/ Reviews
Tip to Toe Beauty
by Steph Wy Ng
on Friday, August 07, 2009 12:00 AM
Zaza is a cut above most other manicure spaces in the city. The full-service Nail Spa and Café opened a year and a half ago in Hongqiao and is currently undergoing a refresh of its three floors by owner and interior designer Howard Ying to keep it looking buffed and polished.
Ying was born in Taiwan but has lived in America for many years. He opened the first Zaza branch in San Francisco and now has two other locations in San Ramon and Fremon. Looking closer to home, he decided to open a fourth branch in Shanghai and hopes to expand with more locations across the city and in Japan.
More than a simple nail spa, Zaza offers nail, facial and waxing treatments in bright modern surroundings. But what really makes Zaza stand out is its American spa café. On the ground floor, the breezy café serves an array of healthy sandwiches, pasta, soups and salads. From the drinks list, try the Blueberry Smoothie (RMB39) or the Mighty Leaf artisan handcrafted teas imported from San Francisco. There's a dedicated kids menu too.
In separate spa rooms, facial treatments include the Deep Purifying Cleansing Facial (RMB308) that leaves your skin feeling relaxed and revitalized. Zaza uses all-natural Australian-made Jurlique skin products for their spa treatments and American brand O.P.I color for nails.
Upstairs the Nail Spa features large, comfy leather sofas custom-made for Zaza, with space in the armrest to place your drink and an in-built massage function to relax the muscles while you wait for your nails to dry. Aside from a wide range of manicures and pedicures for ladies - including a handy 30-minute Express Mani Treatment (RMB88) - the salon also caters to men and kids.
Children get a half price discount on nail art. Meanwhile, guys will love the ‘Man'-Li-Cure (RMB108) or the macho Fred Flintstone Pedicure (RMB188 for 50 minutes) that promises to have worn hoofs "up and ready to navigate the concrete jungle in no time".
The Bottom Line: Nail and spa treatments, healthy food and drinks - all available under one roof and for a reasonable price.
