Photo by Marie Leonard
Photo by Marie Leonard
Photo by Marie LeonardCindy Nguyen has placed an emphasis on natural nail care for more than 20 years, and now caters to customers who want healthy nails through her salon, Exclusive Nails.
"My goal in opening up this salon was to cater to health and sanitation in this area," Nguyen said. "We really don't have a salon like this in the area."
Nguyen started working in the industry about 22 years ago and went out on her own about 12 years ago to build up a clientele before opening up the storefront on Louetta Road in 2012 with her husband, Cory, and co-owner Tammy Pham, Cindy's mother.
"I was tired of working for nail salons that didn't follow [sanitation] rules," Nguyen said. "I also wanted a fair environment for all of my employees. I want them to be proud of where they work."
The pedicures at Exclusive Nails differ from a traditional salon as Nguyen only offers waterless pedicures. Instead of placing their legs in footbaths, customers can relax in a recliner while their feet and lower legs are wrapped in hot towels.
"I believe we're the only nail salon in Texas that only does waterless pedicures," Nguyen said.
Nguyen first learned about the technique several years ago during a spa show in California, and returned there to learn the procedure and bring it back to Houston.
"For many years I did regular pedicures with a liner in the footbath, but this is just a better way of doing pedicures because you wrap the feet in hot towels," Nguyen said. "We just went for it."
Pedicures and manicures at Exclusive Nails are typically by appointment to ensure no customer is rushed, Nguyen said.
"Our pedicures are $45, and to a lot of new customers that may seem high, but we combine everything into one package," Nguyen said. "If you go to a nail salon where [pedicures] cost $20 or $25, everything else is an up-sale—like the callous treatment, the exfoliate, the scrub. We combine them into one package so we can do a good pedicure."
In addition to pedicures, Exclusive Nails also offers natural manicures and shellac manicures and carries several high-quality polish lines, such as OPI, Essie, CND, ByNubar and Dazzle Dry. Nguyen has embraced a newer nail trend—shellac polish—at the salon, which is a hybrid of gel and polish that lasts longer than traditional nail polish.
"In order for shellac to adhere to the nail and last two or three weeks, you have to prep the nail," Nguyen said. "We push back and trim the cuticle to put the shellac on, and it can last two or three weeks depending on the daily routine of the client."
Although sanitation and cleanliness are primary concerns for the salon, Nguyen and her staff also try to make customers feel comfortable, offering coffee, water, wine or other complimentary beverages during their appointment.
"Our goal here is to have any customer come in and feel comfortable—man or woman," Nguyen said.
Customer specials
Exclusive Nails offers several specials for new and existing customers. New customers receive 20 percent off one service, and existing customers who refer a friend can earn a $10 credit for each referral.
Nail services
Classic manicure—$25
Classic pedicure—$45
Gel polish—additional $15
Princess manicure*—$20
Princess pedicure*—$30
*ages 6–13 only
Exclusive Nails
11550 Louetta Road, Ste. 200
Houston 832-465-5929
www.exclusivenails.org
Hours: Tue.–Sat. 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
