I have been coming here since it opened and my experience has always been excellent. I am very surprised that there are any negative reviews. It is super clean and my toes and hands always look great. The owner is a lovely woman named Sam who is always making the environment quite charming. Prices are up, that's true, but in my opinion the quality of the work is worth it. Someone mentioned John, who had us all fooled I think. The last I heard he was in jail for dealing drugs. read more

Updated review: My experience has improved recently and I thought I should update my review. They no longer assign the nail technician I asked to avoid, and as a result the experience has been much better. Still fairly average mani/pedi and the massage on the pedicure is so ineffective it's a waste of time, but I no longer feel like I'm in a torture session from bloody wounds. If I was coming in the first time might even give a more positive write up but they're working to overcome negative history. read more

Unfortunately, the service I received from Megan was disappointing -- she cut my cuticle too deeply, which caused discomfort. This is concerning. read more

See all

I have been going here for years and was always willing to pay the higher price for manis and pedis because of the service and cleanliness. Their prices have really gone up lately. That's fine; so has every place else. What isn't fine is the slapdash job the manicurist have done on my last three visits. It was a different manicurist each time. This place is so convenient, but I don't think I will be using them in the future. read more

Polish came off in 3 days. One coat. Didn't turn on massage chair, leg massage lame. $55 for rude and poor service. Yea read more

Acqua nails is incredible! I have been coming here since I was small as my grandma and mom also go here. I have gotten fabulous manis and pedis (gel and not gel) and I got my first set of acrylics from them last week. The vibes are always immaculate and my nails always look and feel great after an appointment there. They have such a vast range of polishes and I always like the advice of the techs there. I always look forward to an appointment. Highly recommend. read more

This place butchered my nails. I had normal length nails - many were grown out past the tip of my finger. I asked to cut them to even them up and I ended up with bleeding, too short, stubs. My thumb nail is so short it hurts when I wash it with warm water. Several fingers are throbbing in pain. The polish job was sloppy, it hurt, and I am furious I paid $80 for this mess that will take months to grow out. read more

See all

Monika did my pedicure and they came out great. She really paid attention to detail, took her time, made sure I was happy all throughout my time there. They had a nice variety of colors and everyone seemed really friendly. The only thing I would like to have had was a menu so I can see all the services that are offered. When my sister and I asked for a menu they told us about two options to choose from and didn't tell us prices. They just said that the spa pedicure would be $15 more than the regular pedicure. Overall I was happy with the result. read more

Acqua Nails - Spa pedicure with gel OPI polish. - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Their ATM is a scam. I withdrew 20. Later I found in my bank bill I was charged for 21 instead plus 3 atm fee.

We were greeted and were able to get a pedicure and a manicure right away. It was a down to business service. It was quick and business like. This is not a place to come if you are looking for a long hand/leg/foot massage but if you want in and out service, Acqua Nails is the place to go. read more

Great experience. Treated myself to a gel manicure and regular pedicure due to number of upcoming events. Honestly, my feet were in pretty rough shape. When I left they looked sandal worthy! Tech (Anna?) did a great job of matching the colors and making sure they looked perfect. Plus she was really gentle and this place is about the cleanest nail salon I've ever visited (with the exception of actual spas like RedDoor). A great experience & I will be back! (They lost one star because they don't allow you to put tips on your credit card which is really inconvenient). read more

Acqua Nails - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Tip: bring CASH for tips. We had no idea that the tip couldn't be added to the credit/debit total. We left feeling like we were on a BAD list. If there was signage, we could have know before service was rendered and rescheduled. What a downer after having wonderful service and beautiful pedicures. read more

This nail salon has been steadily improving for a few years now. At this point I give them 5 stars. That's based only on pedicures because that's all I get. Recommend without reservation. read more

Got my nails done today, and they did a marvelous job! My manicurist lady, was named Lynn. She did a beautiful job. She was kind, she was upbeat And she was understanding. I would definitely go here again. In fact this is my 2nd time coming to this place! It's very close to my house and everybody is super polite. My 1st time at this place, Was not so eventful. My 1st manicurist was named Jenny. She wasn't sweet at all. She wouldn't hold a conversation with me, She got mad at me for moving my fingers, And even messing up the Polish when I accidentally bumped My finger into the dryer machine. She huffed and puffed, And even snarled, through the whole Process of doing my nails. But Lynn was amazing!! I highly recommend using Lynn!!! She did my toes beautifully and she did them fast too, without a scratch or mark on them. Then she did my French manicure fill-ins. She held a conversation with me and she was upbeat about it The whole time. She really wanted to do her job nicely. I would definitely come here again. Word of advice, I think Jenny probably had a bad day that day. BUT that's not right to take your frustration out on the customer. But Lynn, I would highly recommend. I am forever coming back to this place. Highly satisfied. read more

Acqua Nails - My Pedicure from Lynn. - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

See all

So, in my prior review I noted the inconsistency in service. Had a bad experience getting my daughter's hair cut today. Stylist didn't listen, and pretty much butchered her hair. We literally had to make an appointment at a different salon in downtown Bethesda (Franz Sebastian Salon, which was *amazing*) to fix it later in the afternoon of the same day. Long story short, AcquaNails is still fine for a decent manicure or pedicure and - if you're willing to play the lottery - a basic cut. But if you want to be sure of the end result, best go someplace else. read more

Always my go to pedi place! I have a forever split nail and now get a silk wrap to repair it there.

Came here last minute with a friend and the general vibe was great! Was very relaxing read more

Acqua Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I haven't found a better nail salon in the DC area than Acqua Nails. I went weekly for years until I moved. It's really great with an excellent staff and owner. They do a really good job here and are always very kind. Everything is cleaned and sterilized before each use. I also recommend Holly, she's the best! read more

This is, hands down, the best nail salon I've ever experienced. I live in Seattle and travel to DC to visit my boyfriends mother. She has been going to this salon for 8 years and booked us some mani pedi appointments. Annie did my nails, and is fantastic. She shaped them perfectly, my shellac manicure is the best I've ever had and Tweety took the time to match a complimentary toe nail push to my shellac color! The salon is a step above the rest in all aspects. The women working there are so friendly, welcoming and very experienced in what they do. The salon is beautiful, with private rooms where you can enjoy the company of your friends or family and get a quality experience. The layout of the salon is extremely unique in that you can receive a private experience or feel welcomed with others surrounding you if you come alone. The chairs are beyond comfortable and EVERYTHING is impeccably clean and maintained! I can't say enough good things about this salon. I wish I had one in Seattle! read more

Acqua Nails - Shellac CND- Asphalt - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I decided to go to Acqua after multiple recommendations from locals and was excited to try this place. It is in Sangamore Plaza which is really a hidden neighborhood plaza. I was able to get an appointment quickly and walked in and was greeted warmly. I almost immediately had an nail technician ready to do my pedicure and gel manicure. It was a pleasant experience and the salon was clean, nail technician was wonderful - leaving the salon I was happy. But when I got home, I saw that two of my nails had bubbled and creased (on my thumb and middle finger specifically) and disappointed on what had transpired. The manager/co-owner Ly contacted me after sharing my grievance and offered me a full refund and a new manicure on the house (nail technician did a great job!) Super A+ for customer service! I recommend this place for its professionalism, customer service, and good nail service! read more

Been going here since it opened. I enjoy getting mani/pedi here. They do hair too! Thanks.

Clean and spacious place! Ming helped me pick the right nail polish for my mani pedi. She was very helpful and sincere.

Myregular manicure was done by one of the two guys who were there on Sunday 8/21 at 4 p.m, it was poorly done and it stared peeling off on Tuesday 8/23 in the afternoon. This is my second time and I will not be coming back. read more

Always the best In cleanliness, personal, service and quality of mani-pedi. Can get very busy Fridays and Saturdays.

Tweety is the best! Mani she does last forever, she's fast and super careful. I wish I could live closer so I could have my nails done by her. The salon is clean and always tries to adapt your needs related to schedule and time. read more

I was so grateful when Aqua Nails at Sangamore Road opended by up with Covid restriction lifted. They are only taking reservations, very cautiously spread out and taker your temperature by scan thermomenter of everyone at a diustance when you arrive befgore entering the door. As well, the added precaution of adding your email and declaration to no exposure to the virus - all very reassuring. I have been for both a manicure and a pedicure as has my daughter and on all occasions cleanliness, masks and distancing were strictly enforced. Their usual excellence in the longest lasting mani-pedi is as good as ever! Everyone who is a regular, please book your next appointment so they are sure to stay in business and be the GO TO nail salon we have known for so many years! Susie Canton read more

I have been coming to Acqua Nails for years and have consistently had great experiences. Tammy, Mika, Jenny and Kayla are my go-to's but they all do a great job--seriously! The salon is extremely clean and everyone is so nice and professional. Hands down the best nail salon in the area, I love coming here! They accept credit cards but if you pay with cash you get a 5% discount. read more

Acqua Nails - Great gel manicure by Kayla this evening! - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I just found my nail salon! Today I popped in after work for a gel manicure. My nails were a wreck after packing/moving/unpacking! Rose did an amazing job and was very meticulous - which is appreciated when you're paying for a gel mani. The front desk staff was very helpful and friendly! You can tell they value customer service, and that goes a long way with me! So, pretty nails, great customer service, and fair prices. What else do you need!? Cheers! read more

Great mani/pedi! I'm from out of town called and made appointment. I was taken right on schedule, manicurist, Kayla, was very helpful picking out a color for me. Everyone was very nice , salon was very clean. Great experience ! read more

Best nail salon in DC. I alternate between the Georgetown one (right under the social safeway) and the Bethesda (sangamore) location and I've never been disappointed. Acqua Nails (they seem to spell it differently every where I look) is the best value in town. Totally affordable, great massage with pedicure (like 4 minutes per leg), perfectly sanitary, and the mani/pedis last for weeks. I kid you not, I think Acqua Nails is better than salons in Dupont, Admo, Georgetown. I've never found a pedicure that looked better or lasted longer. Way to go Acqua Nails! I'll be back. read more

THIS WILL B MY NEW SALON! I'm new to the area and this salon was recommended to me by neighbors. I am extremely particular and having been to another, disappointing salon in downtown Bethesda, I was pleasantly surprised and excited at the salon and the caliber of the work I observed. I generally have gel manicures & pedicures. From the fill to the polishing, Jenny was professional and did a fabulous, neat job. I am delighted and am going back today for a pedicure! Try it...you'll like it ;-) VERY PROFESSIONAL read more

I was trying to kill time in Bethesda so I decided to give this place a try. I was pretty disappointed with this nail salon. I could have gotten a better pedicure for less money at the mall, but didn't have enough time to get to the mall and back. I walked in and the front desk girl wasn't really pleasant. I waited for about 5 mins which was fine because I was a walk in. I waited another 5 or so mins while my feet soaked which was also fine. I wasn't offered a beverage or asked if I would like a magazine. The nail tech did apologize for the wait. She did a decent job but the pedicure took less than 30 mins!! There was barely any massage. She hardly used the pumice stone and my feet feel just as rough as they did beforehand. I'm glad I only paid $30! The polish looks alright but thin in some places. When I went to check out, a different person was at the front desk and she had no idea what she was doing. The other girl sitting with her had her headphones in and didn't acknowledge I was standing there. There are no signs indicating that you can't add tip on a CC so I had to walk out to find an ATM. Overall, it wasn't a good experience and I won't be back. I didn't want to cause a scene and the front desk team didn't seem to be able to handle a complaint so I didn't say anything while I was there. read more

I really like the manicure / pedicure here. I go to Sunny ,she takes her time and does a wonderful job. The girl that manages the appointments and salon in the front Is a wiz. She runs this place so well. She remembers my name even when she has seen me outside the salon setting and I only go every month unless I have a gel manicure. I love that they conduct business in English and the staff is busy but professional. Not chatting with friends while I am in the chair. Good job!! read more

Went there to get gift cards for my sister and her daughter. Located in an obscure out of the way spot in Montgomery County Maryland. Getting there is half the fun. GPS, Google Maps, or Waze required. Located in a unique shopping center. The people there know my sister by name! read more

I love this place - the owner, John, is wonderful and very business savvy, and all the technicians are great. As other reviews note, the place is very sanitary -- all instruments are sterile and clean. Magazine selection is excellent and up to date and there's an ample color selection. Because it's so popular, make sure to call for an appointment on weekends - it can get crowded at peak hours. Lastly, very exciting - they're in the process of finishing an adjoining hair salon addition that will basically focus on doing quick, affordable blow drys - so impatient for that to open! read more

I always get my mani/pedi with Annie or Jenny they always do a great job! Have been coming here for last 2 years. read more

Acqua Nails - Fresh gel mani - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This place was pretty much just like every other nail place except for the fact that they JACKED the prices up so much it's ridiculous. I'm not complaining about the nails but more so for the waxes. I came here after a friend recommended it to me so we could get our nails done together. The gel manicure was priced a little more than I was used to which is $30 but it added up to about $50. The underarm wax was priced insanely high because I'm used to about $12-15 but here they priced it about $25. Come to a nail shop in Gaithersburg if you want decent priced services. read more

First time visit and I will now be making this my local stop. I called ahead to see if an appt was necessary. The owner answered and was able to accomodate me with an appt 15 mins after I called. The salon is the inside of the strip mall and parking is around back of the Sumter Place Mall. Ana was absolutely amazing. She was very thorough and meticulous in her work. Each and every staff member was very friendly and the place is very very clean. Can't wait to take my daughter here she would love it! A place I would trust them to work on her. read more

Best nail salon in Bethesda. Aquanails is clean, spacious, comfortable, and totally sanitary. Unlike the other nail places in the area, the nail techs aren't all crammed in to one small area. They sterilize their equipment thoroughly (not like other places that dip their tools in alcohol or just heat them up. You can be confident that the tools they're using on you are perfect. They seem to really care about the client experience! Most nail spas just want to get as many people in and out as quickly as possible. I was bummed when they closed their Old Georgetown location because it is way more convenient for me. But this is worth the trip. Make an appointment in advance. Tammy is excellent (although I've been happy with most everyone I've gone to). Tell her Margaret sent you. :-) read more

At first, I thought $40 was a lot for shellac but my nail tech did awesome. She paid attention to detail and was very professional. I like how they do everything for you right at the table. As in, when the other places will say go wash your hands without soap. They wash them for you and give you a massage at the end. I was impressed. read more

Acqua Nails - So perfect! - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

See all