Chao Nail + Bar

Chao Nail + Bar opened in 2020 in Hillsboro Village, Nashville, beside the Moxy Vanderbilt Nashville building. The salon describes itself as wellness-inspired and describes its atmosphere as eco-friendly. Its menu covers manicures, pedicures, dazzle dry, dip powder, regular gel, 9-free formula gel, waxing, extensions and services for children 12 and under, with four bundled packages at the top.

Hygiene is a central part of how the salon describes its work. The facility has a ventilation system engineered to International Mechanical Code requirements, and tools are sterilized in a dry heat autoclave. Staff wear gloves and ASTM-graded masks during services and when using nail products, and are trained to follow sanitation protocols based on industry standards. Disposable nail files, buffers, pumice stones and liners are new for each manicure and pedicure. The salon says its products and equipment come from well-trusted brands in the industry, and guests' own tools are not used.

The four packages each combine a set of services at one price. Spirited Away is $112 for 80 minutes and includes a manicure and a pedicure. Favrille Duo is $120 for 85 minutes and includes an Essential Gel Manicure and a pedicure, and can include an optional alcoholic complimentary drink. Dip & Dive is $125 for 95 minutes and includes dip powder and a pedicure. Fusion Elements is $172 for 105 minutes and includes Multi-Flex Hard Gel, which the salon describes as a non-toxic, damage-free gel enhancement, along with a pedicure. Packages can add an optional drink of choice or complimentary champagne, and upgrades and add-ons are available.

The salon hosts private parties in its party area, including corporate events, bachelorette parties, showers and birthdays. Standard service includes complimentary champagne, house wines, beer and soft drinks, and cocktails are available with signature services. A complimentary bottle of champagne is offered for parties of six or more. Complimentary alcoholic drinks are limited to one per guest per visit, and no alcohol is served to anyone under 21.

Booking is recommended through the website, the iOS or Android app, or by phone at 615-649-8106, though walk-ins are welcome. Some services cannot be booked online and require a call. Guests are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A credit card secures an appointment, and groups of four or more must leave a card at booking. Cancellations need at least 24 hours' notice; late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full service. A 10% surcharge is added to completed service invoices, part of which covers operational overhead and sustainability and the rest an administrative fee. Gratuity is not included in prices. Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash or used to pay for appointments, no-show charges or gratuity. Hours are Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. Parking includes two hours of validated self-parking in the Moxy Hotel garage, complimentary valet near the front entrance, and free curbside and street parking. The salon is smoke-free, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers.

The salon describes itself as wellness-inspired and follows sanitation protocols based on industry standards, sterilizing tools in a dry heat autoclave and using new disposable files, buffers, pumice stones and liners for each manicure and pedicure.

The salon describes its atmosphere as eco-friendly.