This local nail salon is creating a safe and inclusive space that caters to the clients who are looking for something different

Marie Bonaccorse served as the inspiration behind her business: Atypical Nail Salon. Not only did she undergo the training necessary to become a certified nail technician, but she’s also neurodivergent, although that diagnosis didn’t come until later in life.  

In launching her business, Atypical Nail Salon, Bonaccorse was able to open something that would not only fulfill her professionally but personally as well. “Not only did I become and train to be that nail tech I always wanted; I created a sage that I desperately needed as well,” she explains. “As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent, I always wondered why salons left me feeling less at ease and more anxious than when I came in.” 

That’s why she created a safe and inclusive space that caters to clients who want something different than the typical nail salon. “Essentially, I created a space that I always craved when looking for self-care,” she says. “The space is low sensory, with no offensive smells, tools that are low to no noise and all-inclusive pricing that took the anxiety and guesswork out of my visit.”  

The services available at Atypical Nail Salon are always healthy nail-focused while also giving people a chance to find a sense of calm while they’re being pampered. Atypical Nail Salon offers pedicures and manicures. The manicures are customized to the person, their budget, their needs and their lifestyle. Bonaccorse specializes in dry/waterless manicures, which is a modified Russian-style manicure, and structured gel. The pedicures at Atypical Nail Salon are locally known for their complete pampering, from start to finish. 

Atypical Nail Salon is the first of its kind in the Cincinnati area. According to Bonaccorse, it’s the first nail salon that specializes and focuses on clients who consider themselves neurodivergent. “I offer techniques and tools that cater to us,” she says. “My space has weighted blankets, ear plugs, eye masks, a client-controlled television and tip-included pricing that helps keep anxiety at bay.”  

Additionally, Bonaccorse is the only licensed nail technician who is certified and uses Bio Sculpture as a marquee product. Other products offered in the salon are curated from brands that are ethically and professionally made including Luminary, Nail Thoughts, Izemi and Light Elegance.  

Atypical Nail Salon is located at the Shops in Harpers Point, where it has a private space in My Salon Suites. You can learn more about Atypical Nail Salon at its website or by following along on Instagram.