great nail salon w/ good deals and super good dip (which I have found to be a rarity in the DMV)

So I actually came in by accident (trying to get to a different nail salon), but they accepted my walk-in right away on Sunday around 4:30pm for a regular pedi and gel mani. Not sure if they treat all walk-ins like this, but the person I got was a little rude--rushed me when picking colors, questioned my color choice, didn't offer me any drinks. The pedicure was really thorough and nice, so I was going to let it go because the actual service I paid for was good. But then while she was doing my nails, she didn't ask if the color was enough/asked if my lighter color had enough coats and she messed up on my one thumb. It looks like there were air bubbles underneath and dried in a bumpy texture, so not even 24hrs later, the entire nail is chipping off/coming off. Admittedly, I probably should've said something while I was at the salon, but my nail technician basically left me drying on my own, didn't help me get my card out of my bag or take my shoes. I probably won't be back and wouldn't recommend, but I'm sure it's just my nail technician (the technicians next to me seemed sweet). read more

DC Nail Spa - Not even 24h later, the gel manicure is coming off - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Love this salon! They always do a great job and take great care to ensure your manicure always looks fabulous.

Came on a Saturday, early evening for context. It was busy but not in a way that made me uncomfortable given we're still in a pandemic. They're still sanitizing stations and chairs after each client. I was greeted and didn't have to wait long for a nail tech, Nina, to service me. It was a quick in and out since I got a manicure with no Polish just to clean up my nails. I typically don't pay much attention to saludos but multiple nail techs smiled and were friendly when I was leaving too. Great service and the only place I really trust to do my nails whether it's a clean up basic manicure or special occasion where I go all out. They've also expanded to a space next door too. read more

This place is great!!! It's fairly new and everything is beautifully decorated. I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes to get a service started. Unlike some other nail spots, they remember your name and face. All the workers are nice and accommodating. The owner Vivian is super sweet and attentive. My nails have been perfect each time. I went in initially for a gel polish and was enticed by the 40% off for their grand opening. It was empty but the owner actually coaxed me into trying the Next Gen Dipping Powder. It's suppose to be better for your nails with out the rays from gel polish and the powder contains vitamin E. However, it's sturdy just like a gel polish and actually last way longer. She was open to any shape, color or design I wanted. Super patient and nice. So go and ask for Vivian. 40% off isn't happening anymore but it's about the average cost of any gel manicure in DC and totally worth the relaxing experience. read more

DC Nail Spa - Ombré. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The best! Great service and my nails always look perfect and last for so long!!! Thank you!

I've been to this place three times now and I've always had a positive experience. The staff are very helpful and friendly and the salon is quite clean. There are many colors to choose from. And the prices are comparable to salons in the city. It's not too loud and you don't feel like you're in a club like in other salons. I'll definitely be back. Lynn and Thai are great! read more

The service was great! Lam worked magic on my cuticles, which were in bad shape from chewing on them... Their prices are reasonable and the salon is very open with a good atmosphere. The space is small and does feel crowded when it is very busy. It's better to make an appointment if you're planning to go on the weekends. read more

This place does really solid dip/SNS manicures. They aren't bumpy and look very natural. No issues with shaping or application. Everyone is really nice. I highly recommend. read more

I went in this week for the first time to get a pedicure and dip manicure. Lana was my nail artist. During my pedicure, Lana continually told me to keep my fingers in acetone that was burning all my fingers. I kept telling her that it burned BUT I kept them in. She proceeded to tell me to RUB my fingers in the bucket after I told her how much it hurt (mind you every place i've been to for dip they use the electric nail drill to remove the polish after just sitting in acetone) She was rushing my whole entire appointment. She was done a "30 minute" (suppose to be) pedicure and a DIP MANICURE in 1 hour. I come prepared to a dip appointment because Ive never been out of a salon in under 1hr 45min / 2 hrs. She was not very nice, either. Between her rushing, unfriendly, and using her electric nail drill to remove excess nail polish from my hands (THAT CAN BE DONE WITH NAIL POLISH REMOVER) I will not be returning. read more

Sheesh! I can't rave enough about this spot! I've been coming here for about 2 years and finally had the time to write a review. Yes, they are busy (short staffed right now) and it's hard to get an appointment, and they might now answer the phone on the first try but they are real genuine people that do good work and super professional. They always have the new OPI colors and treat you like family; I always feel like I'm at my aunties spot. If you take the time to explain what you want they will make it happens 100% of the time. Special shout out to Nancy who never fails to provide excellent service and care. With regards to COVID-19 they always diligent to clean right after the person gets up (see photo) and all are wearing masks and continuous washing their hands and changing gloves. read more

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Every time I come here they rush through my appointment. First time my cuticles were cut so short they bled. Second time, the gel was not even and very sloppy. Won't be back. Crazy to charge $45 for service this bad. read more

Lazy, trash, dishonest service. Walked in on Saturday, asked the for a dip manicure and gel pedicure. They start with the dip service (my first ever), don't touch my cuticles, try to force me to use the machine to buff my nails, which I resolutely refuse. When I ask about my cuticles, they say it's an extra $10 for manicure service. I pretty much don't have a choice, since my cuticles look like hell. Gave me attitude and the front desk girl tried to throw me under the bus, as if I didn't specify that I wanted a dip manicure. Over priced, awful service. Go at your own risk. read more

DC Nail Spa - Two week old dip. Look at my cuticles. What did I pay for? - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great staff and great service. They even let me bring in my small dog to sit in my lap while I got a pedicure. They have a great selection of colors and talented tail technicians. I will definitely be frequenting this salon for all my pedicure + manicure needs. read more

DC nail salon looks very clean and welcoming. I got a gel manicure by Helen on Thursday and two of my nails already came off from the side the same day. I went the next day to get it fixed. Although it was fixed, my nails were extremely filed and my cuticles hurt. I said thank you and left but by the weekend all my nails started coming off from the bottom. I went back and asked if it was perhaps the polish or something. I was rudely told they don't honor anything over a week old. It had been only three days and I had my receipt so I showed it. Helen said they will do it again. While I was sitting getting my nails done, Helen told me if it happens again that they will not be able to fix it. Till then I was actually not even complaining but that was such a rude comment to a customer. I do not enjoy going to the nail salon and wasting my time getting my nails fixed over and over again. It also shows that they don't have confidence in the service they provide is going to last more than a day or two. The gel was not even completely removed and another technician was told to paint my nails. I asked for the nail to be cleaned properly first I was given another polish and painted by an Mai. I will update on how long this one will last. Update: two nails chipped off 24 hours later and the rest just came off. This is a gel nail polish that should at least last a week if not longer. I wasn't even doing any cooking or cleaning for the past week. read more

3 week old gel manicure. I've never had a bad manicure or pedicure. They're the best!!! read more

DC Nail Spa - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My favorite nail salon in DC! I've been to probably 10 nail salons here and none were ever as nice or skillful as what I was used to in California... and then my friend introduced me to DC Nail Spa last year. The staff are kind, professional, and pay attention to detail. The salon is significantly nicer (and cleaner) than most others in DC as well, and the price point is absolutely fair. Dip powder & gel polish are always applied carefully - never thick or bumpy! It's worth checking out their Instagram to see the designs they can do too. Tip is cash only, book an appointment for weekends or after work because the word has spread! If you do have to wait, a) it's worth it, and b) Glens Garden Market is a block away so you can pop in for a drink or snacks while you wait. read more

I really wanted to like this place but unfortunately, I had quite a bad experience. First, they were not honest about how long my wait would be. They said 5 minutes (presumably to keep me in the door) and I ended up waiting 20. I had limited time so I would have appreciated if they gave me a more honest estimate. Sadly, it was not worth the wait. It was the worst gel manicure I have received. The polish was uneven, and it only lasted a grand total of 4 days. I regularly get gel manis and have never had one last less than a week and a half. When the polish did peel off, it felt very thin, unlike any gel I've had before. Thai was my nail tech. She was very pushy about up-selling other services. I repeatedly told her I didn't have time that day, but she still tried to pressure me into purchasing a pedicure, eyebrow wax, etc. At the end of the manicure, she informed me that they only accepted cash tips and that I should use the ATM in the salon. The ATM charged me an additional fee of $3.50. I would not recommend this salon. read more

I am actually quite sad to give this place a poor review after reading several positive experiences from other Yelpers. Pros: I called ahead, they do take both walk-ins and appointments. They offer complementary beverages (water, juice, wine, beer), and they offer a 5% discount if you pay in cash. Cons: The service was not great. When I arrived, I asked if there was someone that was available right then or if I should come back, because I only had an hour before another appointment. The woman at the front said someone was available and pointed vaguely in the opposite direction that I should go sit down. All the seats were completely taken and I had no idea where she wanted me to sit, so I ended up just standing around. Another manicurist noticed I was confused and let me know I should go all the way to the back to sit in the massage chairs and take my nail color with me. I thanked her, headed back there, and assumed that the only open seat was mine, since no one was sitting in it. I sat down and waited for another ten minutes before the first woman I spoke to came back. I then asked if she thought she could do a mani-pedi in 45 minutes, because at this point, I had already waited 15 minutes and had to be somewhere in the next 45 minutes. She said no. So I said "No problem, thank you, I'll stick with just a basic pedicure". She then said she could do both if I did gel since it dries faster. I politely said no, since gel really ruins my nail beds and just the basic pedi was fine. She then said she could do quick dry polish for an extra $5.00 (she ended up charging me $10.00), so I agreed to do that, thinking it was only an extra $5.00. The pedi was fine, and she did a good job. When it got the mani, she had her eye on the door the whole time, and I got the impression that she wasn't really paying attention to doing my nails. At first, this was okay with me, because I know a lot of these ladies are pros and can probably do a set of nails in their sleep. However, two women came in that she seemed to recognize/were here regular customers and she immediately perked up and asked if they had made appointments. They said "No, we just thought we would wander in, we hope that's okay". She told them she would be done in 5 minutes and she had them immediately seated in massage chairs, and their drinks served. She did in fact finish my nails in the next 5 minutes, but it wasn't the best job. I noticed that there was a ding in one of them, and she said "No problem, that's normal, it will dry normally. If there are any issues, you can come back and I'll fix them," and then she sped off to take care of the two regulars. This was exactly at 30 minutes into my mani-pedi, and she had me pay before she did the nails, adding the extra $10.00 for the quick dry. I didn't appreciate that I was told this service could not be done in 45 minutes, only to be done in 30 minutes and charged extra, because she had regular customers come in. My dinged nail didn't actually smooth out. I sat there drying it for an extra ten minutes to see if it would smooth out. She did not say goodbye or acknowledge me as I left. I did go back later the same day after my other appointments and explained that I was told she could fix the nail if it didn't smooth out. I was helped by another manicurist- the same lady that did my nail did not come over to fix the nail herself. Meanwhile, I was death-stared by the other nail ladies. I don't think it's a big deal if a customer who was not happy comes back in to ask for something to be fixed, especially if I was told I could do that after being rushed through a service I paid for. Apparently, the manicurists there thought it was rude, because I received several stares for the mere 5 minutes I went back in and very politely, with lots of smiles, asked that they fix the nail. Perhaps the experience would have been different with another nail lady, but overall, it was a very uncomfortable experience. It was clear to me that preferential treatment is given to regular customers. read more

I stopped here hoping to have someone do dip powder nails properly. ENTER TYLER. It took a really long time to get the previous powder off my nails, which isn't his fault of course. But after my nails were clean and clear, he got me together and I'm in love. He shaped them perfectly and the application is even. Will return! read more

This was my first time getting my nails done in D.C. I normally pay $25 for an acrylic refill with gel polish. Here I paid $55. The service was nice and Tyler did a nice job on my nails. I just feel like $55 is a stretch for me personally especially when my nails are perfect at the price I normally pay. Additionally, I did get some waxing done. I have no complaints about that once again except for the price. $19 for underarm waxing and $16 for the neck/chin. The only complain other than the actual pricing was that I wasn't offered a beverage until it was time for me to pay which was a bummer. This place is cool if your ok with spending $90 on all three items. read more

DC Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is my go to place. They take their time and the salon is always very clean. They offer free beverages and have a wide color option. The prices are a bit higher but it's definitely worth it! I don't go to one person every time. They are all very good in my experience. I recommend calling ahead because they can get busy around the weekends! read more

The people here are amazing and the service is even better! I got a bright red polish and it looked amazing. They have a beautiful store and they take extra precautions for COVID which I appreciate. Love it here and I will be coming back! read more

I've been to DC Nail Spa many times and was referred to Tao by a friend. She has always done good work, HOWEVER, I arrived today for a mani and pedi, and she encouraged me to try the dip powder. I've had it before at other salons and wasn't a big fan because it's a little thick. She said that she applies thin coats and I agreed to try it. I got the pedi first with the polish that matched the dip. I had a gel mani from a previous visit, she removed it, buffed my nails and to my surprise proceeded to apply a top coat for the dip powder. I said, what are you doing? you haven't done the manicure, she said that will be an extra $10! What?! A la carte services???? I said if I have to pay extra, give me a gel manicure. I was baffled that she skipped the manicure like I wouldn't notice. She tried to convince me that skipping the manicure would be ok because she would "clean up the cuticles with the buffer"....so you're going to zap my cuticles with an electric buffer?! NO THANKS! I opted for a gel mani. Initially, I selected matching dip powder and nail color for the pedi. When I changed to the gel, I did not like the color. I had silver frost on my feet and a neutral on my hands. I asked if she had time to change the pedi polish to match and she said I have to ask my manager. I said, ask your manager what? she said I have to make sure I don't have another client that may have been scheduled. She returned and said yes I can do it for you, but you will have to pay $10-$15 WTF!!! Absolutely not!....can you have your manager come over? No, you can go talk to her..... Really?......no! She's with a client. she will come over, but you will have to wait for 30 minutes..... No -- I expressed my disappointment, paid and left. 1) To not acknowledge or address a customer's concerns is POOR customer service. Tao was very dismissive and didn't give a crap and neither did the manager. 2) If I had've known in advance that manicures are not included with dip, I would not have agreed to the service. I've had dip powder before and a manicure was included. Paying extra has not been my experience at other salons. 3) As I said previously, I've been to this salon many times and have never requested to change my polish. I was treated like I walked off the street asking for a polish change. I should not have to pay for a "polish change" for services I just received!!!! read more

10/10 I recommend getting the dip nails here. The technicians are extremely skilled. I've always had my nails last at least 3 weeks at which point I get them redone for grow out not chipping. read more

I switched over to DC Nail Spa from another nail spot in DC that was not meeting my standards. I was very pleased with my switch. DC Nail Spa is clean, spacious and with modern decor. Parking is relatively easy to find in the Dupont neighborhoods. The staff is also super friendly and very patient with my indecisiveness as I pick out colors. I usually come M-W for the gel manicure and pedicure specials. The spa is very relaxing and they offer complimentary wine, tea, water or soda. The nail techs are fast, but thorough. I have only had a time or two that my gel manicure has chipped and that was usually greater than 7 days. Otherwise, my gel manicures are consistently preserved. Would definitely recommend! read more

Would not recommend coming here if you're a person of color. As soon as I got seated for a pedicure, something felt off. The water in the bowl was lukewarm at best, and when I asked that the water be a bit hotter, it was very clear the nail tech couldn't be more annoyed. I wasn't offered a drink, and though I asked for just water, I didn't get it until the pedicure was over. I requested (and paid) for the extra 15 minute foot massage and it lasted barely 10 minutes. All of these things were minor, and on their own i would've easily over looked these issues and still tipped well. But it's the experience i faced when i sat down to get a manicure that caused me to instead just pay for my pedicure and leave. Upon arrival, I let the receptionist know that i planned to get a dip manicure. While I asked to see the dip color wheel, they kept telling me that they would bring it to me. Throughout my pedicure, and all the way up through the 30 minute wait between finishing my pedicure and starting my manicure, I wasn't given the color wheel, despite asking nicely a few times. At the start of my manicure, I finally get the color wheel (of which there are six, with over 100 colors to choose from). Within 5 minutes, a woman comes to ask for the color wheels back as there is a different customer that needs to choose her color. I politely tried to explain that I'd waited more than an hour and a half to choose a color, and since I was trying to decide between a couple colors on 2 different wheels, I asked if they could wait a few more minutes so i could decide. The technician at the NEXT counter, who is doing my friends nails (who had already chosen her color and was halfway through her manicure!) raised her voice and said there were other customers that needed to choose colors and that I should just wait and finish choosing once they had finished. The outburst was so rude and unnecessary that for a bit, I truly thought I was the one that was overreacting. But it became clear that after multiple rude interactions with different staff members at this salon, that I wasn't welcome and decided to pay for my pedicure and leave. read more

Wow! What a great surprise to find a terrific nail salon while out of town!! This great gem was a 10 min walk from my hotel and the staff greeted me and sat me for a pedicure right away. Super CLEAN and modern decor. I only got a basic pedi which was done perfectly---I didn't want a long intensive pedi today and the lady gave me exactly what I wanted! She offered me a brow wax! My usual salon always seems annoyed with the waxes, so I was thrilled she offered, and great job at that!! Then I asked for something different from my usual gel manicure and they recommend a nail dip manicure. The technician explained everything, showed me pictures of her work and then proceeded to do an awesome job! I'm thrilled and would come here again for sure when in town. I thought price was very reasonable. read more

Great. Pricey but i do love this place. They do uocharge for very little thing such as shape and length but if you have the coin good place to go read more

Had a manicure here today. Made an appointment just in case. It wasn't busy which I'm happy about. I simple manicure was $16. When I sat down I was asked if I wanted gel and I said nope, just a regular manicure. Tony was nice and professional. I took a star away because I notice other people had drinks and I wasn't offered one. read more

I got a manicure and pedicure. Very nice atmosphere. Attentive service. Clean facility. Good prices. I would recommend this place. The only recommendation I have is to not leave the water and jets on while customers have their feet in the bins. That increases the chance of an infection. read more

I absolutely love my nails. Molly did so good and she was really funny and nice. I come here very often and I'm never disappointed. Highly recommend! read more

This is my new favorite nail salon in DC! The lotions smell so good and the service is caring and precise.

Great experience with Molly!! Definitely coming back for another manicure. Great time managment for walk ins.

I have been to this place many times, but the last time I went they literally burned my hand. More importantly though was how the manager handled it. I went in for a gel manicure and the manicurist, Jessica, started putting acetone foils on my hand to soak off the previous gel. After a few minutes I felt my right hand burning, and realized that a couple drops of sort of liquid had been sitting on my skin and left two circular drop-like burns on my right hand. I immediately told the manicurist and ran to the sink to take the foils off and wash my hands, worried that the acetone was burning me. When I took the foils off though, my fingers weren't burned, so it seemed to me it couldn't be from acetone. I'm not sure what it was, but something burned the entire top layer of my skin off to where I couldn't close my hand. The manicurist was so apologetic and was trying to figure out what it was but had no idea. I tried to let her finish but finally told her near the end I needed to go because it was burning so badly. We went up to the register and I of course explained to her I didn't want to pay because they'd burned the shit out of my hand. I asked for their information in case I had to go to the doctor or something. She was really nice and understood, but called the manager over to talk to me about it. The manager was completely disrespectful and accused me of "just telling her now" and wanting the service for free. I understand they couldn't figure out what exactly happened, but either way I'm a customer that came in without a burned hand and left with a burned one. She ended by telling me to leave and her attitude was very dismissive. Not as frustrated with what happened (it was painful but it seemed to be an honest mistake that no one could figure out) but more frustrated with how the manager handled it and how she refused to look into what happened. I liked that salon and wanted to figure it out so that I could go back, but she wasn't interested in that and would rather that I just left. read more

DC Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Disclaimer: The two stars is for the new receptionist - Rae. I've been coming to this nail spa for a few years on and off. More recently, (8 months) - this has become my GO TO. The service is good as well as the price and my nails ALWAYS last and look good. The last time I got my nails done, they didn't tell me till it was time to pay that a shaping would be an extra $5. This time they said since I have this shape, it wouldn't be an extra $5 unless I wanted to cut them down because then they would have to shape them again? Come on. As for Rae - she's RUDE. She has zero phone etiquette. When answering the phone her tone is dull and uninterested. When calling, she literally said the following: "We probably can't take you today but maybe tomorrow." She also snatched colors out of my hand when I came in and went to pick my colors and said, "you can choose your color after you soak them." While I was there she had an encounter with another guest where she told her to move from where she was sitting when an employee told her to sit there. THEN the customer asked to speak to the manager and she pointed and walked away. As a regular customer, this girl will lose my business along with many others as I've seen. read more

I was in town for a wedding and desperately needed a pedicure + full set. I called in the morning and they were able to squeeze me in within 30 minutes! Great location, a quick walk from most places in dupont circle. Lynn gave me a full set of nails with a holographic ombre. COOLEST NAILS IVE EVER HAD!!! My pedicure was relaxing and well done. Thank you ladies for providing excellent service at the last minute! read more

I had a pedicure (basic, $25) and brow wax done here the other day and it was a fantastic experience! The chairs are new and super comfortable. Everything was really clean and nicely decorated. It did not smell strongly of nail chemical stuff like so many other nail places do and even better (for me): it was so quiet! No tv blaring, people yelling, loud weird music. There was some quiet music that was easy listening or something along those lines - Bryan Adams and stuff. So not the best but pretty innocuous and easily faded into the background. There is lots of light and so many colors to choose from! I was offered water, soda, beer, wine...most importantly, the pedicure was great and my eyebrows are under control again :-) I recommend bringing cash because you get a 5% discount for paying in cash, and can't tip with a card - so definitely bring at least enough cash for a tip! read more

Had a great experience here with Helen! She was very friendly and attentive and gave me a great mani pedi. Even wrapped my feet to protect them from putting my shoes back on. The salon is clean, well decorated, and has a ton of color selection. Will definitely be returning. read more

DC Nail Spa - Pretty! - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love them. Very experienced very efficient and pleasant to talk to as well. Have returned several times.