See Jane Give Manicure

Two weeks ago, I got my nails painted a bright hot pink color. It was something a little more audacious than what I usually get, so when I went to in Madison for a manicure this week, I looked around for a more subtle color.

I knew the bottle I wanted the instant I saw it. It was a light, soft pink, the kind of color I've worn before when I want to have my nails painted, but not necessarily have the whole world know. It's translucent, barely a step above clear nail polish, and exactly what I was in the mood for after two weeks of wearing such a garish color.

I am actually rather proud of myself for having found this color, since the selection at Jane's Nails is actually quite extensive. One woman was looking at three different bottles of dark blue polish trying to match the color already on her toes. When a nail place has that many shades of dark blue nail polish, you've got your work cut out for you trying to find the perfect shade.

It's a good thing I went with a clear color, since the application ended up being rather uneven. Four days later the polish shows no signs of chipping, but even as I was driving out of the lot I could see ridges from the uneven application of the base coat.

Let me stipulate that I have been to Jane's Nails before. My sister and I went for manicures and pedicures over Thanksgiving weekend last year, and we walked away delighted. Back then I'd chosen a red color that had been applied carefully and consistently, and lasted flawlessly for several days. I have a feeling that if I'd chosen a more noticeable color this time around, the application would have been a lot more even.

Despite the clear color, I can see that the polish has not chipped or deteriorated from this manicure. As I sit down to write this article, however, I can count three nails with the telltale bumps that come from a top coat being applied above an uneven lower coat.

The funny thing is, I am still not sure how it happened. The manicurist was attentive and focused, and even cleaned the polish off of two nails when she saw flaws that I had not noticed. She also managed to file my nails and trim my cuticles (which were still in pretty decent shape from my last manicure) without inspiring any comparisons to thumbscrews or the rack, which not everyone can do.

All in all, I cannot say that I am displeased with the manicure. A trifle disappointed, maybe, but the flaw is forgiveable since no one but I would likely notice.

I also have to give Jane's Nails some credit for the ambience they maintain. Every manicure and pedicure station was occupied when I went there, and yet not one patron or employee showed any signs of feeling harried or rushed. Even the were two people waiting for appointments when I left looked relaxed and perfectly content to sit and enjoy the wait. And really, how often does that happen, even in a nail salon?

Place: Jane's Nails, 220 Main St., Madison

Cost: A manicure is $10, a pedicure is $20. The salon also offers waxing, massages and spa wraps at various prices.

Impression: Staff works quickly and efficiently. They were nearly fully booked but still made room for a walk-in. Still, I might call before going in next time.

Overall Grade: B, based on all experiences. If judging on this one solely, B-. A wide variety of colors to choose from.