boston | luxed up.

hypochondriac spaddicts can rest easy next time they hit the pedicure chair. miniluxe is ushering in a lexington branch, the third location of their über sanitary nail and beauty lounge, opening thursday.

the aptly named miniluxe was founded on the principle that the little luxuries in life are what make it worth living, but cheap-and-quick corner nail salons don't always deliver. miniluxe's standards of cleanliness rival that of a dentist's office, though the atmosphere is anything but sterile. (the new lexington branch joins its big sibs in the back bay and newton centre.) after appointments, nail technicians sanitize their instruments in hospital-grade machines before sealing them up for the next client. buffers and files are one-time use, so you can tote yours home as freebies and rest easy knowing that you haven't traded fungi with other patrons. pedicure enthusiasts might be disappointed to learn that "whirlpool" is literally a dirty word at miniluxe. but rather than using jets which can re-circulate bacteria, the salon has specially designed foot tubs to pump fresh water during tantalizing treatments like the seasonal pedi colada ($45), which uses coconut and pineapple-scented organic shea butter.

consider it spa-mazing. miniluxe. 1718 massachusetts avenue. near waltham. lexington. no phone yet. opens october 1st. www.miniluxe.com