From nail extensions to children's manicure parties, Darlington's newest nail bar offers a wide range of treatments. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports.

NAILBAR 1 is just that - a long, sleek bar where customers perch on high stools while their nails are filed and polished to perfection by the technicians on the other side.

The minimalist fittings, wooden floors and jazzy background music create a chic atmosphere that wouldn't be out of place in New York, which has the world's highest concentration of nail bars.

"People are very aware of their nails now and I think there is a real market for a nail bar in Darlington," says owner Deborah Allen. "We just do nails - nothing else, so it's not like a beauty salon. Appointments aren't always necessary. People can just walk in off the street and we'll try and fit them in. If there's no-one available immediately, they sit down and relax with a cup of coffee for a few minutes."

Prices start from £6.50 for a re-shape and polish lasting 15 minutes but, if you need a more intensive treatment, there are nailtiques manicures, individually designed to suit your nail condition.

"We've only been open a week but we've already had a lot of people just popping in during their lunch hour," says Debbie. "It's a great way to spoil yourself if you've got a spare half hour."

Nailbar 1 offers an extensive range of nail art designs, all displayed in their multi-coloured glory on artist's palettes. Prices range from 50p to £1 per nail and include stickers, transfers, paint effects and nail gems. You can choose anything from Dalmatian prints to Union Jacks or ask for your own design.

Deborah also holds parties for children, which include a manicure, a photo to remember the event and scented nail polish or body glitter to take home.

"Once children reach a certain age, it's quite difficult to come up with ideas for birthdays but little girls really love to dress up and try make-up and nail varnish. In New York, where nail bars are everywhere, children's manicure parties are really popular and I think they could take off over here. It's something a bit different and it's a lot of fun."

But Nailbar 1 isn't just for women and girls. Deborah is hoping to tap into the growing male market by offering a selection of 'Male Nails' treatments and manicures.

"There are definitely some men out there who are willing to try manicures and other beauty treatments. In London, a couple of stockbrokers gave up their jobs to open men-only beauty salons but there are still a lot of people who are scared by it.

"We wanted to create somewhere that men could come to without feeling intimidated. We've deliberately avoided creating a beauty parlour atmosphere, so hopefully they will feel comfortable just walking in and asking for a manicure."

* Nailbar 1, 7 Northumberland Street, off Grange Road, Darlington. Tel (01325) 483486.