SpaNail by Nail Quick

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, this Japanese nail-salon chain is known for its elegant nail art and gel manicures, and its first U.S. location brings the relaxing spa experience to normally perfunctory nail care. The airy, intimate space fuses concrete walls (meant to embody New York) with Zen nature-inflected stylings, such as slatted-bamboo paneling, potted ferns and white-lacquer tree sculptures. Prepare to spend at least an hour having your paws pampered at the three-chair communal manicure table or one of four pedicure stations, featuring velvet sofas adorned with printed pillows for back support. Although pricey, SpaNail’s basic manicures (40mins $30) and pedicures (50mins $45) are meticulous, thorough and so relaxing, you risk nodding off midtreatment. There are also OPI GelColor (hands 50mins $40, feet 60mins $55) and house-line Nail Parfait soak-off gel (hands 60mins $50, feet 70mins $65) versions, the latter of which is best suited for nail-art add-ons, such as marbling ($10), ombrè ($15) and Swarovski-crystal accents ($1/crystal). Those in a rush can opt for an express mani (30mins $20), quick polish change (hands 15mins $10, feet 15mins $15), basic filing ($5) or buffing ($10), or a restoration paraffin hand treatment ($10).