Eco-Friendly Salon Celebrating One-Year Anniversary

After 20 years of service in corporate America, Sandra Magwood found herself laid off.

Facing a culture of down-sizing, Magwood searched for ways to gain financial independence. She decided to partner with an area physician and her daughter-- and thus the concept for Silver Spring’s first eco-friendly nail salon, The Emerald Door, was born. 

Scouring the nail care world from here to Beijing, taking cues and finding inspiration, the salon opened its doors on "Black Friday" last year.

“We got a very good welcome,” Magwood said of the community’s response to the new nail boutique. “The first thing people do when they walk in is say, 'I’m so glad you don’t do acrylics. You don’t get that smell,'” referring to the acetone-smell pervasive in most busy nail shops. 

“Women tend to think that nails are hard so it protects you, but if you put on a product that has formaldehyde, it gets into your system,” Magwood said.

Magwood and her daughter were on a mission to create a new and different nail care experience in Silver Spring. She was adamant about sanitation; and her partner insisted on a high-quality sterilization process and using a green environment.

She was also committed to providing a safe and relaxing environment, meticulously planning every detail of the boutique–from the recycled flooring to the scent of lavender that greets clients as they walk in. 

The result?  A plush setting, sanitation standards and the same cutting-edge technology found in many Beverly Hills nail salons. 

“We pride ourselves on being a clean, safe environment, and bringing about healthy beauty for your nails and skin.”

The boutique, situated next to a food co-op and bicycle store, boasts gravity-drained pedicure bowls, autoclave-sterilized tools, toxin-free nail polish and fresh nail files for each client.  A medical chemist designed their sugar scrub and Epsom salt soak. Their popular “Combat Balm,” for massages, is made locally in the community.

In December, the boutique will begin facial treatments, welcoming an esthetician with 10 years experience in organic facials. Magwood said they are also excited about partnering with a local podiatrist to offer additional services for the feet. They also have a product line in the works for male clientele--including a hot lather shave. 

Hilary Jones of Silver Spring, admitted to being completely Zenned-out on one of her trips to the boutique.

“It’s a lovely place to go and relax,” Jones said. They take their time, and there’s no rush to get you out quickly.”

The Emerald Door is located at 8311 Grubb Rd.,301-587-5800.