Cynthia L.

Best nails I ever got in my life! Emi is truly the best and she is magical! I thought Emi was so funny and personable while we had our session. My best friend and I came here to get our nails done just before our girls' Japan trip last October. (Yes, I am a year late on this review). We needed to make a reservation with her about 30 days prior to our appointment. We just showed her the design we wanted and she would prepare. I went for a sweater-weather themed colors and the addition of gold flakes and gems made it pop! I got a lot of compliments for how cute my nails were. My nails last for almost a month and a half and it comes off so easily with no damage to my natural nails. I love her! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/emi-nails-new-york?reviewid=-kY7eLSSahVFdk88y46eIw&select=dmK3aacYO6o0eyrlTKMcXw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Jenn S.

Fantastic fantastic fantastic!!! Did I mention fantastic? I had been getting my nails done with a single nail tech for over 5 years and when she moved away, had another for 2 and then she had a baby and stopped as well. The bigger Japanese salons were ok, not very artistic when it came to nail art and the techs were not personable at all so it was hard to find that happy balance. Plus I had wanted to move on from UV curing to LED curing gels and upon my research I came across the glowing reviews of Emi! Emi, who used to be a professional makeup artist and hair dresser, moved into this medium of cosmetology and became a top notch expert at her craft! Excellent at free hand drawing for back art and really patterns to her clients. Space is professional, clean and warm. Plus she's a metal head like me so it's a win win in my book. Her prices are a bit pricier than the larger salons but well worth every penny. The product she uses is made in Japan. Not cheap nor easy to acquire since you have to go to a specific school to get licensed to handle these products as well as to purchase them. This gel does not damage your nails because their is no filing needed to be done on the nail beds themselves and they don't chip because they bend and grow with the natural curve of how your nail grows. By appointment only and she takes cash & card!

Melissah L.

I love my monthly nail appointment with Emi . She's amazing at her craft - so far, she can replicate any design I give her from IG and the paint never chips even if I wait 4 weeks to get them redone! The time sitting there always feels like hanging with a girlfriend. She's so chatty and funny and also makes the entire time very cozy with tea, slippers to wear, and Netflix. I am not sure of the nail art landscape in NYC but I do think she is slightly more expensive than Paintbox or other popular salons. My opinion, though, is that the personalization and comfort makes it well worth the extra cost. Everyone should book with Emi!

Victoria M.

Run don't walk to Emi! I don't want to write such an amazing review because people will start booking her up, but, she's too amazing not to share! Emi is the sweetest, kindest person and she is absolutely amazing at her craft. What she paints is art, plain and simple. I can show her any image, and she can create it with a few brush strokes. I've been coming to Emi for almost two years now, and I'm committed to her forever. She did the nails for my wedding, my 30th birthday, every major event. Her work is that good, and her gel doesn't ruin my nails!! I love collaborating with Emi on ideas. I bring in a vague sense of what I want, and then she uses her artistic knowledge to make it modern and wearable. If you haven't been to Emi, then you are seriously missing out on the best nails of your life.

Lydia V.

Emi is legitimately the sweetest person ever. Besides the whole, she's-the-most-talented-nail-artist-ever thing, she has an amazing personality that makes the appointment nothing short of a treat. She literally gives me show stopping nails every time I come to her. I have lost count of how many people have asked me where I get my nails done. I always give them her IG so they can be blown away by her incredible work. Now I understand why they call it 'nail artist.' I can't even draw the kind of stuff on paper that she does on my nails! I saw someone else say they wanted to keep her to themselves and I really felt that too! Because the more people that know about how awesome she is, the harder it will be to get an appointment! No, I'm kidding. I'm happy to support in any way I can. Emi, you are a gem and you are a master of your craft. Not to mention my nails last about 5 weeks and I work at Trader Joe's! Says a l o t about the quality of her work!

Adrienne F.

I moved to NYC a few months ago. I usually do gel nails and found it really difficult to find someone who did proper UV gel (not the gelish/shellac stuff). I found Emi on Yelp and thought I'd give it a go. And oh my am I glad I did. Emi is the sweetest person and very talented at her craft. I personally haven't gotten any nail art done but every time I go Emi always has a new design and they are always so cute and creative. All of the products she uses are from Japan and are of the highest quality. She has a wide selection of colors, sparkles and etc. I love that she's as picky and as meticulous as I am. She gets my pointy talons to the tee every time! She's just overall super awesome! You won't be disappointed!

Tara P.

I wish you could rate manicurist the way you rate über. This way all of the bad manicurist would be taken off the road and all the crappy patrons would get one star. Alas, this is not the case. In NY you have to pay and try until you find your true love. I found my match in Emi from Balance Nails. I admit I am completely spoiled by hard gel. The resiliency, beauty. I don't care what people say about hand cancer, UV gels last forever and make your hands look pretty. Problem is the real masters of this type of gel are in the burbs. I don't know why? Maybe people think short, stubby, manicured nails give you more street cred? I don't know. What I do know is I like my long and tapered. The place I went to that took off my hard gel made my nails look like they had been filed by a blind seagull. Or something that doesn't have hands, and any business giving manicures. They said they hoped I come back... Never. I'm a fancy girl. I like my nails clean, so that I am undistracted by them. I want to pull out my clutch and to not feel ashamed by my chimney sweep nails. I like clean and long!!! Emi recognized this and made me feel comfortable. She's a Japanese, tatted angel with the soul of a Buddha who is recreationally obsessive compulsive with nails. First time she did my nails she just wanted to see how they would respond to the gel. Two weeks later when she realized my nails were made for gel she created a proper tapered shape in a nice ivory shade. She blended two different gel types to create the right resiliency and color. She's only one person and her office is in the back of a hair salon. I love this because I hate the factory feel of many NY mani/pedi salons. She only does gel manicures. But, think of her as a specialist or as an artist. She does what she does best. I'll be back!

Quemoy C.

I recently had my nails done by Emi. I've never tried Japanese nail art, but I decided what the hell. I needed to get my nails done to keep the IDEA of spring alive in my wintery heart. I selected a design and Emi walked me through the process. The end result thawed me. I felt as if it was summer and the sun was shinning on me through my nails. They make me very happy. And they should, since it's damn pricey ($80 w/o tip). But they are so worth it. Treat yourself. Sidenote: I didn't know she specifically focused on these type of nails until I got there. I just went to her because she had 5 stars and I needed my nails done. Yelp got it right!

Linh N.

I landed upon Emi Nails on yelp after endless searches for the best Japanese gel nail art. The reviews here are all true, Emi is absolutely amazing. I went on a weekday during the evening and the entire process took close to 2 hours long, but it was definitely worth it. I had 2 nail extensions and nail art done. Emi uses gel nail forms for extensions which is quite rare in NYC, this type of extension is so much better since it uses your original nail to build length. Emi is very sweet, easy to talk to and most importantly, very detailed and organized. She can basically replicate any design you like, really impressed with that. I've had my nails for over 3 weeks and I'm still getting compliments on them. Emi is not your average priced gel nail salon, but the quality of her work really justifies the price. I'd definitely recommend her.

Jenny H.

Emi brought my dream nails to life whilst effortlessly carrying on a conversation as though we'd been friends for years. I loved the entire experience and I am obsessed with my gorgeous nails! She also inquired about my budget ahead of time and made sure to work within those boundaries. SO APPRECIATED! Getting my nails done is a luxury that I only indulge in once in awhile, so I need them to be perfect when I do. I have been to Sakura and Marie nails in the city, but I will return to Emi at Balance. The best!

Batoul J.

I can't begin to describe what a wonderful experience I had at balance nails. Emi was the sweetest person I've ever met. Even though I was running late. She knew I came all the way from Michigan and she waited for me. Which was so sweet, because I know her time is precious! She took her time and was so welcoming! I love my nails I can't stop looking at them! I definitely will be back to NYC just to visit Emi ! The layout of her work space is absolutely adore ale! It made you feel comfortable and welcome. Also, all the products she uses are top of the line gel! However, the greatest thing about my experience was Emi's amazing artistry skills! She's amazing! A true artist! All the designs are hand drawn by her! I can't wait to come back! Hope to see you in Detroit soon Emi! Thank you

Emi is an exceptional artist. She is wonderful, advanced in artistic direction + nail shaping + nail care. She is accommodating and kind and gives you suggestions. If you're looking for expert gel nail application or gel extensions, she is the one to go to. You will not be disappointed. She has done art on me before, but check out the photo of my nails in a more subdued design - but I Love the red- after a few months of her care - natural length and strength! Sidebar: I just took a chance last week and went to Wild Oleander in Brooklyn, it was $100 and I have chicken pox in the top coat, my nails are separating just 3 days later. This would never happen with Emi.

Emi is amazing!!! We hit it off right from the start! I'm gng to say that I'm very picky with nail salons as a lot of the places here in NYC, the staff is not trained, places are dirty and unless ur gng for a regular manicure, you're going to want someone who is trAined and knows their shit for gel! I was concerned about my nails being ruined because I wanted extensions and the product she uses she assured me does not ruin ur nails? Why you ask? It's because she doesn't file them with the machine! She puts on the tip and that's it! Ur nails stays strong and beautiful! It was a long process but well worth it. She is dedicated to her work and she works hard for her clients satisfaction! The fact that her nails last over 3 weeks says a lot! Booked my second appt and can't wait to have my natural nails grow even More!