I recently took a trip to MARS– the salon, not planet- for a little adventure in nail art, which is not just for the flamboyant performer- a la Nicki Minaj- anymore. Fashion and beauty zealots have taken to this specialized artistic, freehand, gel application like wildfire- as experimental manicures, inspired by current trends, are now considered another must-have accessory…quite like hair and makeup, or your latest Givenchy handbag. And with one billion dollars a year spent on nail products and accessories, this latest craze is sure to be around for a while.
Hiroko Fujikawa has brought her much idolized Tokyo nail salon and spa to Los Angeles, which is currently the only US outpost. This clean and modern retreat of tranquility offers clients their special brand of hospitality- which translates into impeccable service, as only the Japanese do best- where two technicians work on your hands, while seated comfortably in custom leather chairs, inside private rooms which are adorned with flat-screen TV’s, and iPad add-on service menus… all within range of your pampered paws.
The damage-free gel technology is sophisticated as well as safe, and incorporates their cherry-blossom infused house product line. Patterns such as leopard prints and rhinestone-studded flowers are favored, however custom designs to suit your mood- or ensemble– are masterfully applied…if even just for the night. The spa offers scalp massages, organic facials, and built-in porcelain foot baths to instill some calm, while submitting to your nail-spectacle frenzy. And since almost half the clients at the MARS Tokyo location are men- who prefer those basic mani’s that I usually do- you never know which dandy may be in the next room…besides Ozzy Osbourne of course. www.mars-salon.com
