very clean salon, they do walk ins! and within had a really friendly and fast nail tech. good job thomas!! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I had a pedicure and manicure. I got excellent personalized service. Angel gave an excellent leg massage!

Always a great experience. My nails look great! Staff is always very friendly! Bonus, that it is in a great location off Racine drive near my protein shake place so I can enjoy a shake and a mani/pedi. read more

Great service and clean salon! A relaxing find not far from UNCW. I called ahead and was able to get in right away! Angel is the best. read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I've been coming to essence for years and they are the best, cleanest, most professional, respectful and nicest nail bar in town. Trust me, I tried out almost all of them before I found essence and they are the only people I will go to now. Further, their service and color selections are unmatched. Also fairly priced. I really can't say enough about how truly kind and excellent this family business is. Just want to emphasize, they have the cleanest sanitary standards of any nail salon I know of or have been to. Are gentle and kind and listen to what you would like. Definitely know what they are doing and give a lasting manicure. read more

See all

Very nice experience. Very welcoming, professional, clean, and knowledgeable. Will return when I come back to Wilmington!

I was a client for a long time and tipped extremely well, especially during the Covid outbreak. For years I had been dealing with a second toe deformity that I know was problematic and the nail techs kindly did their best with that challenge. And I always tipped at least 30%. November 2022 was the last time I visited. Not sure if the tech was in a bad mood or if he was just tired of dealing with it...but the level of hostility towards me toward the end of the service was shocking. I was told "You are free to go." I still tipped my usual amount, and left, absolutely gutted by the attitude. That being said I finally had reconstructive surgery this summer and my foot is gorgeous! I will not be returning to Essence and will celebrate the surgical success at another salon. read more

I got a full acrylic set done by Hannah today. She was so friendly, i was offered water when i sat down, and she did an amazing job. she is obviously experienced in nail art and was so pleasant to talk with. she is the first nail artist in the area that has been able to do stiletto nails this good, most other places I've tried have ended with a more almond shape. the appointment took less than an hour and it was only $57 which i think is very reasonable. i highly recommend seeing Hannah for acrylics. will definitely be back here! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - full set stiletto nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Husband and wife team very good service. I highly recommend them both. Very nice people. The whole experience was very relaxing. I will definitely be going back to them. read more

So glad I found this place! I'm visiting Wilmington for a Bachelorette party and quick needed my nails done. My nails were ratchet haha. Michael did such a great job and there was great conversation. I got the SNS manicure and I love it! My nails look and feel so strong. A quick tip - I unfortunately didn't have cash to tip (they prefer cash tips instead of credit card) so I was able to Venmo. read more

Three of us booked pedicures. Each was excellent. They were detailed and professional. The salon is modern, clean and welcoming. We will all book again at this great salon. four stars you deserve. read more

Another update. This place really is one of the best. Had an excellent experience on Saturday. They have the best color choices of quality nail polish and the man who did my pedi and manicure showed me quality and care throughout the time. He knew the perfect color for a natural manicure--Bubble Bath. It had been a minute since I had been here and it was a great reminder why it's the best. read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Price list. - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Mani-pedi review - came here with the hubs for some pampering: 2 upgraded pedis with sugar scrub and hot towels - $35 ea 1 Classic manicure - $15 ea 1 Gel manicure - $30 Locally owned, brand new, reasonably priced, very clean with great products Things I loved: 1. HUGE selection of OPI products, I'm partial, what can I say? They also had China Glaze -- overall very trendy colors available and also an impressive color selection for gels 2. Immaculate - the instruments are sterilized in what appears to be hospital grade packaging - they literally open a blue/white envelope with your tools in front of you - brand new pumice stones opened for you as well, and a nice plastic liner for the inside the foot soak 3. They offer various complimentary drinks 4. Select your own scent of sugar scrub with matching body butter 5. Great service - everyone was super friendly, fast, and excellent Tips: -This place was PACKED on a Sunday afternoon, so call ahead to make an appointment, everyone is great -Bring cash for tip, they don't put tip on cc swipes. We definitely came back with tip because we felt awful! Having lived in a huge spa town and tried several different nail salons, I have to say that Essence Nails and Spa really is the best experience I've had. Needless to say, I'll definitely be back. read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I had a terrible experience here! The staff is very friendly, but the shellac polish on my nails peeled off the day after I had them done!! Then, when I called to try to get them fixed, I was told that they were booked up for the rest of the day--could I come tomorrow? When I explained that I was leaving to go out of town at 7am the next day, they told me to have a nice trip. When I returned to Wilmington, I went to talk to the owner, and he said I was lying about what happened. I thought businesses today valued their customers and would try to make things right. The prices are quite high, too. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

As someone having 20 years knowledge of sterilization and autoclave, I witnessed a nail tech "fake" sterile instruments. She put instruments in to a bag...but the bag had never been sealed or sterilized. The bag still had its removable strip that exposes the seal strip, and the bag did not have the dis colored markings that should be present when a bag is sterilized. I was told she was new and didn't know what she was doing. To which I told them she DID know if she is LICENSED. Secondly, if she was lacking knowledge, why would she stick the instruments in the bag and FAKE IT? read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Ask to see the autoclave bag, look for color changing markers on the bag. If color change isn't present, the bag/instruments are not sterile - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

I have never consistently gone to a salon for so long. My girlfriends and I decided to try this place in February and I have been back every 2 weeks since. They are quick to do a gel polish change but take their time with full manis and pedis. read more

Essence Nails and Spa - My gel 2 weeks later.. Still perfect and chip free. - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Absolutely the best in town!! Lau is the best! Super clean place, great service, amazing nail color choices, super sweet amazing staff!!!! 10/10 HIGHLY recommend! The only place I'll go in Wilmington! read more

In town visiting and found this place on yelp, and I'm glad I did. Vanessa was great! $30 for the gel manicure and she did a fantastic job :) would recommend! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This gel polish stayed on for 4 weeks+!! I don't have to come back for a month because it stays on that long lol seriously, michael does the best gel manicure!! I swear by this place come see Michael! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - This Matte is to die. 5 stars!!!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

My favorite place in Wilmington! They use a new plastic liner in the foot bath tub for each customer! Its a busy location so an appointment is best unless you have time! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

nails look good. they told me that i was not able to get a design only glitter. there was not a wait and great customer service! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Just moved here from New York so I was looking for a place to get my nails done. While eating brunch at blue surf my boyfriend noticed a nail salon in the plaza and told me to give it a try. I had him call first to see if they were open or if an appointment was needed before I walked over to the door. He called and a women answered and said they were open and take walk ins but were busy so I should call back in a few hours. There was maybe two cars in the parking lot so I walked over because I was confused as to why she would say they are busy. When I walked over the door was locked there was nobody inside and there was a big sign on the door that said appointment only and to call the number on the sign. I stood there for a few mins just to see if someone would come to the door so I could set something up for a later time.... but nobody came. Super poor way to do business. They lost out on a customer and money for services. Went over to couture nail bar 910 and they did a perfect job with my mani and pedi! read more

I got a gel manicure from Pat, and she did a wonderful job. I have also had a pedicure here from the owner months ago. The service and quality always meets my expectations, and they are very sanitary! They also have high quality popular/modern nail colors to choose from. Picture is from over a week after service, still looking good! read more

Essence Nails and Spa - Over a week after a opi #55 gel manicure at essence, still looking good! - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I went this past Friday and got a pedicure. I walked in without an appointment and had to wait less than 10 minutes. Faviola did my pedicure and she did a great job! She was fun to talk to during my experience. The chairs are wonderful and I loved the liner in the bowl. It was blue so it felt very tropical and sanitary! Faviola did an intricate design on my big toes that I showed her from Pinterest. She took her time and did a great job! Next time I want to try the pedicure with herbs! read more

I called this nail salon after my technician at another salon had to cancel my appointment today due to a family emergency. I was skeptical of Essence due to the older poor yelp reviews, but this salon is amazing! My technician did a full acrylic set for $45 and gave me the exact color and matte finish with gel polish that I wanted. She even cleaned up my cuticles and was incredibly attentive to detail. If I wasn't moving soon I would make this my regular salon! I would highly recommend Essence nails. read more

Very disappointing, I have had some amazing nails done in this town and two very bad ones. Unfortunately this salon was a bad experience. I was surprised at the demeanor of the staff, once I told her what I wanted that was the last word she spoke to me without me trying to initiate conversation...very uncomfortable indeed. I asked 3-4 times if she understood the shape I wanted my nails to be and showed her several photos on my phone. Yet instead of square she kept making them oval and by the time she finally listened to me they were too short to have them fixed. It is important to listen to your customers - especially new ones. After reading some other reviews (and your very bizarre responses) I am confident this is not a salon I will visit again or refer any of the 45 women that work for me. As one person said this is the internet and people can say what they wish regardless if it upsets you or not. Seeing you threaten someone with an attorney is laughable at best and shows a very childish response. read more

My sister and I stopped by the salon one day and asked for a pedicure. They stated it would be an hour before we could get in, then they looked away from us as if we weren't standing there. We waited an hour and they still weren't ready for us, no one apologized or stated how much longer it would be. The women that work in there have some of the worst attitudes I have seen , they treat you like they are doing you a favor!!! That's being said, my nails chipped two days later. My polish usually last 3 weeks! My sister is in urgent care as I wrote this for a horribly infected ingrown toenail. The nail was not clipped properly. Don't waste your time and money at this salon!!! read more

Essence nails is 100 % the best place to get a gel manicure in Wilmington. It lasts for over 2 weeks, looks great and they always provide a great customer experience. I have gone to many other places in Wilmington and this one is by far the best. Don't waste your time on any other locations and go to Essence nails. read more

I went there today to get a mani pedi. The pedicure was awesome, my toes look cute and the foot massage was great. The man who did my nails, convinced me of doing shellac because I'm a bar tender and it will last longer and also help my nails grow. So I did it, I chose a darker color bc that's what I like. It didn't develop, he said he had the wrong lamp for this product and that he would try it again. So we tried it again. It didn't develop once more, so I tell him to just take it off. He scraped it off my nails and there was sooo much of it under my finger nails. There was a line of people behind me and I think he felt rushed. So I said, don't worry about it, I'd rather just not have anything - but he didn't fix the nasty dark shellac under my nails. He said it would take a long time to get out. So I'm left with nasty, dirty looking nails.... i go to check out and he charges me for a "manicure"... my nails look worse than when I went in there!!! And it's going to take a long time for them to be back to normal now that it's stuck under my nails, along my cuticles.... i am so disappointed. I came here to unwind and feel pampered. The pedicure was great, like I said, but the "manicure" made me feel ugly and unimportant. I am very unimpressed and will not be going back. He should not have charged me for the mess he made of my nails..... now I'm stuck doing my own nails on the couch, trying to cover up and buff what he destroyed. read more

Essence Nails and Spa - I was charged $15 for this.That's shellac under my nails and along my cuticles that he said "would take a long time to come off" - Nail Salons Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Love this place every time!!! No complaints! It's the best place we have been to when we aren't home in Cali to do it. I would recommend this place for sure! They give you a variety of scrubs to choose from which is really nice!! Some places only have 2 to choose from. They all smell great, this establishment is always clean and sanitary! The employees are so friendly and we know them very well from coming in all the time. They just love our daughter which makes it that much better! They even held her when we got our service done! AMAZING!! read more

It was my first time here and I will definitely be returning to see Lexi again. I was welcomed in and it didn't take long to start me even though I was a walk in toward the end of the day. I received a 30 dollar gel manicure, they use paraffin wax which felt great, and my nails look perfect. All the while I had a great time talking with Lexi; she's friendly, sweet and very cool. There were multiple people there when I was receiving my manicure, and everyone seemed to be very pleased with their services too. I'm happy this place is right up the street from me, with good Sunday hours (unlike other places around!) I had a rough day and wanted something nice for myself and they delivered and then some- I walked out very pleased. read more

The staff is great, they always make me laugh and they do a great job. The salon is clean. I am a loyal customer.

Took her time during my pedicure and massage. Very detail oriented and polite. Equipment and space seemed very clean. Only negative was the inability to leave a tip on my card. You must have cash for that. read more

We will NOT ever return to this place. My daughter and I just got "Royal" pedicures which was $36 each; however, due to getting Shellac polish, we were charged an extra $25 a piece for that! Ridiculous and NEVER AGAIN! read more

One if the best I've ever had!!! Went in for a mani - pedi. Called ahead and was taken right in. Great price too

I came here on Saturday afternoon for a gel mani and pedicure. They offer three levels of pedicure treatments. I opted for the royal treatment which involved a fabulous sugar scrub, body butter, and hot towels. Definitely worth the treat. The salon is clean, they use plastic liners in the pedicure foot tubs, and use the pumice sponges in place of the graters. I have very ticklish feet and can handle the pumice sponge without too much discomfort. The staff is fantastic; if you need someone whom does French manicure with a thin white line; Vanessa will be your go-to girl! The only downfall is you can't add a tip to your credit card; so make sure you bring cash. read more

This salon was very clean and pretty. Most employees were kind and helpful, except for one girl. She was inattentive and SO RUDE! I've never had such poor customer service. She was trying to buy things online while she was doing my nails and quoted me the wrong price. I told her before she started that I only had X amount to spend. When it came time to check out, I told them the price she quoted me. The difference was only $5, but I only brought so much with me so I was forced to borrow more money from my friend (embarrassing). I asked them to honor the price, but she refused and denied her quote. I just went through a very rough breakup yesterday and decided to treat myself. Now, not only have they lost myself and my friends as customers, but has added more stress and negative energy into my life. I will NOT be returning until she is gone. read more

Michael, Vanessa and the newer girl Hannah are all amazing. I recommend that when you go for your first time, please request Michael. He takes his time to literally, I mean literally, make your nails perfect. Shape, shine, etc. all of it. Especially shape! He is the king of shaping your nails, take his recommendation or show him a picture. They are lovely people there. WORTH IT read more

From out of town and loved this salon. We got the royal pedicures which felt amazing and manicurist did a great job! Very friendly staff!

UPDATE! My gel mani lasted 4 weeks! Unbelievable. Definitely my new regular nail salon.