LONG BUT WORTH THE READ First - I should say, I am not a huge nail person. I get pedicures regularly but rarely get manicures. I tried a dip-powder thing in mid March before a trip and liked it. It was $65 and I thought that was a bit high but reasonable. After some time, I decided I wanted that again. So - six weeks later, I went back. Same person, Sarah, who gave me her cellphone number the first time I went. I liked that and was happy to text and ask her availability. Went in for pedicure and another dip powder process. I saw the board showing prices on this visit. It indicated the dip powder was "$50 and up" and I did wonder why my first time was $65 but didn't ask or say anything. Pedicure ($35) was fine although the polish could have been more covering in general. While getting pedi, we talked about the color for my fingernails. I said I wanted something like "Ballet Slippers" which I know is a popular and common Essie color name. Sarah said they didn't have that, but she could mix two together to get that color. I assumed mixed, like in a bowl, combining the colors together to make one. It turns out, it was not that kind of mixing, but rather a coat (or two) of one color and then a coat of another on top. Fine - I liked the color and my nails looked pretty. I said "so the dip is $50 ... or ... ?" And Sarah seemed to be doing some math in her head, adding it all up. "The pedicure is $35 and ... " HERE IT COMES --- The cost for my dip powder finger nail service this time was $85!!!!! I said something wow - I thought it was 50 or so ... and she mumbled something about mixing the color that I wanted. I left and happened to be seeing my adult daughter that night. I told her who gets her nails done regularly at a really great place in S. Philly, Pure. She was confused like me why it was so high. Having Sarah's cell number, I texted her to ask. Received her reply this morning saying that the full set of nails is $55 and the "additional gel color is $30." I asked again - and she said "I painted gel color for you that looks like ballet slipper." OMG - so it was $30 to have her paint - NOT MIX - a different color on top of first color. $30!!!!!!!!! I truly am speechless. The only thing I could reply is that her salon did not have the color I wanted, she said she can mix it to be that color but SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $30 to put a different color on top. OMG - Sarah is great and the place is so close to where I live and nice to sit by the window but I feel taken advantage of. Maybe it was because in answer to a question about trips coming up, I said we have a place at the shore that we are going to soon. Maybe they listen to things like that and then give you a price based on what they think you can afford. I don't know but sadly, I am crossing this place off. I just cannot justify the explanation of the additional $30. I mean, come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I'm not impressed. Expensive and the person doing my nails did not match up colors on my toes and fingernails. There were some regulars ( a husband and wife) in the salon, who knew all the staff, so it was like a homecoming for them. They received much attention. There was little interaction or interest in me. read more

Absolutely amazing. Great service, great massage and my nails haven't looked this good in forever! Van was great. I went somewhere else a few doors down and they turned me away. She stayed late, did NOT rush and was amazing. read more

Just not very impressed :( I was a loyal, every two weeks dip powder girl for years and gave my nails a break for a little. However, I decided to treat myself for my birthday and try Central Nails. They were able to take me as a walk-in and had ample color selections however the manicure itself is NOT the quality that should match the price. My cuticles are bleeding or flooded with polish (which shouldn't even happen with dip?) and the shape is different on every finger. Needless to say, it could have been a bad day, a bad tech, or just a bad service, but I will not be returning. The chairs were not comfy and the space did not match the vibe of the prices being asked. read more

I love Central Nails! I moved to center city and had been at my previous nail salon for over a decade. I have been coming here for about a year since moving and I know all the wonderful ladies! They are so welcoming and kind! I grow my nails out once a year and they make them look like acrylics!!Highly recommend! read more

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While in need of a last minute pedicure and after a disappointing experience at my regular salon, I decided to give Central Nails & Spa a try. I was able to walk in on a weekday after work and was seen right away. They have a wide selection of polishes and I was able to find the pale pink of my pedicure dreams. In less than an hour, I was given a standard polish pedicure and sat under the dryer for three whole cycles. The total cost was around $30 and I was able to pay with a card. I did notice they provide discounts if you pay with cash! I will be back when it's time for my next gel manicure and report back! read more

This is still my favorite place to get my nails done! I wanted to add some more pictures to my review to see the range of things they can do. I absolutely love the staff and would recommend this place to everyone! read more

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I saw Sarah - she's great! Honestly an amazing dip manicure and she paid attention to my cuticles. It's cute inside, close to Rittenhouse Square, and the window makes great people watching. I'm super happy with my nails! read more

This place is trash! They charged me $30 for a manicure and lied about me being able to get my eyebrows done. Do not trust them! The asian women will act like they don't speak English, too. Don't waste your time with this shop. read more

I decided to visit Central Nails on 1535 Chestnut St., Phila. and had my nails done before vacation and one replaced. The tech was nice and did what I thought was good job until.....Two days later the nail broke off. I went back after 7 days to have it repaired and was told "long wait" as there were 2 customers and two techs. I came back a little later to ask how long of a wait since now there were three techs, one whom was on her phone texting...she looked at the other tech and replied very nasty, "long wait". I was willing to wait - just needed a nail repaired that they did. The reply was not only rude but, she never gave me the chance to say I would wait. Never again. read more

Nice clean salon. They schedule with social distancing in mind. Good prices. Love my nail specialist, Lee. read more

Central Nails & Spa - Beautiful French manicure - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've been coming here for 5 years now and never disappointed. 4 of my girlfriends also come here as well. Very friendly stuff. Very clean very helpful. read more

Ive been to countless salons in the city.. but for last 3 years I have been going every 2 weeks to central nails (18th street) and have nothing but great things to say. Unfortunately the 18th st location closed recently so I followed the gals over to 20th street. Nice service, reasonable pricing, nails always look great. I wear my acrylics short. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent nail technicians. I've been going to Van for over 10 years. She's the best

EXTREMELY OVERPRICED!!! . I am so disappointed. The salon is very clean, updated, convenient location and everything you could want in a nail salon. However , they charged me $70 for a GEL REFILL. I don't even pay half that for a brand new full set. No prices anywhere, and when you ask for pricing they say "40 and up" or some kind of lie to get you in the chair. Furthermore, she didn't even touch my cuticles. If I'm paying $70, I better be getting the whole Shabang. Very disappointed , especially since I am happy with the way the lady did my nails. Unfortunately, I won't be going back. read more

Just got a gel manicure and it was perfect! All the technicians seem really good and it's $30 if you pay cash! read more

Central Nails & Spa - Gel mani - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is Central Nails' newest location in Rittenhouse. They've been a staple on the Philly nail scene for years and I love going here to get my manicures :) The location is brand new and offers your standard manicures, gel and acrylics, eyebrow waxing and word on the street is it will soon be offering massages and body waxing services soon! Definitely check it out when you're in the neighborhood! read more

Central Nails & Spa - Getting my weekly manicure at one of my favorite spots! - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Love this place! $30 for a gel manicure if you pay cash. They are super friendly and there normally isn't a wait. The place is very clean! read more

Central Nails & Spa - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Really mediocre manicure, pretty much just paint your nails-- barely any massage, lotion, etc. Also, there's a $5 charge for using a credit card. I got a gel manicure and it's pretty translucent (not enough coats). Would definitely not return. read more

I loved the customer service there the owner is so sweet and all the ladies are very social read more

Central Nails & Spa - Full set - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great, clean salon with welcoming atmosphere.

I will not return to this place. It is a complete rip off. My gel peeled the next day and it took about 2.5 hours there. The first time I went they did a good job and it was reasonably priced. However, each time I went the prices got higher and higher and the service got poorer. The first time I got tips, and dip powder with a design. They charged me about 50$. The next time I got the same thing with French tips. It came to over $70. When I asked why she said because of French tip. So an extra 20 some dollars for French tip is complete bs. This last and final time I went I got an acrylic refill with gel and needed one repair and a gel pedicure. They did a basic job with the pedicure. No massage, no dry skin scrubbing, no paraffin. She charged over 105$ and asked for a tip before I could even figure my money out. And said the pedicure is 25$ and an extra $25 for gel. I'd say normally salons charge an extra 15$ for gel. Lastly my friend called and asked for the same thing I got and they gave her a price of $70 total for acrylic refill with gel and a gel pedicure. Needless to say I got beat $30 and have terrible looking nails right after. read more

Central Nails & Spa - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Randomly walked into this nail shop on a cold day and my nails were BUSTED ! I mean tore up from the Floor up ! Helen was very helpful and started my nails right away . She was also patient when I didn't know what colour I wanted ! She helped me chose the best one for me ! My skin is super sensitive so I always get cut when technicians cut my cuticles but NOT with Helen...she was amazing . Even though my nails were so damaged I had to cut them short . There was a guy here who does eyebrows . Yes, A GUY . I said hey, why not try ! He was good too ! I wish I could pack Helen up and take her to my city to do my nails for me ! I'm super picky when it comes to nails so trust me on this one :-) read more

Central Nails & Spa - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After countless nail salon fails, I conducted a serious Yelp search and came across Central Nail on 20th. I was pulled in by the crisp cleanliness of the salon that unfortunately is hard to find even in Rittenhouse nail salons. The 4 stars sealed the deal. Not to brag but I have fairly nice natural nails but with the weather getting more brisk my nails will become a bit weak. I was anticipating a weekend away and wanted my nails in tip top shape. Gel just does not hold up on my nail so I knew I was going in for acrylic tips. Now I haven't had acrylic since high school but I know that it's come along way with application. The technician who did my nails however was much older and seemed to use the same technique from 2004. Actually it was worse. I told her multiple times it was laying too thick and stressed that I wanted a natural looking nail. After paying $70 and wasting 2 hours time, I went to dry and noticed that the tips weren't fully glued to my nail on practically any finger. I pointed this out to the technician and she kept trying to silence me. I felt for her, wondering if my speaking out could cause her her job. So I didn't complain but I just wanted the nails off at this point. I could feel glue all over my skin but little on my nail, along with cuts around my cuticle. The technician told me to come back in a week and "they'd take care of it" (the removal). As if I'd ever step foot in this establishment again. I wish I took a picture of the travesty that was my nails but I was so desperate to get them off! Beware. read more

On the plus side, the manager is very nice and fit me in for a last minute appointment for a mani/pedi on a Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend. They have maximized the small space pretty well and it is bright and looks clean (but see end of review). On the downside, it was really crowded and busy and the manager should have just told me no when I called ahead to make an appointment. These are all things that happen, no big deal. Things that shouldn't happen -- my nail tech was super rushed, cut my finger, and stained my nail with pen ink, then just kind of shrugged and left it. Finally, on the "won't go back here again" side, because they were so busy, when I sat down for my pedicure, I was not certain if they had washed and cleaned the foot spa before I put my feet in. I became 100% certain that they do not clean the foot basins between customers as I sat in the pedi chair and waited. The customer next to me left, the nail tech drained the basin, then turned on the water and filled it back up again. Next customer came in and plopped her feet in. If you're going to charge $40 for a mani/pedi, please use some of that to invest in some cleaning supplies and training. read more

I walked in to this spot on a snowy Presidents Day and had the place to myself. The ambiance is very nice, relaxing, clean, & well designed. I got a mani-pedi for $34+tip. The massage chairs are nice, and their polish selection is great. Just watch out when choosing OPI colors because the "extra shine" polishes are an extra $3, which I was alerted to and then declined. Regular OPI is fine by me. I managed to mess up one nail when putting on my coat & the young lady fixed it for me right away, even though she had started another pedicure. I will definitely be returning to this gem of a spot! read more

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Clean, quick and friendly nail salon close to Rittenhouse Square. OPI on deck. Gel mani and pedi - quality for sure.

I asked for red dip powder and the lady gave me pink, she reassured me it would change after the final process was done. When it was finished it was pink, but I didn't have time to change it. She told me she gave me a pink red. The next day I asked to have it removed and the girl who did it and another girl said yes it's pink but it looks good on you. I said I wanted red not pink, and you gave me pink. They both agreed it was pink. They charged me $10 to remove their own mistake, which they admitted to. So embarrassing for them as a business, I'll never be back. read more

Jist got my nails done by Sarah. She did powder dip which is so much better than acrylic. More natural and lighter. She applied gel polish and a cute rosy design. Im ready for paris! read more

Central Nails & Spa - Just got my nails done by Sarah. - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Incredible service. My friend and I were lucky enough to stumble upon this place when we were looking for somewhere we both could get full sets of acrylics without an appointment. We called this place and they said if we could be there in 5 mins they could do both of us (This was after calling close to 10 other places in the area who said no)! The woman who took care of us was super kind to both of us and really took her time to make sure our nails were perfect. The salon was adorable and very clean, with bright and beautiful decor. There is a little discount if you pay with cash and the prices were very reasonable. I paid $50 cash for a full set of acrylics plus tip. read more

Have been here about a dozen times and it's unpredictable service at best. When it first opened a few years ago, it started amazing...then average...then rushed to just say yes to every client without actually being able to provide the service being paid for. I've previously had one of the best spa pedicures here, and also one of the worst. $50 for a (maybe) 15-minute "Spa" pedicure...no. That's barely a regular pedicure for $25, not the same amount of time for double the price. I was also told the pedicure was finished and I could put my shoes back on when there was still oil all over my legs. Will definitely think twice before going here again. read more

Stopped in for a quick pedicure. I have been in flip flops for the past month traveling around, so my feet looked horrible. Especially my heals. She did an amazing job. I'd come back if I lived here (from California) read more

The place is clean and the technicians know how to put on a gel manicure that last 2-4 weeks

Love this place! They do a great gel manicure that lasts. Only odd thing is that they use bath and body works hand soap for your feet... otherwise the staff is super friendly and $30 with cash! read more

This place does a fine job. Not too expensive. $15 for a manicure. But don't expect much aside from okay polish. I was asked to wash my own hands. There was no hand massage or lotion. Just a back massage that lasted less than a minute. Hopefully the polish will last this week but it's looking debatable. The manicurists don't speak English very well and the day I went, there weren't any other customers there which gave it an eerie vibe. At my nail salon in LA, I'm offered water or tea and have come to expect more from a manicure than just polish slapped on which Central Nail just doesn't deliver. read more

I came here to get gel tips and I have to give 5 star review. Not only were they professional and friendly, my nails are the best they have EVER looked. She was extremely precise and wanted to make sure every nail was perfect. I highly recommend this business and will be returning in the future. Well worth the $$ read more

Clean salon with nice staff and service with a shoulder massage at the end. I wanted a specific design that the owner called her daughter in to help do and it turned out great. Good nail color selection, just a bit pricey but I guess appropriate for the area. read more

Central Nails & Spa - The owner called her daughter in to do this awesome design! - Skin Care Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great place! My friend and I went here and we each got mani/pedi for $35. The place is very clean and the workers are very nice. The only thing I would warn about is that it took longer than it should have. Which means they were attentive and did a good job. But if you're in a rush, you might not have enough time. read more

I was in a bit of a time crunch and needed a polish change for my upcoming grad school graduation and decided to go to Central Nails & Spa as I have been here one time prior for a pedicure and was happy with the service. This visit however pissed me off to say the least. Let me start off my saying the "manager"---women with long straight black hair with virtually no accent was very welcoming and almost a little too pushy. I tell her I am there for a polish change (as I did not think I would have time for a pedicure). I then inquire about a gel manicure vs. acrylic because I start thinking about all the pictures that will be taken for graduation and don't want my nails looking like crap--we've all had those moments. Anywho, I hear the whole spiel on "now-in-days acrylics look so much more natural....." so I agree. The manager hovered over the technician over the ENTIRE time, which obviously was sorta weird, but whatevs. The end result was mediocre to say the least, I wish I took a picture and now a week later the polish change on my feet has already chipped and these gel acrylics which are supposed to last 3 weeks are already lifting. To top it all off the price was ridiculous $20 for a freaking polish change and $60 for acrylics. NEVER EVER AGAIN. Oh and btw, for the hell of it I called and inquired about pricing and as you've guessed it, the prices were cheaper. Point blank, I got screwed. GO ELSEWHERE!!!!! ZERO STARS. read more

I love it here. For 50 dollars I get to relax with a glass of wine and be spoiled rotten for over an hour by kind and skilled staff. My favorite place for a pedicure. read more