I am a loyal Backstage client for nearly 6 years. They do IMPECCABLE work and I am extremely picky. You cannot go wrong with any of the gals here. read more

Great job!! Love how the design turned out after I only had a few Pinterest inspo pics, will come back :)) price seems standard for Chicago but the quality is perfect! read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I am extremely picky about my nails. I like true nail artists and will pay for a good job. This is my new place after moving back to chicago from LA. I only like Hard gel nails on my natural nails which aren't easy to find and artists that can do designs too Backstage nails is worth every Penny. And your nails will last the entire month. Be prepared to spend some time in their shop because there's more attention to detail when it comes to nail shape and cuticles and hard to do designs. The shop is clean and quiet and there's plenty of street parking. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Ombré hard gel on natural nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The service went well and I would go again in fact I scheduled an appointment for the month of June

They did a terrific job. Zhansaya was my pedicurist. I hadn't had a pedi in a while and she took her time cleaning things up, and didn't rush the dry process since I didn't get no-chip. She checked to make sure I liked the color after the first coat. She was very sweet and worked hard to make sure I left with my toenails looking really nice. Also the vibes here are very good. The people working here are welcoming, up-beat, engaging with the customers. Some of the girls getting their nails done were chatting with one another, and one person's friend came in to sit with her as she got her nails done to chat and the people working there didn't mind at all. Also, I found street parking right away. read more

Julia P. is AMAZING! I've gone to her a couple of times and, hands down, THE best gel nails I've ever had. Ever. If you're a perfectionist like me, you need to come to Julia P. First of all, they actually do the real gel. The hard gel stuff. None of the powder. And they use the hard gel for extensions too. No glue ons. And that's what I like best. They also don't use a drill file to file the color off. They just use a regular nail file. Which is so much better. They also do a full manicure with a set or fill. I don't know why this is rare, but it is. They'll actually take care of your cuticles and give you a hand massage. And damn if my nails aren't perfect. Not one single flaw. All perfectly even and exactly the same thickness. It's pretty amazing. Julia P. (and the other techs I've seen here) is super detailed and really takes her time. There's no rushing. There's no giving them a quick glance and moving on. She analyzes them. She notices things even I don't initially see. And for $80 for a full set (with no chip) and $60 for a fill (with no chip), it's pretty much a hot bargain. Clean. Professional. Precise. Friendly. Tons of colors. Can do art. Love it! Note: Tips are cash only. So don't be like me and forget about that. Bring some cash for the tip! read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Simply the best nail salon in Chicago area! No other place compares. I've been a loyal customer for 4 years. They are very professional and know how to make you feel welcome, they are all my family now! Always love my nail designs and get so many compliments! They do perfect job for picky customers like me! This is the top notch level of manicures and pedicures. Always prompt, very professional and super clean. The experience you get at the "Backstage" is no where near other experience you've had at any other salons. Appointments fill up fast so schedule ahead! read more

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I don't live in Chicago anymore but I always try to go when I visit the city. They still do an amazing job and I'd highly recommend.

I decided to give Backstage a second try. This time I booked for no chip and easy design with a pedicure. When I arrived I was given a different nail artist than I booked with, but thankfully things turned out ok. Julia C. was super nice and discussed my design options. When the color I was looking for was out, she mixed a custom color for me. She also noticed that my cuticles were a little angry from my self-gel removal and was very careful not to irritate them any more than I already had. I did have to get a nail re-repaired a few days later, but it has been holding up still three weeks later. I also am happy to report NO LIFTING after three weeks. I was very pleased with my experience and will be booking again. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love coming here and really enjoyed my mani and pedi that lasted a long time. Only took one star off because the price is a bit steep but they do do a wonderful job with nail clean-up so you get what you pay for! read more

This is the place to go if you want to leave with PERFECT nails. My dip nails got super messed up and started breaking a week before my wedding, so I got gel extensions with Saya and you CANNOT tell that some of my nails are real while others are extensions! They were all the perfect shape and color, and I got so many compliments (even now, a week and a half later!). So impressed by the consistent quality that comes out of this place. read more

This is my go-to nail salon in Chicago and I often come here with my mom for some quality manicures. The ladies working here are talented, patient, and creative, working with the latest tech and abiding by the highest cleanliness standards. My mom often comes in with Pinterest inspo, while I often choose solid color manis and every time these ladies hit or exceed the mark. In terms of cost, I think you get what you pay for: quality manis and pedis that last a very very long time. 10/10 would recommend! read more

Best place in the city for gel extensions and nail art. They are so attentive to detail and my nails always look gorgeous. I recommend setting up an appointment on Instagram or yelp as opposed to calling them. read more

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Finding a nail salon experienced in nail art is not easy in Chicago. The techs at Backstage are truly artists this why I'm willing to travel 20 mins outside my neighborhood when I want something more than just a typical manicure or pedicure. The ladies are kind and professional, and I like supporting female small business owners. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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i left with nail bleeding for 30 mins. also when manicurist was freaking out she started speaking in another language about me with other staff . disrespectful and now im left with what looks like an infection. Thanks. However, she did apologize for the blood and obviously i didnt pay anything ( bare minimum ) read more

Backstage nails is the absolute best. Zuhkra can literally create any and every design you have in your head. I've been going to her and Cristina since 2014 and never want to go anywhere else :). Their newest nail tech Lena is also wonderful! Love this business so so much. read more

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I went here for a gel manicure and pedicure and it was so overpriced. I didn't even get the correct color I requested and they didn't even bother to inform me about it. The lady I had took over 3 hours to do my nails. The water set out for my feet soak was extremely hot and so was the led lamp for my nails. I wouldn't go here again tbh. read more

This review is long overdue. I have been going to Backstage Nail since September 2018. After looking for a solid nail salon in Chicago I'm so happy I found them. I've had various technicians work on my nails and they only hire the cream of the crop. Not once did I have a bad experience or bad nail day. My nails last 3 weeks looking like I just got them done and I get so many compliments. The European gel technique they use is amazing and it's all freehand! My nails under stay healthy! I've done acrylics and gels before and my nails suffer I don't have that problem here. If you bring in a Pinterest inspiration those girls got it and will make it look even better. I highly recommend checking them out. Be sure to book an appointment ahead of time, although they take walk-ins they get booked fast so better to call ahead and make the plan it's worth it I promise. read more

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I came here for a no-chip manicure because a friend a raved about this place and was very disappointed. WORST no-chip I've ever had... When I was given the color options, the colors were labeled as OPI, however, the color she used was a different brand. My manicure took forever because the girl kept disappearing to the back for 5-10 min at a time. I left for vacation the next day and by day 3 of vacation every single nail was badly chipped. Needless to say, I won't be back. read more

I had an incredible first experience with BackStage Nail & Spa for a no-chip manicure and regular pedicure. I happened to get Cristina for my services who is the the co-owner. She is so kind and friendly, but most of all she is so passionate about her work! The space is very spacious for a nail salon, so I felt particularly safe during COVID-19. Do not go here if you want quick and poor-quality nail services. Great nails take time, and they know it. My no-chip manicure lasted almost four weeks! And it's a good thing because two weeks after my manicure, my boyfriend proposed! My nails looked amazing for the engagement! I'll most definitely be back to BackStage! read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went in with messed up acrylic nails that hadn't been filled for a month and a badly broken painful nail on one pinky. Kate did an incredible job and I am now Backstage Nails for life! She was very patient and took her time removing the old acrylic and making sure she didn't further weaken my nails. She switched me to a gel fill (they don't do acrylics) and it looks and feels great. The salon had a great atmosphere. It was calm and quiet. Nice music at a low volume. All of the women working were very serious and focused. Super professional. I can't wait to go back! The customer next to me got beautiful designs. This is a really special salon! Thank you for saving my nails, Kate! read more

I've been looking for a place close to home with easy scheduling and badass nail art, and most importantly a no-chip manicure that actually doesn't chip. This place seems to be the holy grail for all of the above! I've had appointments with just about all the ladies, and let me say, they are the shit. I don't see myself visiting another salon anytime soon. Go here. Now. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Evil Eye - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Since moving to Chicago a year and a half ago, I've been on the hunt for the perfect place to get my eyebrows waxed---I've been to Trim, European Wax Center, and a couple hair salons. After all this research, I finally found "the one"--- BackStage Nail & Spa's esthetician, Iuliana!! I have had my eyebrows waxed by her at least 5 times and I've even tried eyebrow tinting (she is great at this and I highly recommend it). I will not be leaving her! I HIGHLY recommend her, she is professional, always on time, informative, and great at what she does. Even though I have only had my eyebrows done, I hope to delve more into the skincare Iuliana provides in the future! Among other things, she does peels, facials, and sells a line of professional skincare called PCA. I've tried a couple products and they have been the only thing to begin to heal my dry skin. The gel manicure here is also the best I have had in the city! You can't go wrong! read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was very disappointed. Everything was going so well, but within the half hour of getting my nails done bubbles started to appear on every single nail. Also had a pedicure and for the amount charged it was lame. Will not be going back. read more

I was referred to this salon in my neighborhood about two years ago and have been coming ever since. However -- the salon has slowly gone downhill during this time. The owner, Zukhra, is fantastic and truly has an art for nail design. However, she is rarely available and books out two months in advance. The next woman in charge, Cristina, is good but can come off really rude. There was another woman, Lena, who was amazing but left for another opportunity. While these ladies have a great eye for design, a no chip manicure takes about two hours which is just way too long. Additionally, they charge $10 for "strong" base -- $10? Seems steep. When it comes to the pedicures, there is no massage chair and more times than I can count, I have soaked my feet in extremely hot water to the point of it scorching my feet. When I suggest to the nail tech doing my pedicure to put some cold water in it to cool it off, she ignores my request not once, but twice, and finally says she will do it after she's done filing my nails. This is not the first time one of the women here have ignored me when I am requesting something during my appt. I think the thing to remember here is that we are clients and clients always come first. It's a clean and nice salon and their art on nails is unique but a lot of the team has changed and the wait time is just too long. read more

I enjoyed my experience they were very detailed. The polish was super close to the cuticle which was amazing! And the pricing I thought was very reasonable for the quality. This was my first time having a hard gel manicure but unfortunately I was told it would last 3 ish weeks and I have lifting after one. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Lifting after one week - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great customer service and always amazing nails .I start coming to this place since last September and I would never go anywhere else.Beautiful place,friendly ,professional and nice lady's who work there and will make amazing experience!Thank you girls for great manicure and pedicure all the time read more

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I seriously adore all of these women. Not only are they the BEST nail artist in Chicago, they listen to you. They take pride in their work, and I love every minute of it. The talent is beyond belief. I'm pretty selfish because I don't want to not be able to get in for weeks but they deserve it. Green tea with honey, candy, smiles, and appreciation. I love all of you ladies, thank you for being amazing! Love and light, - Tracy read more

Victoria did my full gel set and my nails turned out amazing. Not only do they look beautiful, they have held up so well over the past (3! weeks. She really took her time and is so talented with the way she shapes the nails. I was so impressed and can't wait to come back in for a fill. I definitely recommend! read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My Esthetician Iuliana is wonderful! Very knowledgeable about her work and has great recommendations for facial products and anything that goes along with healthy looking skin. Each time I leave the appointment feeling relaxed and happy. Come see her if you want radiant, healthy and glowing skin! Very talented and 5 star customer service! When it comes to nails these ladies are the best! I have been doing non chip manicure for years and recently found this place and can't be happier. Christina is very detailed and takes the time to make sure my nails look picture perfect. Kate did an amazing job with my ombré design. Not to mention each time they treat me with delicious tea. I guarantee if you come here you will not be disappointed! read more

Cristina and her entire staff are amazing. I see her for a mani pedi about every three weeks but would definitely also be just as happy with anyone who works here. My nails always look great and last with no issues the entire three weeks in between my appointments. Everyone is extremely friendly and super talented. Love it here! read more

IULIANA is the best esthetician I have ever met! She is EXTREMELY professional and really cares about what you need. I got my facial for the first time a couple of months ago and cant live without it now:) Iuliana always takes the time and effort to give the best care of my face; I already see how my skin got better. (Even my friends mentioned that) Also, she does the most PAINLESS Brazilian and cant wish for better eyebrows wax either! So, I would highly recommend her if you live in lakeview and looking for someone close by. You will love it! Update: I have tried Microdermabrasion-LOVED it!!! After a couple of times , I feel like my skin got even better. Update: Since it's a chemical peel season , I already went through it twice. The skin really looks much brighter and softer already! I will go to do another peel since the best results after 3-4 procedures. It doesn't look pretty for 4-5 days but it worth it! Iuliana has promos sometimes for chemical peels,if you buy more than one, so definitely check it out! read more

I've been a regular here for almost 2 years, and I CANNOT say enough about this salon and everyone who works here. They simply do the best work. Every artist is great, and patient. They take their time and can create any style or design you've seen on Pinterest. They also expertly repair broken nails seamlessly, and know just what to do when you don't! Frankly I am always so worried it will get so famous I won't be able to get in, but I have to share how wonderful they are! I'm SO glad to have found them. read more

I had a no chip manicure at backstage nail salon with Cristina who is absolutely amazing!! Very professional and friendly I showed her a picture of a particular nail design and she was able to do the design just amazing!!! Great service. read more

I came here for the first time about a month and a half ago. I was a walk-in looking for a no chip manicure. I feel awful because I can't remember the name of the first who did my nails but I think it started with a Z. She did an amazing job. She was very quiet and seemed timid, but her attention to detail way amazing. I've had my nails done at salons with extremely high price points that didn't even take care of my hands the way she did. She spent AT LEAST a half an hour on my cuticles, they looked amazing. Also the no chip polish lasted THREE WEEKS without a single chip. I couldnt wait to go back. Unfortunately, I'm only giving 3 stars because of my second time. I went back to the salon on Wednesday last week, (Dec. 6th). Same scenario, walk-no chip, same girl. This time was completely different. Halfway through she seemed really rushed and aggressive. Three of my cuticles were cut to the point of drawing blood, one of which still had a scab a week later. Her routine seemed different this time, she didn't seem to buff and prime the way she had the first time and even the polishing order/curing was different. The first finger chipped on Tuesday the 12th. Now its the 15th and 4 fingers are halfway chipped off. Not sure how to feel about the experience now. The price point of $35 is pretty good for a no chip with the first experience, but with the second experience, I might has well have gotten a regular manicure and saved money. I'll probably give it one more shot and hope theres no more inconsistency. Over all the shop is clean, quiet friendly. read more

My full set gel no chip manicure was perfect. Zukhra is the best , she's my favorite.. She does professional job with caring and loving atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite place to do my nails . Recommending to anyone like quality and clean job . read more

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I've been coming to this place for quite some time and there's no one else I'd rather go to for nails! They are able to draw all the designs and make the nails look neat. What I also love is they take their time on the pedicure and really work on your feet instead flying through the process. read more

BackStage Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Good experience! Went for a gel mani pedi and Zukhra took her time and paid close attention to detail. The shop is nice, clean, and modern so you feel at home. I was offered a beverage and enjoyed their nice playlist of music. Great energy and service, I will be back. read more

I have been in search of a new nail salon after trying out a couple around the Chicago area. I found this place via yelp and it had great reviews and I decided to check it out. I got a no chip manicure. I am usually horrible about my nails and tear off the manicure because it starts to chip. This manicure is still perfectly intact. They were amazing and I have to say it's the best manicure I've gotten in Chicago. I will be going back to check out their pedicures. I wish I would have known that they take cash only for tip. read more

My best friend and I came in to get our nails done and could not have had a better experience. We both brought in reference photos and our nails looked exactly like the pictures! I will be back for my next manicure. Can not recommend enough. 100/10! read more