（日本語版はこちら。）
I’m introducing my favorite nail salon in Tokyo.The wonderful ladies at Goldy have been doing my nails for almost 5 years! If you’re curious about the process of getting a set of gel nails done in Japan, read on!
Once a month, I dress up, say goodbye to little Kaiju, and hop on a train headed to Shinjuku, where I sit in a comfy chair and get my nails done at nail salon Goldy.
Sitting in that chair for nearly two hours is so relaxing yet energizing at the same time. I may not have the time to do something with my hair or play around with makeup, but looking at my nails always makes me feel so put together.
READ: An In-Depth Look at Gel Nail Art in Japan: FAQ
About Goldy
Goldy is a trendsetter of nail art. Just take a look at the walls, which are decorated with the pages of nail magazines featuring the work by Goldy’s talented staff.
By the way, Goldy operates its own nail art school and all of its artists are licensed, so your hands and nails are in the care of experts!
The salon itself is warm and inviting. There are several booths, all sectioned off by curtains. The decorations are tasteful and make you feel as if you’re being pampered at home.
Each booth has a assortment of current fashion and beauty magazines, album and boards featuring the latest nail designs. There are also as gel nail color swatches to use as inspiration.
Removal Of Old Set
If you’re here for a new set, first you need to remove last month’s gel nails.
If it’s your first time at Goldy, you’ll likely skip this set, unless you had a set done at a different salon.
Don’t be surprised when the power tools come out. Goldy’s top coat is a soft gel, but it is extremely durable.
In order to remove the gel, staff first use a drill to remove the top coat.
Then, a cotton pad soaked with gel remover is placed on the nail and all fingers are wrapped in aluminum foil.
After a 10-15 minute wait, the old gel is gently removed, and it’s time to prep the nails for the new set.
Prepping The Nails
All nails are filed to a uniform length and the surface is smoothed out.
The cuticles and any hangnails are taken care of, too.
Primer and Base Coat
After prepping the nails, it’s time for the clear base coat.
I always want to leave my nails just like this with the clear coat. I love the shine!
From here on, it’s so much fun seeing how your nails transform into art.
Time For Art!
Each design is painstakingly created by freehand; stencils and stickers are rarely, if ever, used.
Gel nails can be time consuming (anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes). But, after you’ve seen how much effort Japanese nail artist put into their work, you’ll get a greater appreciation for your nail art!
The Finishing Touches
By now, it’s just time for the final top gel coat to cure under the UV lamp.
Pamper Yourself — Cuticle Oil, Hand Cream, And Drinks
After the last coat of top gel is done, it’s time for a drink and my favorite part — testing every variety of cuticle oil and hand cream!
Goldy’s sister nail salon Threeq in Ginza, makes its own cuticle oil (made in Japan, naturally). I love this one because it comes in a roller ball.
Choose from a variety of hot and cold drinks. I’m a fan of the hot chocolate. I rarely get a chance to drink anything hot at home so this is my time to indulge myself!
Address & Map
Ready to try your first set of gel nails in Tokyo? Here’s where to go:
Nail Salon Goldy
Ando Building, 6th Floor
4-3-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
160-0022
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿４丁目３−２２, 安藤ビル6F
MAP
How To Get There
Nail Salon Goldy is a 3 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station and a 7 minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku line and Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
From JR Shinjuku Station South Exit (JR新宿駅南口)
Exit the ticket gates and head outside. You will immediately see the glass complex that houses Koshu Kaido Exit and restaurants and shops.
Cross the street and make a right, walking along until you reach an intersection with Forever 21, Yoshinoya, Softbank and a convenience store.
Goldy is located on the 6th floor of the building with Yoshinoya on the ground level.
You will see the placard for Nail Salon Goldy outside the building’s entrance.
Take the elevator to the 6th floor and walk to the end of the hall.
From JR Shinjuku Station (Koushu Kaido JR新宿駅甲州街道口)
Turn right at the exit and walk along until you reach an intersection with Forever 21 Yoshinoya, Softbank and a convenience store.
Goldy is located on the 6th floor of the building with Yoshinoya on the ground level.
You will then see the placard for Nail Salon Goldy outside the building’s entrance.
Take the elevator to the 6th floor and walk to the end of the hall.
From Toei Shinjuku Shinjuku Sanchome Station(都営新宿線新宿三丁目駅)
After you exit the ticket gate (there’s only one), turn right and follow the floor arrows and flow of traffic until you reach a set of stairs and an escalator.
Go up, and to your immediate left are public restrooms and the entrance to Shinjuku Sanchome Station on the Fukutoshin Line.
Go down the short escalator/flight of stairs.
From there, walk along the corridor until you see signs for Exit E5.
Take a left at the vending machines and head up the stairs.
At ground level, make a right and walk until you see Yoshinoya.
You will then see the placard for Nail Salon Goldy outside the building’s door.
Take the elevator to the 6th floor and walk to the end of the hall.
From Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Sanchome Station (東京メトロ副都心線新宿三丁目駅)
Turn left at the ticket gates and walk along the corridor until you see signs for Exit E5.
Take a left at the vending machines and head up the stairs.
You will then see the placard for Nail Salon Goldy outside the building’s door.
Take the elevator to the 6th floor and walk to the end of the hall.
Can’t get enough of gel nail designs? Follow me on Instagram (@wadateni) for updates on the latest nail trends in Tokyo!
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