Nailing the Perfect Treatment
The craze for organic products shows no signs of slowing down. It started with our food, popping up in everything from cranberry juice to potato chips. Then it moved to clothing, as companies scrambled to churn out organic cotton tees and cashmere sweaters. Now the trend has come full circle. About a year ago, Priti, an organic, non-toxic spa, opened its doors in the East Village to nature-loving pilgrims all over Manhattan.
When I opened the door, I was greeted by a whiff of geranium. The strength of the scent and the classical sound of Nina Simone were immediately soothing. Michael, my manicurist for the day, gave me a warm welcome and ushered me in. Within five minutes of walking into Priti spa, I was drinking a delicious, warm chamomile tea and picking out my manicure for the afternoon. The menu sounded delicious. Each manicure had a signature blend of fresh flowers, fruits, herbs, and organic essential oils. Michael explained that the “Priti Simple,” a geranium blend, is a popular choice, but then again, Priti Princesses also enjoy the “Priti Delicious,” a mix of freshly sliced oranges and ginger. But being the stressed Priti Princess that I was, I chose the “Priti Deep,” which blends together fresh rosemary and mint.
As Michael began removing my old nail polish, he explained that all the products they used in the spa were natural and non-toxic. I couldn’t help but joke that my old toxic nail polish was beating out his soy-based nail polish remover, which took a full 15 minutes to remove all remnants of old polish on my nails. This manicure is certainly not for those in a rush. However, the warm bowl of water that my hands rested in, infused with oils and enriched with smooth massage pebbles, made up for the wait.
My nails ready, Michael liberally lathered on Priti’s homemade brown sugar scrub. Next came probably my favorite part of any manicure, the steaming hot towel rub. The heat and sugar grains literally melted onto my arms, in a brine both delicious and invigorating. After most of the melted sugar had been wiped off, Michael slathered on Priti’s rich-yet-non-greasy homemade lotion.
Priti’s selection of nail colors would seem to flaunt the limitations of mother nature. The salon hosts its own line of nail color, but also carries other non-toxic labels. I picked Zoya’s Raven, a simple black, which Michael applied with more care than any manicurist I’ve ever had.
After a two hour manicure, I walked out of Priti feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I was even inspired to pop into Whole Foods on my way back to pick up some organic treats to go with my new, non-toxic manicure.