COCO Hand & Foot Spa

I had a day to myself yesterday for my birthday and decided I was going to try to find a place to get my nails done. At this stage I have probably tried all the main salons (Tropical Popical, Nails, Glam Nail and Beauty…) in the city center and some places out in the suburbs (The Red Lotus, Mink, MudPie…) and the results have been very dependent on who was doing my nails and how much patience and time they had to do them. On a whim, I followed Galadrielle H.‘s review and ended up on Mary’s street needing Galadrielle’s directions to find this place.
Up the stairs to Slimline in a tiny little room, Olga was working on someone’s feet in the dry pedicure chair. I got an appointment for a half hour later– easy as pie.
The little studio is perfect, it has everything one could want. Olga started it up two months ago after working for years in Fifth Avenue on Wicklow St. and her loyal clients followed her. She has a lovely collection of Essie and Shellac and even a Vegan range of nail polish– all new. You really feel pampered getting the salon to yourself for an hour and Olga’s full attention. She is so lovely to chat to that it’s like popping over to a friend who is also exceptionally talented at nails and nail art.
Olga was amazing: she impeccably manicured the cuticles and really took the time to do the most perfect job she possibly could. She held the paint brush like a real artist and got it perfect every time. I haven’t seen anyone this good yet.
Another surprise was the price– the manicures go from € 10 to a maximum of € 34 for the most luxurious treatment. It’s inexpensive but it’s a good feeling to know that the nail artist is the one getting paid the full fee. I really dislike the factory-​model nail salons that have been popping up everywhere recently– it is pretty unethical.
I think I have now found the only manicure place that I want to go back to and become a regular at.

I am now sitting at COCO Hand & Foot Spa and I am having the best time ever ! Today I am doing pedicure + nail varnish and manicure + shellac. Let’s break it down as I go…
1* For the location: If you take the luas, then stop at Jervis and walk to up to The Church. Mary street is the extension of Henry street. It very central and practical to access. Once on Mary street look for the Slimline gym studio. The salon is upstairs.
1* For the salon: Everything is white and new ! The owner Olga works alone so she can only take 1 person at a time. I actually like it better as I feel really taken care of !
1* For the pedicure: I am having the Deluxe pedicure as I write. It is the most relaxing pedicure I have ever had. I can tell from experience, I am a big fan of pedicures ! It’s dry pedicure and — believe me or not — so much softer than your usual bathing pedicures. For sensitive feet or those who want to relax fully !
1* For the manicure: That’s the part where you chat about everything that crosses your brains while your hands get pampered: D Whatever happened to your nails, Olga — the nail expert — can fix it ! Sometime I just sent her an emergency text with a picture of the nail desaster and she will book me an appointment asap. Just the best !
1* For the COCO Hand & Foot Spa nail expert: Olga is the owner of the salon and she is the best. I have known her for more than a year and always was enchanted with her work. Everytime I come to her with a new idea and she is always ready to try it — even when it’s crazy :) I can send her an emergency message with the picture of a broken nail and she responds with an appointment. Professional to the tip of her nails !
Check her Facebook page: COCO Hand & Foot spa and ask for an appointment today :)