It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

HANDS-ON HELP: “No one is ever rushed here. We want everyone to relax and be comfortable. You can get away from the stresses and cares of the world here.” The staff at Princeton Nails want customers to enjoy a manicure or pedicure at the newly renovated salon. Left to right are: Kate, Jenny, and Tina. In the foreground is owner Casey Kang. Missing from the photo are Sarah and Linda.

Pedicures, Manicures, and Waxing Services Offered at Newly Renovated Princeton Nails

In our high tech, fast-paced world, what was once considered a luxury is now often a necessity. A stretch of quiet time and a bit of hands-on pampering can be beneficial to mind, body, and spirit. Time away from the stresses of one’s busy life can rejuvenate and revitalize.

Casey Kang, new owner of Princeton Nails at 6 Nassau Street, fully understands this. “We give people the best personal care and attention. We take special care to help them relax. They need this time for themselves.”

Ms. Kang became owner of Princeton Nails in October, and immediately undertook a renovation, giving the salon a “face lift”. “The space has been completely upgraded, and we have a whole new look,” she reports. “It’s a new setting, but with the same wonderful staff.”

Coming to the U.S. from Korea in 1986, Ms. Kang has lived in the Princeton area for many years, and worked in banking and cosmetology. It was always her goal to have her own business, and she is very enthusiastic about this dream-come-true. “This was the time for me to do it. I’m excited about this new adventure. This is my life, my time!”

Calm and Tranquil

In addition to the calm and tranquil atmosphere she strives to provide — enhanced by classical music in the background, Ms. Kang pays strict attention to safety and cleanliness issues.

“Safety is totally important. We make sure everything is completely sterilized. After a pedicure, the foot basin is completely washed with special cleaners.”

Pedicures are a very popular service, and customers often come once a month for this very relaxing 35- to 50-minute experience. “Your feet will thank you!” says one happy client.

Customers may choose a green tea or silky milk pedicure, among others, and all include an initial soaking in a vitamin-enriched foot bath, cuticle softening, callus removal (if necessary), massage (including the legs), and nail polish. Special pedicures also include a hot stone massage to relax the muscles further and a parafin wax treatment to soften the back of the heels. In addition, the pedicure chairs provide a back massage, if the customer wishes.

Weekly manicures are popular with many clients, and nail color choices are abundant. “In winter, dark red and brown are favorites, especially among younger clients,” points out Ms. Kang. “In the summer, lighter colors are popular, and in Princeton, light, sheer pink is often chosen.”

After the nails are filed, hands soaked, and cuticles softened, the hands are massaged and wrapped in a hot towel. Then, polish is applied. “We always use a base coat with vitamins which is very healthy for the nails. Then, two coats of color are applied, and a finishing top coat,” she explains.

Long-Lasting

In addition to the basic manicure, many customers today are opting for the very popular tips and wraps. “Wraps are very long-lasting, and they are especially great for traveling when you don’t have time to do your nails.

“We also have nail strengtheners for people with special problems,” she continues. “They help the nails to be stronger and healthier. I really enjoy helping customers. I want to be able to help fix any problems for them.”

In addition to the nail services, facial waxing is available.

In its eight years on Nassau Street, Princeton Nails has built a clientele of loyal customers, who come in frequently. As one regular client notes: “The girls here are so good at what they do, and they are so friendly.”

Adds another: “I come here because the people are so nice, they do a great job, and you are never rushed.”

Newest Products

“Many of the customers have become like family to the staff,” points out Ms. Kang, who now hopes to introduce even more customers to Princeton Nails.

“We have a wonderful staff — all have gone to cosmetology school — and we have the finest and newest products, including Shellac Gel, a soak-off color gel, and a warm, friendly atmosphere in a great new setting. We offer affordable prices, with 10 percent off now because of our new ownership. Manicures are from $13, pedicures from $27. We also have student discounts and a special promotion every month.”

A gift certificate is a perfect way to introduce someone to a manicure or pedicure, and can be a welcome holiday gift.

“I am excited that I have the opportunity to be involved in this business in the Princeton community, and I have every confidence that it will be a success,” says Ms. Kang. “I hope that our service will help relieve some of the stress and tension that our customers face daily. When people enter our salon, their mind and body will be nurtured and pampered. We provide organic and natural products so that clients’ nails will be not be exposed to harsh chemicals.

“I hope that with the new renovation, our clients will feel calm and serene, as if they are on a vacation when they are here. When they leave the salon, they will feel that their body is pampered, their mind nurtured, and their spirit lifted.”

Princeton Nails is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 to 6. (609) 252-0900. A new website will be available soon.

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