My girlfriend and I decided we needed a day of pampering so we booked an appointment for pedicures. We ended up getting manicures to match and our brows done. They did a great job with everything. Very friendly, very clean salon. I will be back, they did a great job with my gel manicure and I hope it lasts! The wax dip did wonders for my dry hands!! read more

I recently called to book an appointment with Anne . I was told she was off. ( which was a lie ) then I called the next day. They told me she no longer worked there. I was in such disbelief. I asked where she went too and they said they didn't know . They said they would take my number and give it to her. Well I never heard from Anne ( which is not like her). Thank god I found someone that had her number to make an appointment. Come to find out they never called her .. so unprofessional , I just wanted to post in case someone is looking for Anne her number is 585-355-7387. Essence will never be what it once was... so sad . read more

I've been going to Essence for about 15 years now, mostly for pedicures and decided to try a dip manicure this week. I had booked a dip manicure and pedicure for a 5:30 appointment. The younger man who did my nails was struggling and after 2 hours, the owner A came over and tried to help him file and add additional coats of color. There were 9 layers of gel polish/ dip powder (also never a practice I've seen done before for dip nails) when it was all done. There were clumpy layers throughout that he would wipe off with a paper towel and try to dip multiple times to fix and they just kept getting thicker and thicker. He also added tips which are pointing upwards and not level. I could tell things weren't going correctly because all the employees kept coming over to look at my nails and talking to each other in a different language. The building closed at 7 and I was there until 7:30 just getting my nails completed and didn't get a pedicure. I was asked to pay $55 for the service that wasn't completed timely or well, but I did. I called back the next day and asked if they could be removed due to the thickness and poor quality of work and if I could have a pedicure with one of the people I normally go to (Chu or Tina) and that was scheduled and they agreed to do a normal gel manicure on my natural nails. I went in today and got a pedicure which was great and my nails were removed and I was told I needed a manicure to clean up my skin around my nails so I said "ok" and then was told my nails are too thin to do anything on today and I'd have to come back in 2 weeks. I went to the counter and was charged for my pedicure AND "manicure". I stated the only reason I had to have them removed was poor quality work which Tina even expressed herself while removing the nails. I have already paid $55 + tip and am leaving 1 day later with no nails, instead of a gel manager and the only thing An would do is not charge for the "manicure" that I received today. I am honestly shocked that I was not reimbursed for the dip manicure I previously received since I now have completely bare, thin nails. I am very disappointed in the service and will not be going back based on my experience here this week. read more

Essence Nails - Thin nails after requesting gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I scheduled a pedicure a few days early. I was seen 30 minutes early for my pedicure. NO COMPLAINTS THERE! But, after sitting in the seat...everything was going downhill from there. The water a cold, I asked for it to be warmer...and it was FULL BLAST SCALDING HOT WATER BEING CIRCULATED AGAINST MY SKIN. I told her to turn down the heat because it was too hot. It's been a while since my last pedicure, so my feet were rough (possibly and understatement), but I don't expect my skin/cuticles to be forcibly removed from my toes to the point I am telling you it hurts and I'm bleeding, and filing my nails down to the skin is a bit much. NOT OK. THEN...to top it all off...punching my legs for the massages and cracking my toes?!?!? Granted...my feet looks 1000% better and she did an amazing job; but I don't see myself going back to this place. It was physically assaulted and I do have bruises on my ankles and legs. I'm keeping eye on my toes to make sure there's no infection due to the cutting/filing of the skin and nails. If you go here...PLEASE just get a regular pedicure. NOTHING EXTRA IS NEEDED. read more

Had an ok gel manicure. Very limited colors to choose from. Manicurist deeply gauged the skin on the side of one nail with a nail sanding machine & caused it to bleed. Didn't say anything. Gel polish chipped off within a week and usually I can go about 2 1/2 weeks with no problem. Won't be going back again. read more

Always a friendly vibe here. They take care of their clients no matter what age and pay close attention to your needs. I love how welcoming they are, and it's a great place to fit in a last minute service. Go to Mary, she is so cute and funny. read more

I hadn't gotten my nails done since pre-covid and decided to stop in to Essence about a month ago because of the good reviews. I wasn't disappointed. I've never had such good, friendly service. I got a powder manicure with my friend. We did wait about 15 minutes with an appointment, but our technicians were friendly and my powder manicure LASTED A MONTH. There also was a girl getting an intricate design next to me that she had found on Pinterest, and it was very impressive. So, I know they do good acrylic design work as well. I was really impressed. I will be back! read more

I always find myself leaving a nail salon unsatisfied with some portion of my experience. This WAS NOT one of those times! I called and made an appointment for a fill. I was called back after 5 minutes with an earlier time-slot than initially given (which made me super happy!) I was greeted immediately upon walking in. The place is quaint and very neat and clean with a great assortment of colors (reg and gel). This time I brought my own color that I purchased a while back and love. My appointment was with An and she was so friendly and engaging. She moved quickly, but that does not reflect in her work. My nails were the exact shape and length I wanted. She even paints fast but again, you cannot tell because they look PERFECT. She used a fast dry top coat to seal the deal and my nails were dry in literally a minute! I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. I left very pleased and will be returning for sure! read more

Essence Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I was in town for a wedding and needed to get my eyebrows done so I stopped in. I've gotten my brows done a million times before. I cannot begin to describe how awful the experience was, the skin was literally ripped from my face do not get waxed here read more

Essence Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

Don't come here. Paid $80 for a full set acrylic toes and came out trash. She kept refusing to do what I was asking her to do and rushed me out. Definitely not worth 80 bucks !! read more

Essence Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I paid $35 for a gel manicure and the polish chipped in two days. My manicures usually last at least 10 days and my nails were really short. They're also not good at keeping appointments. You're treated just like a walk-in. They also treat their long-time clients better than new people coming in for the first time. I was ignored until I went up to the desk and told the woman how long I'd been there and that I had an appointment. The salon is medium sized but poorly ventilated. A lot of ladies were getting acrylic nails and the fumes were strong. My tech kept trying to upsell me on different services like dip powder, pedicure, etc. Overall, I wouldn't recommend. read more

Love this place! So many colors and nice staff! Had no issues with my service dog (handlers know it's so hard to find salons that don't hate on your dog being there) clean and friendly environment! Beautifully done nails! Both mine and my cousins mails (pictured below) were 45 (40 for acrylics with gel polish, 5 for design) quick cheap and pretty. Perfect. read more

Essence Nails - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

You will not be disappointed going here. I've tried what feels like every nail salon in the Rochester area, from paying 85$ for a set, to 20$ and this is the best experience and "bang for your buck". I've had fills/sets put on by each of the nail techs, and my favorite is the younger gentleman. The only time I had a questionable visit is when I had a new acrylic set put on by the oldest woman, her shaping was a bit off, and my middle fingers were in the middle between two tips and decided to go with the larger tip, so with the acrylic that tip protruded out looking not the best in comparison. However all the other techs are amazing. The facility itself is nice, very peaceful. No crazy noise or too much talking, they usually play tranquil music. Everyone loves to get to know you personally to enhance your time there. I never book an appointment, I just walk in when I need a fill and normally will take at most 15 minutes but usually can get me in right away. This nail salon has the most nail polish/gel/dip powder colors and variety that I've seen. They really take their time. They also offer plenty of nail art, chrome nails, holographic, color changing, etc. No thick chunky, gross nails. They also last forever! And they aren't cheap and go in front of your cuticle so you'd have to get a fil sooner than you should. I've never spent more than 45$ for my nails here, and that's including a new set, gel polish, trim, coffin shaping, and oil. I've also had a pedicure done by them as well and was an amazing export encounter. They ensure you're comfortable in the massage chairs, help you adjust accordingly, really take their time and added hot stones! After they're finished they allow you to lay back in the chairs and truly relax while they paint your toenails/ wait to dry. Super inexpensive as well, with various options. Overall this is my go to nail spot. read more

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I've visited this salon now on three occasions and I have had a great experience every time. They honor appointments, they don't overbook, there aren't long waits, they pay attention to detail, and my nails have been stellar every visit. My dip nails lasted about a month and this last time I went with Gel which turned out wonderfully (see pictures). Vincent took great care of me! Definitely recommend read more

Essence Nails - Gel nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Do you want to get your nails beautiful like this? I'm Vincent will happy to take care of you read more

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My first visit today, after reading the rave reviews here. I wasn't disappointed. An did a great job in a clean, soothing atmosphere. Included in my gel manicure was a paraffin hand waxing, which I loved. I'll be going back. Fredda G read more

This place is wonderful! The staff truly care about you, even though I'm sure I annoyed them by changing my appointment time three times. They were as courteous in person as over the phone. I was given full attention and the mani-pedi included a stone massage!! I've never had that before and it was amazing. I will be back. read more

The WORST nail experience I ever had. I went in for a last minute appointment because my usual place was booked for the holidays. So the lady was nice that did my nails, but the final product was terrible. Every nail was a different shape and there were some thicker than others. When I pointed it out to her, she said it was my fault- I'm not pushy so I paid (my mistake) and left. I will NOT be returning or recommending to anyone read more

This was my second time ever getting acrylic nails, I've always done gel in the past. Vincent was so patient with all my questions and changing my mind from French manicure to a color. I've received so many compliments on my nails already. I will definitely be back! read more

Essence Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

Had the best gel pedicure, most places in Rochester seem to rush pedicures but the guy that worked on me really took his time, was so polite and funny. All the other employees are very nice as well. My mom, sister and friends all love coming here I can't believe it was my first time and I've been missing out! read more

Essence Nails - Gel Pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Rochester, New York

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This is the first time I visited Essence Nails and went because of the good reviews. Although the workers were very friendly, I have to say that I (and my guests) were very disappointed. To elaborate: I made an appointment two weeks earlier for three women to get a pedicure. When I called to confirm on the day of the pedicure, they only had our appointment scheduled for one person. They happily changed it to three. Unfortunately, when we arrived, they were not prepared. Although they had three chairs ready for us, they only had two staff people available to do three pedicures. Our appointments were for 5:30. Person one was started at 5:40, person two was started at 5:50 and person three was started after person one had everything done but the actual nail polish application (approximately 6:00 pm, 30 minutes after the appointment time). When the nail technician was done with the preliminary work on person three, she returned to person one to finish the nail polish. Then returned to person three to finish nail polish. This is no reflection on the person who did the work--she did excellent under the circumstances, it is a reflection of the fact that the salon itself was not able to deliver on what we requested. We have never been to a nail salon that promised a three-person pedicure, but did not have enough staff. We should have been told when we made the appointment that they could not do it. The second big disappointment was that if you wanted your callouses done there was $5.00 surcharge. None of us had ever been to a nail salon for a pedicure that the service did not include routine callous removal. Of course, if we had bad callouses an extra charge would be expected, but not for routine callous removal. Aside from nail polish, the main reason we go for a pedicure is to remove callouses. Unfortunately, due to our experience, we cannot recommend this salon. Again, this is no reflection on the friendly staff or their work, it is a reflection on the management of the nail salon. read more

After my bad experiences at different nail salons, this is THE PLACE! The warm and happy ambience is the first impression when I arrived at the door. The music was greatly relaxing. The staffs there were so friendly and professional. Absolutely love the hot stone massage. I felt like a queen! It's well worth the money and the price is affordable. My manicures and pedicures last so much longer than what I used to have at other places. On top of all these, each customer have their own set of buffer/pumice stone and file for sterilization purposes. You have the option to take them with you after your service or they will toss it. So you know those tools are only used once. WOW! this is the first for me. The salon is a clean environment and the staffs used sterilized tools. Not enough good things to say about ESSENCE! read more

This place is great! Came here for the first time yesterday based on the amazing reviews and I will definitely be coming back. After going to Dream Salon and Spa for a gel manicure (which I was less than impressed with), I cannot believe the difference at Essence. My nails look perfect. You can tell the staff does not try to rush through your appt...they spend the time to make sure every detail is perfect. This will be my new go-to nail salon! read more

This was my first visit. I had a bad day at work, and was in desperate need for some pampering. I called a head and the person who answered was very friendly. When I arrived I was greeted with a smile and my name. I went in for a manicure with gel polish. The young man who took care of me was wonderful. He was so gentle with my hands. Other salons have ripped my cuticles and drew blood. This nail tech was perfection, I wanted to fall asleep right there. He was very meticulous while sculpting my nails. I don't think I've ever had anyone so focused and detailed at other salons. I also request a bit of nail art on two fingers and they were happy to oblige. The salon is VERY clean. You can see all of the devices used to sterilize implements. Everything is in clear view. My nails have never looked this good! I will say that it was a bit pricey, probably due to the addition of nail art complete with a small gem, however well worth the money to be treated so well by the staff and my nails are perfection! I have plans to return to this business. read more

I came here for a full set returned 2 weeks later for a fill after removing the nails I had a fungal infection on one of my nails...they argued me down and blamed me saying water got into the nail out of all of the years of gettinG my nails done I've NEVER had a fungal infection how disgusting...the men in there don't know what they are doing I will NOT be back..go somewhere else PLEASE !!! read more

This nail salon is definitely one of the best places to go in Rochester. I did not get the name of the gentleman who has done my nails but he was very attentive to the state of my nails. He takes his time and is very clear on what he is doing. I have had terrible experiences with cutting, bruising, and pain at Dream Salon. Dream salon charged me more money for a basic set of acrylics and the quality wasn't there. Here is definitely a great place to get the best bank for your buck. Atmosphere is very clean and inviting. I strongly recommend getting your nails done here as they take pride in what they do. read more

This place is amazing!! I was visiting from LA and by far best nail place ever. Leo took such good care of me and my nails. Recommend highly!! read more

Worst nail salon ever! I asked for a completely different shape/ style of nail than he gave me, and when I corrected him, explaining that the nail color was not the one I had asked for AND was clearly not "matte", which I also asked for he said "just wait 10 Minutes. It will turn matte" .... which it never did. Nor did the color magically run into this one I had originally asked for. Hate this place. read more

I came here a few months ago to get a full set. I've never had a nail pop off prematurely but I had one starting to lift pretty bad after about 5 days. The nail was peeling off at the base and could have easily just been pulled off gently, but the woman took a nail tip and started RIPPING my acrylic off from the top. The woman ended up ripping my natural nail in half all the way down to the nail bed. I couldn't even look at it that's how bad it was bleeding. The woman then ended up putting a new nail on top (helloooo- infection???) and I ended up getting mold under my nail so yeah I'll never be going back. read more

Tech Leo did an amazing job on my nails. You can tell he takes a lot of pride in his work. He took his time and paid close attention to detail. Amazing! read more

Disappointed in the quality of work. The pedicure tubs were Not clean after each use There were small children in the back room, like there is a daycare on site. read more

Ann is the best manicurist I have ever had. Ann dies my nails but the other two woman are also very good. My nails stay on and she does an amazing job painting and designs on them. She gives you what u want square or round short or longer. Essence also does wonderful pedicures, hair removal/waxing, eye brows etc. You won't be sorry!! Prices are the best in town. They are located in Plaza across from Stoneridge Plaza in Greece on Ridge Road West! read more

Amazing first time experience today. A friend had been doing my nails for the past 20 years and, unfortunately, it is no longer working out leaving me to find a new place. From the moment I walked in the door until I left, I felt comfortable. Mary was very kind and reassuring throughout checking with me frequently to make sure I was satisfied with what she was doing. Awesome job! My nails look incredible....very happy and I will definitely return. Essence is my new "go to" nail salon. Thank you Mary! read more

I don't like to leave negative feedback, especially for a small business owner. After reading many positive reviews I was excited to try them. Was not thrilled the first time, but I'm picky, so I went back for a fill. This time the woman burned my fingers numerous times, to the point that they were sore to the touch for days. The acrylics turned yellow almost immediately. The edges lifted within days. I went to another salon today to get a white fill. My nails were so bad they took the acrylics off and started over. I asked what would cause the horrible yellowing. They attributed it to old product. read more

What a fantastic resource to have in this great city. This was my first visit although my wife has been going there for the last 5 years exclusively. The staff are wonderful, kind and caring. I highly recommend this place to all my bro's read more

I have been going to this location for almost 5 years now. The women (Ann & Kelly) are very friendly and they do a fantastic job! The salon is neat and clean. I highly recommend the pedicure. It's only $25.00 and it lasts for weeks. The pedicure consists of the usual AND a salt scrub, lotion, mini-massage, hot rocks, and a hot towel. What a deal! They always try to accommodate my work schedule when I make my appointments. There have been times where I have gone elsewhere for a pedi (gift, etc.), but I always leave disappointed and missing Essence. Give them a try. read more

This place was just down right awful. If I could give it a zero, I would. I read all the great reviews on here and Facebook and decided to give them a try because I was close and didn't want to travel too far to my normal salon. The guy who started to take my acrylics off used another acrylic! That was the first thing telling me to get out of the chair and drive away quickly. It ripped my natural nails right off to the very top leaving me with nothing. I literally have nubs for finger nails. It is disgusting. I asked him if this is their normal process, he said yes and my nails are too thin which is why they are ripping off. This process also hurt pretty bad. My normal nail salon takes them off by soaking them or using the tool to shave it down and then buffing it out so it's smooth. After he took off about four, he told me the lady behind me was going to finish because he's done. Ok fine, no big deal. But then she started to take them off and hurt me more than the guy. She kept asking if I was ok, she must have known she was hurting me by ripping my nails down to the skin. I endured the pain because I didn't want to be rude. As this is happening, the guy I was with before is getting his ears pierced by the owner...in his chair...with customers in the salon. I thought he had to leave? I guess my service was getting in the way of him getting his ears pierced. The lady I am with, who is an older lady btw, then begins to file, awfully, into a shape that wasn't the same as the others and what was left of my nails, none were even. And then she begins to cut my cuticles. She left skin hanging around my nails. It looks terrible. She then starts to shave down what's left of the glue and acrylic on my nail and then buffs it out again terribly. You can still see the line from the glue she didn't shave down all the way and yes over my gel polish. She didn't have my wash my hands after this. She left all the particles on my nails and skin. This lead to my have bubbles with the particles underneath the polish. Her polishing skills are sub par, and got much of it all over my skin around the nail. She decided to take a phone call while doing this and forgetting to push the button for the UV for my gel polish. She tried to have me switch hands without even having the first under the UV light. I had to push the button because she was too busy on the phone. She asked me after finishing my one hand if I liked, and I bluntly told her how I felt. It was rushed, sloppy and most unprofessional service I have ever had. She started filing my skin, yes the skin around my nails to get the polish off. I started bleeding and that was the last straw. I got up and said I wanted to speak to the owner. The owner didn't seem to care about what I was saying, and told me to just leave, which I did. I was going to pay for the service because I am not that type of person. But quite frankly, I'm glad I didn't. I was there for only 20 minutes and she was just putting in my last coat for my other hand (which I never got because I was so angry from her filing my skin). You're suppose to take your time and make sure the service you are providing is exceptional. I normally sit in the chair for a gel manicure for 45 minutes. She did it in half the time, and it shows. I am embarrassed of my nails. The service is the worst, I would never step foot in there again, and I have no clue as to why there are good reviews not only here but on Facebook as well. I do not recommend going to this place. It's dirty, unprofessional, sloppy and not worth any amount of money (or even for free). read more

I have been having a really hard time finding a nail salon in Rochester and so I have been trying out different ones all over the place. My friend and I went together to get dip powder done because I have had so many great experiences with dip powder at other places. When we arrived we were handed a basket that held all of the dip powders they had "available", it was quite a small selection of about 8 different colors, only one of which was sampled on a nail so it was pretty hard to determine what they would look like don... Luckily they kind of had the colors I wanted however the pinks that they offered are very translucent...it may be a style but I don't love it. They finally took one of us so my friend let me go first, my lady was very nice and seemed like she kind of ran the place. She was pretty much finished with my nails by the time she got someone to do my friends nails, there were 3 other empty spots for manicures and just one lady getting a pedicure...all of the mani stations were full with a couple pedicure stations occupied while we were waiting so we didn't know why no one was available to do my friends nails once they were all empty. Finally a lady came from the back and started my friends nails. On both of our nails they did not cut cuticles and they barely buffed the nails after they dipped and sealed them...my nails are a bit smoother than my friends nails...her are in very rough shape even after she asked her manicurist to reseal the nail after the manicurist tapped it before it was dry and didn't realize. She kept rechecking my friends nails while they were drying but they were very bumpy, the nails weren't all fully covered, lots of streaks from the lady tapping them constantly without fixing them. I don't necessarily care about cuticle care but my friend really does, so she was very bummed out that for $40 that is what she got... It was an okay place, not the cleanest...they don't use the plastic bag liners in the tubs for the pedi stations and my lady's plastic (non reusable) gloves had clearly been used all day...they were black/brown on the bottom of the gloves and had nail polish all over the tops...kind of a turnoff in my mind. When we paid my friends manicurist checked us out and she was paying with card and even tipped with her card even after how much she hated her nails, when putting her cards back she had a ten in hand and her lady was trying to say something while pointing to her cash in her hand...I couldn't quite make out what she was saying but my friend tried to tell her that's her emergency cash...I thought that was super awkward...overall the place was just not what I expected after reading such high reviews...I don't want to bash them because clearly they all work hard but I was just not impressed. read more