van court

[The pedicure area at Van Court Studio]

Sometimes you don’t realize how much you’ve been settling for, until something much better comes along. Van Court Studio, which opened in the Financial District this past week, resets expectations by offering waterless manicures, providing five and even nine-free polishes, creating natural scrubs in-house, all set in an intimate, comfortable jewel box of a space with exposed brick walls and hip yet minimalist décor. The nail technicians I came across on a recent visit to Van Court are also among the shining stars of the industry; I recognized a few faces from top tier salons in the city and other beauty events along with backstage at fashion week performing manicures and pedicures.

[Homemade scrubs and Himalayan sea salt greet your tired feet]

If it appears that a lot of thought has been put into this particular nail spot, you’re correct; founder Ruth Kallens and creative director Jessica Washick are both beauty industry vets that strive to execute healthy, sanitary, and fair practices in their new space, which means nail techs are compensated as they should be, and skin and nails are treated with only, natural, high-quality products and ingredients. You can certainly have nail art done (currently, there are 16 designs to choose from), but you won’t find LED lamps to cure gel polish with here. Hands remain soak-free prior to the service in order to combat bacteria which can foster when hands are soaked, as well as boosting the efficacy of polish on a hard, rather than soft, nail bed.

I was exposed instead to an array of brands not usually seen in a nail salon and some never even heard of; I settled on a gorgeous bottle of LVX nail lacquer in “jade” for my toes, a vegan polish that is “seven free,” meaning free of the seven most common toxic and harsh chemicals found in nail polish. I also loved that my experience was leisurely; I had a great conversation with my nail tech during the service, and was encouraged to hang out until my nails wear dry to my liking. The menu provides some specialized services, like strengthening treatments and extended massages, while the environment is welcoming to guys with a Gentleman’s Pedicure service and kids via a nail clean up and pedicure (This Little Piggy). And just in case you need one more reason to visit Van Court Studio, here’s one: Ruth is a friend and I’m POSITIVE you will love it there!