The Going Rate: The Price of a Pedicure

Summer's here, and if you want to look your best in those overpriced-but-sexy sandals, you'll have to smooth off those rough winter edges and get those unruly toenails ready for prime time. Here is a sampling of nail salons in Sherman Oaks, and their prices; all accept walk-in clients and credit cards.

At Hands to Hold, a basic pedicure costs $18. This is a regular, no frills pedicure that gets your toes sandal-ready with a minimum of fuss. You can add extras such as callous-removing, a salon whirlpool and “gel polish,” which salon owners say is the the newest fad in the nail world. It’s a polish that is supposed to last on nails or toes for up to two weeks. Drying sensors help your newly polished toes dry in three minutes, owner Ronnie Yesharim said. The salon always uses disposable liners on the pedicure basins for hygiene reasons, she said.

Hands to Hold, 4419 Van Nuys Blvd., No. 2.  Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.;  Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You will pay a few dollars more for the "spa experience" while getting even the cheapest pedicure at the Nail Garden in the Westfield Fashion Square Mall. Reham Bastawros, who co-owns the family business, says their most basic pedicure is done in a spa chair, which offers a heated massage while the attendant works on your toes. Toenail polish is fan-dried. The cost is $22, which includes a pumice stone treatment for your callouses, or you can choose a callous remover solution for $10 more. The salon has 30 technicians and a complimentary cappuccino bar.

Salon discount coupons are available in the Smart Mail circulars and on the back of Ralphs grocery store receipts, Bastawros said.

The Nail Garden, Westfield Fashion Square Mall, 14006 Riverside Dr. Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The least expensive pedicure at Pink ‘n White Nails & Spa is the $18 spa pedicure, said manager John Tran. It is done in one of the salon's eight leather massage chairs. Pedicure extras include a dollar-per-minute foot massage; $4 for sea salt; and $7 for liquid callous remover. Drying fans are included in the service.

Pink ‘n White Nails & Spa, 4454 Van Nuys Blvd. Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At Lynn’s Nails, a basic pedicure costs $14, according to technician Danna. She said the salon does not offer foot massages but callous-remover cream is provided for an extra $5. For $5 more, they'll do toenail designs. The service includes a quick-dry top coat.

Lynn’s Nails, 15009 Ventura Blvd. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Sunday. 

All of the above salons offer free disposable sandals, and their polish brands include the popular O.P.I. Sherman Oaks Patch does not endorse any of the salons; we are simply giving you the going rate around town for a pedicure. It might be wise to check website reviews and friends' recommendations to get the right pedicure for you at the price you want to pay.