Excellent manicurist at Nails Garden, Ikano Power Centre

Never underestimate the amazing high that receiving (well, paying for) a well-done manicure can give you.

I also believe in giving props to jobs well done, so here it is.

I popped into Nails Garden on the fly at lunch break today because my snagged, chipped, flaked nails & cuticles were just about driving me up-the-wall crazy.

(The store is located at the corner of the P1 tunnel at IPC, next to the organic produce store and across from Chocolate World & Bread Talk.)

I've got to say, when I first walked in, I didn't have a very good impression. The three therapists were working at things on the tables at the front of house. Two of them looked up at me and went straight back to what they were doing (ie. one was working on a ledger and the other was just yakking) without any further acknowledgement that I was there. I piped up, "I'd like to get a basic manicure, please" and the other therapist who was working on some nail art looked over, packed her things and invited me to have a seat. Her name was Michelle.

I asked for a basic mani, no colour, just a trim, shape & removing of cuticles (short lunch break, mah), and Michelle then proceeded to work on my nails with a minimum of fuss & with great care.

Now, if you're a seasoned patron of manicures, you will know that not all manicures are equal... and I must say, Michelle gave me possibly the best (basic) manicure I've ever received. She was quick & professional, but very meticulous. She gently but rather determinedly, I must say, removed every bit of calloused cuticles (mine are pretty horrifying - hardened, dry, flaked & splintered) and hangnails, and gently buffed my nails which had torn off in layers (I have horrifyingly soft nails).

The basic manicure cost RM28. Without colour, without buffing. Not the cheapest nail parlour, but the quality of Michelle's work was definitely worth it.

I'll definitely go to her for my next mani, and if she does colours really well too, then I'll have my go-to manicurist sorted.. at least until she moves salons!

The Nails Garden FB page