Exquisitenails.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website Exquisitenails.co.uk, it appears to be a legitimate local nail and beauty salon operating in London. The site provides clear information about their services and contact details. However, it’s important to understand the ethical implications of engaging with certain beauty services from an Islamic perspective. While personal grooming is encouraged, some practices, particularly those involving extensions or alterations to natural creation, require careful consideration.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Transparency: High, with clear service lists, prices, and contact information.
• Ease of Booking: Good, utilising an external booking platform (Treatwell).
• Service Offerings: Extensive for nail and beauty treatments, including various manicures, pedicures, extensions, and waxing.
• Ethical Consideration (Islamic Perspective): Mixed. Services like standard manicures and pedicures are generally permissible, but nail extensions (Acrylic, BIAB, SNS, Gel Powder) and lash extensions could raise concerns regarding wudhu (ablution) and altering natural creation. Waxing is generally permissible for hygiene but can become problematic if it leads to tabarruj (excessive display of beauty to non-mahram men) or involves unlawful areas.
• Trustworthiness: Appears reliable as a local business, with a “Top Rated 2019” award from Treatwell, indicating customer satisfaction.
• Missing Information: Lacks a clear “About Us” section directly on the homepage beyond a brief sentence, and comprehensive details about the salon’s history or team.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Personal Care:

For individuals seeking beauty and personal care services that align with Islamic principles, the focus should be on hygiene, natural enhancement, and avoiding practices that impede wudhu or involve altering creation.

• Natural Nail Care Kits

  

  • Key Features: Includes natural files, buffers, cuticle oils, and polishes that are breathable and wudhu-friendly.
  • Average Price: £15 – £40
  • Pros: Promotes healthy, strong natural nails; Wudhu-friendly options available; Sustainable and non-invasive.
  • Cons: Requires consistent personal effort; Results may not be as dramatic as extensions.

• Halal Nail Polish

  • Key Features: Permeable nail polishes allowing water and oxygen to pass through, making them suitable for wudhu.
  • Average Price: £8 – £15 per bottle
  • Pros: Allows for colour and expression while maintaining religious obligations; Wide range of colours available.
  • Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than conventional polishes; Limited availability in all shades.

• Organic Skincare Products

  • Key Features: Made from natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, focusing on skin health and hydration.
  • Average Price: £20 – £70 (depending on product type and brand)
  • Pros: Nourishes skin naturally; Minimises exposure to synthetic compounds; Supports overall well-being.
  • Cons: Can be pricier; May require research to find truly effective organic options.

• Natural Hair Removal Solutions

  • Key Features: Sugaring kits, natural waxes, or epilators that remove hair effectively without chemical additives.
  • Average Price: £10 – £30
  • Pros: Gentle on skin; Environmentally friendly; Long-lasting results compared to shaving.
  • Cons: Can be painful initially; Requires some practice for best results.

• Ethical Beauty Salons (Search for ‘Halal Beauty Salon UK’)

  • Key Features: Specialise in services that adhere to Islamic guidelines, offering wudhu-friendly treatments and gender-segregated spaces.
  • Average Price: Varies widely depending on service and location.
  • Pros: Ensures peace of mind regarding religious compliance; Often uses natural or permissible products.
  • Cons: May be limited in number depending on geographical location; Requires diligent research to verify adherence.

• Hair Care Products for Natural Hair Growth

  • Key Features: Shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed to strengthen natural hair, prevent damage, and promote healthy growth, rather than altering it.
  • Average Price: £10 – £40
  • Pros: Enhances the natural beauty of hair; Focuses on health rather than artificial enhancements.
  • Cons: Results take time; Requires consistent use.

• DIY Spa Kits for Home Use

  • Key Features: Includes ingredients for face masks, foot soaks, and body scrubs using natural household items.
  • Average Price: £15 – £30 (for a basic kit, or even less if sourcing ingredients individually)
  • Pros: Cost-effective; Fully controllable ingredients; Convenient for home use; Ensures privacy.
  • Cons: Requires personal effort and time; May not replicate professional salon experience.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Exquisitenails.co.uk Review & First Look

Exquisitenails.co.uk presents itself as a local nail and beauty salon based in London, specifically at Walworth Road near Elephant & Castle tube station. Upon first glance, the website layout is straightforward, focusing on providing essential information for potential customers. It immediately highlights their operating hours, contact details, and a direct link to their online booking system via Treatwell. This immediate accessibility to booking and crucial service information is a strong point, streamlining the user experience for those looking to schedule an appointment quickly.

The homepage features a brief, albeit somewhat repetitive, introduction to their services, including “Shellac Mani Pedi, Acrylic Extensions, BIAB, SNS, Lash Extensions, Waxing.” They proudly mention receiving the “Top Rated 2019 award” from Treatwell, which serves as a credible third-party endorsement of their service quality. For a local service provider, this kind of external validation is incredibly valuable, demonstrating a history of positive customer feedback.

However, the website’s initial impression also reveals areas for improvement. While the services are listed, there isn’t a comprehensive “About Us” section that delves into the salon’s philosophy, history, or the expertise of their staff. This can be a missed opportunity to build deeper trust and connection with potential clients, especially those new to the area or seeking a long-term beauty service provider. The emphasis on “Walk-Ins & Appointments Welcome” and “Loyalty Card & Gift Vouchers” clearly targets customer convenience and retention, which are smart business strategies for a local salon.

Exquisitenails.co.uk Services: A Deeper Dive

Exquisitenails.co.uk offers a broad spectrum of nail and beauty services, catering to both ladies and gentlemen. Their online price list, accessible via a PDF link, provides a detailed breakdown of costs, which is highly transparent and appreciated. Let’s unpack some of their key offerings and their implications.

Manicure & Pedicure Services

The salon lists a comprehensive range of manicure and pedicure services, from standard options to more specialised treatments:

• Manicure (£18) & Pedicure (£28): These are foundational services focusing on basic nail care, shaping, and cuticle treatment.
• Shellac Manicure (£28) & Pedicure (£38): Shellac is a popular hybrid nail polish that combines gel and traditional polish, known for its durability.
• Builder Gel (£35): This is a thicker gel used to create strength or extensions, often applied to natural nails to prevent breakage.
• Luxury Hot Stone Pedicure (£33): An elevated pedicure experience incorporating hot stones for relaxation.

From an ethical standpoint, basic manicures and pedicures are generally permissible as they focus on hygiene and neatness. However, services involving the application of non-permeable layers like traditional Shellac can pose an issue for wudhu (ablution), as water must reach the entire surface of the nail for wudhu to be valid. While some brands now offer “breathable” or “halal” polishes, the website does not specify if their Shellac or Builder Gel products fall into this category. It’s crucial for Muslim clients to inquire about the permeability of these products before booking.

Nail Extension (Powder)

This category includes services like Acrylic and Gel Powder extensions. The pricing structure is clear, with a first price for Acrylic (normal colour) and a second for Gel Powder.

• Full Set (£30 / £35): Initial application of extensions.
• Refill (In-Fill) (£25 / £30): Maintenance for existing extensions.
• Take Off & New Set (£35 / £40): Removal of old extensions and application of a new set.

Nail extensions, whether acrylic or gel, create a barrier over the natural nail that prevents water from reaching the nail surface during wudhu. From an Islamic perspective, this renders wudhu invalid, thus making it problematic for daily prayers. Many scholars view such permanent or semi-permanent alterations that interfere with religious obligations as impermissible. Clients seeking to adhere strictly to Islamic guidelines should avoid these services.

Other Powder Services (SNS)

SNS (Signature Nail System) is a dip powder system known for being lightweight and durable.

• SNS (Natural Nails) (£30): Application on natural nails.
• SNS Extension / White Tip (£35): SNS applied as extensions.
• SNS Take Off (£10): Removal of SNS.

Similar to acrylic and gel extensions, SNS creates a non-permeable layer on the nail. Therefore, the same concerns regarding wudhu apply. For a Muslim adhering to religious requirements, SNS would also be generally considered impermissible due to its interference with ablution. Stagandhennewcastle.co.uk Review

Leg, Arm, and Face Waxing

The salon offers various waxing services using strip wax, covering different body parts.

• Both Full Legs (£30): From top of legs to toe tips.
• Both Full Arms (£18): From top of arms to fingertips.
• Eyebrows (£8), Chin (£8), Upper Lip (£8): Facial waxing.

Waxing for hygiene and neatness is generally permissible in Islam, particularly for unwanted hair. However, there are nuances:

• Modesty: While waxing is permissible, displaying waxed areas excessively (known as tabarruj) to non-mahram men (men one can legally marry) is prohibited. Services should ideally be conducted in private, and the client should ensure that the results are not displayed inappropriately.
• Eyebrow Shaping: While tidying up stray eyebrow hairs is permissible, excessive shaping or thinning of eyebrows to alter their natural appearance is generally considered impermissible, as it is seen as altering Allah’s creation.

Eyebrows & Eyelashes (Extensions & Tinting)

This category includes services like eyelash extensions and tinting of eyebrows and eyelashes.

• Eyelash Extensions (Individual) New Set (£60): Applying individual synthetic lashes to natural lashes.
• Eyelash Extensions Infills (£45): Maintenance for existing extensions.
• Eyebrow Tint (£10), Eyelash Tint (£10): Colouring the natural hairs.

Eyelash extensions are largely considered impermissible by Islamic scholars. This is due to two main reasons:

1. Impeding Wudhu: Like nail extensions, they prevent water from reaching the natural eyelashes during wudhu.
2. Altering Creation: They are seen as a form of altering Allah’s creation, particularly when they involve adding artificial hair for beautification.

Eyebrow tinting, if it merely colours existing hair without significantly altering the shape, might be permissible. However, if it’s combined with excessive shaping or leads to the impression of altering the natural eyebrow shape, it would fall under the same prohibition as excessive eyebrow plucking. Eyelash tinting, if it doesn’t form a barrier to water for wudhu, might be permissible, but again, the intention should be natural enhancement rather than artificial alteration.

In summary, while Exquisitenails.co.uk offers a wide array of popular beauty services, Muslim clients must exercise discretion and consider the permissibility of certain treatments from an Islamic perspective. It is always advisable to consult with a knowledgeable scholar if in doubt.

Exquisitenails.co.uk Cons (Ethical & Practical)

While Exquisitenails.co.uk appears to be a functional local business, there are several cons, particularly when viewed through an Islamic ethical lens, and some practical limitations for a discerning customer.

Ethical Impermissibility of Key Services

The most significant con from an Islamic perspective is the range of services that are generally considered impermissible.

• Nail Extensions (Acrylic, Gel Powder, SNS): These services create an impermeable layer over the natural nail, invalidating wudhu (ablution) required for daily prayers. The inability to perform valid wudhu makes these services problematic for a practising Muslim. Based on numerous fatwas from Islamic scholars, such applications are discouraged due to this reason.
• Eyelash Extensions: Similar to nail extensions, artificial eyelash extensions prevent water from reaching the natural lashes during wudhu. Furthermore, they are often viewed as altering Allah’s creation, which is strictly prohibited in Islam.
• Excessive Eyebrow Shaping/Plucking: While the website doesn’t explicitly state “shaping,” services like “Eyebrow Wax” combined with a “Tint” often imply significant reshaping, which, if altering the natural brow line, is considered impermissible by many Islamic scholars as it’s seen as changing Allah’s creation.

For a Muslim audience, promoting or even just offering these services without clear disclaimers about their religious implications is a significant drawback. A business aiming to cater to a diverse clientele, including Muslims, should either avoid such services or at least provide clear information to help clients make informed decisions aligning with their faith.

Lack of Comprehensive “About Us” Section

The website offers a brief sentence about being “London’s most exciting nails & beauty salon situated at the Walworth Road,” and mentioning professional nail care for ladies & gentlemen. However, it lacks a dedicated and detailed “About Us” page or section on the homepage. Hirehop.co.uk Review

• Lost Opportunity for Trust Building: A thorough “About Us” section could detail the salon’s history, its mission, the qualifications of its technicians, or its commitment to hygiene and customer satisfaction. This is crucial for building rapport and trust with new clients.
• Limited Brand Story: In today’s market, consumers often connect with brands that have a compelling story or clear values. The absence of this narrative makes the salon appear more transactional rather than relational.

Reliance on Third-Party Booking (Treatwell)

While Treatwell is a reputable platform and its integration offers convenience, relying solely on an external booking system has minor cons:

• Loss of Direct Customer Data: The salon might have less direct control over customer data and interactions through Treatwell compared to an in-house booking system.
• Brand Dilution: The booking experience is branded by Treatwell, not Exquisite Nails, potentially reducing the salon’s unique brand identity during the crucial booking phase.
• Potential for Commission Fees: Treatwell, like other booking platforms, typically charges commissions or fees to businesses for bookings made through their platform, which can impact the salon’s profitability.

No Online Store for Ethical Products

The website primarily focuses on services. While this is expected for a salon, there’s no provision to sell ethical or wudhu-friendly nail care products, even as an affiliate.

• Missed Revenue Opportunity: Selling related products could generate additional revenue.
• Lack of Ethical Alternatives: For clients who visit for permissible services (like a standard manicure), providing access to halal nail polishes or natural nail care kits would be a significant value-add and demonstrate a commitment to diverse customer needs.

Limited Social Media Presence Details

While the website mentions a “Social Photo Gallery” and includes social media icons, a strong, active social media presence with clear links and frequent updates is crucial for modern businesses. The website does not prominently display live feeds or strong calls to action to follow their social channels directly.

• Reduced Engagement: Less direct social media integration can lead to lower online engagement and fewer opportunities to showcase work or interact with customers outside of appointments.

Absence of Customer Testimonials on Site (Beyond Treatwell Mention)

While the “Top Rated 2019 award” from Treatwell is good, the website doesn’t feature direct customer testimonials or reviews on its own pages.

• Reduced Direct Credibility: Having testimonials directly on the site, perhaps with names or photos (with consent), can offer more immediate and direct social proof for website visitors who might not navigate to Treatwell immediately.

In essence, while Exquisitenails.co.uk serves its primary purpose of presenting salon services, its ethical shortcomings regarding impermissible treatments for Muslim clients, coupled with some basic website improvements, highlight areas for significant consideration.

Exquisitenails.co.uk Alternatives

When considering alternatives to Exquisitenails.co.uk, especially with an emphasis on ethical and permissible beauty practices from an Islamic standpoint, the focus shifts towards services and products that promote natural beauty, hygiene, and do not impede religious obligations like wudhu. The market offers numerous options that align with these values, ranging from specialised halal beauty services to DIY home care.

Ethical Beauty Salons

• Halal Beauty Salons UK
  • Description: These salons specifically cater to Muslim women, often offering female-only environments, wudhu-friendly services, and using halal-certified products. They prioritise modesty and adherence to Islamic guidelines.
  • Key Features: Private treatment rooms, female-only staff, use of permeable nail polishes, focus on natural treatments, and ethical hair removal.
  • Average Price: Similar to conventional salons, but can vary based on the exclusivity and range of halal services.
  • Pros: Ensures religious compliance; Provides comfort and privacy; Often uses high-quality, natural products.
  • Cons: Limited availability depending on location; May have a narrower range of services compared to conventional salons.

Natural & Wudhu-Friendly Nail Care

• Tuesday in Love Halal Nail Polish

  

  • Description: A well-known brand offering water-permeable nail polishes that are certified halal, allowing water molecules to penetrate the nail surface for wudhu.
  • Key Features: Wide range of colours, cruelty-free, vegan, breathable formula.
  • Average Price: £12-£15 per bottle.
  • Pros: Allows Muslim women to wear nail polish and still perform wudhu and prayer; High-quality finish.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than regular polish; Requires specific application for optimal permeability.

• Orly Breathable Treatment + Colour

  • Description: A professional line of nail polishes that are formulated to be breathable, allowing oxygen and hydration to pass through to the nail. While not explicitly marketed as “halal,” many Muslims consider them permissible due to their permeability.
  • Key Features: All-in-one formula (basecoat, colour, topcoat), infused with Argan Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin C.
  • Average Price: £10-£13 per bottle.
  • Pros: Promotes nail health; Good colour range; Widely available.
  • Cons: Not explicitly halal-certified, so some strict interpretations may still have reservations.

• Zoya Nail Polish Localglass.co.uk Review

  • Description: Known for their “5-Free” and “10-Free” formulations (free from harsh chemicals), Zoya polishes are also considered breathable by many, making them a popular choice for those seeking wudhu-friendly options.
  • Key Features: Extensive colour palette, long-wearing, free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and formaldehyde resin.
  • Average Price: £12-£14 per bottle.
  • Pros: Wide variety of colours; Healthier for nails; Good reputation for quality.
  • Cons: Permeability is debated by some scholars; Not explicitly halal-certified.

Natural & Hygienic Hair Removal

• Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Sugaring Kit

  • Description: Sugaring is an ancient, natural hair removal method using a paste made of sugar, lemon, and water. It’s gentle on the skin and adheres only to the hair, not the skin, making it less painful and ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Key Features: Made with natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types, less irritating than traditional waxing.
  • Average Price: £10-£20 per kit.
  • Pros: All-natural; Effective for removing hair from the root; Less painful; Can be done at home.
  • Cons: Requires practice to master the technique; Can be messy initially.

• Braun Silk-épil Epilator Series

  • Description: Epilators mechanically remove hair by plucking multiple hairs at once. While they don’t use products, they offer a clean, long-lasting method of hair removal.
  • Key Features: Various models with different attachments for body areas, wet & dry use, rechargeable.
  • Average Price: £40-£150 (depending on model and features).
  • Pros: Long-lasting results (up to 4 weeks); Convenient for at-home use; No chemicals or messy products.
  • Cons: Can be painful initially; Requires consistent use; May cause ingrown hairs if not used correctly.

Focus on Natural Enhancement (Avoiding Extensions)

• Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Description: Products that focus on strengthening and nourishing natural hair, promoting health and vitality rather than artificial lengthening or thickening like extensions.
  • Key Features: Formulated with coconut oil and amino acids, gentle cleansing, adds softness and shine.
  • Average Price: £20-£30 per bottle.
  • Pros: Promotes healthy hair growth; Chemical-free alternatives; Enhances natural beauty.
  • Cons: Higher price point; Results depend on consistent use.

These alternatives highlight a shift towards natural, sustainable, and ethically permissible beauty practices, ensuring that personal care aligns with a holistic approach to well-being that includes spiritual considerations.

How to Cancel Exquisitenails.co.uk Appointment

Cancelling an appointment at Exquisitenails.co.uk follows a standard procedure, as outlined in their cancellation policy: “We ask that you give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment.” This policy is crucial for any service-based business to manage their schedule and minimise losses from no-shows.

Steps to Cancel an Appointment

1. Review Confirmation Email/SMS: When you booked your appointment, you likely received a confirmation email or SMS from Treatwell (the third-party booking platform used by Exquisite Nails) or directly from the salon. This communication usually contains details about your appointment and, crucially, instructions or a link to manage or cancel your booking.

2. Utilise the Treatwell Platform:

   • Since Exquisitenails.co.uk uses Treatwell for bookings, the most direct way to cancel is through your Treatwell account.
   • Log in to your Treatwell account.
   • Navigate to your “My Bookings” or “Appointments” section.
   • Find the upcoming appointment for Exquisite Nails & Beauty.
   • There should be an option to “Cancel” or “Reschedule” the appointment. Follow the prompts.
   • Important: Ensure you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time to avoid any potential charges or penalties as per their policy.

3. Direct Contact by Phone:

   • If you encounter any issues with the online cancellation, or if you are within the 24-hour window but still need to cancel (though a charge might apply), contact the salon directly.
   • Their contact numbers are clearly listed on their website: 020 4529 9491 and 07776790456.
   • When calling, provide your name, appointment date, time, and the service booked. Clearly state that you wish to cancel and confirm if any charges will apply based on the notice period.

4. Keep Proof of Cancellation:

   • Whether you cancel via Treatwell or by phone, it’s always wise to have a record.
   • If cancelling online, a confirmation email from Treatwell should be sent. Keep this for your records.
   • If cancelling by phone, note down the date and time of your call, and the name of the person you spoke with, if possible. This can be helpful in case of any dispute regarding charges.

Why the 24-Hour Notice is Important

• Operational Efficiency: Salons schedule staff and allocate resources based on booked appointments. A late cancellation means a lost slot that could have been filled by another client, resulting in lost revenue.
• Fairness to Staff: Technicians often work on commission or have their schedules planned around appointments. Late cancellations directly impact their earnings and time.
• Industry Standard: The 24-hour (or sometimes 48-hour) cancellation policy is standard practice across many service industries, including beauty salons, healthcare providers, and spas.

While cancelling an appointment is generally straightforward, adhering to the salon’s cancellation policy is vital for a smooth process and maintaining a good relationship with the business.

Exquisitenails.co.uk Pricing

Exquisitenails.co.uk provides a transparent pricing structure, which is a significant positive for customers. Their comprehensive price list is available as a downloadable PDF directly from their website, allowing potential clients to review all service costs before booking. This level of transparency helps customers budget and compare services effectively. Art-of-brewing.co.uk Review

Key Pricing Categories and Examples:

The pricing is divided into several main categories, reflecting the range of services offered:

1. Manicure & Pedicure Services:

   • Manicure: £18
   • Pedicure: £28
   • Manicure & Pedicure (combo): £45 (a slight discount when booked together)
   • Shellac Manicure: £28
   • Shellac Pedicure: £38
   • Shellac Manicure & Pedicure: £65
   • Builder Gel: £35
   • Shellac Removal: £6

2. Nail Extension (Powder): (Prices differentiate between Acrylic and Gel Powder)

   • Full Set: £30 (Acrylic) / £35 (Gel Powder)
   • Refill (In-Fill): £25 (Acrylic) / £30 (Gel Powder)
   • Full Set Acrylic With Gel Colour: £35
   • Take Off & New Set: £35 (Acrylic) / £40 (Gel Powder)

3. Other Powder Services (SNS):

   • SNS (Natural Nails): £30
   • SNS Extension / White Tip: £35
   • SNS Take Off: £10

4. Salon Services (Add-ons/Basic):

   • Toe Polish: £15
   • Hand Polish: £13
   • Cut Down & Shape: £8
   • Diamond / Diamante: £5 for 10 (Nail art additions)

5. Waxing Services:

   • Both Lower Legs: £15
   • Both Full Legs: £30
   • Both Full Arms: £18
   • Both Underarms: £10
   • Eyebrows: £8
   • Upper Lip: £8
   • Upper Lip & Chin: £14

6. Eyebrows & Eyelashes:

   • Eyelash Extensions (Individual) New Set: £60
   • Eyelash Extensions Infills: £45
   • Eyebrow Tint: £10
   • Eyelash Tint: £10
   • Eyebrow Wax & Tint: £16

Price Analysis and Value Proposition:

The prices seem competitive for a London-based salon, especially given its location near Elephant & Castle. For instance, a basic manicure at £18 is reasonable compared to average salon prices in a major city like London, which can range from £15 to £30+. The transparency of providing a full price list as a PDF is a good practice, ensuring customers have all the information upfront without having to navigate multiple pages or inquire directly.

Factors influencing pricing:

• Location: London prices for beauty services are generally higher than in other parts of the UK.
• Service Type: Specialised services like extensions (nail and lash) and luxury treatments command higher prices due to the skill and time involved.
• Product Quality: While not explicitly detailed on the website, the salon mentions using various brands like OPI, DND, CND, J&W, Gelish, and Blazing Star. The use of known brands often justifies certain price points.
• Treatwell’s Influence: Being a Treatwell partner might influence pricing strategy to align with market rates on the platform.

Overall, Exquisitenails.co.uk’s pricing is clearly laid out and appears to be in line with what one might expect from a city salon. However, as noted previously, the ethical permissibility of certain services for a Muslim clientele remains a primary concern irrespective of the pricing. Bodytechnics.co.uk Review

Exquisitenails.co.uk vs. Competitors (Ethical Perspective)

When evaluating Exquisitenails.co.uk against its competitors, especially from an ethical standpoint for a Muslim audience, the comparison goes beyond just price and service quality. It delves into the permissibility of the treatments offered and the overall values of the salon.

General London Nail & Beauty Salons

• Similarities: Most conventional nail and beauty salons in London, like Exquisitenails.co.uk, offer a similar array of services: manicures, pedicures, various types of nail extensions (acrylic, gel, SNS), waxing, and lash extensions. They also often use similar professional brands.
• Differences (Ethical): The primary differentiator is rarely ethical adherence from a religious perspective. Most mainstream salons operate purely on a commercial basis, without specific consideration for Islamic guidelines on wudhu or altering creation. Therefore, in terms of the ethical concerns highlighted (impermeable nail products, lash extensions, extensive eyebrow shaping), Exquisitenails.co.uk largely mirrors the issues found in most general competitors. There’s no indication on their website that they cater specifically to Islamic requirements (e.g., offering wudhu-friendly polishes exclusively or private female-only spaces).
• Booking & Transparency: Many competitors also use platforms like Treatwell or have their own online booking systems. Price transparency varies, but Exquisitenails.co.uk’s clear PDF price list is a good standard.

Halal/Muslim-Friendly Beauty Salons

This category represents the true ethical competitors that Exquisitenails.co.uk falls short against.

• Halal Nail Bars (e.g., specific small businesses or home-based services):
  • Services: Primarily offer manicures and pedicures using certified halal nail polishes that are water-permeable. They explicitly avoid or offer alternatives to non-permeable extensions (acrylic, gel, SNS).
  • Environment: Often provide women-only environments, ensuring modesty and comfort.
  • Key Differentiator: Their core business model is built around Islamic permissibility.
  • Availability: Less common than mainstream salons, requiring specific searching.
  • Examples: There isn’t one single large chain for “Halal Nail Bars” in the UK. They are often smaller, independent businesses that explicitly market themselves as Muslim-friendly or halal-compliant. Searching for “Halal beauty salon London” or “Muslim friendly nail salon UK” would yield results for these niche competitors.
  • Pros: Complete peace of mind for Muslim clients regarding religious compliance; Often focus on natural and less invasive treatments.
  • Cons: Limited geographical availability; Potentially fewer options for “trendy” but impermissible services; May have higher prices due to niche market.

Home-Based or DIY Beauty

For many Muslim women, the most ethical and convenient alternative to any salon, including Exquisitenails.co.uk, is home-based beauty care.

• Services: Using natural products for nail care (e.g., natural buffs, oils), self-application of halal nail polishes, at-home sugaring or waxing, and focusing on hair and skin health rather than artificial enhancements.
• Key Differentiator: Full control over products, privacy, and ensuring strict adherence to religious guidelines without compromise.
• Cost: Significantly cheaper in the long run.
• Pros: Absolute privacy and modesty; Complete control over product ingredients; No conflict with wudhu; Highly cost-effective.
• Cons: Requires personal effort and time; May not achieve the same professional finish as a salon; Requires purchasing and stocking various products.

Conclusion on Competition

While Exquisitenails.co.uk competes effectively with standard London nail and beauty salons on price, range of services, and booking convenience, it does not stand out from an Islamic ethical perspective. Its service offerings largely include treatments that are problematic for observant Muslims. Therefore, for a Muslim individual prioritising religious compliance, the true competitors are specialised halal salons or the practice of at-home, DIY beauty care using permissible products and methods. The ethical gap between Exquisitenails.co.uk and genuinely halal-compliant services is substantial, making it a less suitable choice for those seeking to adhere strictly to Islamic principles in their beauty routine.

FAQ

What is Exquisitenails.co.uk?

Exquisitenails.co.uk is the official website for Exquisite Nails & Beauty, a local nail and beauty salon situated on Walworth Road near Elephant & Castle tube station in London, offering a range of services from manicures and pedicures to nail extensions, waxing, and lash extensions.

Is Exquisitenails.co.uk a legitimate business?

Yes, based on the website’s information, Exquisitenails.co.uk appears to be a legitimate local business. They provide clear contact details, a physical address, and boast a “Top Rated 2019 award” from Treatwell, a reputable third-party booking platform.

What services does Exquisitenails.co.uk offer?

Exquisitenails.co.uk offers a wide array of services including Shellac Mani Pedi, Acrylic Extensions, BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), SNS, Lash Extensions, various waxing services (legs, arms, face, underarms), and eyebrow/eyelash tinting.

Are nail extensions at Exquisitenails.co.uk permissible in Islam?

Generally, no. Nail extensions like Acrylic, BIAB, SNS, and Gel Powder offered by Exquisitenails.co.uk create an impermeable layer on the nails, which prevents water from reaching the nail surface during wudhu (ablution), thus invalidating it.

Are eyelash extensions at Exquisitenails.co.uk permissible in Islam?

No, eyelash extensions are generally considered impermissible in Islam. They prevent water from reaching the natural lashes during wudhu and are often viewed as altering Allah’s creation, which is prohibited.

Does Exquisitenails.co.uk offer wudhu-friendly nail polish?

The website does not explicitly state that they offer wudhu-friendly or permeable nail polishes. Clients interested in such options should inquire directly with the salon. Formulahealth.co.uk Review

Can men get services at Exquisitenails.co.uk?

Yes, the website states they offer “professional nail care for ladies & gentlemen,” indicating that men are welcome for services.

What are Exquisitenails.co.uk’s opening hours?

Exquisitenails.co.uk is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. They are closed on Bank Holiday Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

How do I book an appointment at Exquisitenails.co.uk?

Appointments can be booked online via their link to Treatwell, which is prominently displayed on their website. They also welcome walk-ins.

What is Exquisitenails.co.uk’s cancellation policy?

Exquisitenails.co.uk requires 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel an appointment to avoid any potential charges or penalties.

Where is Exquisitenails.co.uk located?

The salon is located at 233 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RL, with the nearest tube station being Elephant & Castle.

Does Exquisitenails.co.uk offer gift vouchers or loyalty cards?

Yes, the website mentions that gift vouchers are available in-store, and they have a rewarding loyalty card scheme.

What brands of nail products does Exquisitenails.co.uk use?

Exquisitenails.co.uk states they use many brands, including OPI, DND, CND, J&W, Gelish, and Blazing Star.

Is waxing permissible in Islam?

Waxing for hygiene and neatness is generally permissible in Islam. However, excessive shaping of eyebrows to alter their natural appearance and displaying waxed areas immodestly to non-mahram men are aspects that should be avoided.

How much does a basic manicure cost at Exquisitenails.co.uk?

A basic manicure at Exquisitenails.co.uk costs £18.

How much do eyelash extensions cost at Exquisitenails.co.uk?

A new set of individual eyelash extensions costs £60, with infills priced at £45. Tygertyger.co.uk Review

Is the price list available online for Exquisitenails.co.uk?

Yes, a comprehensive price list is available as a downloadable PDF file directly from the Exquisitenails.co.uk website.

Does Exquisitenails.co.uk have a strong online presence beyond their website?

The website mentions a “Social Photo Gallery” and likely uses Treatwell for bookings and reviews, suggesting a presence on that platform. However, the website itself doesn’t prominently integrate live social media feeds.

What are some ethical alternatives to Exquisitenails.co.uk for a Muslim?

Ethical alternatives include seeking out specialised halal beauty salons that explicitly offer wudhu-friendly services, using permeable or halal-certified nail polishes at home, and focusing on natural hair and skin care rather than artificial enhancements like extensions.

How can I verify if a nail polish is wudhu-friendly?

To verify if a nail polish is wudhu-friendly, look for certifications (e.g., Halal certification) or ensure it is marketed as “breathable” or “water permeable.” You can also perform a water permeability test by applying a coat and checking if water can seep through it after drying.