THE ARNDALE gets a lot of stick. The market especially. Not the food market, that's great (reviewed here), but the so-called 'fashion' market doesn't usually fare well in people's opinions.
If I'm going to be surrounded by pretty models with pretty faces the least I can muster is pretty nails.
Fashion is a term loosely applied to the array of stalls, for many tack and tat might be more apt. However, much like the food market across the way, the fashion market also houses hidden gems.
Polishes galore
Amongst the vast variety of hair extensions, hen and stag party memorabilia and vertiginously high designer knock-off heels are a few independent salon stalls. Salon stalls that have stood the test of time. One of which is Jenny's Nails, open in the Arndale Market for almost ten years.
Acrylic nails might seem dated, time was when every WAG worth her Louis Vuitton handbag had squared off acrylics in the 90s. Yet, many of us still turn to them, particularly if you're a habitual nail biter like me.
Yes, I'm 22 and I still bite my nails. I'm aware it's a dirty habit (apparently the equivalent of licking the inside of a toilet bowl). Nonetheless, I have chewed and bitten down cuticles that make my hands look raw and wretched. Not ideal when you're in health, beauty and fashion. If I'm going to be surrounded by pretty models with pretty faces the least I can muster is pretty nails.
Jennys Nails
Recommended by pretty much everyone as the place to go for nails I headed off for the Arndale. Apart from a choice few stores I have very little call to go to the Arndale, and I am yet to be in need of a neon tutu so have never ventured into the market. Still, my nails needed sorting.
Against the back wall are three nail salons, two of which share the same name. Though they are small and house an army of nail technicians (in the 'odd job name' box with mixologists and sandwich artists) all waiting to tend to your cuticles and nail beds.
For only £25 and typically lasting about three to four weeks it's hard to find fault.
Work station - small but perfectly formed
I'd been forewarned not to expect quality service or any general salon small talk at these salons. Many of my friends had told me the workers like to talk amongst themselves.
I got a pleasant surprise in the friendly nail technician, who not only defied expectations by talking to me instead of her colleagues but was both charming and funny. Rather than asking me about my weekend plans, upcoming holidays or how me and my boyfriend were getting on (terribly, he doesn't exist), she told me about the market and how long Jenny's has been going.
In the space of thirty minutes I'd learnt everything about their shop, the training they go through and walked away with neat and presentable nails. A 22-year habit hidden away under plastic. It's a painless procedure of quick filing, applying plastic and filling in with gel and sealing with polish. Done and dusted in half an hour.
"No I don't bite my nails at all. It's a filthy habit"
So would I go back? Most definitely. £25 for three weeks worth of tidy nails. It's not a difficult question to answer.
Tidy groomed nails are a necessity. It's just a case of keeping the rest of myself presentable.
Follow Niamh Spence at @missnspence
Jenny's Nails, Arndale Market. Mon-Sat 9.30am-6.30pm. Sun 11am-5pm.
ALL SCORED CONFIDENTIAL REVIEWS ARE IMPARTIAL AND PAID FOR BY THE MAGAZINE.
Score: 17/20
Product: 8/10 (Painless, quick and looks better...what's not to like?)
Effectiveness: 5/5 (Neat and presentable, no more bitten down stumps)
Service: 4/5 (Chatty and friendly,more than expected)
