is a sign for Christy’s on the side of the building, there is no front door, only a back door off the parking lot of an office building near Second Street and Venetia.

Waiting behind that back door is a small space set up for the most comfortable, intimate manicure or pedicure—or both—that you could ask for. You won’t find Zen, pretend Zen, or the nauseating smell of acrylics. Christy doesn’t do acrylics. What she does do is pamper you with private manicures and pedicures booked on the hour. It’s all about you—or, if you prefer, a trio of your girlfriends. (And for hectic moms, it can be just you and your little one.)

Christy has been sprucing up other people’s hands and feet since 1997, when she first started at a friend’s salon off Broadway and Redondo—her very focused, gentle, personalized attention quickly gained an avid following. “This is a luxury,” she says, “it should all feel good. There shouldn’t be any pain.” And though she realizes that some people might initially balk at her prices (manicures start at $20, spa manicures at $35, and spa pedicures at $45) she’s confident that once they experience the difference they’ll be back again.

When I sink into one of the three well-padded armchairs Christy provides her clients (complete with additional cushy pillows) she asks about my particular preferences. I’ve chosen a basic pedicure ($35), and admit to having sensitive feet. Christy admits to being “super” ticklish, and instructs me to keep talking—she wants to know where I’m at in regards to heat, pressure, etc.

The pedicure begins with a gentle exfoliation after a foot soak in a warm vibrating tub—just a touch to my soles and heels with a pumice stone—followed by a wonderful Swedish massage with a very thick and fragrant foot cream that promises to quench all of the dry spots. As I sip peppermint tea, Christy massages my cuticles and restores them into good order before moving on to expertly trimming and shaping my nails.

To top it all off, she coats my toes in hot fuchsia. At Nails by Christy, touch ups are free—just the way a bang trim is at a good salon—and “French” manicures are included in the basic price. (Another bonus: Everything Christy uses for her services is either disposable or vigorously sanitized; she is a self-professed “germaphobe” and invites you to bring in your own tools, if you’d prefer.)

New clients arrive at Nails by Christy mostly through word of mouth (she does a little advertising, too). Christy is also available for mobile visits, and regularly sees clients in rest homes or on bed rest during a pregnancy. Basic manicures and pedicures are booked on the hour; spa manicures and pedicures take an hour and a half and include additional treatments like paraffin.

Now you know my secret. Make Christy yours.

NAILS BY CHRISTY 5500 E SECOND ST | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.7563028 | AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Tags: Commerce, Long Beach, manicure, nails by christy, pedicure, shopping