I would not go to a typical nail salon in NYC. Horribly treated, underpaid workers performing an intimate service in poor working conditions. Big turn off.
There is someone who does nails in the hair salon the corner. I know the owner and her (only) employee, and I know that the owner treats her employee well. If I was into this sort of thing, I would go to her, and I would tip her well.
But honestly, I do my own nails. I really have no interest in having someone do my nails for me.