Ara Crinis – indulge in an artful hair salon experience

Soft lights. Greens. Pastels and contemporary art. Not something you expect of a hair and styling salon! Thus you’re greeted by a surprise which then transforms into an inexplicable comfort – a place as delightful and friendly as its kind and charismatic owners.

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As you walk in, you have the beautiful exhibit of contemporary artist Tomas Gracia. This particular one has been designed around the concept of chaos seeking its own natural order.

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The more you reflect on it, the more lost you seem. Lines and hues seem to be in search of their own destinies. Maybe that’s the exact point of the exhibit – to have your internal chaos muse over the edgy lines and vibrant tones of Tomas’ artwork.

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The exhibits are temporary and will include all categories of art and literature in the future, they tell me. The open patio will also house many interesting events.

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The area of the salon is beautifully decorated with lively greens and flowery tones, immediately transporting you into a spring-like feeling. The collection of books on display and the smell of freshly-brewed coffee add to the urbanism of the ambience. 

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The serene patio at the end, of course, completes the place beautifully.

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As distinct as its name, Ara Crinis (which literally translates from Latin into ‘a beautiful lock of hair’) is the delightful service and experience you receive here. The salon works with the concept of aromatherapy and organics around every service they offer. The cherry on top are the very artful Neo and Carlo, who are the heart of the place.

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Hop on over either for a walk around their artful decor, a pleasant cup of coffee with the owners, an exhibit of the next talented artist of the month or an indulgent hair experience – this little spot in Chueca is unlikely to disappoint.

By Arabdha Sudhir

Photos by Carlo Calzolari

Ara Crinis




Beauty Series: Madrid’s Best Nail Salons, Part 2

As promised, here’s part 2 of our beauty series: Madrid’s best nail salons, the post that many of our readers have been waiting for! Enjoy your mini-pedis, ladies and gentlemen! (see part 1 here)

1. Lima Creative Nails

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Located in Chueca, this nail salon has been a true discovery for many reasons. What my friends and I liked the most about Lima Creative Nails is that their services are very affordable and they even provide special treatments for men, because, come on, who said that mani-pedis were just for women?

  • Here’s the website so you can see the full list price
  • Where: Calle Pelayo, 68. Tf: 912793351

2. Nails USA

I went here with a friend to treat ourselves to a fantastic manicure and pedicure, and we loved it. The women working at Nails USA were super fast and professional. They also use very good products and the mani-pedi was very well priced.

  • Manicure: €5 Express, €8 normal. €12 permanent; Up to €20 for a specific treatment.
  • Pedicure: €7 to €15 Express full.
  • Web & address: Where: Calle Hortaleza 28

3. Violeta Nails

Situated on Atocha street, Violeta Nails (whose web I can’t seem to find) offers a very good mani-pedi with good-quality products like OPI and MASGLO; the store also sells a wide range of products so you can give yourself a manicure at home.

  • Prices: Mani-pedi, €20. Manicure €7 to €15. Pedicure, €15 to €23.
  • Where: Atocha, 98, tf:91 128 56 64

4. Dama Nails

I stumbled upon Dama Nails while running errands around my neighborhood (near metros Conde de Casal, Melendez Pelayo and Pacifico) and fell in love with it. You can find all the colors under the sun and they only use the top brands: Essie, Masglo and Opi. The prices are great and you can usually find promotional deals for manicures and pedicures. For example, I got a 3-pack of manicures and pedicures for €30 euros; and that day I also bought several Masglo colors. I recommend making an appointment.

  • Web
  • Where: Calle de Valderribas, 27, tf: 91 232 23 32

5. Nails Princess

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Nails princess is a beautiful nail salon located on Calle Princesa. The service they provide is complete and very professional. Prices are also very competitive: From €11.90 fo an express manicure to €16.90 for a spa manicure. Pedicure prices range from €11.90 to €24.90 for a spa pedicure.

  • Web
  • Where: Calle de la Princesa, 25

6. Nails Plus

Situated very close to the Fnac store in Callao, Nails Plus is a small but cozy place. I went there for a quick manicure on the go and I have to say it was a great decision. I got a very clean and complete manicure, with Opi and Masglo of course.

  • Prices: Manicure, €7 to €15; Pedicure, €15 to €35.
  • Where: Mesoneros Romanos 10, tf: 915048433

Remember to also check out Part 1 of the beauty series: Madrid’s Best Nail Salons

And if you’re looking for a good haircut in Madrid, you may also like: Where to get your mop chopped in Madrid, the minefield of avoiding a mullet