If you have ingrown toenails like I do, you know that a pedicure, which should be a relaxing,…read morepleasant experience, can be a nerve-wracking, anxiety-filled torture session. My uncle by marriage, who coincidentally shares my birthday and also happens to suffer from ingrown toenails, mentioned getting pain-free pedicures and felt sorry that I had endured such torturous experiences, so he recommended giving Tania, the resident manicurist and pedicurist at Ivonne's, a try. I was in serious need of a mani-pedi, but dreaded it and kept putting it off to the point that my nails were about 1 inch long and I could no longer bear it, while fearing the excruciating pain that was sure to come my way.
Although Hialeah's a bit out of my neighborhood, I am willing to do whatever I have to do to avoid being in pain, plus, my hairstylist is in Miami Lakes, which is close enough, so I took advantage of that convenience and booked my appointment. After arriving, Tania got to work on my hands and toes. She carried a conversation with me, which I thought was going to be a tactic to distract me from the impending torture session, but surprisingly, I felt no pain the whole time I was there and she kept checking to see if I felt pain, and asking me to please let her know if I do.
The manicure and pedicure took about an hour, and she pointed out the colors of the season. I decided to be a bit more adventurous than usual, and got a shimmering shade of purple on my toes. She made my feet feel nice and smooth and without the use of the "cheese grater". The crowd here is older, 50+, and 98% Cuban, the kind that will start complimenting you, socializing with you, and making you feel like a long-known friend.
They don't have massage chairs or massaging whirlpool tubs, so do not expect those, but she uses a standard foot pedicure tub (the kind you can purchase at Walgreens) and lines it with a clear plastic bag, so you know every time you get your pedicure, that you're getting a new liner with clean water inside, and no risk of bacteria or fungus infections from simply rinsing the tub with water after each customer and not disinfecting it.
The best part was that the manicure and pedicure combo was the cheapest I have ever seen - $18, about half the price of the average mani-pedi. She also uses a clear coat that dries your nails in about 5 minutes, no need to sit under a fan-blowing machine, like at other places. That was pretty impressive.
Fast service, at a great price, and no pain? Yes, count me in as a fan, even if I have to drive all the way from South Beach! By the way, this is a full-service salon, so they do highlights, keratin, etc. One of the ladies got a keratin treatment and her hair was pin-straight smooth. Inquire about prices, as I did not ask about their hair service list and pricing. Checks and cash are preferred, so bring your checkbook.
