I was absolutely unhappy with the services of Kyle today. It was my first time with this particular nail tech, so I stuck it out, mostly out of politeness. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt because I believe he may be new. (I have never seen him prior to today.) That said, his rough handling of my hands during my gel mani was sheer torture. His walking away(!) without acknowledging the end of my services was alarming. I assumed he placed my bill on the counter, so I made my way to the counter to settle the bill. This was when I noticed him moving on to another client. No "thank you". No "have a nice day". No "please make your way to the counter". Altogether, his unacceptable and unpalatable service and actions signaled that he requires additional training for frontline service. Otherwise, I must needs adjust my expectations for this busines... I am a regular customer and may return to Cayuga Nails, but will absolutely object if Kyle is assigned to me for future services. I rate the quality of his nail application as average. read more

Well, first I'll say that there is plenty of parking and that I was able to arrive and get a walk in with no appointment which was good. I'm male and have had many mani/ peti in large metros so I know the "best" the experience can be. No teas, drinks, waters. Nice (selection of colors) No music. Pedicure was so so. Wasn't really relaxing. Got a 10 minute massage afterword but it was with one of the nail girls and not their regular therapist whole wasn't there today. Price I felt was reasonable. read more

Ive never made a yelp review until now because i genuinely need to warn people not to come here. The manicure was so painful and reckless. The nails look horrible too. read more

Best color choices - we did cat's eye for Halloween. I highly recommend Helen and Oscar! read more

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Always a pleasure to be at Cayuga Nails on Triphammer. Very clean & the staff is friendly & helpful. Maggie is my favorite for fills & a pedicure but I have never been disappointed by anyone when Maggie isn't available. I always make a reservation. read more

They were very racist I was the only person in there with color and I'm the only person that they asked for money before service its day too and my nails are already chipped i had the worst experience ever. don't recommend read more

I think they're really great at what they do, especially with hard gel. I also felt very listened to WRT length & shape. I do always make a res in advance because I think they can be slower if you're a walk-in. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - cat eye - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I got exact the nails I asked for and I am satisfied with my service, although their prices could decrease ($70 without tip for acrylics and a sticker. I live an hour away, and get these nails for around $45) . However, while I was in there, a Black woman was asking for clear base coat. They tried to give her pink instead, said it looked clear enough and were laughing at her. She left, and the woman doing my nails called her the N word. I will not be returning. They also made my appointment for 4pm but did not see me until 4:30. read more

One of the best mani pedis I have gotten! The facilities are clean and comfy. Chairs are new and give you a massage. The pedicure was started by another technician but taken over by Maggie who is such a sweetheart! She made sure the hot towel wasn't too hot and gave an awesome leg massage. Afterwards she recommended the gel polish since it would last longer and it came out beautifully. It's been a week and has not chipped. Another plus was that this was a walk-in during graduation weekend and they had no issues squeezing us in. Will be going again! Things to know: tips are cash only, students get a discount but only if you have your ID on you read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - Gel mani - color 19 - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I had a 5:30 appointment for acrylic nails removal and gel manicure and they didn't take me till 6 o'clock and then it took around 30 minutes for the acrylic to soak off (they could have had me soaking my nails while waiting since my appointment started at 5:30 and I was there on time). They finished my nails at 7. I would only come here if I don't have anything the rest of the day because it takes a very long time, and don't mind your nail artist leaving every 5 minutes to go talk to the employee working at the front desk. I'm disappointed as I'd been here before and had a good experience, maybe this was just an off day for them but I'm disappointed. read more

New in town, went in for the first time for a simple gel polish removal, my nail tech was Oscar. The salon was almost empty at 3pm on a Monday, which was great for me as a walk in, but created no reason for a rush. The dremel for gel removal was applied so hard it burnt. When I asked him to trim the nails shorter, I was met with frustrated sighs and talking under his breath in a language I couldn't understand. When I asked for the initial square shape he cut to be filed to round, I was met with again with sighs and muttering, and then an extremely rough and rushed filing job with uneven sections I'll have to fix myself at home. It genuinely felt like he was upset to be doing my nails, and I immediately regretted coming here. As I gathered my things to leave, the woman next to me started exclaiming that her nails were burning and asking the tech what was happening. Her tech said 'it can burn, it's ok.' I asked the woman if this was her first time coming here for nails, and she said yes, I told her it was mine as well and my nail tech had been super rough and I would be concerned about the burning if I were her despite what the nail tech may be saying. Honestly just a terrible experience from what should have been a 20 minute gel removal and trim. Still tipped out of respect for service workers but I will never be coming back here. Really recommend going somewhere else - there are several other salons in this shopping plaza/area that I'll try next instead. read more

I've been going here for about a year and half to get my nails done and I've always had an extremely positive experience. Sammi always does an incredible job on my nails and I'm always so thrilled with how they turn out! The salon is clean and usually pretty calm and quiet, I feel like I can relax while getting my nails done and truly spend some time on myself! read more

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I had the worst pedicure of my life, in fact, it was so bad, and I'm not sure if I'll ever even have a pedicure again! It was not only traumatic, but after less than 12 hours, 2 of the nails that were painted no longer even have polish on them! But, the first problem was that I asked the young man to go VERY lightly with the cheesegrater- type device. Not only did he treat my foot like it was a chunk of very hard and old Parmesan cheese, but he used it on the upper back of my heel (I've never seen calluses in this area of the foot), and sliced out a quarter-sized area about 1cm deep. I am heading on vacation the next day for some sand and beach, and now have a very painful huge gaping wound on my heel. Additionally, becaus it wouldn't stop bleeding, the other nearby technician assisted to try and stop the bleeding. Despite her gloved hands, she proceeded to return to her client before washing her hands...unsanitary and very disgusting. I have been coming to this salon almost since they opened. I hesitated to leave a review because normally I have had good experiences. However, this one was horrific, and I wanted to share for others to be forewarned. The only upside is that it was on the house ("free"), however, I ended up spending more than the cost of the pedicure on bandages and ointments to both ease the pain, and cover my gaping wound to prevent infection on my remote and rugged trip. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - The gaping. wound that will not stop bleeding. - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I am here on vacation and decided to get my nails done with my family. I came for dip nails and a pedicure. At home this would have cost me around 55.00. Here it was 75.00. That didn't bother me. What bothered me was the man who did my nails. He was trying to get me to do some sort of gel instead of dip. I couldn't understand him, he just kept pointing to a jar on his table. When I didn't want it, he became what I took as angry. I believe he took it out on my fingers, see my pictures. It was the fastest pedicure and dip nails I have ever had. My big toenails are crooked and my cuticles are all cut up. Pretty sure this will be my last visit to this establishment read more

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I've been here several times. Pedicures are usually pretty great, other than when they leave your massage timer running to get supplies for your other foot. If I pay extra for the massage, I really do want my full time. This low rating comes from a recent visit for a manicure. I called and told them I needed to have them remove uv gel (they had put it on at the downtown location because this one was booked) and I then wanted a regular gel manicure. I repeated that when I arrived. After my pedicure they made me wait for someone because they thought I was getting a fill done? Then I get someone and they work for almost 30 minutes to remove the gel because they thought it was regular gel despite my repeatedly telling them it was uv. They used the dremel over and over until my nails were paper thin and bending (insert vomit sound). I paid extra for a certain gel polish too and then realized they charged me $13 for the uv gel removal! Since then my nails have cracked down the middle. They are breaking off, to the point where they are bleeding. I can't clap my hands, scratch my head, or anything because my fingers hurt and bleed. I keep trying to cut the fragments to help while they grow. I will never go there again. read more

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This place is a hit and miss. If you get the right technician it is absolute pleasure, but if you do not, well then you better speak up for yourself. I have been going to Cayuga Nail Spa since they first opened their doors. Those were the wonderful days of very tasty tea being offered to customers and a regular manicure / pedicure included actual pampering. Now, if you walk in with your natural nails and ask for a regular mani/pedi you are treated very much second rate. I decided to up my game and asked for a gel french manicure and a gel pedicure. The extra charges are for GEL and FRENCH and I get that. BUT today the technician said that if I want my heels scraped that is also extra and she continued to say that if I wanted gel pedicure that is also extra and this is when I got just a bit upset because on their price list there is a fixed price for gel mani/pedi combo of $80.00. My technician did not understand the price list and kept insisting that it is all extra and since my session has not really started yet, I got up to leave. The manager intervened and I said I'll stay but with a different technician. I did get my gel mani/pedi but not the FRENCH because at the mention of a french manicure my new technician gave a big sigh, so I decided not to push my (un) luck. To be fair, my previous visit was absolutely great and i walked out with great looking nails. 5 stars for that visit. The one before that I just wanted a manicure and it was done by the manager who kept jumping up to answer the phone and get payments from customers who were ready to leave. My manicure was mediocre. 2 stars. On a previous occasion the technician just filed my nails and proceeded to put polish on and I asked about my manicure and she got upset. That was another time when I had to ask for a different technician. Hope this review helps someone who has natural nails and wants a mani/pedi without the DeLuxe foot treatment and acrylics, extensins, powder, etc., proceed with caution! Always remember to speak up for yourself! After all it is you who are paying for the service and if you get great ervice ...tip well! read more

In the spirit of shopping local, I tried Cayuga Nails. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy (truly just that one colleague who pings the work Slack at 7am on a Sunday). I went in wanting a simple French manicure with a black tip and provided a picture example. Everything was going swimmingly; the nail technician confirmed with me that the design matched my expectations after finishing one nail (for that I'll give one star). Otherwise, at the end of my appointment I looked at my nails and they're horribly uneven, disastrously filed (I wanted a squoval shape), and the design doesn't look remotely close to what I wanted. The ends of my nails are uneven, where polish caked on and dried. If it wasn't for the fact that the nails are chipping and cracked after one week of wearing, then I wouldn't have written this review. tl;dr $45 for a basic gel manicure that looks like something I painted with my nondominant hand and is cracking/ chipping after one week. TJ Nails in Cortland will forever be my preferred "local" spot. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - This is the design that I walked in with and wanted the tip color changed to black. - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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I've been coming here for years. The salon is very clean and well organized. Always sit with Sammy. She already knows what I want without me having to explain. She's just as particular as I. So my hands and toes are always on point. Also Maggie has returned another gem. Let's not forget Kevin always with the best greeting and side conversations. read more

I hadn't been there in a while. It was so-so. My nails are not the easiest to do, but it was not the neatest pedicure- a bit gloppy with some polish on my cuticles. The people were nice. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - An ok job - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I always go here. I hate to say this but the two guys who did my nails here are not great. The women are better. I will update my post once I remember their names. Good service and quick to get me in even when they are booked. But you are better off booking in advance because they book out quickly especially after work and weekends. The prices are higher than the nail salon at the mall but at least the service is really good. read more

No idea why they have such a low rating. This has been the best experience I have ever had getting a fill. The salon is big, updated, and clean. I didn't have to wait at all when I walked in, and the guy at the front desk was super nice and welcoming. John paid close attention to detail and my gel looks exactly how I wanted. Aside from his technique, included in a fill is cuticle maintenance, a hand massage, hot towel, AND a back massage while you wait for your nails to cure. I meannnnnnn I will definitely be back! read more

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they were all extremely rude and didn't listen to how I wanted my nails cut. shoddy cuticle cutting without cleaning the station first (bits of others' nails everywhere). I left without getting color because it was so unpleasant read more

I don't really understand the low rating because I've been here 10+ times and I have been impressed with my results every time. Ask for John, my favorite nail tech! He does such an amazing job and is such a kindhearted man. read more

Not really sure why this place has bad reviews. When I went, John was very diligent, brought me two cups of lemon tea, and did a fabulous job with my full & pedicure. I could tell he really cared. Additionally, even though they prefer you tip in cash, the front desk staff was very nice & accommodated me by allowing me to tip on card since I had never been here before. Definitely going to be my spot from now on in Ithaca. read more

so i asked for an acrylic fix and a pedicure. they used gel x, burned my finger, called my nails ugly, and then called me asking why i didn't tip. i hadn't tipped yet because i was driving when they called, and was going to venmo, but as someone who works in the service industry i was shocked that bothering a customer about tip was allowed by management. read more

I'm not sure why this place has such a low rating. I've been here a few times and I think they always do a great job! I went in today for a powder mani and for a pedicure. The lady that did my pedicure took her time, gave me a nice massage and was very meticulous with the nail polish application. John was the one that did my dip powder. He took his time and gave me a great powder set!!! I am definitely coming again! read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - Dip powder manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I went there 6 days ago and 4 days ago my nails started breaking off. This is the first time this has happened. Not all of the nail techs are good. I was charged $60 for this to be happening 4-6 days later. You're supposed to get a fill every two weeks. Not 4-6 days later. I already went back to get one nail fixed the next day another one needed to be fixed. This used to be my favorite place to go, the nail techs change and the prices went up. read more

the worst pedicure I've ever gotten. my nails weren't shaped at all and the nails wasn't completely covered with paint. There was gaps on the side. I went home and immediately took the nail polish off. I suggest going to any other salon in Ithaca. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I wasn't going to write a review... but it came down to how I felt after the phone call when I had realized how disappointing the pedicure service turned out to be & decided to contact the business again. I took two family members to get pedicures, which I called in advance to set up and schedule to be sure they had ample time and staff to take care of us.... and in my revelry even mentioned how I wanted the "cheese grater" cleaning (somewhat jokingly...but really though) . Now I do my best to be diligent about checking reviews on places I've never gone. I do my homework. I also try my best to trust my instinct...& I probably should've on this one, but didn't because, well, were in the middle of a dumpster fire Orwellian nightmare and I just want the winter boot foot scrubbed off and to treat my family to a little self care too. To be fair to the business owner and staff members who took care of us, we enjoyed parts of our services. The gentleman who did my pedicure, although not thorough, was pleasant and jovial...Which is much appreciated and needed in such strange and dire times. We laughed quite a lot during our short time there. (Although a time or two I felt like they were... joking about us... not with) . Now to the brass tacks. We were seated after being somewhat rushed to chose our colors... we were immediately "upsold" (I.e.--they drive the up-selling home unrelentingly) from the basic 25$ to the 40$ service... which I was excited to be there and to be able to gift some love to those I love, so I happily and confusingly agreed that we all wanted the Lemon treatment... One of the girls was the first to receive treatment, then I. The third person had to wait while the gentleman who did mine switched back and forth between myself and her, with her waiting more than being worked on. The first person in our group was treated the entire time it took to do my pedicure, & begin the third... which the last pedicure was left just sitting... until another staff member was done giving a manicure and hastily came over over 20 minutes after "we" all had begun. The hot towels were exceptional. I wondered why they had to time their massages, but then I read other reviews afterwards and I get it now. They are trying to get their proverbial shit together. Really. I do believe that. But... alas. Still not quite hitting the mark. The entire treatments felt somewhat rushed, even through their somewhat forced niceties. (....I didn't relax really while I was there... which says more than any review will about the true underlying atmosphere.) my feet still had peeling skin all over them, as did the other two women with me. And even now, two days later, my feet feel even rougher now that I've had them half-scrubbed than before I went. (Like... bed sheets keep snagging kinda rough) These folks are hardworking, and some do their best, and from what I could tell genuinely trying to get through their days with this insanity raging, still doing a job that probably feels... painful and pointless through this mess... just to put food on their table and a roof over their heads. I want to blame it on the overall management. To have dozens of terrible reviews, and to not remediate the issues, and to belittle and cause discomfort to those that ask for reparations... then I suppose that falls into the shoulders of those in charge. I spent well over 150$ for three pedicures with tip(CASH ONLY -according to signs at the drying tables...seems solicitous) that took around 20-30 minutes each... After realizing the dead/cracked skin only progressively worsened (what are those different products made of that they use anyway) ... I decided to call. I was apprehensive to even do so (the last one in our group heard the man at the front belittling a woman on the phone on her way out)... but I figured if I tried in my nicest way to describe what had happened maybe he wouldn't be angry with me. And it worked. He wasn't rude. But seems impatient. He didn't offer any fix...He repeatedly asked what do I want. Well... all I wanted was the cheese grater skin removal. (‍) he made it seem as if I were the one who didn't choose right.. "our technicians are the professionals".. I didn't appreciate feeling as if I were the rude one for calling and voicing my unfulfilled expectations and asking for any kindness in return. I was offered, by taking my first name only, to have my feet re-done if I "stop back in"... Well. I'm sure that this review may just impede that stop in from occurring. But to voice me own experience so that others don't get duped by the mis-management and false representation is more important than feeling uncomfortable and dissatisfied in the future. I'd say it's a gamble. But it's usually a losing hand if you do your research. Better luck spending the money to buy your own tools and do your own mani pedi & paint. read more

I went on Saturday to get a dip powder manicure. After bragging about how diligent and detailed her work was, she pulled out the electric filer to "fix" the shape of the polish on each nail. She managed to file the skin off of 9 fingers. Then, she forgot to paint one nail and when I reminded her, she hastily brushed on one layer (instead of two) so it looks different than all the other nails. Its Monday and I still cannot wash my hands without wincing. Additionally, the polish has already chipped. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - She filed off the skin of ALL my fingers. IT REALLY HURTS :( - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Staff were friendly, but the amount of upselling made the experience unpleasant. After confirming that I would be getting a full set and a basic pedicure with regular polish, each member of the staff I encountered (owner, and two technicians) managed to express (mock?) surprise that I wasn't springing for the gel polish. They mentioned this no fewer than eight times during my hour-and-a-half long visit. I understand that gel polish lasts longer, but it's outside my budget. Instead of respecting this, the staff made faces, and the manicurist sighed and repeated twice that the polish I had chosen would "at least not show the chipping as much." She then proceeded to charge me $10 over the posted minimum charge for no clear reason. The work was average, but what got me was the guilt about not choosing the product they wanted. Shaming clients leads them to go elsewhere. read more

I had a horrible experience with Lee at this salon. I usually go to the downtown location and haven't had any real problems. I hate to complain but today I left with the worst manicure I've ever seen. Not only are almost all my fingers sore and bleeding, but each nail is a different shape, length, and thickness. I have bits of gel all stuck around my nails and overall they just look and feel terrible. Hoping to get them fixed but will likely need a full new set of acrylics to fix the length issue. Very disappointed to have paid $65 including my tip for these. I also went in hoping to get my acrylics removed and a basic, short, gel mani. He claimed that my nails would be too thin for gel and would break (even though I wanted them short anyways and have never had that problem even after acrylics being removed) and insisted upon a fill and gel polish which then turned out like this. I'm especially upset that all my fingers hurt and I won't even be able to get them fixed until at least next week because it will be too painful due to almost every finger having raw open cuts. Even if they fix them for free, it will be at least another $10-15 in tip. Update: just called and spoke to the owner. He tried to make it seem as though I was being untruthful and told me they couldn't even do anything for me unless I came in so they could examine my nails. I'm so frustrated at this point I don't even want to set foot in their salon again. Terrible customer service, as he ignored all my concerns and didn't even offer a simple apology for the service I received. I'll never recommended this salon. If you're thinking of going, my best advice is to keep looking for a salon that won't completely screw up your hands. read more

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At first I was hesitant given the reviews, but I was super convenient to the location of my hotel, so I decided to give it a try. Upon entry I was greeted and directed to the color selection area. Once I made up my mind, they immediately got started. The lady doing my gel nails (Jane) was very nice but quite at first. But when I started talking and smiling she opened up a bit more. Overall great experience. Not a luxurious Place, but great service, clean and gets the job done. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - Gel Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I would not recommend this nail salon. They do not do a good job. I came in for a manicure and pedicure. After I saw the poor job that was being performed. I decided to not have the manicure done and i left. My manicurist cut my nails without asking, my nails were overly filed and cuticles were not removed. The manicurist did a poor and careless job with the pedicure. read more

WORST WORST WORST nail experience EVER!! After I pointed out John didn't paint my nail evenly, he started YELLING at me and CURSING at me in chinese. No apologies whatsoever. Even if you go to this nail salon, don't do it with John. He is not even that good in doing nails, he cut my fingers and painted very poorly, and has the WORST attitude ever! read more

It always surprises me when I see the bad reviews for here, but you need to consider that people are more likely to complain than praise, especially nowadays. Cayuga Nail has been my go-to nail salon since I moved back home four years ago. I was pretty bummed when my old nail tech left, but I've found a new one that I love. Maggie did a wonderful job on my mani & pedi. She is a sweetheart and took her time. I knew the polish wouldn't last as long on my finger nails because I never get gel & my nails are fully real, so I went with a little bit of glitter, hence the slight variation in colors. Hindsight, I really loved the color on my toes and will probably go back later this week to switch it out. I highly suggest calling to schedule an appointment. They are staying busy and doing their best to accommodate walk-ins, but save yourself the trip and call ahead. Trust me the experience will be less rushed, and you can just relax and be pampered! read more

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The best spot in Ithaca. Everyone who works here has been great. It is always clean and they try to keep enough staff to help you reasonably quickly, if there is a wait. They give a quick complimentary neck massage with your service. But you should get a back and shoulder (upright in a chair) massage when you are waiting on your toes to dryi usually do 15-20 minutes. They also have a homemade lemon tea that is the best! read more

Went here for the first time, on a whim, as it was close to home. Amazing! I think I just got the best manicure of my life? I've never had anyone pay so much attention to my cuticles and be so gentle to boot! I got a gel French manicure done and I still can't believe how each tip was meticulously painted on one by one - everywhere else I've been will slap on a bunch of white and erase with a brush dipped in acetone. I saw Angie, and she's already got me planning more frequent trips home just so I can get my nails done! Look for my pic! read more

Cayuga Nail Spa - Gel French manicure done by Angie - Nail Salons Near Me - Ithaca, New York

I really like this place but it's kinda cramped and Parking is a pain so I started going somewhere else

Quick service. Jenny rushed through my nails, my manicure was sloppy but my pedicure was fine. Jenny was sweet but didn't seem to really put much effort into my service. Upside to the joint was that I didn't wait long and they offer a $5 student discount with ID. read more