Manicures on the go

In this perpetually time-crunched era, it’s no secret that finding time for personal grooming services like haircuts and manicures can be a challenge. We’ve already covered a few examples of the quick haircut solutions that have emerged—HairPODs are the most recent one—and now there’s :10 Minute Manicure for those whose nails need some speedy attention. Unlike Nail Taxi, which brings its nail salon to consumers on demand, :10 Minute Manicure is focusing on areas where consumers are likely to be, such as airports and busy commercial centres. It opened its first salon in January 2006 in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport, and has since opened 10 more salons in airports and commercial locations throughout North America. Services available range from 10-minute manicures all the way up to 90-minute full-set services, along with add-ons like waxing, massage and reflexology. :10 Minute Manicure’s sleek, contemporary airport salons are designed specifically for travelling customers, with features like secure luggage storage, comfortable seating with a view of the terminal, a clean air/aromatherapy environment and retail cosmetic products geared for travellers. Lorraine O’Neil, CEO of the Miami-based company, explains: “Business and leisure travellers are always looking for ways to save time by taking care of personal needs once they arrive at the airport. :10 Minute Manicure is addressing this growing nationwide demand by offering high-quality personal care for the most underserved airport passenger segment: women business travellers.” It seems to be succeeding, too: the company’s Cincinnati airport salon quickly became one of the airport’s highest-grossing concessions, averaging USD 1,800 per square foot in its first year. :10 Minute Manicure now operates salons of various sizes in some of the world’s busiest airports, including JFK International and Toronto Pearson International, and it plans to add six more locations in the next six months. It also hopes to roll out a franchise program soon. One to bring to an airport near you…? Spotted by: RK