If there’s one surefire way to add that finishing touch to your look, it’s through a good mani-pedi. Heading out with ragged fingernails or chipped polish on your toes can mean you look more shabby than chic. It’s a simple thing, but don’t under-estimate the importance of a good manicure or pedicure when it comes to looking well-groomed. Here our reviewers put some of the top Hong Kong nail salons to the test.
Glow Spa
Stepping from the busy streets of Central and into Glow Spa feels calming and like you are miles away from the madness outside. At Glow, you can opt for a regular mani-pedi; as well as soft and hard gel options, for more long-lasting results. The Glow team uses a range of premium products; such as OPI, Bandi and Gelique and a vast range of colours and styles are available. Glow’s got you covered for the chic, classic look; as well as the more creative, like nail art and glitter polishes.
My appointment began with a consultation on my nail type and desired look. My therapist was helpful and informative, without being intrusive. I then settled in to the plush chair and relaxed in the clean, comfortable salon to enjoy my treatment. The utmost care and precision was taken throughout the process, which was streamlined and efficient but didn’t feel hurried. I decided on Shellac gel – for hands and feet – and was thrilled with the finished look: neat, gorgeous and glossy.
Glow is managed by the owner, Sioban Guilfoyle, and her personal presence means that everything runs smoothly, with customer care and satisfaction at the heart of the spa. – Aoife Mackenzie
9/F, Parker House, 72 Queen’s Road Central, Central
2525 5198 | glowspa.hk | reception@glowspa.hk
My Perfect Body
I arrive at My Perfect Body in Central to experience the iPedicure®, which they offer exclusively in Hong Kong. I am intrigued to know what is different about this pedicure which is not widespread in Hong Kong, but has been popular in Eastern Europe for more than 30 years. I am quickly ushered into a comfy chair and offered a ginger tea, as I choose a nail polish colour for my toes. So far, so normal. But as owner Tanya Pakhomova explains to me, what is different about the iPedicure is they take a medical approach to the pedicure itself, combining podiatry with nail care. If you have specific problems, such as a fungal infection, that can be treated as part of the pedicure. All equipment is sterilised and the key part of the treatment is a machine, developed in Germany by Helmut Ruck, which is used to get rid of the dry and dead skin on your feet. Tanya explains to me that this technique not only promotes the health of your feet by ridding it of dead skin layers, it also means the results are much longer-lasting than other pedicures, which was definitely the case in my experience. The result is my feet look and feel better than they have in more than a decade! – Melissa Stevens
3/F, 16 Wyndham Street, Central
The Feel Good Factor
Located right in the heart of Wyndham Street, The Feel Good Factor has been operating since 1999. With the majority of their clientele being repeat customers, it is clear this day spa has established itself as a go-to spot for getting a great mani-pedi. I went along to see if it lives up to its reputation.
I was greeted by Gina, the spa manager, who showed me to my seat and offered me tea. The spa has a Moroccan vibe, with brass basins, coloured tiles and bright, comfortable cushions.
The spa is run by Helen Barker and it’s obvious to me that the warm, friendly vibe within this spa is largely due to Helen’s genuine desire for her clients to leave with the feeling by which the spa is named.
The nail technicians, Muna and Flora were friendly and professional, and thankfully, patient with those of us who take forever to decide on a colour! I decided on a bright turquoise for my toes, and the result was fantastic. My nails looked stunning, my feet felt soft, and I felt truly relaxed and pampered. Definitely a reputation that is well-earned. – Danielle Higgins
2/F, Winsome House, 73 Wyndham Street (junction of Hollywood Road), Central
2530 0610 | feelgoodfactor.com.hk | info@feelgoodfactor.com.hk
Sense of Touch 
I headed to the Sai Kung branch of Sense of Touch for a mani-pedi. The experience began as they soaked my feet in warm water, followed by removing my nail polish. They then filed my nails very gently, before cutting them and removing the dead skin, and trimmed my cuticles.
The next step was a heavenly lower arm and hand massage with a fruity aroma oil, which relieved tension from my arms and hands. They also scrubbed my legs and feet, before washing them, followed by a deep tissue lower leg massage.
Finally, they applied nail polish. The therapist’s suggestion that I have three layers of colour for my manicure was a winner! They use a nail dryer in between layers which assures you walk away with almost dry nail polish. They have a wide range of about 150 colours to choose from.
The entire experience took about 1.5 hours. I was impressed by how personal the service was. They explained the steps they were taking so I was informed at all times about what was about to happen. They also gave great advice about what would work best for me, trying to accommodate. – Margarita Hoyos
NB – Book through the Sense of Touch app and get a 20 percent discount during July and August!
Sai Kung, Repulse Bay, Central, Cyberport, Tseung Kwan O, Tung Chung, Capelli Hair Salon
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