Here's a polished 5-star Yelp review you can post: I had such a wonderful experience at Essential Nails on Clark in Chicago! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt clean, calm, and welcoming. The team is incredibly professional, attentive, and genuinely kind. All technicians took their time, paid attention to every detail, and made sure I was completely happy with the shape and color before finishing. The manicure looks flawless and has lasted beautifully without chipping. You can really tell they care about quality and client satisfaction. I also appreciated how spotless everything was -- tools were properly sanitized and the space felt fresh and well maintained. It's the perfect mix of efficiency and relaxation. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality nail salon in Chicago, this is the place. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Essential Nail Spa - Heart for VD - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been going to Essential Nail Spa for 8 years and I absolutely cannot say enough good things about my experience! I have never had healthier nails/cuticles and I genuinely look forward to my two-week appt with Nina. The pictures I have attached are only 3 of the MANY amazing manicures I've had here (these are my real nails, btw). Highly, highly suggest the Biosculpture Builder Gel Manicure! Also, I bartend and my nails still look great after two weeks even though I use my hands a lot. read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I don't even live near this nail salon but man is it worth the trip. I love this salon because my nails look amazing every time and everyone makes me feel so special. They call you by name and remember details about you that really gives a personalized experience. read more

The staff are gentle and kind here! I took my special-needs sister here for a mani-pedi. The nail tech took a lot of time making sure my sis was comfortable and then dealt with her very difficult toenails, which needed a lot of attention. I especially liked the phone manners of the woman who took our reservation. She did not rush me as I explained what my sis needed and set us up beautifully at a great time. The whole place seemed relaxing and not rush-rush with techno music blasting like at some nail salons. Thanks! read more

Essential Nail Spa is hands down the best place for natural nails. From the time you walk in, Vanessa greets you and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure your needs are met BEFORE you start getting your nails done. I have been a client got many, many years and send everyone I know. Thank you Essential Nail Spa read more

I got an infection from a pedicure and it burst and I need to see a dr. Not happy and this has never happened before

Essential nails gave me the wedding nails of my dreams!! I can't recommend Nina and her team enough...I'm a chronic nail biter and picker all my life and with my wedding coming up I wanted to have long beautiful nails!! Nina was so patient with getting my nails to strength and getting on a schedule that kept me from damaging my nails more. The first picture is my first appointment and the second are my wedding nails (my ACTUAL nails!) 6 months later! I've never ever had such beautiful hands. I think I've had a manicure from almost everyone on her team and everyone does a fabulous job with the designs that make it very fun but also takes such meticulous care each session! I sometimes come with inspiration but everyone has great ideas and suggestions it's easy to just go with it! The bio sculpture builds the nails so they don't feel frail even after taking off the gel. I also don't know where else in the city you could find such value for results... I've gained a bit of a following of friends and my now husband waiting to see the next design I get every month! read more

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Essential is my go to place! I've been a consistent customer for two years and struggled to find a good spot in the city until I found them! They care for your natural nails and always deliver excellent service. They're clean and all of their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail art - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The quality is subpar. My gel manicure started to lift in less than a week. The salon can get very loud, which isn't ideal for those who want to relax after a long workday. read more

$50 no chip manicure after 6 days. I'm having the worst luck finding a nail place. First this was the most expensive manicure second it didn't even last a week. In all the years I've been getting no chip the past two places have been the absolute biggest disappointment. #newcityproblems read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been regularly going to Essential Nail Salon for over a year and I look forward to it every few weeks. Aside from the incredible talent and how long and healthy my natural nails are, everyone remembers what's going on in your life and it's truly like catching up with friends each appointment. Any time someone asks for salon recommendations I always say ESN! They also use texting to coordinate appointments which makes it so easy to make changes and reschedule. read more

This review is long overdue! I've been going to Vala at Essential Nail Spa since salons reopened last year and this is hands down the best nail salon I've ever been to. You cannot go wrong with anyone here. My nails have never been healthier, and my gel polish lasts for weeks. I recently had a pedicure here as well and was very pleased with how thorough it was! The super fun and friendly atmosphere is just the cherry on top! read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a find! I have been to several nail salons in the neighborhood and Essential Nail Spa is simply the BEST!! The gel products they use are superior and the staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. My daughter told me about Essential, it's our absolute "go to nail place". I also love that the owners daughters work there too. Great vibe! read more

I've been going to Nina since I was 5 years old and what's most impressive about this salon is her passion for taking care of her clients' nails, not just the appearance (which is still a 10/10). She works very hard to ensure everyone who walks through her door leaves with a healthier nail bed and a smile on their face. Some people may find the price unreasonable but I don't because I'm aware of the quality of products that are meant to heal and strengthen your nails instead of harm them. The spa is always clean and employees are part-time comedians so there's always plenty of laughs. There are lots of salons in Chicago but not any that truly care about healthy nail beds and detail-oriented paint jobs. Don't listen to the bad reviews, Essential Nail Spa will prove them wrong. You're welcome in advance! read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No Chip is my favorite.Shellac me in red with a red pedicure. How pretty. This has been my go to place for over a year now. I feel like I am family., they carry three different No Chip products and I have been a fan of all three Bio , Shellac, and Gellish. My nails last two weeks with no chips therefore, my hands always look professional. read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'll let my photos provide all the evidence you need that this salon can't be compared to others. Everyone is friendly, they have the most recent colors and styles, and the no chip lasts for weeks! Book an appointment ahead of time and you won't be disappointed! read more

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I had a fabulous manicure with Vala! She did everything right and my nails looked beautiful as I left the salon. Unfortunately after 3 days, my polish began to flake off. I am not sure if the polish was bad but my nails are basically spotty with chunks of polish that just flake off randomly. I can even see the layers of the polish as they are flaked off. Unfortunate since i had such a great experience in the salon! Will have to stick with shellac from now on. read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I LOVE this nail spa! I came in here one day almost a year ago, on accident, just wanting someone to soak off my past acrylics. What I didn't realize is how addicted to biosculpture I'd get after them explaining to me how it works. I've been going here religiously, every 2 weeks, since that day. As is obvious with the other reviews, Nina is amazing; easily one of the hardest working people I've ever met, but always makes time for each of her clients. I also love that this spa doesn't smell like acetone when you walk in the door and everything is (and feels) so clean! So grateful that this salon is walking distance from my apartment! read more

I LOVE Essential Nail Salon. It's appointment only and I was told of it by a friend of mine who always has gorgeous nails. They book out, so it's best to make an appointment as far in advance as you can. They may be a little pricey, but you always get what you pay for at nail places - trust me, the price is worth it. My no chip manicures last until they grow out and the staff is so friendly and welcoming. The owner, Nina, also keeps her adorable dog around which is definitely a bonus of going! Highly recommend. read more

I'm hunting for a perfect place to get a pedicure and relax. My Pedi was perfect it lasted for over a month! They have a nice selection of nail polishes and the space is cute and clean. Everyone that was working that day seemed so nice. They even had an adorable lil puppy there! (Luv me some dogs) It's a neighborhood place and lots of moms show up with little babies since this place doesn't use harmful ingredients or polishes. I'm just not a fan of crying babies when I'm trying to relax, but if you need a mani/pedi and can't get a babysitter... This place was made for you. read more

Went to Essential Nail Spa for the first time today and am very happy with my experience - found my new salon for sure! Came in with my nails in not great shape and Nina did a perfect job making them look much better than I thought they could! Super clean and super friendly team! Thank you! read more

They do such a great job here! First of all, it is a gorgeous and peaceful space with exposed brick, high ceilings, and fun lighting. The staff is friendly and talkative and they will remember you by name. I've had acrylics for years and my nails were brittle and damaged but slowly and surely my nails are becoming healthy and strong again with essential nails with all of the hard work they do. Very impressed! read more

Essential Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Overall verdict: too expensive for the product and ambience. I was lured in (and rightly so!) by a Youswoop deal for a $35 no-chip manicure (bio-sculpt variety). Now, at the time I thought..."pretty good deal" and "I've been meaning to jump on this bandwagon." In actuality, that's ABOUT what one should be paying for this service. However, it DID get me on the bandwagon...just elsewhere. Regular price for a no-chip at Essential: $60 Refill: $35. Eh, too much. While my technician (Katya) was a dear, and did a great job...I had a hard time overlooking the fact that this place feels rundown and dirty. For a $60 service, shit better look tight, ya know? It's not lookin' so firm, I can tell you this straight up. Not relaxing! So, in about 2-3 weeks, I was searching Yelp for a new place to get my no chip nails did, and I found it. For my tips 'n tricks on no-chips, please see here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/no-chip-manicure-boutique-chicago-2#hrid:wMIVv1obFyz0b7XFiI3fnA/src:self *parking not easy *tips in cash only *if you do go, ask for Katya read more

It's been a week and I'm not impressed with my manicure at all. I kept the 2 stars since the pedicure is looking good but it's only been a week. My nails are so bad I'm going to have to polish them today, it's only been a week! I was planning on going back and just hoping that my first trip was an off day but a manicure that only lasts a week won't work for me. read more

When I returned to Chicago after living in NYC for 3 years, I came with no knowledge of nails. After a visit to family in Houston, I left with a set of "solar nails." All I knew is that they were growing out and had no idea what was a pink fill, a pink and white, new set, etc. So I flipped through the yellow pages to find a nail place that would help me. That's how I found Essential Nail Spa. I have been booking my appointments here for the past 5 years and refuse to go anywhere else. I appreciate that Nina (the owner) has a diverse group of ladies working for her. She is the first nail lady who I have met (and I've met many) who DOES NOT talk about you or other customers. I am permanently scarred from all Asian ail places who talk about you as you are getting your nails done (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean - those of you who don't understand what they are saying, they are talking about you - and yes, I understand and can figure out what they are saying). I appreciate that Nina is a perfectionist and is one of the rare nail places that hand buffs acrylics. She is concerned with quality and not just cutting corners to get you in and out. The place always is up-to-date with the latest colors, and she makes sure that the instruments used are helpful and not harmful (even if it costs a little more). I love the fact that her sisters or cousins or nieces are manning the front desk. It gives it a great family feel. Conversation is not forced. If you want to talk, all the ladies will talk with you. If you are tired and just want someone to do your nails, they will oblige. Depending on who is in there, the conversation ranges from US Weekly gossip to nails to weather to politics. No, you can't leave the tip on the credit card, but in my experience, most places ask for cash separately. It's not an anomaly. Essential Nail Spa is a small business, so I would assume that putting a tip on the credit card would be too much of a strain on them. Chains, yes. Small businesses, no. When they did make the switch, it was understandable. I didn't think it was a big deal. I appreciate the fact that they do not have those disgusting spa baths which are a breeding ground for bacteria. Ever seen an Asian lady toss in a disinfecting tab into the water before you dip your feet in? I have. It's horrific. The bowls are scrubbed after each person, so you know you are not inheriting someone's foot condition. Are the benches orthopedic? No, I find that the cushions suffice and will take sanitary water over the cheap leather "massage" chair any day. And who knows when they clean those at the other salons. I have been getting pink and white acrylics because they last for a good two weeks (and then it's time for a fill). Regular manicures for people who actually use their hands only last for about a week, and I find I actually save money by getting my pink and whites. The acrylics are also virtually indestructable, and everywhere I go, I get compliments. I refer them all to Nina. Pedicures? Mine last for a month. I've seen the business grow over the past few years. The business has only gotten better. Unlike my former hairdresser who eventually tired of being attentive to me while I got my hair done, Nina and the rest of her staff have kept up the high quality service since the first day I stepped into the door. Another thing to remember - you get what you pay for! read more

I'm extremely disappointed with this business for how they are handling consumers like myself who purchased a groupon! From my experience in purchasing groupons, NO other business has given specific times when you can use your groupon. This is ridiculous: Announcement GROUPON: Booking for JULY Openings 10AM-4PM Later appointments are booking up! Please email us at: Emailessentialnailspa@... You honestly think I am going to take a day off work and only schedule my groupon appointment at your convenience? This business its out of its mind! I am the consumer, I am not here to please you. You should be ready to cater to me, I have already paid for a service I have NOT yet received: groupon. On 6/23 I called to schedule an appointment. I called 10x to try to get someone on the phone. No one answered the phone. I am not here to be begging and chasing you around to schedule an appointment. You are NOT the only the nail salon in Chicago. I have contacted Groupon, I am requesting my money back. I honestly will never ever visit your business. I refuse to be treated as a second class consumer, simply because I have a groupon. read more

When I moved to Chicago from NYC 3 years ago, it was tough to leave everything I knew behind. Let's be honest, a girl's hair and nail people are huge to them. When I moved into Lincoln Park and unpacked everything, what did I need to do, get my nails done!!! So, I walked across the street (score!) and was so pleasantly surprised. I was greeted with big smiles (that were not fake) and even more pleasantly surprised by the prices. The work they did on me, I thought it was going to be a fortune (especially coming from NYC) but it was a 1/3 of what I thought it was going to be. They do regular manicures, pink and whites and non-chip gel manicures. Yes ladies, you heard me right, non-chip. Lasts for at least 2 weeks and worth every dime! They don't' use drills (which destroy your nails) and they don't have those annoying blowing machines that dry your nails. The pedicures are a real treat. Again, not in one of those big spa machine, just a bowl with rocks and all the greatest products. After you're done with everything, you sit there as long as you can and wait for them to dry, they spray you and you're off. I know that sounds weird but the waiting is not bad. The staff is so courteous and the people that go there are just so nice. You're either in a great conversation or just relaxing and taking time for yourself and who doesn't need a place where you can do that????? Also, it's easy to get to. There's the 22, 36 right on the corner and the 151 and 156 down the block. If you drive, it's street parking or there's a lot right up the block. One last thing, have cash for tips because they do not put it on your credit or debit cards. The more I got acquainted with these people the more I felt at home again. I have become good friends with the owner of this salon along with her family and they are wonderful people and not only that but they do the best nails in the city! I promise you that!!!! If I could give it more stars, I would! read more

OMFNG! Really people, I can't get anyone to answer the phone since the Groupon was offered, they won't return a call or voicemail and on top of that the "contact us" link you an email is "broken". This is not the type of business I would think Groupon would deal with. Fail. read more

Obsessed! Essential is the best nail salon I have ever been to. They have a serious commitment to nail health and growth that I have never experienced before. They only use the best products and NO DRILLS! The salon is clean and beautifully decorated. I normally get nail art which always turns out even better than the photos. And the staff is the best part, I always leave feeling like I just got doe chatting with my girlfriends! Essential Nails for life! read more

GROUPON BUYERS: I wrote Groupon to let them know about the service Essential Nail Spa is (or isn't!) giving Groupon customers. Within an hour, someone from Groupon had written back stating that I would receive a full refund, and to allow 5 business days for processing. So, even though Essential Nail Spa is a waste of time and money, you can get it back if you go through Groupon! read more

Pretty disappointed with this experience. I called to see if i get could a mani/pedi and they told me they were closing in an hour so i said i would rush over and be there in 5 minutes. i get there at 5:10(close at 6) and they tell me they will do a pedi and TRY to do a mani. 5:40 rolls around and they only have time for a polish change. This was my first time here and I am in shock that they would refuse to stay 5 minutes after to complete the service. They then proceeded to say as i was leaving "i hope you didn't feel rushed." well, yeah, i felt rushed. I will stick with Tres Bien on Armitage from here on out. So much for trying a new place. did i mention they don't have massage chairs but only little metal bowls for pedicures, ew. read more

I have been going here for years. They are the best and nicest people. Nina always chooses the right color for me

Terrible customer service. If you dare call it that. Incredibly difficult to get people on the phone, and when you do.... let's just say there's not a lot of warmth. I've never felt more uncomfortable booking an appointment before. The services themselves are fine, but I could do without the attitude. Note: If you are looking to increase your business profile by utilizing Groupon/Youswoop etc. you should treat those customers with dignity and respect. You get what you give in this world, and if you're giving 'tude, I can do the same. read more

Here's a suggestion, Essential Nail Spa: If you're going to put a YouSwoop offer out there, be prepared for the increased volume so that you can offer better cusotmer service!!! 1. My friend and I I got there ON TIME for our 7pm appointment. They took my friend right away and I had to wait 30 minutes before they started on my mani/pedi. While I was waiting for my service, I looked around and noticed the place was FILTHY! The tray attached the to chair looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a month. At no point during that 30 minute wait did they apologize or give me any indication of how long I'd be waiting. In fact, the girl who was workign on my pedi, pointed to the clock and said it was getting late. UNACCEPTABLE! 2. They rushed my mani/pedi. One girl was giving me the pedi (She had blonde hair with really dark roots) in an UNWASHED tub, and the other was giving me the mani. While I was sitting there, the girl giving me the pedi took a $5 tip from the last customer and waived it in front of the girl doing my mani so as to say "look at the small tip her cheap ass left me". In effort to save my pedi, I asked her how much the mani/pedi normally was so I was sure to tip on that amount. I thought that would make her do a better job but alas, it DID NOT! She did a half-ass job with my cuticles and hang nails and to top it off, as she was taking the dead skin off my big toe she started TAKING ALL THE SKIN OFF!!! 3. They finished the mani/pedi in 30 minutes and herded me over to the drying station for a max of 5 minutes. Again, they were trying to rush my friend and I out the door. The rude girl who did my pedi came over to put the plasic on my feet so I would leave. When I told her I didn't think my feet were dry she smarted off to me by saying "I saw you push the button two times"! Who talks like this to customers???? Even as I type this I am LIVID! To top it off she wouldn't let me put my socks on, so I stepped outside in the cold with flats and NO SOCKS! I made it a point to tell her that I would have tipped the lady who gave me the manicure but she would have to share them with her so I didn't give either of them shit! I recognize excellent and even mediocre customer service with generous tips but this was beyond horrendous!!! I will NEVER go back to this salon. There are probably 3 nail salons on that block to choose from. Don't waste your time or money on this one! read more

Unlike a lot of nail 'chop shops' in this city, Essential offers a uniquely personal experience with high-end nail products and services. I am always complimented on my two-week manicures. I'm picky. Yep, I admit that. I've never been unsatisfied. And since perfection takes time, I look forward to my one-hour appointments of feeling welcome, pampered and accommodated. Speaking of appointments, I will repeat: THIS IS NOT A CHOP SHOP/NAIL BAR kind of place. Advanced/scheduled appointments are necessary here, since it is a smaller salon. I thrive on time management, so I appreciate that they respect my scheduled time allotments. They are always ready for me at my scheduled time and I can guarantee that my services will be completed within the time frame. read more

I've been coming here for a while now and I absolutely love it. All the staff are super friendly - my personal fave and who I go to is Karen (always a pleasure to chat with!) Words of wisdom to people coming here is book early (they are a busy spa). But candidly, I book my appointments two weeks out and NEVER have a problem getting the appointment/time I want. This isn't a drop in kind of place and honestly, you aren't treated like that. They remember your name, the trip you just went on, your job. It's a very different and welcoming experience than you have at nearly every other nail spa I've been at in Chicago. I'm not sure where the negative feedback of the "snippy" receptionist has come from, but I definitely do not feel that way. And before I forget, most importantly, the product (aka my beautiful nails and toes) are always TOP quality. read more

I was in love with this cute little nail spa located just around the corner from my apartment. I had walked by a handful of times very intrigued by the welcoming atmosphere and delightful aromatherapy smells. It's pretty much impossible to walk in and get your nails done right away so finally I made an appointment before my vacation. I was very excited to give this place a try, not only because it's so close but also because it's more upscale than all the other million cheapo places in my neighborhood. I wanted to be pampered and that's certainly what happened. It's a professional atmosphere with quiet chill music. I came in for a spa manicure and pedicure. The best part of the experience for me was being able to pick the fragrance of your scrub. There were about ten to pick from and you could combine scents. That was delightful. It seemed throughout the entire experience that they were giving a lot of attention to detail. A week later, my feet are certainly very soft and she did a great job with everything else except applying the polish. I thought everything looked great until I was out in the sun and I noticed that she didn't apply the polish on the second coat all the way around the nail on my fingers. You could visibly see it on about 4 nails. It didn't become a problem until the next couple of days when it started cracking on the sides. My manicure looked good for about 3 days and then it just started chipping too much to keep the color on my nails. The China Glaze hot pink polish that I chose stained my nails pink which was kind of annoying as well. My pedicure still looks good a week later. I don't know, when I'm paying $70 for a manicure and pedicure I want to feel fabulous about it and it should look fabulous for awhile. A week after, I'm just left bummed out about the experience. I would be willing to give them another chance because everything but the polish application was really nice. Everyone was very friendly, and I enjoyed my experience. read more

Best Nail Salon I have ever been to!!!!! I have had many manicures throughout the country and throughout Chicago. In addition to the best manicures and pedicures, they are such a warm and friendly vibe. You always feel welcome, kind of like when you go to see an old friend. I highly recommend this salon. read more

This is my new favorite place to get my nails done. It is clean, cute, the people who work there are so sweet, and they do a FANTASTIC job. I've been to a good number of nail places in Lincoln Park, always looking for a balance between bargain and quality, and this place has it. I was totally fine paying 20 dollars for the express manicure. Plus, they gave me all sorts of presents to celebrate their one-year anniversary. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great, no-nonsense, neighborhood nail place. I am definitely going to be a regular. read more

Simply the best. You need an appointment but I've never been disapointed. Im hard on my hands and my no chip always last 2-3 weeks. Pedicures are wonderful & everything is so clean. read more