Since sweet Marie of Modern Nails (my former super loyal only-would-go-somewhere-else-if-my-best-friend-made-me nail salon) sold the business, I was total devo. She went on sabbatical for a month and immediately the vibe changed and I moved neighborhoods anyway so I went on a hunt for a new salon. After trying a half dozen places around Central Charlotte I ended up here.
Michael, the owner of Tiptoe, once worked at Modern Nails so he comes from good pedigree and gives great service. They also seem to have a hostess who checks people in and offers them drinks, cleans up, etc.
To my delight, the place is very open (I had crowded, cramped salons) and kind of industrial modern which is different. They have a "fine" color selection (they have the hip colors but I'd like to see more Essie) but I often bring my own anyway so that's OK. The staff is much younger and more hip than the typical staffs and take your cue about whether or not you want to talk or not. :) They all speak English primarily or very fluently. Both techs I've been do have done a great job with a smooth polish. The only word of warning- the massage chairs can be either pretty wonderful or brutal depending on if you have knots in your back.
They offer organic spa pedis with good products which is nice - I always question how many parabens and chemical toxins are in the lotions so it's nice to have a place that offers a better alternative.
I'm so glad my new hood has a great nail salon!