Aristocat Salon + Nail Spa

Just a note! They are not closed! Same location, same people, just a new name!!!

This place is great! Van is the best!

Great shop with a great mani/​pedi combo. Visiting from OOT, but came here because of the reviewers. Not disappointed.

On my quest to find the best manicure I came across Aristocat Nail Spa. It was mediocre at its finest as far as the guest experience goes. Being in the salon spa industry, I know what it takes to create an ultimate guest experience and they did not have it.
I went in for a basic manicure. Here are a few major concerns I had:
–nail spa was awkwardly quiet the entire 45 min I was there
–only one of 5 manicurist spoke clear English
–the manicurist cut my nail too short (way past my nail bed)
–the cuticle remover looked old and clumpy like old milk
–the manicurist squirt lotion on my arm before the poor arm and hand massage…
–my sisters nail polish was very sloppy
–they didn’t follow their 11.99 special on Tuesdays… instead she told me my total was 12.00…
Overall, I’m not too thrilled about my experience.
If anyone knows a place with exceptional manicures please share.

The only reasons I am giving Aristocat four stars is because 1) I’ve only had one technician there sculpt my nails and 2) I’ve only been there twice, so I can’t fairly report on how consistent the salon’s performance is. That said, I have been to nail salons all over the Louisiana south, literally. I had lowered my standards considerably since Hurricane Katrina put Nails Today of Metairie, a quintessential nail salon, out of business. Sick of crooked shapes, unevenly layered acrylic, ceaseless lifting (which we all know leads to fungal growth), and worst of all, damaged nail beds, I began to do my nails myself using glue-​ons from the drug store. I was as happy as happy can be with their performance and appearance, but I wanted to treat myself because I was going to a wedding in Aruba. I wanted longer, shinier, nails, too, than the boxes offer. After reading several reviews for Aristocat, I visited the clean, spacious, salon. I parked off the street in a newly-​paved lot designated for Aristocat customers, on a Tuesday between noon and 1pm, and again today, a Saturday around 1pm. I was served immediately both times. There are special discounts every Tuesday. There is also a frequent buyer card. After 9 or 10 stamps, you get a $ 15 credit or something similar. Van has done my nails both times, beautifully, evenly, simply luxurious… what every woman is looking for in sculptured nails. What really impressed me about Van’s service, was that she did not speak to the other employees in a language I did not understand within hearing distance from me. {When any service industry employee does this, I believe it is just as offensive as speaking in front of a deaf person when you know sign language – and not signing – if not more offensive, because I know you CAN speak my language. LADIES, YOU DO NOT NEED TO TOLERATE THIS.}
And FYI, due to unfortunate personal reasons, I ended up leaving the Aruba nails on for nearly a month before I could get a fill (don’t EVER do this on purpose). Anyway, the finish was still shiny and no nails had broken or «lifted» off.

5 months before the wedding, and I knew it was time for me to search for a makeup artist. The first thing I did was go on Unilocal and did a makeup artist search. Aristocat was #1 on the list. I decided to email Cat (the owner) to schedule an appointment for my first trial ever. It was the best decision I ever made. Cat did an amazing job for my bridal session and made me look flawless on my wedding day.

Worst eyebrow wax I’ve ever had. I’m not sure what I paid for because I walked out looking exactly like I did when I walked in.
Pedicure chipped after a week, I don’t expect that until at least two, usually three weeks.

My regular salon (the amazing Urban Angels on Magazine) doesn’t do nail services, and since I’m such a girly girl in those ways, I’ve been on a continuous search over the past 2 years for one I love. I finally feel that search is over! Aristocat is just down the street from my house and I avoided them for a while, thinking they might be too pricey to use regularly for mani/​pedis. I was in a rush due to the craziness of Carnival season and decided to give them a try. Not only do they offer many more services than most NOLA nail salons (no chip gel polish, solar nails, etc.), but the pricing is competitive to your average nail places. Kim was funny & sweet, working quickly yet with a great eye for detail. She’s not shy about offering friendly advice on colors (if I had a dollar for every compliment I’ve gotten on this shade she picked me, I’d be rich!) and types of manicures (her gel sets are durable and feel like my natural nails only stronger). Plus my feet are still perfectly polished and baby soft even though my pedicure was almost three weeks ago! If you’re a nail aficionado like me, RUN, don’t walk, to Aristocat before everyone discovers them and they get too busy to take walk in clients!
I also have to add that I moved here from Los Angeles (which is home) and previous to that I lived in NYC for years and this place would do just fine in those two cities. The only reason I’m writing this part is due to a previous post calling this a «typical New Orleans nail salon» and it’s not at all. I’ve been to much worse places back home and in NYC, and I’ve been to some of the best (Rescue Beauty Lounge rocks — but you’re paying for it to rock so it darn well better!) and Aristocat reminds me of the places I’d go in Santa Monica or Hermosa Beach. They’re unpretentious and you definitely get your money’s worth!

This place was okay, not all that, typical New Orleans nail shop. Van was my nail tech, very pleasant /​nice person, but I hate hate hate when I’m getting services done for the person to be talking on their cellphone. And from the type of convo, it sounded like it was something that she needed to take to the backroom. #Tip for the future Van.
The environment was relatively new, but looks like an interior decorator is required to make it feel like a more relaxed environment.
I personally wouldn’t make this the place I go to for my bridal needs, but if you’re on a low budget, then I can understand you choosing this venue.
The cost balances out what you receive. I’m a native New Yorker so I guess my standards are just not being met by any salon in this city. The search continues…

Wanted a pedi/​mani at the last minute&decided to go to Aristocat about an hour before closing. Enjoyed my pedi BUT could have been better! Mani was great! I will return!

Cat is amazing and so sweet! She did my hair & makeup for my engagement photos and I looked flawless! I plan to have her do my hair & makeup for my bridal photos and my wedding! I can’t wait!

I learned about this place via Living Social and I have been a patron ever since. Van is amazing in all that she does. Van does fantastic eyebrow and nails. The owner Cat is very sweet and personable.
They décor is straight off the cover of a modern style magazine like Elle Décor os something you’d see in Cosmo, very trendy and LA (los angeles) like.
Great little find on the corner of canal and broad.
Only drawback is that the staff is limited, but it’s best to make an appointment as walk ins are welcome, but if available your appointment time will be much later than the time that you walked in. Once they get more staff, they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.

I really enjoyed my nail services here. My only hesitation in returning is the use of that Ped Egg type contraption on my feet. It does more damage than good, in my opinion. If they switched to a pumice style device I would be there regularly.
The staff is wonderful. They don’t try to press you into getting more services than you requested and conversation flows nicely. Plus, they do a great job.
True, it is in a sketchy location (Canal and Broad), but there is a door from the parking lot to the nail shop. Once you are inside you kinda forget about all of that nonsense…

I learned of Aristocat through the Living Social deals. I purchased it several months ago and just used it last week. The deal was $ 25 for a mani/​pedi. When I called I was able to get an appointmnet on the day and time I needed.
The salon is very clean and very well put together. The space is large, bright and open. The lady that greeted me was the one who also did my mani/​pedi and she was awesome! (I’m horrible with names or I’d tell you her name) The pedicure was just right… nice scrub, nice massage and great polishing. The manicure was also just right… good work on my cuticles, nice massage and great polishing. I was very indecisive with picking a color that day and she was very patient and gave me her honest opinion, when I asked. My nails still look perfect 4 days later!
The owner, Cat, came out while I was getting my mani and she was very nice!
Be sure to pull around to the back of the building to park and you can access the salon through a back door.
I will definitely go back and will recommend to friends! I gave them my email address and have already received a 25% off coupon for my next visit!

Just got home from a wonderful evening at Aristocat. Called around 3pm to see about availability for an eyebrow wax, and mani/​pedi. Appointment booked for 5pm same evening. Good thing too. The girls (Van and Jenny) let me know they work on appointments to ensure the proper amount of time is allotted for your appointment (as well as making sure someone is available that day). Van did my nails and wax. Amazing!!! It’s been so long and it’s so nice to finally have someone who understands the shape of your natural nail. Mine are a rounded square shape and most (read 99%) of my manicures end up in a harsh square. I was the last appointment of the day so we were the only 3 in the salon. We all kept the conversation going, so I could relax, but still feel comfortable.
The salon itself — immaculate and very nicely designed. So happy I came here!
Definitely coming back and would absolutely recommend to anyone!
Thanks girls!
Update: one week later and nails still look great! This is a first! Only drawback — I broke out horribly after my eyebrow wax, which in 16 years of waxing has never happened!

Came in to have my highlights touched up by Kristal and SO SUPER DUPER HAPPY I did. I look amazing. No really, I do. Call me conceited and superficial and full of myself… but if you saw me in this exact moment, hot damn! You’d agree too. Lol
In all seriousness, Kristal is fantastic! I really cannot praise her enough. It’s evident she’s technically trained and executes flawlessly. She was easy going, fun to chat with and really listened to what I wanted done with my hair. I am currently the perfect shade of blond. I might even pass for a natural Asian blond. ;D
They are running a special currently for $ 5 eyebrow wax and $ 25 off hair treatment — both of which I took advantage of (in addition to getting my toesies pampered). I would most definitely recommend Kristal for any of your hair needs and you should just swing by to check the ladies out. They’re all easy on the eyes and oh so nice.
The only thing that would make this place better is if they served some vino while I was getting dolled up. Hint hint Cat :)

Cat is super talented!
I am from Atlanta, GA, and I was in dire need of a make-​up artist for my big day. I searched high and low in Atlanta, but I could not find anyone that had the same vision. Then, one fateful day, my friend, Liz, suggested that I call Cat. I’ve seen Cat’s work several times, and I always wanted her to do my make-​up, but she was located in New Orleans, LA so I never gave it a second thought.
Anyhow, Liz always knows best so I called. Cat was so friendly over the phone. She took the time to understand my needs. I think I changed my schedule a few times, but she was always patient with me.
So the big day finally came, and Cat was at my place before I even woke up. She set up shop, and she was ready to work. Mind you, this was at 6AM or earlier.
For my morning ceremony, she pinned an elegant updo for my head piece. And in the evening, she darkened my eyes and let my hair down wtih romantic curls. My makeup was fresh all night, and my hair was still curly and beautiful at the end of the reception. It was everything I imagined I wanted to look like on my big day. My family and friends were wowed.
So be assured even if I have never stepped foot in the Aristocat Salon, I am 100% confident that you will find a great experience with friendliness, professionalism, and talent just like my personal one with AristoCAT.

Overall great salon. I love the friendly service and the manicurists are very knowledgeable and professional! The salon is very clean and the atmosphere is very relaxing. The manicurists were very conversational and we really good about educating me about my nails while I was receiving my manicure. I am definitely looking forward to going back to use my living social voucher! I would definitely recommend this salon to anyone!
Be prepared to park on the street in front and on the side of the salon.

This is based on women’s cut, pedicure and full set experiences.
First off, the salon is beautiful! It’s decorated with pretty and it’s well-​kept and clean. They have an old-​fashioned vanity mirror with the big soft light bulbs that I love-​love-​love.
I hadn’t found someone who could cut my frizzy, curly hair until I met Kristal at Aristocat. She did a straight, dry cut on me that turned out fantastic. She was able to fix mistakes in the layers that my last stylist had made (and she was a lead-​stylist?) Kristal was really laid back and cool — I’m definitely going to her again.
On to the nails. I was in desperate need and Van, the lead nail specialist, saved my toes from the turmoil of chipped nail polish and abuse from wearing heels all weekend. I was pampered with a foot soak, scrub and a short lotion massage. After, she let me pick out which set I wanted to get on my nails after explaining all the differences — I had no idea there were so many options. It was refreshing to go in and talk about it rather than pick straight from a menu I wasn’t familiar with like at other nail salons. She is a perfectionist, and I’m glad she is: My nails turned out great and I left feeling pampered and refreshed.
While I was getting my nails done, my guy-​friend even enjoyed a foot soak and foot detailing. And this is a big burly firefighter! He was skeptic at first and didn’t know what to expect, but he loved the massage chair and treatment. He left very pleased and even wants to make an appointment to come with me next time.
I found my regular salon and nail spa for sure. One-​stop shop!

This is a brand new salon. I’ve never walked into Aristocat for its services, but I have had great experiences with the owner I hired her to do the hair and makeup for my wedding party, which consisted of 6 girls and myself. At the time, she did not have a portfolio available, but after my first consultation with her — I was so happy with the results! I very vaguely gave her an idea of what I had envisioned for myself and the girls, and then pretty much trusted her to perform to my expectations on the real day. She prepared a hair/​makeup schedule for us and she was very prompt. I never felt a worry in my veins when it came to hair/​makeup for the wedding. She is a very talented makeup artist and hair stylist. I would absolutely trust her for all of my beauty needs! I can’t wait to visit her new salon!