On the Road: SC Nail Lounge

That's me on the left with nail stylist Vicki Ornellas.

All four techs at SC Nail Lounge have worked for 25 years or more in the industry. Owner Teresa Hamm and nail stylist Vicki Ornellas are global educators and trainers. Ornellas has worked with AII (American International Industries) for over 15 years. It is Ornellas’ belief that what separates SC Nail Lounge from other salons is the attention to sanitation and emphasis on education. When she trains other techs, she holds them to competition standards. They make sure clients know what products are being used on their nails, and they offer tips on how to care for nails at home. They are also adamant about educating clients on the safety of gel manicures. Ornellas even applies sunscreen on the hands of hesitant but curious gel clients.

SC Nail Lounge retails jewelry and small handbags.

The salon offers OPI, China Glaze, Minx, IBD, Dashing Diva, Kooky, and EZ Flow products. The majority of services in the salon are gels, and nail art is offered for $15 a nail. According to Ornellas, most nail art requests come from clients’ Pinterest accounts. With hundreds of lacquer and gel colors, two books full of Minx swatches, and two sets of nail art tips on display, the salon makes its ample product availability fully known.

Coffee and wine are available while clients relax and choose from the wide assortment of colors.

This salon's balcony makes it easy to take in the view and get fresh air.

SC Nail Lounge is located in a small row of beauty businesses on Avenida De La Estrella. The Brow Boutique is next door, so the nail lounge offers its cards inside the brow salon and vice versa. The salon is also involved with community activities in San Clemente, since Hamm was born and raised in the city. SC Nail Lounge participates in fundraisers and has worked with the Presbyterian church right across the street, making it a very community-oriented and warm salon to visit.