Parlor owner Mary Nguyen wanted to create a retreat for busy San Franciscans.
At San Francisco’s Parlor nail salon, the main attraction is its 30-minute-or-less services for clients who want quick, quality nail services that fit into their busy days, says owner Mary Nguyen. The “mini-spa” offers nail and skin care designed to provide a relaxing mid-day breather or a quick pick-me-up after work. “Many of our clients work multiple jobs and have side projects that keep them busy every day,” says Nguyen, who also has a second job working as a preschool teacher. “Our clients might not have the time for an hour-long service, but they still understand the importance of self-care.”
Express pedicures include a foot soak and lotion massage.
Initially, the salon solely offered short services (from mini manis to mini facials), but in recent years the menu has expanded to offer longer services as the demand became more apparent. Clients range from “young working people and retired local residents to mothers who occasionally find the time to treat themselves.”
A faux fireplace warms up the waiting area.
Customer service is key, says Nguyen, and regardless of the service’s speed, the main goal of the salon is to provide a relaxing retreat. “We believe that when you prioritize self-care, you’re better able to succeed in everything else, because self-care aligns with self-confidence.”
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