I was unsure about this place considering it's a little bit hidden, and I've never heard of it before. The reviews were great although many of them were from 6 to 13 years ago, but I decided to try them out anyway. I walked in and was immediately set up at a pedicure station, and Lily took great care of me. The salon is decorated beautifully and I enjoyed the ambiance. I got a gel pedicure for $40 which is amazing compared to other places nowadays. Aside from the amazing pricing and great vibes, I would come back for Lily's customer service alone! I'm very pleased with today's service and I would definitely recommended this place to anyone who's looking for a friendly and affordable salon. read more

It had been years since I had a cut I liked, and the last time I did was by a celebrity stylist in Bend, Oregon... well I can't fly out every 3 months for a haircut... Enter Micky Vo. My cousin introduced me to Micky (the owner of Expo Salon) and the first time he cut my curly hair, I was totally smitten. His way of working with me and my hair, and watching how I do it, how I work it myself, is really cool. He actually cares and learns how to cut it better next time, or how to cut it now for the results I want later. He explains what he's doing with every cut and motion, and how it's going to behave based on what he's doing... and my goodness, he is just always right. He knows what he's doing. So, yeah... I totally had the hair I loved... Until I moved to another state again for a year and couldn't find a stylist that compared. I was so happy I was only gone a year and my life brought me back to central Texas, right back to Micky's salon. Anyway, I recently moved out of town... again... and am about an hour's drive away now, so the other day before the COVID-19 quarantine started, I randomly settled for a stylist I'd never met just for a trim... I ended up with a hairstyle I hated and needed to get it "fixed" by another cut. It had finally grown out from a short 'do, but due to the lady's non understanding of what I wanted, now it's short again and still needs work... Needless to say, I cannot wait until COVID-19 is stable enough for me to get on Micky's list again... there is no other like him. read more

Although I arrived 18 minutes before it closed, I was able to get my nails done by the owner, Vo! She was a sweetheart. The atmosphere is great, the family-style business is approachable, and the overall experience made me question if I was truly in a metropolitan area! Will be back! read more

After reading raves about Expo, I dropped in for some brow shaping. Since my eyebrows looked a little TOO much like caterpillars had stopped strategically above my eyes, it was time. I've been trying to grow them out a little since the Brooke Shields look is back in but when I really examined them, I realized we'd gone past Brooke and into Uncle Ned territory. We also lovingly call them "eye canopies." It's a cute salon with a couple of pedi stations that I looked at longingly. Looks like they sell Matrix products and they've got some comfy couches to wait on. It's cash only (which always makes me wonder) and when I asked about wifi, I got kind of a brusque no. My brows look great and were done in record time with little ouch factor. Lily was my brow artiste and we chatted away while she tamed the tiny shrubs. Twas only $8 and thats about what I like to pay cuz I'm cheapz. Why not 5 stars? Glad you asked. The no wifi always takes me aback since it's 2012 and if you've got any kind of situation where people might be waiting, best to appease them with the internets. Second, I waited for 15 minutes. Not a huge chunk of time of course but it was Monday at 2pm and they had only two people on staff as far as I could tell. The guy who told me there was no wifi (who I think might be the owner, Mickey) and Lily who was doing a pedicure. Third, even though again, it was only 15 minutes, the No Wifi gentleman said nothing to me. Perhaps I blended into the black leather couch a little too well but typically in salons (even $8 wax ones) or any service oriented business, someone says "Oh sorry for the wait" or "Would you like a glass of water?" or "Nice weather outside ain't it?" Just peeves I suppose and certainly not a deal breaker. I'll be back for more Lily brow waxing magic. read more

Expo Salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've been getting my nails done by Lily for over 2 years now and I haven't been anywhere else since. Lily is amazing and very budget friendly. She always remembers me and loves to have conversations. They also allow me to bring my dogs whenever I can! They have 3 TVS, so there's something to watch while you're getting pampered, and they take requests fo music as well. It's a family run and owned business, so everyone is very kind and accommodating. I love coming to Expo Salon and will always come here for my mani and pedi needs! read more

Mickey is the best! He is so meticulous and my hair is perfect every time I leave the salon! Just be sure to book an appointment well in advance. read more

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So... this is weird, but I'm apparently now one of those women who get mani-pedis on a more-frequent-than never basis. I guess there's nothing wrong with that. I've learned to accept this about myself: I'm vain, and I'm lazy, and it's okay to pay others to paint my nails sometimes. Big cleansing breath. I used to think mani-pedis were just for those who drank Appletinis and gabbed exclusively about shoes or whatever. I was wrong. I tried a lot of salons before I discovered Expo. At those other places, my cuticles were maimed by over-zealous or inattentive manicurists. Other places tried to shame me into acrylic nails or getting waxed ("Don't you want to look pretty?"). Other places had massage chairs that didn't work, and when a massage chair doesn't work it just feels like a child is randomly jabbing you in the back to get your attention. Disconcerting. I'd sit in these horrible fume-filled places losing precious brain cells, reading tattered copies of Spanish Cosmo from 2003, puzzled that any woman would ever consider such an experience "a treat." And then I found Expo. Expo is different. It's a very soothing place. Family run. Nice music. Smells good. Good prices. They'll offer you a soda. Folks are super-friendly. They know what they're doing. Their customers are loyal for a reason. All of their products are high quality. Bonuses: hot stone massage with the pedicure! Paraffin dip with the manicure! If you go to Expo -- and this pains me to type, because it sounds so deeply lame -- you will feel totally taken care of, and... special. Also, your nails will look fabulous. read more

I've been going to Mickey for years now and if I have one regret in life, it's that I ever went to anybody else before him. He knows blondes (and everything else, but BLONDE) better than anyone in the world. I never have to worry about whether my hair will turn out anything less than perfect - I just go in and plop down in the chair and hang out with my friend for a few hours... next thing I know, I'm a walking billboard/ vixen/ goddess! Since I started going to him, my hair has not only improved in texture/ volume/ overall health, but I used to think my hair was never going to grow past a certain, sad, length - Mickey's touch and care has completely turned that around and my hair - MY NATURAL HAIR - no extensions - is now long and healthy and voluminous way past my mid-back... my fellow blondes understand what a feat this is. I also love Lily and the occasional appearance of their AMAZING daughter (I'll censor her name purely because she's a minor.) Everyone in the salon is incredibly warm and welcoming and TALENTED. I'm so grateful Mickey is in my life (and yes, this was also the case long before he started on my hair) and as long as he's working, I'll forever be his client. I know plenty of people who literally fly in from other states/ countries for Mickey's magic. If that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what else to tell you. He's by appointment only and he stays booked out, so plan accordingly. It never hurts to bring some champagne or a friend or your puppy, but even if you show up normally, Mickey and his personality will win you over in five seconds flat and you'll have a new friend, along with amazing hair, walking out of the salon. If you want the best blonde in Austin and you want to keep YOUR own hair (and not mess with extensions etc,) this is THE best place to go. Hands down. read more

Why here, instead of that swanky new place with the fancy sign and the fruit infused water downtown? Because Mickey and Lily make you feel like family. Because they do a better job at a shellac manicure than the people who charge $20 more for the privilege. Because instead of re-decorating their slightly dated salon, they've kept the prices on their services low so that everyone can come back just a little more often than they would otherwise. Because it's comfortable and relaxed. Because everyone in there, staff and clients, are having a good time. Because there isn't a trace of that fake, imposed serenity that other salons and spas paint on their walls. Because they would never dream of upselling you on something you didn't need, but would certainly recommend things they think you'd like or enjoy. Because they're great at what they do. read more

Recently moved to Austin and needed mani/pedi. Decided to go based on previous reviews. VERY HAPPY!! Went with Deluxe Mani/Pedi for $35. Lily did great job. Only reason didn't give 5 stars is I am an absolute stickler for PERFECT polish (to give you a better sense, only 1 person has every done my polish perfectly- and I'm 37 yrs old.) When I left, Lily gave me a plastic container with the pumice stone she used and nail files so that when I come back, my little pedicure package would be available. I thought this was a GREAT idea and really showed that they know the little things make a difference and are interested in a long term relationship. VERY IMPRESSED. One of the things I liked most of all was how comfortable the place was, very relaxed. I'll try an eyebrow wax next time and let you know. read more

I love getting my hair cut by Mickey Vo, one of Austin's best-kept secrets. For one, he uses scissors and takes his time with a short cut. This does not sound like a lot to some, but most places rush me in and out by using clippers. The advantage to using scissors is not just the luxury of time but the quality of the cut. With a clipper cut, I need a haircut more often, while Mickey's haircuts last me a good week or two longer. Second, Mickey is an unsung hero. He came to this country from Vietnam after the war via a refugee camp in Indonesia. After three years of standing in line every day for a bowl of noodles, Mickey came to America without speaking a word of English as a high school sophomore. He didn't have a pot to piss in and not a friend to count his own, but now he is the most optimistic, hard-working person I know. He is an American success story. Get on his book before he gets too busy to take new customers. read more

I had my eyebrows done by Lily. She is amazing and very sweet! I missed her at first but she came out and looked for me in my car. She made time for me. Will definitely come back for a haircut next time! Eyebrow waxing is $10.00. read more

Lily did my mani/pedi, and she was fantastic! Amazing customer service! Wonderful environment; I'm definitely going to make this a regular thing :) TIP for finding: It's easy to spot from 2222, but not Lamar. I recommend driving on 2222 to Guadalupe, and entering the business park right there in the SW corner of Guadalupe and 2222. read more

I've been getting my eyebrows waxed by Lily for almost SEVEN YEARS now, and I can't recommend her or Expo Salon enough. For $10, it's certainly the best value in town, and you'll leave with sculpted eyebrows that will make all of your friends jealous. Lily is my go-to for my eyebrows, but her sister is also fantastic. Their method is slightly different from most other places - they put the wax right onto the strip instead of on to your face. I find that this reduces the redness and irritation, which is great because I have really fantastic skin. The first couple times I went I was terrified that Lily would misplace a strip and I'd leave with just one eyebrow, but she's a master. Once you're all waxed, she takes her time plucking and trimming to make sure they look great, then she'll have you sit up and clean things up again. They're also really good with keeping up with the trends, so my arch has gotten a little higher and the brows a bit thicker in recent years. Oh, and did I mention it's only $10? Eyebrow waxes were actually only $8 for years, but the extra $2 charge is totally worth it because you can tell they're pumping that money into fixing the place up. The waxing room is now paneled with wood and they've switched to some spa-type instrumental music instead of the top 40 that plays in the main salon. It was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep today while Lily was ripping my eyebrow hairs from my follicles. Oh, and one time I had a total hair DISASTER (a bang trim at the Aveda Institute left me with the most atrocious cut). My coworkers informed me that it was even worse than I'd originally thought, so I called Expo and Mickey was able to fit me in during lunch (even though he's usually booked weeks in advance). He told me in a very Mickey way that it was probably one of the worst haircuts he'd ever seen. Then he did his best to make me a little less Dragon-Tattooy. He fixed the rest of the newb mistakes the Aveda student had made of my haircut... And then he told me he couldn't accept my money because the fix-up was basically a service to society. :) It's really just a great place with great people and I can't recommend it enough. As long as I'm an Austin resident, I'll be an Expo customer. read more

It looks like this salon is run by a jack of all trades kind of a couple. I came here b/c my eyebrows reached their week 5 expiration date AKA bushy and unkempt caterpillars on my pretty little visage. I went in pretty late, right around closing time, but I didn't feel like a rushed appointment. There was a lot of prep with lotions, powders and such and the actual waxing part was super gentle...although I appreciate the delicate touch, she missed a few teeny tiny hairs that I had to pluck later when I got home...hence why 4 stars or I would've given this place a 5. All in all, the eyebrows came out really well and she shaped them nicely! For 8 dollars (1dollar tip), it's the best deal I've been able to find in Austin. Even though she did miss a few, I will be back b/c the price is hard to beat. FYI, this place is cash or check only! I didn't know this, but thankfully there is a chase atm in the plaza. I offered to leave my drivers license with her so I can pull some money, but she's like don't worry about it! I trust you. Wow! Very nice lady. I'll def be back! read more

I've been getting my hair done by Mickey Vo for about two years now. He is absolutely the best! Though I don't get to go as often as I would like, I don't trust anyone else with my hair. Mickey knows his stuff and likes to educate his customers so that no matter how long it is between visits, you take good care of your hair. What I loved about Mickey from the very beginning is that he listens to you, gets an idea of what you want, and then will make suggestions as to what works for you. He will not steer you wrong or take your money and simply "give you what you asked for" if he doesn't think your vision will work out. read more

I'm so glad I found this place thanks to fellow yelpers. The eyebrow wax I got is by far the most even, perfectly shaped wax I've ever had.... and it was eight dollars! Worth a huge tip in my book... there are estheticians charging 3 and 4 times that (who I've tried out) with less skill. The place is small, out of the way, and not much to look at initially, but it's clean, they are very friendly, and got me in right away. Can't wait to try them out again for a mani-ped, and will make this my go-to place for waxes from now on. I highly recommend! read more

I had a pedicure and my roommate had the full mani-pedi. We were greeted warmly by Voe when we walked in. The place is a wonderful mix of dark woods with two large tv screens, soft music and large green plants.We were offered drinks including beer and wine. For a pedicure, cleanliness and sanitation are very important to me. Their pedicure stations are spotless and sprayed with Lysol after each customer. The technicians wear gloves. I found the salon very clean with attention paid to detail. Voe and Lilly were friendly and interesting. I will definitely return! read more

This is my go-to place for an affordable mani/pedi. It's $35 (CASH ONLY)! For the pedicure, you sit in massage chairs as your technician puts together a mini take-home kit for you (buffer, nail file, etc.). They do an exfoliation scrub, lotion and a hot stone massage before polishing. The manicure is pretty basic, but it does include a paraffin treatment. The owner has always been so friendly and never rushes you out. The first time I didn't have cash on me and she was just going to ask me to pay her later! Luckily my friend spotted me, but really taken a back with how nice she was. read more

Lily did an amazing job on my Mani and Pedi. I got a shellac Manicure because my nails take a beating. I have never had one before and usually skip the mani because in 2 days it looks awful. I am at about a week and I even painted a room and had to scrub off pain and my nails still look awesome! On top of that Lily is the best storyteller!! I got my own implements to keep and bring back. I had to make an appointment because the books were full, that's always a good sign. I can't wait to get my hair done! Thanks Lily! read more

What a hidden gem! I'm in this little strip mall a decent amount and never realized this was here. I got off of work early one day and decided it was time for a polish change! I was going to be with some VIP clients that evening so it really needed to happen. The atmosphere is quite nice. Darker wood, more intimate lighting than the florescent lit other places. I'm going to assume this is a hair salon more than nail salon. Their chairs were full at 2PM on a Friday with people getting their hair colored and I was the only one in line to get my nails done. Wish I got the name of the lovely lady who took care of me. She was very friendly and easy to talk to. She did exactly what I wanted - a polish change for my fingers and toes, nothing fancy. She took her time even though I think she had other clients getting hair done. It was only $15 for a polish change and my fingers and toes still look great almost a week later! read more

Still great :) Went in today on the fly pretty much and Mickey was busy so Vo cut my hair instead, she did a great job keeping the length like I asked and just fixing up the four months of growth (hey I got busy!) She washes, dries, straightens, then cuts your hair which I found interesting. Lily did my eyebrows and she did a great job, no pain at all and she was very sweet :) Remember, cash or check only! read more

$8 eyebrows. The lady did an amazing job. Will be back :) Place was pretty difficult for me to find.... for those who are going in for the first time, it's the in goodwill/half price book center. read more

I cant say enough good things about this place...so forgive me if I ramble: I have lived here fifteen years. I've patronized many of the different types of the salons mentioned below. The reason I finally settled here is VALUE! These people know what they are doing, they do it extremely well AND they charge the best rates in town for this incredible quality! I am fortunate enough to have Mickey Vo as my personal stylist and all around mani-pedi dude for well over a year now! He undoubtedly is Austin's very best kept secret! He's young, hip, stylish and tells great stories. This little shop, hidden on a side strip off N. Lamar, is a little dated yes but Mickey is fiscally frugal and isn't going to waste money in this economy to update a space if good business dictates that monies spent elsewhere would be better for his clients. Walking into Expo Salon and knowing you'll be in good hands is such a relief when you've been around this city as long as I. Take note- the salon's clientele averages the under 30 crowd. I am more middle aged than its hip UT, Central Austin patrons but it just makes me feel good to know that I'm in the calm and well educated hands of Mickey Vo! If he can garner and retain the loyalty of that kind of crowd he's good enough for me! All the above being said, expect the top chart music from his iPod playing on one of two televisions in the salon and its usually pretty loud for vibe. Some of the lyrics aren't what you may want your children to hear. This is generally not a place to go for children's cuts and blue haired little old lady services. Though you will see some of both, the larger customer base is that of younger, contemporary minded professionals and college students. From downtown to north Austin. I would mention that even though Mickey Vo's almost cult like following launches him to superstar level, there are three other stylist here with similar followers. I love, love this place and yes, I like others, almost worship Mickey Vo. If you color your hair he will work patiently to find the right cocktail mix of tints to get what looks best with your complexion. He always uses the most up to date products and will take the time to show you how to use them. He will even have you style your own hair so he can watch out for any techniques we use that may need tweaking and so he can see how we work with our own hair so he better knows how to apply his manic to the subject in his chair! read more

Yo did a great job fixing a botched haircut. I went to a trusted (mistakenly) hair stylist and my sister noticed it was not symmetrical, as it should have been. I carefully looked at it and indeed, my sister was right. It was a botched up cut all the way around. Yo did a fabulous cut! I was looking for great hair stylist and I have found her. She was awesome. read more

I think I've written maybe one other review in my life but Expo definitely is worth taking the time to write for. I HATE looking for a new hairstylist so when I moved to Austin two years ago I waited a long time before trying out any salons. I went to two other ok-ish places before trying Expo at the recommendation of a friend. I am now a regular client of Vo and recommend her to everyone I meet! The only other person there that I've really interacted with is Mickey, who seems great. Every client I see him with is obviously a long time regular. Vo is wonderful, she wants to get to know her clients and really understand their wants and needs. My first time there I came in with an idea of what I wanted and she told me what would work and not work with my hair type. There are stylists who will only do exactly what someone tells them to do without using their expertise to explain why certain types of hair don't work that way. There are also stylists who won't listen to anything and will just do what they want. Vo walks the line between those extremes just perfectly. She is also a wizard with brow waxing, she puts the wax on the paper instead of directly on the skin so it doesn't burn or pull away skin. Cost-wise I think every stylist sets their prices. I can get a haircut and blowdry for $55 before tip. I agree with other reviewers that this is not the super sleek, fancy salon that some people are looking for. The decor is outdated for sure but they make up for it in price and service. Absolutely worth it. read more

Great price and personable staff!! Even took me as a quick walk in despite being an appointment only based establishment. Will be back!

My teen daughter been getting her hair cut by Vo for a few years. She really trusts Vo to not trim her hair too short and she really likes the way she cuts hair. Vo also gives her keratin treatments that make her hair soft and healthy. read more

A good friend recommended I see Karen who works at Expo. I made an appointment and she stayed late and gave me one of the best haircuts I have ever received. Granted, as an older man, it is easier, but most places just run me through as fast as possible. Not here. Great service, everyone is very nice. I am now a regular for my haircuts with Karen, so I can't imagine going anywhere else. Don't let the modest appearance outside fool you, this is a great place for a man's haircut! read more

Expo is awesome! I called up to make a haircut appointment and they were able to fit me in the same day. When I walked in there was a woman in some sort of wedding head thingy getting her hair done along with a couple bridesmaids and they all seemed pleased with it. While I was waiting a customer came in and the owner knew him by name. Vo, who cut my hair, was very friendly, and gave me a great cut even though I wasn't really very specific about what I wanted. Everyone has been telling me how great my hair looks (even more so than usual). I'll definitely be back! Two warnings: It's kind of hard to find if you're just looking at the address. It's actually facing Koenig, and is closer to Guadalupe than Lamar even though the address is on Lamar. Also, they only take cash, but they're pretty trusting about letting you leave and come back if you're short. read more

Just got home from getting my eyebrows done, and they look AMAZING! My eyebrows have a different shape from each other and I had learned to live with the fact that no one could make them look identical, but after going to Expo they look exactly like each other I am amazed. And all for $8 plus tip! The lady who did them was super nice and kinda chatted with me as she was working. The salon itself seemed very nice and clean, they don't take credit card which is weird but luckily I had looked at previous reviews and I was prepared but there's an ATM in the parking lot. In case anyone is wondering the salon is on the north side of a complex of what seemed like a million offices and businesses, if you're facing Goodwill its on the left side. Also I don't really know what hours the salon is actually open they didn't have any signs on the door about it so luckily I went at an appropriate time. As for appointments I don't think you have to have one, I walked in and I guess they were pretty busy so she told me to come back in about 20 minutes which I didn't mind since I didn't have anything to do after but next time I'm gonna go ahead and make an appointment just in case. Overall it was very good and I'm definitely going back! read more

This place is great! I went in with two friends around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon for pedis - there were only two people working but they rushed to get us taken care of. It wouldn't be a great place for a group, but they just happened to have three pedi chairs. While we were being served, they gave us cold cans of soda, no charge. They did a great job on our feet and we all agreed what a relief it was that they didn't try to up sell us once. It was a truly enjoyable drop-in pedi. They even gave us our own little boxes with the supplies they used on our feet, to bring back next time. They even gave us nice coupons for our next visit. I will definitely be back. Downside? Small operation and it's cash or check only. Other than that, no complaints! read more

I went there to get my eyebrows waxed and I was so pleasantly surprised! The Vietnamese woman who did my brows was so gentle that it didn't hurt at all, and I didn't leave with redness like I usually do in other salons. You can't beat the $8 price, but keep in mind that it is cash only! read more

Super sweet Vo gives a wonderful haircut in a relaxing environment, but this is preceded by a hair treatment while sitting under the warm dryer sipping on a beverage....I didn't want to leave! I haven't gotten a pedi here yet, but I'm planning to! That looks very relaxing as well! read more

I called to get an appointment for a manicure a couple of weeks ago after reading the reviews on Yelp, and they were able to find a same-day appointment, which I greatly appreciated. The place is pretty far away from me, but I made the trek encouraged by the great reviews, and particularly because of the affordable ratings. I looked for information about manicure pricing but didn't find anything here so I assumed (given that the mani-pedi is $35) the manicure would run ten or fifteen dollars. If you choose to only get a manicure it's a bit pricey at $20, which, if you include tip, is more than I can afford to spend on a regular basis. The surprise at the charge probably soured my whole experience, which was otherwise really good. One of the owners of the place did my nails, and she was really great about making you feel welcome and not rushed at all. read more

Buyer beware alert: This salon is NOT inexpensive like it's listed! Their prices start out at $65 for a haircut. American. Greed. And they can't even seem to get a simple booking right. read more

So if only I could rate this place twice...I'ld give Karen 5 stars for the highlights and hair, she does a great job, for a very reasonable price! on the other side of things, the manicure I had was not the best one I've had, to say the least...it was rushed and he was sloppy, my cuticles were ragged after and the polish was stuck to my skin...luckily for me, I don't live nearby, so I can guarantee I won't be back for my nails... but if your looking for a good haircolorist, call and make your appt today! read more

Wow Mickey is amazing ..... the things that he's done w/my hair is totally amazing - the price is so reasonable you won't believe it!!! All I can say is thank you Expo!!!! Everything is so reasonable...you'll be amazed! read more

I have just recently started to go see Mickey Vo on a few friend referrals. He has done amazing things for my hair. I have thick, naturally wavy hair so it tends to dry out due to using so much heat to straighten it. Also, the heat caused a lot of breakage. He has started treating it with a deep conditioner and finishing it with a keratin treatment. My hair is AMAZING now. So soft and shiny, almost silky. I have received compliments from some of my friends and even random strangers. It is a full service salon and they will provide you with anything you need to feel comfortable. You relax with a complimentary beverage and great conversation. Mickey is also quite a character with a great sense of humor. I would recommend him to anyone and already have. I know at least 10-15 ppl/friends that go to see him. :) I Love Mickey Vo!! read more

I went to Mickey Vo seeking out repair for my over-treated hair after years of Keratin treatments left it very dry and damaged. I have very long, thick, dark hair that once was very soft and shiny. After just the first treatment with him, there was a remarkable difference in my hair's condition and luster. I see him consistently now and the difference in my hair is just incredible. He knows what he is doing and I trust him to do what is best for my hair's health. I follow his instructions for at home care as well and am so grateful for his guidance. I love my hair again! :) read more