When choosing a nail salon, certain aspects such as price, quality, convenience and cleanliness are important.

After looking at four local nail salons, we have broken down their pros and cons to help UI students make informed manicure and pedicure choices.

With slightly higher prices as well as farther distance, U & I Nails, located at 2004 S. Neil Street, offers customers quality treatment in a clean environment.

“I think that compared to places on campus, our prices are a little higher, by about a dollar or so, but that is because we pay more rent, take more time, keep air or heat on all the time and keep fumes down,” said Kalvin Le, manager of U & I Nails.

In terms of cleanliness, U & I Nails is top notch.

Le noted there is no chemical odor because products are of high quality and capped at all times. Also, Le said it is a salon priority to keep the equipment sanitized.

“Our number one priority is good service. We provide what they need. If they don’t know, we explain what they need and give good advice about what to do,” Le said. “We suggest colors. If they are going on vacation, we suggest a product that will keep nails lasting long and strong.

“We are friendly and we keep the place clean at all times.”

Another reasonably priced, yet somewhat farther salon is Anna’s Nail Salon, located at 1205 S. Mattis Ave.

Here, customers can expect to find a pleasing environment and friendly staff.

“Customers come here and get their nails done. [They] have a good time with that and they are happy,” said Oana Tian, manager of Anna’s Nail Salon.

A local customer of eight years, Melissa Schrock, had particularly pleasant things to say.

“The quality of the nails is great. I get compliments on my nails all the time,” she said.

“I don’t think I have gone more than a month with out nails since I was 16 and I’m 32. So, I know nails.”

Schrock gave Anna’s a ten on cleanliness saying, “I won’t go anywhere else.”

For those students looking for something a little closer to campus, Lucky Nail Salon’s prices are reasonable.

Employees are friendly and the salon occupies a prime location on Green Street.

Returning customer and University employee, Gina Oleynichak, said she frequents Lucky Nail Salon for both the “location and convenience.”

Fellow University employee, Amy Leng, said, “It is a nice way to spend our lunch hour. We are both moms, so we don’t take the time to do this when we are with the kids or on the weekends.”

One particular aspect that impressed Leng was the service. She noted that any time Lucky Nail Salon gets really busy, they are sure to call in extra employees “in a flash.”

In addition, employee Tung Le promised they will repair any nail damages for free.

“I liked being in there,” said Marissa Roberson, freshman in Business. “The guy doing my nails was really nice and funny. Me and my friend both went and thought he did a really good job.”

Not only is Lucky convenient, but it also received an award for Sanitation and Disinfection from the Botanic School of Nail Technology, Inc.

Lucky Nail Salon is located at 24 S. 5th St., in Champaign.

Dazzling Nails, located at 45 E Green St, may be small, cluttered, and has the smell of fumes in the air, but it is located close to campus and has low prices.

“I thought they did a really good job on my nails, especially compared to home and the price I normally pay,” said Daniele Milazzo, junior in ACES.

Mariana Puentes, sophomore in DGS said, “It was super relaxing.”

“We do a good job. I think we are one of the cheapest,” said employee, Melanie Nguyen.

For students looking to check out a new salon, visit Modern Nails II, located at 509 E. Green Street.

This salon opened recently and has slightly higher prices than other local salons, but is also conveniently located right in the heart of campus town.

“I’m super excited to check it out,” said Anna Murzydlo, junior in LAS.