Whether it be to upgrade your look for First Hurrah or to participate in self care, getting your nails done is always a fun activity. Choate students mainly frequent two nail salons in Wallingford — Diamond Nails & Spa and Rainbow Nail & Spa — but which do students prefer?
Bladen Hawthornthwaite ’24, a frequent customer of Diamond Nails & Spa, said, “I got my nails done there for 3/4 last year. They did them so perfectly and matched my reference photo, so I think that they are very good at nail art.”
While Rainbow Nail & Spa also offers similar design capabilities, Kay Lee ’25 explained that she “never got designs there because Rainbow Nail & Spa charges slightly more for designs” compared to Diamond Nail & Spa.
Acrylic nails at Rainbow Nail & Spa are $70, compared to acrylic nails at Diamond Nails & Spa, which are $65.
The five-dollar difference may be significant to some, but Racquel Welcome ’24 believes that the quality of the latter’s service is worth the money. “They lasted a really long time,” she said. “I think my gel polish lasted almost a month.”
In terms of location, both salons are within a 10-minute driving distance, and most students drive there and back.
However, Marinna Syms ’25 takes advantage of Choate’s free Walmart shuttle. Due to Walmart’s close proximity to Rainbow Nail & Spa, Syms said, “On Sundays, you can always take the shuttle and walk there.”
This option is not available for Diamond Nail & Spa, which is west of Choate’s campus and not on the shuttle’s route. Regardless of the mode of transportation, however, both salons are only a short and convenient car ride away.
On the staff’s friendliness and atmosphere at Rainbow Nail & Spa, Lee said, “Most of them are Chinese, so I always speak to them in Chinese.” Connecting over the language creates a warming atmosphere in the salon for Lee.
On a similar note, Hawthornthwaite commented that at Diamond Nail & Spa, “They are super friendly, and there is always someone available.” She continued, “I think that I have never made an appointment when I have gone there but have always been able to get my nails done.”
According to the students’ experiences, both nail salons are great options. They offer reasonable prices, skilled staff, and a friendly atmosphere.
The main difference is that Rainbow Nail & Spa has the perk of a free shuttle ride. Nevertheless, should any students seek out a fresh manicure, they can receive a positive experience from either salon while supporting a local small business.
