The Classic Pedicure ($33) covers the basics and includes a hot-towel treatment, but we'd suggest an upgrade to the citrus-infused Sun Kissed Pedicure ($50). Maryland Acqua Nails 4701 Sangamore Rd., Suite M7, Bethesda; 301-320-6245 Locals love this easy strip-mall spot for its vast array of polishes and friendly nail techs. If you're looking for a long foot massage, this isn't necessarily the place—turnover is quick thanks to a steady clientele. Still, a basic pedicure is just $30. Bonus: Pay in cash and knock $2 off the price. Blue Zen Nails & Spa 4926 Elm St., Bethesda; 301-907-6868 This funky little nail salon in the heart of Bethesda Row is a nice respite. The nail techs are up on the latest trends, so don't be shy about asking for unconventional shades or designs; for a few dollars more than the basic pedi ($30), they'll happily paint tiny flowers or other simple flourishes atop your toes. The Emerald Door 8311 Grubb Rd., Silver Spring, 301-587-5800 If you want an eco-friendly pedicure, head to the Emerald Door, which uses only organic and natural products.
Owner Jennie Le gets raves for her friendly demeanor and, although it costs extra, her nail-art skill. Present Nail Spa 1112-B W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-237-6245 A spa-like tranquility encourages relaxation at this Falls Church favorite, where the pedicure menu is extensive but the 30-minute Present Pedicure ($32) is a solid choice. After a soak and an invigorating peppermint scrub, the service includes a foot massage with warm lotion. Sugar House Day Spa & Salon 111 N. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-549-9940 You can often grab a walk-in appointment at this quaint day spa, which has just three pedicure stations (reservations recommended). With complimentary beverages and a spa atmosphere, the 45-minute basic pedicure provides more serenity than your average walk-in nail salon—making it worth the $45. Bonus: Sugar House just launched its own line of nail polish. 21 Nail Lounge 2209-C N. Pershing Dr., Arlington; 703-465-4707 Although big, this new salon manages to avoid an assembly-line vibe, with relaxing service—it offers clients a beverage upon arrival—and a large selection of colors, including those from Vinylux, which boasts chip-free polish for a week.
Try the nail "happy hour" all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, when the $28 basic Spa Pedicure drops to $25. Nails Chic 1519 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Second Floor; 202-333-8033 Tucked above David Rios Salon & Spa in Georgetown, Nails Chic is on the small side, but it's very clean and usually quiet, making it easy to unwind. Owner Linn Ntuyen, the consummate hostess, ensures that the six massage chairs are comfortable (they are) and that your pedicure experience ($30) is top-notch. Bonus: Splurge on an extra-long foot massage, at $1 a minute. Want to recommend a good, reliable nail salon for affordable pedicures? Send an e-mail to Kate Bennett at This article appears in the August 2014 issue of Washingtonian.
The new 21 Nail Lounge in Arlington features chic decor, free wi-fi, and relaxing service. Photograph by Andrew Propp. Getting a pedicure is a great way to enjoy a little downtime—not to mention a dose of beauty—during a busy week. But with hundreds of nail salons around the area, it's tough to know which are the good ones to keep on file. We've come up with a list of pedicure places—recommended by beauty aficionados who get frequent pedis—for a reliable, fast (but not too fast), pampering experience. Virginia Leesburg Nails Spa 108 South St., SE, Leesburg; 703-777-3777 Owned by a husband-and-wife team, Leesburg Nails Spa gets praise for customer service and its dedication to detail and comfort during treatments. The Express Pedicure ($25) is the entry-level option, but if you feel like a splurge, we suggest the $65 Green Tea Spa Pedi. Bonus: Pay just $5 more and get an indulgent paraffin wax treatment with your pedi. Nails by the Falls 9912 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls; 703-438-3900 The basic pedicure ($36) at this Great Falls nail salon is a popular choice.
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