Last week, we reported that 490 Hayes is in the process of prepping for new occupants. In that article, we cited rumors about Lux Salon, a nail salon at 441 Powell, taking over the former Architectural Studios office space. Those rumors turned out to be false.
We got confirmation later last week that a similarly-named but different shop, LUX SF, is actually taking over the space -- not Lux Salon. We spoke with the owner of LUX SF, Tracy Brown, about what Hayes Valley shoppers and residents can expect from his very first location. After a solid background in cosmetics and community outreach, he told us that he will be entering the relatively empty luxury nail salon market in SF. He plans on the quality of his customer service to be the differentiating factor from other nail salons in the area. "Unlike other nail places in the city, when a client books a 60-minute service, he or she will get a 60-minute service and nothing less," he noted. The baseline manicure and pedicure combination will be $55, with more deluxe services costing more. Tracy made a point of clarifying that appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome if they have ample time (60 minutes) to complete the service. Otherwise, the client will be asked to make an appointment. During our discussion, Tracy highlighted that the salon will also be carrying a line of nail spa products by Bliss. "The products are non-toxic, so there won’t be that usual nail salon smell when you walk in," he said. "Not only is this good for customer, but more importantly, my staff won’t have to inhale the fumes." LUX SF will be the only nail salon outside of the Bliss Spas at some W Hotels to use the cosmetics for their services in Northern California. That is, of course, when the salon finally opens. Right now, Tracy told us he doesn't plan on opening until June 15th. "We're still finalizing the design," he clarified. "It will have to go to permitting. My contractor said they’d be done by June 1st, but I'm thinking June 15th." Just how extensive is this remodel? Here's how Tracy explained it: "We’re putting in flooring, repairing the walls, and we're doing a complete remodel," he said. "We're adding more electricity, adding custom tables and chairs." We could tell just by how Tracy discussed the plans that he was excited for the project and to move into the neighborhood, so we asked him how he felt about the move into our corner of SF. "Honestly, I thought [moving to Hayes Valley] would never happen," he admitted. "I just wrote it off, because places in Hayes Valley don’t often turn. I’m just thrilled about it." We'll be sure to keep you all updated when Tracy and LUX SF finally make their Hayes Valley debut.
We got confirmation later last week that a similarly-named but different shop, LUX SF, is actually taking over the space -- not Lux Salon. We spoke with the owner of LUX SF, Tracy Brown, about what Hayes Valley shoppers and residents can expect from his very first location. After a solid background in cosmetics and community outreach, he told us that he will be entering the relatively empty luxury nail salon market in SF. He plans on the quality of his customer service to be the differentiating factor from other nail salons in the area. "Unlike other nail places in the city, when a client books a 60-minute service, he or she will get a 60-minute service and nothing less," he noted. The baseline manicure and pedicure combination will be $55, with more deluxe services costing more. Tracy made a point of clarifying that appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome if they have ample time (60 minutes) to complete the service. Otherwise, the client will be asked to make an appointment. During our discussion, Tracy highlighted that the salon will also be carrying a line of nail spa products by Bliss. "The products are non-toxic, so there won’t be that usual nail salon smell when you walk in," he said. "Not only is this good for customer, but more importantly, my staff won’t have to inhale the fumes." LUX SF will be the only nail salon outside of the Bliss Spas at some W Hotels to use the cosmetics for their services in Northern California. That is, of course, when the salon finally opens. Right now, Tracy told us he doesn't plan on opening until June 15th. "We're still finalizing the design," he clarified. "It will have to go to permitting. My contractor said they’d be done by June 1st, but I'm thinking June 15th." Just how extensive is this remodel? Here's how Tracy explained it: "We’re putting in flooring, repairing the walls, and we're doing a complete remodel," he said. "We're adding more electricity, adding custom tables and chairs." We could tell just by how Tracy discussed the plans that he was excited for the project and to move into the neighborhood, so we asked him how he felt about the move into our corner of SF. "Honestly, I thought [moving to Hayes Valley] would never happen," he admitted. "I just wrote it off, because places in Hayes Valley don’t often turn. I’m just thrilled about it." We'll be sure to keep you all updated when Tracy and LUX SF finally make their Hayes Valley debut.
