Los Angeles - November 18, 2005

The Hand That Rocks

East West Hands

You’re no ’fraidy-cat.

You’ll risk it all on a bite of blowfish at the sushi bar or bet big on 24 red and cross your fingers. But make a blind appointment at a neighborhood nail salon? A terrifying prospect.

And not without good reason. You’ve been wronged before (nail fungus, sore cuticles, bruises on your calves from the double-punch action that some confuse with massage).

East West Hands will help you overcome your anxiety. The comfy, clean, spacious salon offers friendly service as well as manicures ($12) and pedicures ($20) that are fast, pretty, and precise. The salon’s still relatively new, so though their magazine selection is solid, you might want to B.Y.O. polish if you have a special color in mind. (They have good OPI options, just not a ton of them.)

Reflexology can be added to treatments, and at $50 an hour the authentic Thai massage is a steal.

Just what you need to let go of your fears, relax, and enjoy your mani/pedi.

You’re in good hands.

East West Hands, 171 South Fairfax Avenue, between Third Street and Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax (323-935-2670 or eastwesthands.com).