Ashamed and disgusted at the state of my nails, it was time to book in with the nail therapist for a bit of TLC. I seem to go through waves of nail care and nail no care. I love wearing gel nails, they last forever (well two weeks tops) and give great shine!
A new salon on the block
Q61 is a new beauty salon with a big difference. The new salon opened in November and is a luxury nail and beauty studio encompassing nails, waxing, brows and lashes. It replaced Spruce Moose, and I have to admit, although invited on many occasions, I never went to the previous salon. I wasn’t happy to promote it because I didn’t agree with the business model or principles behind the salon. Owned by Pure Gym, the salon was the first concept for what could have been a mass franchise. However, Q61 is different. Owned by couple Michael and Helena Linsky from Leeds, this is their second salon. They are heavily involved in the business and want it to shake up the traditional salon.Â
It’s the little touches
The day before my treatment I received a text from my therapist to say she was looking forward to seeing me. A warm welcoming smile greeted me as I walked into the salon, which is located on Albert Street, in the new Everyman complex. The receptionist took my coat and asked if I wanted a drink; a glass of fizz perhaps? I stuck to a lemon and ginger tea as I hadn’t yet eaten so fizz would have gone to my head!
Pooches, prams and more!
My therapist was the head therapist, Katie. She used to work at the old salon and confirmed how much better this one was. Katie showed me round before we settled in the nail bar. I hadn’t appreciated the size of the salon. Spread over two floors it has waxing rooms, massage rooms, a tanning room and even a breast-feeding room. They even have a pram park and welcome little pooches like this cutie, joining his mummy for a pedicure!
The colour runway
Q61 has a unique colour runway which displays the latest seasonal nail colours according to runway trend. This time it was all about the nude! I decided to go for a pinky shade of nude and add a bit of glitz with rose gold glitter on each index finger – why not!
A luxury manicure with mitts!
I’d booked in for a luxury manicure. Katie started off asking me about my nails, what shape I prefer and their general health before starting the manicure. They use OPI products and after a cuticle soak and file it was time to polish. Winter is always harsh on my skin and often leads to my hands feeling dry; a good polish eliminated any dead skin while the hand massage and warm mitts rejuvenated them. I can’t tell you how soft and sumptuous they felt. It also felt amazing to just sit there. Without my hands I couldn’t reach for my phone – all I had were my thoughts – it was nice to take a break. Once they were looking lovely, it was time to add the polish. Katie and I chatted away whilst she did my nails. Katie said all the therapists are all local, which is nice to hear. She also said she is a make-up artist – her makeup was just perfect!Â
Nails were done in no time and with a hint of sparkle, I walked out feeling all girly and pampered.Â
Q61 have two great offers at the moment; but you had better be quick to receive 10% off all treatments in January. Alternatively, you can take advantage of their Valentine’s offer and book in with a friend in January and enjoy complimentary chocolates and Prosecco.Â
P.S. A big thank you to Q61 and to Katie for inviting me to have my nails done – it was such a lovely treat.
