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Boise Nail Salon

Top Signs Your Boise Nail Salon Isn’t Safe

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Going to get a manicure or pedicure is a great way to pamper yourself, but you should always make sure that the Boise nail salon you choose is up to safety standards. Unfortunately, not all salons prioritize sanitary conditions and proper sterilization techniques.

If you’re concerned about maintaining your health while getting your nails done, look out for these top signs that your nail salon isn’t safe. From outdated equipment to an unclean environment, this article will teach you how to spot unsafe nail salons so you can give yourself the pampering session you deserve without any worries.

The Salon is Dirty

When you enter a nail salon, take note of the overall appearance. A reputable and clean establishment should be organized with plenty of space for customers to move around freely. The floor should be mopped and the chairs wiped down often. Look at the foot baths, too; they should be sanitized between each customer as well.

If you notice dirt or grime on the floors or furniture, or if there are clippings scattered about, that’s a bad sign. Pay attention to how long it takes for your manicurist to prepare your station — if they’re not taking their time to set up correctly, then they may not be properly cleaning between clients.

The Salon Uses Non-Sterilized Instruments

Any tools used in a Boise nail salon — such as files and clippers — should be sterilized before each use. If instruments are reused without proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, there is a risk of spreading diseases like hepatitis B.

Look for recognizable signs that the salon is using sterilized equipment, like autoclaves or sealed bags. Ask your manicurist what kind of cleaning methods they use and check that their answers are appropriate. If not, it’s best to move on to another establishment.

The Jacuzzis Aren’t Cleaned Properly

Some salons may have Jacuzzis or hot tubs for a luxurious experience. However, these should be cleaned with proper chemicals to avoid any risk of contamination from the previous customer.

If you notice an odd smell or cloudy water in the Jacuzzi, it’s best to stay away — this could be a sign that hygiene isn’t prioritized at the salon. A hot tub is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so it’s important to make sure it’s properly maintained.

The Nail Techs are Using Blades or Cuticle Pushers

One of the most important rules in a nail salon is to never use blades, cuticle pushers, or other sharp implements on your skin. Although these tools seem like they can do an accurate job, they also carry a dangerous risk of infection as well as cuts and scrapes that won’t heal properly.

If you ever see a manicurist using one of these instruments, it’s best to speak up and ask them to switch back to a safer method. If they don’t comply, then leave the salon immediately — your health should always come first.

The Nail Polish is Polluted

Many nail polishes contain hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene, which can cause skin irritation, breathing problems, and headaches. And if the salon isn’t taking steps to keep the bottles clean, then these contaminants could end up on your nails.

To avoid this problem altogether, opt for a salon that uses vegan and cruelty-free products. This way, you can rest assured that no toxic substances will touch your skin — giving you a safe and healthy manicure.

Schedule an Appointment with unDONE Salon

At unDONE, we take sanitation and hygiene seriously. We make sure to follow all safety protocols and use only the best quality products for each client. If you’re looking for a trustworthy Boise nail salon that puts your health first, book an appointment with us today! Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with a safe and comfortable experience from start to finish. You can trust us to give you the perfect manicure without any side effects or risks to your health. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (208) 287-2010.

Boise Manicure Tips: Harmful Nail Habits to Avoid

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Whatever your reason, there’s no wrong time to quit your bad habits and replace them with healthier rituals. Perhaps you want to stop biting your nails or peeling off your gel manicure, or maybe you just want to maintain healthier nails. Whatever the reason, Yogi, the master nail technician at unDONE would like to provide you with the following harmful nail habits to avoid and how to break them.

Picking At Your Polish

We know, we know… Even the tiniest chip can ruin an entire manicure. At least that’s how it feels anyway — and that’s when the picking usually begins. Even if you don’t see the damage your causing, picking off your nail polish can weaken your nails. This is because the top layer of your nail can come off with the polish. Over time, your nails will become thinner, weaker, and prone to peeling.

If you simply can’t live with a chip, try keeping a bottle of matching color with you and cover up those chips when they happen. That way when it comes time for your next Boise manicure, your nail technician can simply remove the nail polish for you while providing you with beautiful, healthy nails in the process.

Peeling Off Your Gel Mani

The #1 thing we tell people at unDONE is not to peel off their gel manicure. This is because when you peel the gel off, you’ll end up peeling away thin layers of your nail which can seriously damage your nails for months. Peeling your gel mani can even cause your nail to peel after the polish is removed, which will cause your future Boise manicure to chip faster and won’t look as pretty.

Instead, Yogi suggests either having your gel mani removed professionally or covering your nails individually with a cotton ball soaked in an acetone-based nail polish remover and wrap each of your fingertips with a bit of aluminum foil. Let sit for 10-20 minutes. Then, one by one, gently remove the gel polish by using light pressure and the flat, slanted tip of an orange stick (cuticle pusher).

Picking At Your Cuticles

Oh… the cuticle… How can one tiny sliver of skin be the source of so many nail problems? Cutting or picking your cuticles won’t just lead to unsightly nails, it can also make them prone to bacteria and infection —  not to mention incredibly painful! As a compulsive habit to break, it’s important to kick this bad habit as soon as possible.

At unDONE Salon, Yogi suggest leaving the cuticle care to the professionals. If you insist on managing them on your own between Boise manicures, simply push your cuticles back with an orange stick. Since a common trigger for cuticle picking is dry skin, try making it a habit of massaging your cuticles and nails each night before you go to bed with a little cuticle oil or vitamin E. Doing so will keep them moisturized and healthy between Boise nail salon visits.

Biting Your Nails

As the worst habit of them all, biting your nails is the most common —  and toughest to break. However, there are plenty of ways to kick this habit. First, it’s important to take note of your triggers. These can include boredom, stress or anxiety. Once you understand your triggers you can catch yourself before you start biting your nails unconsciously. To replace this habit, try chewing some gum or squeezing a stress ball instead. Some people have even kicked this habit by snapping a rubber band around their wrist when they catch themselves biting.

Getting a Boise manicure can also be an effective motivator for not biting your nails. Since you’re spending your hard earned money and time getting a beautiful manicure, you’ll be less likely to ruin it by biting your nails. By keeping your nails trimmed, groomed, and polished you’ll have the motivation you need to break this bad habit. Setting goals and establishing rewards (not biting your nails for a month = a pair of new shoes) can also really help.

Boise Manicure

Nails By Yogi @ unDONE Salon

At Undone, we are a Boise nail salon that offers manicures and pedicures to exfoliate, moisturize, and condition your hands, and nails to keep them healthy and looking their best. Despite applying all of the above-mentioned tips, you may find yourself with a split, cracked or torn nail. If that happens, come in to see us for a needed repair. Remember, healthy hands & nails can make a huge difference in the beauty of your Boise manicure, so visit us often, and especially during the spring and summer!

Want more information or to schedule an appointment? Contact us at (208) 287-2010 or book a visit online!

Boise Hair Salon

Celebrate the Holidays with a Boise Manicure from Undone!

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There’s always a special air of excitement during the holiday season. Creating memories, and spending time with friends and loved ones is what makes the following weeks so special. The holidays represent love, sharing, and being together. However, the holiday season is also the time for festive gatherings and entertainment.

Now is the time that we search our closets or go out shopping for the perfect holiday attire. Whether it’s a fun, ugly Christmas sweater or a fancy cocktail outfit, the holiday season is also the perfect time to dress up your nails. When it comes to your next Boise manicure, why not try something new and fun? This winter our talented Boise nail salon technician has put together a list of some ideas to try for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years!

Thanksgiving

Whether you’re the one hosting or visiting friends and family, your nails should be kept short, and clean to help out with a Thanksgiving meal. For this holiday our Boise nail salon technician suggests a rounder, more oval shaped nail that isn’t too distracting or requires tpp much maintenance. After all, nobody wants to bring a manicure set with them to a Thanksgiving gathering.

For design ideas, try sticking to solid colors like orange, pink, and purple. But keep it soft or dark. The spring and summer seasons are meant for vibrant oranges, pinks and purples among other colors. But for Thanksgiving, both dark and light shades work.

Christmas

Christmas is known for colors like red, green, and winter white. But this holiday, why not focus on darker colors like black, dark grey, maroon, and dark blue? For a splash of style, come to unDONE for a dual tone Boise manicure. Our Boise nail salon technician can balance darker colors with contrasting ones like black and white, dark grey and silver, maroon and gold, and even dark blue and white. For shapes, go for something a little more elongated than the nails for Thanksgiving and choose almond-shaped nails that really stand out from one holiday party to the next!

New Year’s

Ring in the New Year with nails that feel fresh and fun! This New Year, why not switch up your stiletto-styled nails and go for a shape that’s a little gentler with a ballerina nail shape. This style elongates your fingers without making them look as dangerous as stiletto nails. For colors and designs, think glitter. New Year’s is all about champagne, glitter, fireworks, and streamers. Sparkly silver, gold or even rose gold nails will dazzle anyone around you. Not interested in glitter nails? Why not try a metallic chrome manicure instead?

Schedule A Boise Manicure At Undone

Stop by or schedule a Boise manicure at unDONE Salon for a number of these winter nail trends. Our Boise nail salon technician is available to make your nails stand out for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Call us at (208) 287-2010 or schedule your appointment online!

Spring Cleaning: Caring for Your Hands & Nails

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With the weather so warm, and summer just around the corner, most of us are busy with spring cleaning tasks. However, with all the yard work and pulling weeds, it’s important not to neglect your hands and nails in the process. Taking care of your hands and nails isn’t just limited to wearing gloves. Below are some things to look out for when it comes to maintaining the health and beauty of your hands:

Water
Whether you’re doing the dishes or working in the garden, submerging your nails in water for long periods of time can be very damaging. Water can not only dry out your hands, it can weaken your nails causing them to split, peel, or break easily. Try limiting water exposure, and make sure to wear gloves when possible. Also, a clear top coat can help make bare nails a little more water resistant.

Chemicals
There are a variety of everyday products we use that contain chemicals that can damage your skin and nails.

  • Hand Soap
  • Nail Polish Removers
  • Dish & Laundry Detergent
  • Bleach
  • Kitchen & Bathroom Solvents

Using products without wearing gloves exposes your hands and nails to heavy-duty chemicals that can dry, damage and strip them. Bleach is especially damaging.

Weather
During the summer, we tend to drink more water due to hotter temperatures. Don’t forget that your hands and nails are thirsty too! Make sure to invest in a quality moisturizer and use it often.  Also, Vitamin E is ideal to rub on your nails and cuticles when they are especially dry and in need of a little extra TLC.

Boise Nail Salon Tips For Maintaining Healthy Hands & Nails This Summer
While wearing gloves is important there are a few other things you can do to maintain the health and beauty of your hands and nails this summer.

  • Trim, don’t cut hangnails.
  • Limit use of hand sanitizers.
  • Use moisturizing hand soaps.
  • Massage nails and cuticles with Vitamin E or a cuticle oil.
  • Push back cuticles, rather than cutting them.
  • Exfoliate your hands and nails before moisturizing.
  • Avoid heavily scented hand creams that can further dry out your nails.
  • Limit your use of polish removers, especially those that contain acetone.
  • Wear cotton gloves at night while sleeping (after putting on hand cream).
  • Slather on a high quality hand cream everyday and at night before bed.

How Undone Salon Can Help Your Hands & Nails Look Their Best this Summer
At Undone, we are a Boise nail salon that offers Boise manicures & Boise pedicures to exfoliate, moisturize, and condition your hands, and nails to keep them healthy and looking their best. We also offer cuticle and paraffin hand treatments as a fabulous way to treat & moisturize your hands and nails.

Despite applying all of the above mentioned tips, you may find yourself with a split, cracked or torn nail. If that happens, come in to see us for a needed repair. Remember, healthy hands & nails can make a huge difference in the beauty of your Boise manicure, so visit us often, and especially during the spring and summer!

 

Creative Commons Photo Courtesy of: Libby Arnold 

Boise Nail Salon Tips: The Benefits of Paraffin Wax

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Since the Roman Empire, healers throughout time have been using paraffin wax to treat treat a variety of ailments. In fact, the Romans were known to pour the hot wax over the body in preparation for a massage. Later, the French started using it to help accelerate the healing of wounds. Now, paraffin wax is most commonly used in your Boise nail salon due to its wide variety of benefits.

Paraffin is a petroleum based wax that is melted in a controlled temperature pot for continuous use. Since it is petroleum based, its great for sealing in moisture for dry cracked skin. During a paraffin wax treatment at your Boise nail salon, your hands and feet are dipped three times into the warm wax before being covered with a plastic glove and towel. After a few minutes the wax then cools, and is gently pulled away from the skin. During its removal the wax helps to remove dead skin cells while leaving your hands deeply moisturized. Since paraffin is a natrual emollient, it helps to open the pores, making the skin soft and supple while increasing your skins elasticity and mobility. Paraffin is very beneficial during your Boise manicure or pedicure for those with dry, cracked skin because it adds a waterproof coating that helps it to retain your body’s natural oils. This coating also helps to protect the skin from external elements.

How is paraffin wax made? Paraffin wax occurs naturally as a component of crude mineral oils that is refined or separated. It is then purified through boiling and then chilled and pressed through a filter which creates a heavy oil (paraffin wax). Paraffin has been laboratory tested to by hygienically safe to use. It is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Since paraffin is heavy in molecular weight, it aids in an increase to the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture from underlying layers of the skin, resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin.

A paraffin wax treatment at your Boise nail salon is not only beneficial to your skin, it also has many other health benefits. Paraffin has been known to relax muscles, increase blood flow, relieve joint stiffness, and reduce pain. People struggling with arthritis, muscle, tendon and ligament ailments may also find a Boise nail salon paraffin treatment to be very helpful.

The next time you visit Undone Salon for a Boise manicure or pedicure, ask your technician about getting a paraffin wax treatment! You won’t be sorry…

 

Boise Nail Salon Tips for Winterizing Your Hands & Nails

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Just as our hair, and skin suffers during the dry winter months, our hands and nails suffer too. Nails thrive on humidity. Unfortunately however, Idaho maintains a cold, dry climate during the winter, and by spending time indoors with the furnace on, your nails can become dehydrated and brittle. Keep in mind that unless you wear gloves 24/7, your hands get almost as much air exposure as your face! But, just as the seasons change, so should your hand and nail care routine. Below are some cold weather, Boise nail salon tips to help rescue your hands from the effects of winter:

Boise Nail Salon Tips For Maintaining Healthy Hands & Nails This Winter

While you’ll certainly want to slip on a cozy pair of gloves or mittens when you spend time outdoors this winter, there are a few other things you can do to maintain the health & beauty of your hands and nails. These Boise nail salon tips are beneficial during any season but especially vital during the winter.

  • Trim, don’t cut hangnails.
  • Avoid hot showers or baths.
  • Limit use of hand sanitizers.
  • Use moisturizing hand soaps.
  • Keep nails shorter in wintertime.
  • Massage nails and cuticles with a cuticle oil.
  • Push back cuticles, rather than cutting them.
  • Exfoliate your hands and nails before moisturizing.
  • Wear rubber gloves when doing dishes or cleaning.
  • Avoid heavily scented hand creams that can further dry out your nails.
  • Limit your use of polish removers, especially those that contain acetone.
  • Wear cotton gloves at night while sleeping (after putting on hand cream).
  • Slather on a high quality hand cream everyday and at night before bed.

How Undone Salon Can Help Your Hands & Nails Look Their Best this Winter

At Undone, we are a Boise nail salon that offers Boise manicures & Boise pedicures to exfoliate, moisturize, and condition your hands, and nails to keep them healthy and looking their best during the cold, dry months of winter. We also offer cuticle and paraffin hand treatments as a fabulous treat to moisturize your hands and nails.

Despite applying all of the above mentioned tips, you may find yourself with a split, cracked or torn nail. If that happens, come in to see us for a needed repair. Remember, healthy hands & nails can make a huge difference in the beauty of your Boise manicure, so visit us often, and especially during the winter!

Boise Hair Salon

Undone Salon’s Favorite 2015 Holiday Season Nail Colors

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There are a few new nail polish colors coming out this holiday season at Undone Salon, and we are loving the darker, richer colors – especially if they have a hint of shimmer! Whether your tastes run classic and understated or full-on disco ball, there’s a winter polish out there to help you meet your unique manicure goals…

Below are four of our favorite go-to nail polishes for the 2015 holiday season:

OPI Nail Lacquer in Give Me Space $9.50

This shade speaks for itself. Just ask our Boise nail salon technician! It’s deep, shimmery navy blue is not only gorgeous but perfect for the season! OPI always makes such beautiful holiday colors but this one really shines while dark enough to be bold without being overwhelming. If you want a moody, yet slightly glamorous holiday polish, this one’s for you!

CND Vinylux Nail Lacquer in Bloodline $6.10

Our Boise nail salon technician is a huge fan of CND Vinylux polished because their formulas not only last long but apply so easily. The shade range is also fantastic! Bloodline’s deep plum-red color really fits it’s name. As a casual, everyday color for the holiday season, it’s perfect for work or school. If you’re looking for a fun, versatile, festive, everyday polish color, you’re going to love this one!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in On Pines and Needles $6.39

For a perfect Christmas tree green, this color really sets the holiday season. While it may be a little out of your comfort zone, it’s super adorable and completely festive. Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure line is among one of our Boise nail salon technicians favorites since they are so easy to apply and last a long time. The best part? You don’t need a top or base coat! So easy! This is the perfect color for your next a holiday party!

Essie Nail Polish in Apres Chic $8.50

At Undone Salon we are in love with silver polishes. Apres Chic is a metallic that is easy to apply, looks beautiful on nails, and is appropriate for any party or fun holiday event this season. It’s also sparkly enough to be fun without being middle school glittery.

Your Boise Hair Salon Guide to the Holiday Season

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Since it’s the holiday season, and our last blog was about booking your Boise hair salon appointments in advance we wanted to take the time to put together a quick guide to help you put your best face forward while preparing for your next major holiday event:

#1 Focus on your mane event.

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to focus on your own lovely locks. Changing up your Boise hair salon style is a sure-fire way to turn heads and send the message that you’re ready to greet the new year with a fresh look. Not ready to let go of your signature Boise hair salon style? Never underestimate the powers of a simple trim or haircolor. Got your makeup done and outfit ready but no clue what to do with your hair? Come to Undone Salon for a quick blowout and style. Our Boise hair salon stylists will have you done in no-time, and ready to head off to enjoy the holiday entertainment!

#2 Freshen up your face.

Winter and the holiday season can be a wonderland for the senses. Unfortunately though, it can also cause our faces to become prone to dry skin and dullness. Give your face a fresh pick-me-up with Boise hair salon facial that specifically tackles the effects of winter on the skin. We offer gentle micro needling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and more that will invigorate the skin, leaving you with a glow that’s sure to last you till the new year!

#3 Indulge your body.

Don’t forget about the rest of your body just because you’ve been hiding it under layers of fabulous clothes. Shed that outer shell and pamper yourself with a Boise spray tan. Maintaining your color throughout the winter months will provide you with a sun kissed glow whle fortifying your skin’s natural defenses with the antioxidants, vitamins and polyphenols contained in the Vino Bronzing Mist Undone Salon offers.

#4 Top off your tips with a Boise nail salon manicure or pedicure!

Beautifying your nails is the icing on your holiday cake! No look can be completed without the finishing touches of a Boise manicure or pedicure. Stick with signature shades or get creative with festive fun patterns and bold colors to match your holiday outfit. We offer all the latest sparkles and winter colors. The possibilities are endless!

#5 Be FABULOUS!!

Can’t decide what you want to book your Boise hair salon appointment for? Come to Undone Salon and get the whole deal from facials, to hair, to a Boise spray tan to nails. We offer a variety of options to fit your needs. Our stylists will have you ready from top to bottom for the Christmas season and fully prepared to take your best holiday pictures!

 

 

Manicure in Boise

Boise Nail Salon Files: The Secret to a Lasting Summer Manicure

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Gone are the days of waiting to do anything with your hands or feet after a Boise manicure or a Boise pedicure. Gel nails are the latest in Boise manicure trends because not only are they set in a record amount of time but they last an impressive 2-3 weeks without the colors changing over time.

unDONE Salon features the newest products for Boise manicures and pedicures!

Gel nails is a long-term, never fail polish that comes in a variety of colors that are designed specifically to cater to all your Boise manicure needs. Gel products are applied like a typical polish but lasts twice as long, and can be removed by your unDONE Salon technician in a matter of minutes. The key is the UV drying lamp that sets your Boise manicure or pedicure in less than two minutes!

As one of the most requested Boise manicure services that unDONE Salon has to offer, gel manicures are the perfect solution for busy schedules with a brief appointment & proven results. Many of our clients that would normally skip the polish portion of their Boise manicure simply because they didn’t have the time to let it set in the midst of their daily tasks are finding amazing results with our gel polishes.

The application process consists of a typical Boise manicure or pedicure prep, and then a base coat, followed by applying the color of choice, and a top coat. The UV lamp sets the gel polish in minutes – instantly preventing any smudging, chipping or scratching. Your nails will keep the day-one look for up to two weeks, only needing a refresh due to natural nail growth. The patented technology is designed to protect your nails while removal is completely safe and does not damage your nails or surrounding areas. The accelerated setting process means you can literally go from the chair into everyday activities without worrying about protecting your nails from damage. Gel services are the perfect solution for all your busy needs. Say goodbye to the days of waiting and worrying about messing up your perfect Boise manicure!

   

Boise Pedicure Tips for Summer Feet

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Its summertime, and that means it time for strappy sandals and funky flip-flops! However, a few months of hibernating in socks and closed-toes shoes might mean you may need to have a little maintenance done down there. With the warm weather ahead, it’s time to show your tootsies the love they need in order to be sandal-ready for the beach! Below are some basic tips to keep your feet looking and feeling fantastic:

Exfoliate and moisturize

If you have dry or cracked heels, your first step is to exfoliate. Cold winter, dry skin may show on your toes and the undersides of your feet as well. To start, try using a pumice stone to slough off any dead skin when your feet are dry before pampering and soothing your feet with a foot scrub. Do this with a loofah by applying your favorite “sweet-smelling” scrub in smooth, circular motions while gently scrubbing the tops and bottoms of your feet and toes. When it’s bedtime, apply a heavy cream and cover with moisturizing socks overnight to let it all soak in. *Repeat this process at least twice a week.

Toe Nail Care

We take care of our toenails a little differently than our fingernails because they are naturally thicker. If not properly cut and filed, your toenails may start growing into the sides of your toes, causing pain or infection. Make sure to cut and file your toenails at least once a week to not only keep them looking their best but to check for any signs of infection or fungus.

Wear Shoes

While during the summer, many people love to go barefoot. However, walking around on hot pavement, burning sand, or even grass can quickly ruin all the work that you just did to treat your feet. It’s best to wear shoes or at the very least, sandals, to protect your feet and toes from developing calluses and rough patches.

Treat Your Feet with a Boise Pedicure!

A quality Boise pedicure that’s done with professional, Boise nail salon tools is the next step to fabulous feet. Your pedicurist will exfoliate, moisturize, cut and file your nails, before applying a beach-worthy color that should last for weeks. While a Boise pedicure feels good, it isn’t so much about relaxation and pretty nail polish as it is about foot care. Your technician at unDONE salon can help get rid of dead skin, moisturize, trim, and prevent pesky corns and calluses while providing you with a burst of energy.

For a professional Boise pedicure, call unDONE salon at (208) 287-2010 for an appointment! Our Boise nail salon technician sets the standards high when it comes to cleanliness, and every Boise pedicure is performed in a sterile foot bath to prevent any notion of cross contamination.