North London native Debbie Barrow has hit the nail on the head with a unique idea to stand out from the competitive nail-salon crowd. The Discovery Bay-based nail technician has taken her business literally into the future by combining a range of manicure and pedicure services with Tarot readings. It's a fun way to wile away the time - and get a glimpse into your future - while your nails dry. A resident of Hong Kong since 2001, Barrow has been reading Tarot cards for 10 years. She decided to combine her two talents in April, when Hard As Nails opened for business. 'I love doing the Tarot,' Barrow says. '[But] I like doing nails as well because I like people. I make the readings fun, and I've never let anybody leave here dreading what is going to happen tomorrow. The purpose is to enjoy it.' Barrow has set a limit of two Tarot readings a day, and takes appointments only in the mornings, when she says she is more receptive to the cards. A one-hour session is $200, and you can book a reading by itself, or combine it with a manicure or a pedicure. Her nail services include gel nails ($550 for a full set), airbrushing ($100), nail art (diamantes $25 per nail), regular manicure (nail shaping, cuticle work, five-minute massage, polish and top coat $175) and regular pedicure (nail shaping, cuticle work, hot/cool towel treatment, 10-minute massage, buffing undercoat, polish and topcoat $200). Barrow also offers deluxe pedicures ($300) and manicures ($275), and uses the amazingly long-lasting I.P.O. nail varnishes. It's worth a try, and is not as nail-biting as you think! Hard As Nails, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, tel: 9260 9108.
