It's a nice cozy place, but I was disappointed with the service. I give them credit for keeping the place clean and staff is friendly, however my mani started peeling off the very next day. Also, Samara did a sloppy job filing my nails. I was pleased with the pedi, however. I'd give them a try again.. maybe it was just a bad day. read more

Let's me start by saying that I am a perfectionist when it comes to my nails and this quaint and professional nail salon does not disappoint! I've been getting may nails done here for over a year and consistently get complimented on how great my nails look. I stated off getting a traditional manicure and express pedicure but quickly converted to non-chip manicures. Essential Nail Spa is one of the few places in Chicago that provide true non-chip manicures and they use a superior product. My manicure lasts for the entire two weeks without chipping, flaking or peeling. Nina (owner and my nail "consultant") does an amazing job of keeping my nail beds healthy and I always leave satisfied. Maria does my pedicure and I have yet to have my toes flake regardless of how many pointy toe shoes I squeeze my feet into. On a macro level, the entire staff at this salon is wonderful. Wei is on point with scheduling and does a great job at keeping you supplied with tea, water, snacks or whatever your needs are during your appointment. The clientele are always friendly as well and I've even been lucky enough to develop a few friendships while getting pampered. Save yourself from being disappointed by other nail salons - they won't measure up to the wonderful experience you'll have here. read more

Bio Sculpt No-chip. It lasts forever and does. not. chip. Also, the process is good for your nails. Each time you have the polish removed and re-applied your nails get stronger and healthier. It's incredible. This salon is clean, friendly and worth every penny! read more

I needed a mani-pedi before my summer vacay and decided to try this place out. The main attraction for me was that they use individual bowls for foot-soaking. I find that not many places offer this option; it's SO much more sanitary than those drain-the-water-out chairs everyone sits in at other places!!! Essential had a "spa" mani-pedi combo deal for $60 the day I went. The service was very gentle and the manicurist really took her time with me. The atmosphere was very relaxing and friendly too. I enjoyed the experience. BUT while experience is one thing... the aftermath is another. I brought my own OPI and Revlon nail polish from home, so maybe the fact that the polish started to chip after just a few days after the service can be attributed to that... i don't know. My main gripe was that, even though she seemed to be very gentle while working, my manicurist really irritated one of my cuticles and it was bugging me for a few days afterwards. Ouch. HATE that. And then i noticed that the skin around my cuticles really started flaking and peeling a lot a few days after the manicure, and is still peeling over a week later. UGH. wtf? One of the reasons I caved to the "spa" upgrade was because i've been having a problem with summer dry patches on the tops and sides of my feet and i thought some extra exfoliation and care from this pedi would help... it did not. The atmosphere and service were great at the time of the mani-pedi, but the results seen just a day or two later just ruined the whole experience for me. Maybe I should have tried the no-chip option... I don't know. It's too expensive for me to try this place again :( Disappointed. read more

I came to Essential Nail Spa after Googling healthy gel nail treatment. I know gel nails and healthy nails comes across as an oxymoron, but reading about Essential Nails' focus on a healthy process for nail care caught my attention. More than 5 years later, I have not been disappointed. Nina, the owner, recommended a particular brand for my dry nails, which have improved over time. Each nail technician is EDUCATED AND TRAINED to perform the same service, the same way. This includes removing the old gel polish every so gently from the nail. No drills. Never any hard sanding or forced scraping. And they have a zillion colors. Plus on day, you can see Nina taking down old outdated polish and putting up new ones and she won't sell the old polish! I also love having an appointment. I'm busy. So it's important for me to get in and get out. I love the ambience and professional and friendly staff. I live south and have been driving north to my Essential Nails appointments. It's worth it. read more

Went here for about 4 years for mani/pedis until I moved out of the area. The service here is very welcoming. I always enjoyed my experience and the quality is great. The only setback here would be there are no massage chairs if you're looking for that kind of thing. Otherwise, this is a cute, friendly, down to earth nail spa that I highly recommend. fyi. make your appointment ahead of time. From my experience, it's fairly difficulty to get same-day service, and especially if they're running any deals at the time. read more

I had the best no chip manicure I've ever had at this nail spa. Not only that but I love that this company is female-owned and the employees seem happy and are being respected. It was also cool to see the owner's daughter working the front desk. I'll be back! read more

This is my first time at this place, but giving them a high rating for a few reasons. I've never had someone work so hard to get my feet in shape. Never! And they do everything in such a smart way...like putting on those rubber flip flops BEFORE they paint your nail. If you prefer the massage chairs and big tubs this isn't your place, however. They bring out huge steel bowls to soak your feet in hot water; everything is more sanitary and clean. They seem to have a strong following and everyone is friendly. It is the by far the best pedicure I've had in ages...they get all the basics right! read more

Essential Nail Spa - A clean, bright place with happy employees that seem to enjoy talking with their clients. - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nina, the owner, was great! We sent my mom, mother-in-law and two lady friends for some pampering post Thanksgiving holiday. The ladies loved the ambiance, loved Nina and the staff. They were treated like queens. It's also BYOB ! Send your ladies with some vino! The ladies will all go back. Thanks for taking care of the special ladies in my life! read more

Essential Nail Spa - Four special ladies got Mani/Pedi service! - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I used my LivingSocial coupon here last Fall for my first ever no-chip manicure. I don't remember the name of the girl who did the manicure but she did a fantastic job. She really took the time and when I pointed out a bubble to her, she scraped off the layers and re-did the nail. The salon itself is cute and clean. However, one pet peeve I have about nail salons is that I don't like having to get up from the mani table to wash my hands (for the cuticle remover, I think) before the polish application. Plus, I was told to use what looked like the community nail brush while I washed. That's minus a star in my yelp book. read more

Such a gem. I was lucky that my more regular spot is temporarily closed. I dropped in and they were able to see me within a reasonable amount of time. My nails look wonderful and the girls were incredibly sweet and funny. The atmosphere is lovely to boot. read more

I love Essential Nail Spa and am lucky enough to live right around the corner. It is extremely professionally run (appointments start on time!) and super clean. All of their employees are very welcoming and friendly, and I always have great conversations with them and my fellow customers. Importantly, they do a great job on nails. The non chip manicure is the best thing to happen to my hands -- it lasts two weeks and I type all day. Their pedicures are great as well -- yes they are bowls but you watch them disinfect everything completely after every customer, which is nice to know. read more

Essential Nail Spa saved my nails! I got pink and white nails out of state for a wedding, and being my first experience with tips and gel, the maintenance was a bit of a mystery to me. I went to a couple of local places and had less than stellar experiences. One place cut my finger and the others couldn't understand what I was asking for and so desperately needed - a removal of the current tips/gel and a new set. They just kept piling new layers of gel on. I called Essential Nail Spa in a panic as I was starting to think I'd just have to either rip them off or sit my fingers in a bucket of acetone for hours on end, as everything was starting to look horrible and peel away from my natural nail. They listened very carefully to my explanation of what had previously been done and managed to squeeze me in that same day. When I got there, everyone was extremely friendly, everything was very clean and they managed to fix the damage done and give me a gorgeous set of nails! They seemed to know everyone who came in the door and there was a very comfortable, neighborhood vibe. I think I'll still head to the spot up the street from me for pedicures as they do a good job and are less expensive, but for everything having to do with manicures, Essential Nails is my new go to spot. read more

Consistent outcome, quality product, friendly staff, and great ambiance sum up Essential Nail Spa. I have never left the salon unsatisfied with my manicure and I have been going here for 2 years. Reason being, the ladies take their time and use the product that is best for you and your nails. I could never keep a regular manicure for more then 2 or 3 days before it would chip away, now they will last for at least 2 weeks if not a little longer. The staff might be even more of a reason I enjoy the spa. All the ladies are great, I have been to them all! Regardless of who you make your appointment with, satisfaction will be guaranteed. Katiya has an amazing attention to detail, just ask my cuticles :) Bozena is not only a blast but she is amazing at what she does. Nina is a pro. All the ladies at the spa, employees and clients, are talking, laughing, relaxing and having a great time. Below reviews talked about prices being too high, they have come down, so come on in to see for yourself. read more

Essential is the BEST nail salon! I've spent the last year searching for my new regular nail salon and they're it. As someone who's pretty obsessed with getting her nails done and was very dedicated to their Japanese salon in New York and the cal gel/bio gel products, I feel like I've tried everywhere in Chicago and nowhere was cutting it. But then I tried Essential and I'm never going anywhere else. The salon is beautiful, modern and clean, and I am so happy they have bio gel, which is so hard to find in Chicago (best gel product ever!). Every single one of their technicians is excellent; I'm always happy no matter who takes care of me. It's so enjoyable to get your nails done there - everyone is super friendly and chats with each other. I really look forward to my now regular visits and am so happy I found it! read more

This is such a fun and relaxing salon. Not only do they do an amazing job (seriously my nails have never looked this perfect), but everyone is so friendly and kind!! They have a wide variety of colors and help you pick out the perfect color if you aren't sure what you're looking for. They remember who you are if you've been more than once and you can text them to schedule or reschedule appointments! It's BYOB if you want to have a little fun with the girls and you can pay or tip with Venmo if you need to! 10/10 would recommend! read more

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

Essential is by far one of the best nail salons I've ever been to! It is a beautiful relaxing atmosphere. The quality of the gel manicures and pedicures is unreal. My nails look great but are also very well cared for. The staff is so warm and friendly. I love love love coming here!! read more

Couldn't have asked for a better staff and hospitality at this establishment!! It was very nice to meet Nina, Sam, Katja, and Olivia! Wonderful service and loved the energy overall! Thank you! Carlos and Brandon read more

I went here based on Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint. Very nice ambience - snacks, beverages, and no nail polish fumes. My manicurist was utterly silent, which I thought was simply her m.o. until another customer came in. She immediately started laughing and chatting it up, which made me feel a little weird that she hadn't said two words to me. This seems like a place that has a lot of "regulars." Anyway, everyone else was extremely friendly. They TIED MY SHOES for me so I wouldn't ruin my nails! I'll definitely be back. read more

This review is for their no-chip manicures only. I just recently started going to Essential Nail Spa. I went the first time with a Groupon for a no-chip mani, thinking it would be my only trip here since it is a little out of the way for me, but have kept coming back because of the great service and friendly staff. The first time I came here I had never had a no-chip mani, but Nina took some time to explain the procedure to me. Now I have had the no-chip done by both Nina and Katya, who both do excellent work and seem like overall great people. And I have never gotten more compliments on my nails! Unfortunately, no-chip mani's are expensive. So while I don't think I will keep coming back here regularly for them (working off a tight budget) I would come for special occasions or any time they have deals or special offers because the staff is so great. read more

I have been coming to Essential for over 3 years now. I came to the spa having done years and years of gel and acrylics on my nails and they were in really bad shape. I was previously going to a "chop shop" cheap place and getting what I paid for. However, I found Essential and within a month/two my nails had fully recovered and looked absolutely amazing. I use the Bio-Sculpt non-chip product on my nails and my nails are healthy and strong. I love the atmosphere at Essential. The place is calm and relaxing and everyone treats you like you are queen for the day. It's my escape and my time to feel pampered. All of the staff I have worked with have been professional, friendly and attentive. I have seen no-chip manicures that my friends have gotten from other salons and some people really do not know how to work with the product. At Essential, I have had nothing but great applications that have lasted a full 2 weeks (sometimes even 3 when I couldn't make it down there) with no sign of chipping. It's worth every single penny and highly recommend it. Lastly, I will add that I live wayyyyy up in the Northwest Suburbs but I make it a point to drive through crazy traffic to come to Essential. It is THAT GOOD! read more

Bad Quality, Expensive. Gel mani chipped extremely fast for a $50 manicure. Employees are very nice & salon is very clean though.

Very clean ( and I mean VERY), very professional, on time, pleasant atmosphere. I have been a very loyal customer for at least 6 years. I don't trust anyone else with my Nails read more

I LOVE Essential Nail Spa. I have been going there for over 8 months. It was recommended to me for the no chip manicure because in my job my nails are put through torture. They were always chipping, splitting and breaking. I tried getting manicures each week but that didn't help so I decided to try the no chip. Nina (owner) is Fantastic...I love looking at my nails and now that the nails are stronger they always last 2 weeks. I can't say enough about the pedicures. Katya does a wonderful job and my feet never felt better....I always treat myself to the essential...the parrafin wax is to die for. Next time I am trying their new Volcano pedicure...I don't know how it can get better than the Essential but we'll see. The atmosphere is always welcoming and the ladies so friendly. It is great to see all the work that Nina puts into her business and the neighborhood! Love the new purple awning! read more

Like others, I got a groupon for this place. Admittedly, like most, I couldn't get a hold of anyone to even book an appointment originally. However, I decided to wait a bit to 'cash in' and glad I did. This was a small but clean and nicely decorated place. Staff is fairly friendly and helpful. They did a WONDERFUL job on my mani/pedi. I would give five stars, but du to the fact that I had to wait three months to use this I gave them four stars. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Essential -- the space, the services, but most of all, the wonderful women who work there and treat me and everyone else like family every time we walk in the door. I have been going to Essential for almost 5 years, and after the first time I got my nails done there, I have never been anywhere else in the city. Their technique is so unique and they take such care and time with every service they offer. Their pedicures last over a month and they have all of the latest colors form Essie/OPI/etc. The minute I walk in the door, I feel at home and comfortable and they go out of their way to make every visit as fantastic as the one before. Best things about Essential? Funn you should ask... 1. Their pedicures are unbelievable. They use special stainless steel bowls, an amazing scrub (ask for the pumpkin flavor in the fall!), and NO razors. My feet are always a mess from running but I leave feeling amazing every time. I go every 6 weeks and except for my yucky blisters, my toes look almost the same as when I left the spa 6 weeks prior. 2. They offer numerous types of no-chip manicures. I have tried almost every type and have finally settled on CND, but they also have Bio Sculpt and Gellish (maybe another one too). They soak off the old and re-apply the new safely and the proper way -- and make sure to give you essential oils to use every night before bed to keep your mani in perfect condition! 3. The space. It's gorgeous. Essential used to be located a block or two south (also a great space) but their new location is larger, brand new, and so comfortable. It's very modern, clean, bright and welcoming -- and there are always snacks waiting to be devoured :) 4. Every single woman who works there is amazing. Friendly, knowledgeable, funny, helpful, talented. I love them all and have seen almost everyone. 5. They are BYOB. Enough said. I could go on and on, but one more thing. I love Essential so much that I am renting out the space for a few hours for my pre-wedding mani/pedi "party" with all of my girls in the summer! Wei has been so helpful and accommodating with the party and I couldn't be happier. All in all... this is a place I look forward to going to not just for the services, but for everything else that comes along with it. Best nail salon in the city. Period. read more

Hands down (pun intended) the best nail salon in the city. Period. I found this gem on referral when I was seeking a nail salon close to home in Lincoln Park; however, truth be told Essential Nail Spa (ENS) would be worth the drive as well. Nina and crew have been keeping my nails in top condition for almost 2 years. I am constantly receiving compliments on my mani and did I mention I don't have to choose my own color? One less choice to make... Nina makes her recommendation and I am set. It's like the "Cheers" version of a nail salon. Do your cuticles a favor... read more

This is hands down the best nail salon in Chicago. It's extremely clean, the people are so friendly, Nina the owner is amazing and they do a fantastic job. I've been getting pedicures and no chip manicures there the last few years and have always had an awesome experience. Plus, their no chips last almost three weeks and look flawless. I've never received so many compliments on my nails in my life. Do yourself a favor and go here. You won't regret it. read more

I have lived in Chicago for just about 5 years and tried every single high-end nail salon. I don't like the cheap places and drills, as I prefer the personal touch. Well, I found Nina by doing a search for "pink and whites no drill" and I am so glad I did. You won't find a BETTER salon than Essential Nail Spa! Nina is amazing and no matter what you have done to your nails (I smashed one with a hammer) she works miracles to make them look flawless. I love her pink and whites almost as much as she does (if she is not happy with her work, she will let you know and redo them - bottom line - you are NOT leaving with nails you don't love!) And I have to add, as I have read a few reviews about the place not being "fancy enough" - well fancy places are OK, but none can compare to how you feel here. You truly do feel like part of the family, from the moment you walk in and I would not trade that for all the fancy wall coverings in the world! The people and the skills are what make this a place I will continue to come to - no matter what - and I have now been a happy client for almost 2 years now! read more

There's nothing truly bad about this place, it's just that I prefer a different experience when I'm getting my nails done. I booked my appointment almost a week in advance and didn't have trouble getting in, but during my appointment I realized that it's virtually impossible to get a same-day appointment or walk in. They also have a 24-hour cancellation policy and take your credit card info to book the appointment. The spa itself is, in a word, swanky. Clean lines, modern furniture, good atmosphere. It looks great but in my opinion is not functional. Nowhere do they have seats with backs high enough for you to rest your head, which blew my mind. I'm going to sit for almost an hour getting a pedicure, which is supposed to be relaxing, but I can't get comfortable by leaning my head back? I'm ok with no massage chairs, but the built-in bench with pillows and cushions doesn't do it for me. I found it strange that the sink for hand washing was in the back kitchen/laundry area. It also kills me that they've taken 90 minutes plus to do the spa mani pedi and then you have to stay another 20 minutes to wait for your nails to dry because they don't have the dryers. They might look tacky, sure, but so worth it - who has two hours for a mani pedi on a regular basis? I'm not sure what my $70 went to - I don't mind splurging every once in a whole but wow. Maybe they upped the prices to subsidize the purchase of massage chairs so their ladies don't have to carry bowls of hot water around. One can hope. I wavered between two and three stars for this review but as I look down at my fingernails and see that two nails are chipped after less than 24 hours and no crazy activities, I'm pretty disappointed and not planning on going back. 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

I'm actually really confused why they even offered a groupon, since they obviously do not want to deal with groupon appointments. I bought this deal with two of my girlfriends, and we were planning on using it before our mutual friend's wedding. After buying it, we were given an alternate number to call and set up appointments and asked not to call the salon. In May, I started trying to call and set up an appointment. After a few attempts at calling the alternate number (which I later found out was one of the workers' cell phone), I decided to just call the salon. I asked for three appointments about 4 days before the date, and they were extremely accommodating....until they found out we were groupon holders. "Well, we're not booking THOSE appointments until next month, and don't call this number, just text the other one the date and time you want and we'll get back to you." is what I was told. So, I coordinated a date in June with my friends and texted it to her. I've still never heard back. Since that text, the three of us have called several times, leaving voice-mails, but to no avail. Last week, my friend contacted groupon, who in turn contacted the salon, and groupon said that if we did not hear from them in a few days they would give us a refund. Sure enough, no word from them. We each contacted groupon and they very quickly refunded us our money. I guess I just have a hard time understanding why you would put out a groupon and then get annoyed when people actually try to redeem them. read more

The snippy receptionist needs to check her attitude before she loses more loyal customers. I understand the need to make an appointment in advanced. However, their policy to make an appointment at least one week in advance is a little ridiculous to me. What is more ridiculous, however, is the way the receptionist will respond when you call to schedule an appointment a few days in advance. I've gone here many times and have been pleased with the results. However, being a loyal customer I am fed up with the rude customer service and will not be returning. read more

Well that was the best pedicure I've ever had. I was searching around on Yelp for the nearest salon to my house, which it isn't, but it had great reviews so I walked an extra 2 blocks (woof) (jk). I walked in, which is stupid, don't just walk in... make a dang appointment. Anyway, I walked in and they graciously squeezed me in for a Spa Pedicure (that is only $45, how?) and I worked with Valentina. All of the technicians were super friendly and chatting with the clients. I plugged in a Podcast (My Favorite Murder represent) and Valentina was fine with it. Sometimes I feel a weird resentment if I listen to music but I also don't really care. But I digress, seriously that was the best pedicure ever. From the quality of the work to the customizable scents, I liked it all. Also! They let me pay with Venmo #convenient. Love it, will be back, will bring friends! Oh! And it's BYOB! #preach read more

After reading all the positive reviews on here I decided to book a mani/pedi at Essential Nail Spa. I took advantage of their Tuesday special, which got me a basic manicure and pedicure for $35. The girl really took her time and did a nice job and she was very friendly and talkative, without being annoying. The manicure lasted for over a week without any chipping and the pedicure still looks great after two weeks. I particularly liked that when I mentioned I was a first-time customer they gave me a menu of their services, a $5 off coupon and a little packet of chocolate covered sunflower seeds as a gift. It really showed that they value their customers and want them to come back. I would definitely come here again. read more

Nice, cheap pedicure and manicure, and the manicure has lasted six days so far, with no big signs of wear. The last star isn't there because the pedicure bench isn't the most comfortable. Reasonable for a quick, easy pedicure. (It's also right around the corner from my place, which makes it very convenient.) read more

Always a pleasure getting my nails done here. Comfortable and professional. Very easy communication and great nails.

I am a doctor, and I constantly wash my hands on top of destroying my nails weekly doing all kinds of manual work...but Thank God for Nina, the Nail Fairy ! I have been going to her weekly or so for the past 8 years. She started in another salon on Wells, then I followed her to this current location. I get my mani and pedi by Nina. Wei, her sister, runs the desk, and both are a pleasure to deal with. The staff is very friendly. I even brought them my son who had a bike accident over the summer with a hematoma under his big toe nail, and Wei took care of him, giving him a pedi, to manage his new growing toe nail, for a 12 y.o. boy ! for all those ladies complaining about the chipping of the polish, yes, it is supposed to happen after a few days especially if you clean/work with your hands, and without gloves. Nails do grow, just like hair: the new fresh color at the hairdresser will wear off too within a couple of weeks, no magic... as for parking, sorry, but it is much better than downtown, the Loop or Near North. at least you can get free street parking fairly easily, hello. and in the summer, if I have the time, I will bike over Nina is moving soon up the block, and I 'll follow her, of course. read more

This is a nice, friendly, clean place. I went for the Express mani/pedi special during the week that goes for $40. My mani paint actually lasted for a week. Even after I removed the nail polish, my nails looked well manicured so when I repainted them, they looked decent. Same for my toes. Not too sure about the price and I kind of miss the massage chairs, but the service is very nice and they have cookies/snacks while you wait for your nails to dry. read more

I went to Essential Nail Spa without an appointment the other day and they were kind enough to squeeze me in without any issues for an express pedicure. My technician was very sweet and did a great job. Although they didn't have the massage chairs that I love, I did appreciate the cleanliness of a fresh bowl of soapy water rather than a built in foot bath. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming the location is easy to find and walkable. I don't find myself in Lincoln Park that often but if I do again, I would go to Essential Nail Spa a second time. read more