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Hoboken Nail Art: Dream Nails & Spa

by Melissa
Attain Medspa
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Summertime sadness has come {and gone}, but that doesn’t stop our HG Mani Monday series from manicures and pedicures — so who better than Ashley Pak, {owner of Dream Nail Spa} to hook it up. We’ve been loving Ashley’s intricate nail art for years, but recently visited and got a UV gel mani that was definitely something to write home about.

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^Pedi chairs at the new spot

Hello Hydration Sidebar

Ashley and her mom opened Dream Nail Spa {located at 601 Observer Highway, across from Jack’s Cabin}. At a young age, Ashley already has a TON of experience with clients, products, trends and is always sporting the latest in the nail world — having worked previously at Nail Story II {where I watched in awe at her mani skillz}.

JK Therapy

Customer Service.

Hobbs Inc

After months of Instagram stalking {@pakdain and/or @hobokendreamnails}, Ashley is one-of a-kind with her nail art – really separating the artists from the amateurs. After showing Ashley inspo pics, she ran with it! Ashley got a sense of what was perfect for nail shape and overall look in terms of concepts, colors and exactly how much ‘nail swag’ was wanted and needed.

Ashley will walk her clients through her process, gather a variety of colors and showed her vision before starting – something that is insanely appreciated when you are ‘stressing’ about a color that’s going to be on your nails for a few weeks. {Editor’s note: Ashley is THE person to ask which color she thinks is best for your nails and is so patient as she wants her clients to be happy. You’ll never feel rushed in your decision!}

hoboken girl - dream nail and spa - HGmanimonday - polish selection

AXIS School of Dance

I should also note, that even when I was drying and getting ready to leave, I overheard Ashley speaking with another client. She was once again extremely attentive and listened to what the client was bidding. She asked all of the right questions {about shape, style, color, etc.}, and I was really impressed with her ability to navigate each request that comes her way like a true artist. Sometimes we can feel a little pressured to pick a color and just go basic because the nail tech seems like she’s rushed which is a total turnoff.

Vibe.

The salon was very busy – but in a good way! There were clients coming in and out for various waxing and nail appointments, and it seemed Dream was fully staffed for timely services. The Dream team {see what we did there?} clearly enjoys what they do, and Ashley was an absolute pleasure while doing my mani.

The woman doing pedicures was also very enthusiastic yet very soothing. Dream uses sanitary pedicure plastic sheets — an uncommon {but required} pedicure sanitary measure.

Pricing.

I have to say, many nail places are tit-for-tat with pricing, but Dream Nails is anything but that. This particular nail art request {pictured below} is $10 for regular mani, $35 for gel mani plus $10 for design.  Most nail places charge by nail, or how much time it takes for nail art but this was a flat fee – how REFRESHING! I do recommend, if you have a tedious or specific request, showing up early to your appointment to allow some time for you and Ashley to discuss your expectations. Tip: bring a few photos!

A pedicure is $25 but if you go Mon – Thurs you can get the regular mani/pedi combo for $30 = #score. Their regular pedi includes hot stones which is kind of amazing, and their lotion is exceptionally moisturizing without potent fragrance.

Dream Nails also has a free membership card and program where you can earn free manis and pedis depending on how many points you earn {kind of like free coffees — but waaaay better}.

Cleanliness.

Dream uses new paddles each time for smoothing out those heels, and a shower cap type of contraption to protect their soaking basins = definitely makes me feel better about their process. Cleanliness is key.

Polish Selection.

The moment you’ve all been waiting for….OK fine, the moment we’ve been waiting for…Dream Nails has the holographic polish. I repeat: Dream Nails has the holographic polish! This is SUCH a hard find, and Ashley made it a priority to have it in stock. Not only does she have this in regular polish, she has it in gel as well.

hoboken girl - dream nail and spa - HGmanimonday - holographic polish

As far as other brands, Dream has a variety of regular and gel polish; they carry OPI, Wave, Essie Gelish, CND Shellac Vinylux and Color Club.

 

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^Pictured here, Bubble Bath by OPI {if you have a darker complexion you can try Samoan Sands by OPI too!} as my base and pieces of cellophane to provide that glass nail effect.

It was a pleasure to spend Saturday afternoon with Ashley and her team – already looking forward to going back!

 

Have you had a Hoboken salon experience and lived to tell the nail tale? Post your mani with the hashtag #HGManiMonday on IG and share your experience with us {tag @hobokengirlblog!}.

RMA

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