10 Places for the Perfect Manicure

Pamper your hands at Peninsula Spa.

Arbre
The salon’s signature manicure uses sea salt, nourishing spa elixirs, and a vitamin-enriched wrap, leaving your hands silky soft. Bonus: the salon’s full-service bar can turn a visit into an extended afternoon out with the gals. 1244 N. Wells St., 312-274-9935

The Spa at Four Seasons
Check out this Magnificent Mile spa’s signature 30-minute Milk and Honey manicure, which starts with a scrumptious whipped honey and sea-salt scrub. Bring your guy in for Man’s Mani, featuring a bourbon-spiked soak and a single-barrel bourbon tasting at Allium. 120 E. Delaware Pl., 312-280-8800

K. Paige Salon
Lincoln Park’s K. Paige is primarily a hair salon, but nail technician Jennifer (a real veteran, with 10-plus years of experience) makes it a must for manicures as well. The relaxing 45-minute Almond Spa Manicure features a polishing moisture scrub and conditioning hand mask. 956 W. Webster Ave., 773-477-3000

Michael Anthony
Plant-based treatments are a theme at this salon: the Caribbean Therapy pulls ingredients from the islands and includes a seaweed masque, while the skin-renewing manicure utilizes Aveda’s Green Science skincare products and Perfecting Plant Peel to turn back the clock on your hands. Ask for Irena as your technician. 621-3 N. State St., 312-253-0707

The Peninsula Spa
For an untraditional experience, look to the ESPA Holistic Hands, a therapeutic massage manicure that incorporates hot stones, aromatherapy, and a paraffin-wax treatment. For the purists, though, September’s Power Lunch Special includes a classic manicure and a Simply Peninsula lunch to go. 108 E. Superior St., 312-573- 6860

The Spa at The Carlton Club
The Savour and Spa program, which includes a mani/pedi and dining credit to the hotel’s Deca restaurant, welcomes outside guests to enjoy the spa. Make it a mother-daughter trip: The Vinotherapy Mani for moms features antioxidant grapes in both the hand soak and the wine served alongside, while the Children’s Chocolate Indulgence is a perfect pick for kids under 12. 160 E. Pearson St., 312-266-1000

Spa at Dana
This spa’s signature manicures are the Hot Stone and the Healing Waters treatments, but for autumn, try the organic pumpkin treatment. The pumpkin’s natural enzymes exfoliate hands and cuticles, and a rich, organic pumpkin-shea butter balm keeps hands soft. Finish by grabbing lunch at Argent downstairs. 660 N. State St., 312-202-6040

Spa Nordstrom
It’s been said that the hands are an instant age giveaway. So after perusing the displays at Nordstrom, head to its spa and relax with an antiaging manicure. Or opt for the no-chip shellac manicure, which lasts up to two weeks. The Shops at North Bridge, 312-379-4310

Spa Space
The sumptuous vanilla-almond manicure includes a hydrating mask for the skin and cuticles—just what hands need as cool weather swoops in and the air becomes dry. For the guys, Spa Space has the Man Hands manicure, which uses masculine products for a clean, well-groomed look. 161 N. Canal St., 312-466-9585

Valeo
JW Marriott’s two-year-old Valeo spa recently launched its Express Spa Lounge, which offers a 20- or 30-minute manicure customizable to your needs (cuticle cleanup, polish change, etc.). Walk-ins are accepted for when your schedule suddenly opens up. 151 W. Adams St., 312-660-8250