I don't paint my fingernails well. Please help me find someone to do it

September 6, 2018 5:46 AM

Where can I get a good manicure in Boston tomorrow near or in the South Bay train station? No pedicure needed.

I'm traveling by train, and if everything goes perfectly, I'll have three hours before the next thing I have to do. On Saturday I am attending a wedding. It's not an emergency if I don't get my nails done, but it would feel good to do that bit of self care if the timing lines up.

I'd prefer a place that won't insist on cutting my cuticles, but the most important part is they'll apply the polish well. I expect to have plenty of time to sit around for drying and I'll bring a color so I can touch up as needed.

posted by bilabial to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

We've got a Back Bay Station and a South Station. Which do you mean?
posted by dywypi at 5:48 AM on September 6, 2018

If you mean Back Bay Station, Treasured Hands was my go-to in that neighborhood. Usually they'll ask if you want your cuticles cut or just pushed back, but even if they don't ask you can certainly say upfront you don't want it.
posted by telegraph at 5:54 AM on September 6, 2018

Response by poster: Ah, yes, south station. Sorry.
posted by bilabial at 5:58 AM on September 6, 2018

My go-to is Cambridge Nails in Beacon Hill (across the street from Charles/MGH on the Red Line a few stops away from South Station, so maybe not that inconvenient to you or maybe too inconvenient) but they are excellent, and will take any and all requests including "please don't cut my cuticles."
posted by olinerd at 7:52 AM on September 6, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: The current “hip” place in Boston is the Fort Point/Innovation District, which is across the Fort Point Channel from South Station. On Seaport Boulevard, there is a MiniLuxe salon. It’s a chain, and my wife goes to one of their other locations. I know nothing of this location, but given that it is a chain and that this is a hip neighborhood, I'm sure it’s fine.

It’s probably a 10-minute walk from the terminal, through some nice/fun blocks along the water.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 12:49 PM on September 6, 2018

I came in here to suggest Miniluxe but Admiral Haddock beat me to it. I have been to the Seaport location and it’s great - Miniluxe’s selling point is hygiene so they autoclave and sterilize everything between customers. I’ve always been very happy with the manicures I’ve gotten from them. They’re a bit more expensive than other options (South Station is right near Chinatown, where there are loads of nail salons) but do good work and the cleanliness is definitely a selling point for me.
posted by athenasbanquet at 2:00 PM on September 6, 2018

Response by poster: I went to Mini Luxe and they were booked solid so I ended up someplace else. So for future searchers, call ahead and make a reservation.

It was a beautiful place, I would highly recommend.

Then after I got my manicure I got on the bus to Hyannis and have already smudged one nail. Go lee.
posted by bilabial at 12:18 PM on September 7, 2018