Thread Beauty Bar
1903 Chestnut Street, Loft Level
(215) 557-1953
Threadphiladelphia.com
Located across the street from Thursday night hotspot Pearl, Thread Beauty Bar might just be your new favorite go-to place for manis, pedis, hair removal and more. A far cry from quickie nail joints, Thread rivals even the swankiest salons in both setting and service. Sparse yet tastefully decorated, Thread is refreshing in its laid-back approach to everything. You won't even be frustrated if you have to wait for a manicure; Thread girls will offer you a seat, a magazine, a drink and whatever else your heart may desire.
The salon prides itself on its cleanliness - they use porcelain sinks for pedicures and never reuse nail files or buffers (which means you get to take them home). Also, Thread is "all-natural;" they use chemical-free and vegan products, including SpaRitual nail polish. The only drawback to this "healthy" spa service is the lack of selection of nail colors; if you're going to be a Thread regular, bring your own polish from home.
In addition to fabulous long-lasting manicures and pedicures, Thread offers its namesake service at incredibly reasonable prices. Eyebrow threading starts at $12, and the technicians are not only nice, but knowledgeable as well. I was initially somewhat wary of threading, but my fears were eased when the staff explained the technique - and I discovered that it hurts much less than waxing. If you haven't tried threading before, this is the ideal place to go for your first time.
Thread's "Manicure and Martini" Wednesdays is perhaps its most noteworthy feature. From 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, Thread offers their services with a twist: a speciality martini. Though it can get busy, call ahead and you won't encounter a problem. If, however, you do have to wait for a spot at the Mani Bar, doing so will be significantly less annoying than usual with a martini in hand.
Thread's business card boasts that the salon is representative of the clients it serves: "fun, social, and always polished." This perfectly encapsulates everything Thread is about; it's a great place to go with the girls, and it will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered.
