Just off of Sunset Boulevard, nestled in the renowned Sunset Plaza shopping plaza, lies a mainstay in the world of nail care and beauty—Jessica Nail Clinic.

Founded in 1969 by CEO Jessica Vartoughian, Jessica Nail Clinic is a front-runner in natural nail care products. No foreign chemicals, such as formaldehyde and toluene, common ingredients in nail products such as polish, hardener and remover suspected to cause sensitivities and irritation, are present in the complete Jessica nail care line. Nor does Jessica Nail Clinic rely on artificial nail techniques and applications such as acrylics or false nails.

“Jessica does not allow us to work with any foreign substances,” said Nail Cultivist of Jessica Nail Clinic for over a decade Ioana Muntean. “She believes any woman can grow her nails naturally with her products. We’re old fashioned!”

A pioneer in the nail care industry, Jessica was the first to recognize that, like skin and hair, all nails are different and vary from individual to individual. For this reason, she created four different treatments to alleviate symptoms of damaged, dry, brittle or normal nails.

Now her products, which range from a dazzling array of nail polishes to lotions to full-service pedicure kits, can be found in over 28 countries and major retailers and fine salons nation-wide.

Each “nail cultivist,” or nail technician Jessica employs in her clinics are certified and  trained in Jessica’s Nail Cultivation System personally by the CEO. Before the manicure or pedicure begins, the nail cultivist will analyze and prescribe a regiment that is client-specific to encourage nail health and growth naturally.

And indeed, my nail cultivist, Muntean, had many suggestions for my nails that will help me to cultivate healthy nails for life. Her first suggestion? Don’t touch them!

Perhaps this personal attention is why Nail Cultivists, of which each are employed for themselves underneath the Jessica Nail Clinic umbrella, have such loyal clientele such as Muntean’s longtime clients Morgan Fairchild and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Or maybe it is the attention to detail and gentle technique involved with each manicure.

After analyzation of client’s nail condition, the Nail Cultivist will apply begin an appropriate regiment which includes a soak in Jessica Hand & Body Bath, application of nourishing Jessica Therapeutic Cuticle Formula and Phenomen Oil to cuticles, gentle use of a cuticle machine to push back the area without encouraging breaking of the sensitive skin, filing, hydrating warming hand mittens and, of course, polish.

“What’s wonderful is that a client can get in and have a spa experience in under an hour,” said Muntean.

Indeed, Jessica Nail Clinic was bustling with familiar Beverly Hills faces such as Pamela Hoefflin, Carole Curb Nemoy and her mother, as well as Eva Marie Saint.

Jessica Nail Clinic is located at 8627 Sunset Blvd. and is open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Treatments are for both men and women and begin at $30 for a manicure and $35 for a pedicure. Jessica Nail Clinic also offers esthetician services such as waxing and facials.

For more information or to book an appointment with any one of the Nail Cultivists, call 310-659-9292 or visit www.jessicacosmetics.com.