Sweet Escape

Sweet Escape was built around the idea of non-toxic manicures and pedicures in a private, restful room. Owner Deborah Langston, a licensed cosmetologist with over 20 years of manicuring, shaped the salon around regular care for natural nails rather than artificial enhancements.

A visit starts with cuticle and skin care, nail shaping and polish. Manicures use a glass file, and the Meditation Manicure adds skin texture care and Dazzle Dry polish. Pedicures include toenail cutting and cleaning, gentle cuticle work, callus removal and heel buffing, a scrub with essential oils, and a foot and leg massage. The Intensive Pedicure is set aside for feet that need more time, such as heavy callus or very thick nails that need filing, and callus is softened by soaking and sanding instead of chemical callus remover.

Products are chosen to be non-toxic throughout, from Dazzle Dry polish, which dries in about five minutes and is said to last like gel, to Karma Organics polish remover that is free of acetone. Hygiene is part of the routine: pedicure liners are single-use, bowls are cleaned and sanitized after each client, and files, buffers and orange-wood sticks are new for every visit. The salon states that its services follow state board sanitation requirements.

The salon is upstairs at the back of a two-story building next to NICKS restaurant, with extra parking available off Avenida Granada one block south of Avenida Del Mar. Clients book by calling or texting (949) 276-7923; text is the quickest way to get a reply.

Natural nail care built on regular weekly manicures, gentle handling and non-toxic products.

A private, calm room upstairs in a two-story building in San Clemente.