Clae Nail Studio — Local services in Tampa

I started seeing information about the Minimalist Salon a few months ago, as a new resident to Channelside, I was super excited to have a nail salon open just around the corner for me! I love a great mani/pedi, not just for the way they look and the fun, bright nail colors but for the quiet time and pampering. I was super curious about the philosophy behind the Minimalist. According to their website, they keep things clean, healthy and focused on you. This may not be the salon for everyone, they only offer a few services. They opened this week and perfect timing for me as it was time for me to get a manicure and pedicure. I took a few minutes from their Instagram and clicked over to their online booking system. It was pretty straightforward and easy to use. They make sure you are booking all the time you need and there are several options. Pay attention so you are booking for what you need. For instance, I have gel polish and that takes extra time to remove and apply. I did run into a bit of hiccup when I tried to book my SO for his mani/pedi at the same time. They are still working out the kinks and you currently can not book two people at the same time with their system. (Just send a quick email and they take care of it) We were then emailed confirmations and their cancellation policy. At this time, you aren't able to specify if you want a particular person but that is coming. We walked over just a few minutes early, the salon is in one of the retail spaces under the Fitzgerald. (check the website for parking). Walking in to the salon, it smelled fresh and clean, was bright and airy. Unlike a traditional salon the focus here is open, bright and calming of all your senses. There are just a few spaces for clients, it's quiet and relaxing. You are pick your colors, there is an amazing selection of OPI. You are offered water, wine, whisky or beer. Yup, that's right, order up two fingers of whisky. the idea is for the salon to be welcoming to women and men. My SO was thrilled, it wasn't frilly like most nail salons. Which is part of the philosophy. I was seated quite comfortably in soft chair with a basin at my feet, everything has clean lines and muted colors. All the tools are opened from sealed packages for each new customer, small trays are filled with sweet smelling lotions and scrubs that are all organic. I picked the level 2 pedicure and manicure with gel polish on my fingers. It was awesome. Unfortunately, I completely forget the technician's name, she was super friendly and fun to chat with. She did a magical things to my feet. She didn't even bat an eye when I immediately smudged my toes trying to get up. The chairs are a little awkward to get up from, as I discovered. Moving to the tables. my nails were completed in short order. Filed, painted and cured in a gentle and efficient manner. Overall, I think this is going to be one of my favorite spots for a little me -time. While I miss the massage chairs you find in most salons, the quiet and relaxing atmosphere with a glass of wine, more than makes up for it! And, my nails...

I live down the street and decided to give the minimalist a try because of my roommate’s positive experience and I am THRILLED I did! I have been looking for a place I really enjoy to go for the past year in Tampa. I hate going into a nail salon and feeling like a burden/hassle and waiting forever even with an appointment - which is what I have experienced at most places my first year living here. However, the Minimalist was wonderful! When I walked in, I immediately felt welcomed. I didn’t have to wait long before I was sat with my wine already poured for me at the nail station. I saw other girls had cozy blankets and pillows to use as well. Exemplary service!

The place is beautiful and clean! (I wish I remembered to take pictures). I recognized some of the art behind the front desk was from a local artist and recommended they put more of her art up! I love small businesses supporting local artists so I was thrilled I saw them supporting local artists.

Julyah was my nail tech. She was gregarious, professional, and fantastic! Turns out my roommate had her as well last time and loved her too! She did a great job on my nails and I got compliments on the “love the lava flow” color Labor Day weekend! I love this place and will 110% come back!!!!

(More informative for owner of market in the area) - Part of the reason I did not come here prior was due to the fact they only have gel and regular manicures. I’ve recently quit the acrylic lifestyle because my nails are fairly sturdy now due to a year of having a desk job. My roommate and I were a little surprised they didn’t have dip. My roommate wanted to go back to the Minimalist yesterday but instead went somewhere else because one of her nails was broken/too short for her liking to do a gel manicure- she wanted one fake tip or something for the nail that was shorter than the rest. She’s not the only person I know who tends to get picky about the length of their nails. But it was an observation that even though she loves this place and prefers coming here, she didn’t come because there wasn’t a way they could repair the nail to match the length of the others. Not sure if there’s a way you can implement a nail length repair without breaking the “minimal, natural” nail vibe but food...

Updated 8/13/2024

I want to start by saying that this place is exceptionally clean, and the staff is both friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderfully relaxing experience, and it was clear that the technician took great care in providing their services. I enjoyed a manicure with dip powder and a level 2 pedicure, and the two-hour session was pure pampering.

However, I did encounter a bit of an issue. Two days after my appointment, I noticed that most of the dip polish either started peeling off or came off entirely. I should mention that I’m a nail biter, and I choose hard nail treatments like dip powder to help prevent this. Usually, such treatments hold up well even if I have the urge to bite my nails, but that wasn’t the case this time. Despite not biting my nails or doing anything strenuous, the polish started peeling.

Given that I spent nearly $200 on these services, I was expecting a higher level of durability. While the overall experience was great, the quick peeling of the polish was disappointing and felt like it didn't match the premium price. For that amount, I was hoping for results that would last longer.

UPDATE: They salon did reach out and try to book a manicure to fix what had happened. They assured me that this was not normal for dip polish to do that. I unfortunately had some life events happen that I could not make the appointment but I...