It's New to Us By Jean Stratton

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Relaxing Hand and Nail Treatments Offered at Onyx Nail Spa & Boutique

If you need a new look to go with the new season, Onyx Nail Spa & Boutique is just the thing!

Just opened at 15 Witherspoon Street in January, it offers soothing spa manicures and pedicures, body and facial waxing, and a range of healing soaps, lotions, oils, perfumes, and other bath and body care products.

Certified cosmetologists tend to your toes and hands in a lovely relaxed setting, which can also include complimentary tea, cookies, and in the evening, wine.

Owner Lana Breygina is encouraged by the response to her boutique, noting there are already repeat clients, and a lot of word-of-mouth. She believes people were looking for just such a place.

"I found that we needed a new spa experience in the area, offering quality services and products, and with a sophisticated, upscale, relaxing atmosphere."

Originally from Russia and formerly in the fashion and clothing industry, Ms. Breygina came to the U.S. in 1989 and has lived in Princeton for four years. It was very important to her to assemble a staff of highly qualified, experienced cosmetologists, she notes.

Biggest Asset

"My staff is my biggest asset. They are the best thing that happened. They are all very enthusiastic and love their work.

"Beth Petite, the manager, formerly had her own business, and has been in the cosmetology field for 20 years. Many of her clients followed her here. Jessica Krizni recently worked as a cosmetologist in the Manville area, and Rosa Martin-Serrano is from Italy and worked in a spa there for six years."

The full range of nail services includes everything from a quick fixer-upper to a lengthy, full-fledged session, pulling out all the stops.

"A lot of people come in on their lunch break or after work," reports Ms. Breygina. "Whether they are in a rush, on-the-run or want a longer relaxed service, we can offer whatever they need."

"A lady recently stopped in on her way to the airport to go to Scotland," notes Ms. Krizni. "She just needed to get her nails done before she left, and she came to us."

Manicure options are a 15-minute "On-the-Go" service, with nail filing, oil on cuticles, massage, and polish to the more involved Fancy French Manicure or Onyx Spa Manicure which can include warm, creamy oil, vanilla scrub, deep hand massage, and heated mittens to moisturize hands.

Paraffin for hands is also available.

"We can help with problem nails, and we have special strengthening treatments," adds Ms. Breygina.

A variety of tips is carried, and Onyx also offers a special service, LCN (Light Concept Nails), she points out. "We are the only ones in the area to offer this unique alternative to acrylic nails. We do not have acrylics or anything that can be harmful to the nails.

"Also among our services is a natural lemon and mango peel for the hands – a hand peel and hand 'lift' for a younger, smoother look."

"Give yourself a hand!" says Ms. Martin-Serrano, with a smile.

Other Choices

Feet are certainly not neglected either. A series of pedicures, from a half hour "Pedi-on-the-Go" to the European Deluxe – which begins with a soak in a lavender foam bath from France and a spot of English tea – are offered.

The longer – typically 45 minutes to an hour – pedicures include a whirlpool bath, exfoliation, hot towel compress, and leg and foot massage. The Onyx classic pedicure, mud and stone pedicure, and seaweed wrap pedicure (including a seaweed mask for ankles and feet for detoxification) are other choices.

"The pedicure can be a very soothing and relaxing experience," notes Ms. Breygina.

While the majority of customers are women, men are welcome, and "Gentleman's Hand Repair" and "Gentleman's Foot Recovery" are specific services for them.

A full range of body and face waxing, including the Brazilian "all over" waxing, not available everywhere, is also offered.

All ages enjoy the services at Onyx, says Ms. Breygina. "We have girls, teens, and mature ladies, and mothers and daughters coming in together.

"In addition, we offer special 'Grooming Birthday Parties' with mini manicure, mini pedicure, etc. This is a unique feature and very popular. We also have 'Bride-to-Be' services for the bridal party.

Walks of Life

"I really enjoy meeting the people who come in," she adds. "They are all different with different personalities and backgrounds. Some are from academia, others in business, some are mothers – it's people from all different walks of life, and everyone is welcome!"

The line of products at Onyx includes handsomely- packaged soaps, lotions, massage oils, and perfumes from France, England, Australia, Italy, and California.

"We have a little of everything," days Ms. Breygina. "We carry quality items, including our own signature Onyx line. This offers lotions, body wash, masks for face and body, and exfoliating scrubs for head to toe. It is formulated especially for us, and is exclusive to us. We can also custom-blend unscented lotions with essential oils of the client's choice."

Gift certificates are available, and prices cover a range, from $14 and $30 for a manicure on-the-go and pedicure on-the-go respectively up to $70 for the European Deluxe pedicure, with all prices in between. Soaps are in the $7 range.

Ms. Breygina hopes to introduce even more customers to the soothing pleasures of her spa services.

"We look forward to making everyone happy. If our clients are happy, we have done our job. Also, we have a very friendly atmosphere. No one is ever rushed here. We have very personal service, and our client is always our first priority."

Onyx is open seven days: Sunday 12 to 5, Monday through Wednesday 10 to 6, Thursday, Friday 10 to 8. Walk-ins and appointments welcome. 683-5855.