Although it just opened in May, clients can find COATROOM packed to capacity on a Friday afternoon. Owner and CEO Justin Cook specifically chose the location next to the Ballston mall for that very reason, and as the mall’s renovation project progresses he hopes that it will draw in even more customers.
The name of the salon may sound like a trendy nightclub, but it is actually derived from the literal act of putting on—or coating—your nails in polish. “We want it to be a fun space,” says Cook. “If you look at your traditional nail salon they are all a little bit more zen. We play upbeat music. We have a lot of different angles [in the decor] and play with muted colors as well as bright to reflect the different colors of nail polish.” In addition, the salon also sets itself apart by offering a homemade sugar scrub for standard manicures and shea bombs for standard pedicures, as well as a medical-grade sanitization station.
Customers are most impressed by the color tower, which features over 800 shades from Deborah Lippmann, Mischo Beauty, Butter London, RGB, Zoya, OPI, Essie and gel options. With so many shades to choose from, COATROOM keeps track of each client’s color history. The salon also prints a monthly mani magazine and nail art look book and hosts “Toes Before Bros” parties every Sunday with local kombucha for those looking to unwind and detox after an eventful Saturday night.
Appointments are easy to book on the COATROOM app for iOS or Android and online. Standard manicures start at $19, pedicures at $29 and waxing at $10. // 850 N. Randolph St., Suite 101, Arlington
