I have been going here on and off for over a decade, definitely noticed a decline in service and also the quality of their polish seems off. I got my gel nails done last week of February and within a week, my nails started to chip, I went go one fixed then the next day, unfortunately, another one was chipped now there is an additional nail chipped, a total of 3. Gel should last minimum 2 -3 weeks and this is just a waste of money for me at this point. I am done with getting my nails here and none of my friends will be coming here either. read more

TL; DR. This is a rush job shop...unless you are paying over $100 for complicated nail art, or for you and your family to get mani/pedis, in which case they will mow over other clients for you! You don't want to be the person mowed over when you need them, so I would avoid. I have dealt with this salon many times over the years. Usually, something happens and I take a break from them for a few years until they have a staff change. This go around, I had four progressively worse gel manis in a row. Unfortunately, the manicurists here don't have enough time to care about your natural nails. I don't know if the owner isn't allocating enough time for the service or they are letting other clients run late but the staff here always seem like they are rushing, especially with gel removals. That means they end up hacking away at your natural nails, which leaves them in progressively worse shape. After my last mani, my thumb nail ripped hours later when I reached into my pocket for dog poop baggies. There is also evidence of polish pooling at the cuticles with the nails grown out. It wasn't the best mani by a long shot and I'm sure the manicurist likely knew that. Ahead of a trip to the Berkshires, I booked a gel removal only for today. Appeared for my appointment 5 minutes early. The receptionist literally said that since I was just booked for removal, I could have a seat. I sat there for 20 minutes. During this time, some hyenas getting complicated nail art were harassing me for no good reason. I said nothing to them, but they were making appearance-related comments and laughing. In the past when running behind, the receptionist has called and texted to ask if it's okay to push my appointment back, but not today - I guess because it was "just" a removal. I'm currently the primary caregiver for an elderly relative who was with a paid caregiver during this time. I wasn't going to sit around all afternoon waiting for "just" a removal and also didn't want to continue having to listen to the hyenas. The receptionist had left her desk after checking me in and hadn't returned. No updates from anyone on staff. I walked out of the salon...and am left with a mess on my nails for a weekend at Tanglewood. Different people are of course treated differently. I watched a white family come into this salon once with the daughter having booked everyone at the wrong location. There were three of them and a packed salon but they still found a way to accommodate them on time. I've also seen whites come in for removals only and get served on time. And the logic of prioritizing high cost services doesn't math if you've been a loyal customer - having dropped hundreds over multiple visits - and you need the not-so-great work of one of this salon's manicurists off your nails. It's still "just" a removal??? All of the manicurists at this location have their pluses and minuses. Siobhan was wonderful when she worked here but no longer does. Francesca is the only person I would trust here these days but she's careful, which means that she's usually running behind. Also, her cuticle work isn't the best - they sometimes look a little more ragged after she works on them. Didn't have a good experience with Q. She really hacked up my nails doing a gel removal and she applied a subsequent gel polish too thick. Note about comments from the "manager": Thank you so much for reaching out directly to apologize for the poor service. (Wait--my mistake. That must've slipped your mind.) While we're celebrating great communication, you may have also overlooked the part where your receptionist wasn't at her desk. Small detail, I know. Just to clarify: I call out what I experience, which I'm fully entitled to do. You're certainly welcome to say everyone is treated well--when the appointment actually starts on time and the service runs as scheduled, like it did for the clients who walked in after me. And as for your records, they may want to double-check themselves--unless "waiting for someone to vacate the chair" now counts as part of the treatment time. read more

Lovely clean place. I had a manicure and pedicure with Nathan. He did a wonderful job. My only wish is that he had spoken with me and made me feel more welcome, since it was my first time there. No complaints about the nails, though. They looked great. read more

Mia and Nathan are the very best!! Finally found the best nail salon after about two years of trial and error.

DONT GO HERE!! The front desk lady was so rude. Called her twice I was running late and when I got there she said she couldn't do my pedicure but the other ladies said they could. Got a dip manicure. Charged $68 and they looked so awful. It has been 4 days and I have lost/chipped two nails. My boyfriend asked me why my nails looked bumpy because they did such a horrible job. Waste of money. Worst manicure I've ever gotten, especially for the price. read more

Leisure Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I have to say, I was really hoping to like this place seeing the high reviews. My best friend was getting married and I had traveled to Boston to be in the wedding. The day before the wedding, I had scheduled an appointment to get a regular manicure before wedding rehearsal. I was in luck! Q was available and she was the person I wanted to work with but I didn't see her available online. She was extremely nice and didn't speak much English, but a friendly vibe came from her and I saw she was detail oriented. Halfway through my manicure, the receptionist informed Q that there were two other people to service so my manicure was rushed. Payment wasn't an issue as I paid after 5 minutes of my manicure. I initially thought it was weird but I'm glad I didn't need to reach into my wallet after my nails (particularly since it didn't turn out well.) I was rushed to the drying station by the door and was told to sit for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, Q checked my nails and said to dry for another 5 minutes. To me, that seemed incredibly short but I trusted her. 5 minutes pass so I pull out my hands and gently touch the polish and it actually makes a visible ripple on one of the nails. Maybe the polish was extra thick? I continue to dry my nails for half an hour and periodically check on that same nail to avoid messing up the other nails. It doesn't seem to ever set. Finally after 45 minutes of drying, I'm actually running late to rehearsal and leave unhappily. Since the nails haven't dried yet, I had my husband open the door and buckle me up while we blasted the AC on my nails to set it. Rehearsal goes well and I try not to touch anything knowing my nails are sensitive and still drying and I finally check my nails on our way to rehearsal dinner to notice some of the polish has already come off. I'm upset at this point seeing that I had stayed at the salon longer than anticipated and been super careful with my nails. On our way to rehearsal dinner, I called the salon and the receptionist had picked up. I explained that I had left an hour prior and that the nails already didn't look good. She said they were closing in ten minutes and can fix it but I was helping set up for dinner and couldn't make it. She then offered coming in the following day and I said I wasn't available due to the wedding. She then said "well, manicures are going to come off at some point." I explained that I understood with a regular manicure that it's expected, but I was expecting it to last more than one hour. She then rudely said "well I'm giving you options but you're the one that's declining so what do you want me to do?" I asked for a refund since it didn't even last an hour and she said they don't do refunds. In the end I took it off, went to the store to buy my own polish, applied it, and it came out (to my surprise) pretty well! I'm not encouraging anyone to do it themselves but wanted to share that a regular mani is not worth it. Perhaps get gel? I do give my star to Q, who was really nice. read more

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This might be a fine place for nails but do not go here for waxing. After asking about price on the phone, the woman I worked with tried to charge me more because I had hair growth beyond her expectations. Continued to say vaguely insulting things throughout treatment,which I only half understood because her English was hard to understand. I have never experienced a worse waxing experience in terms of the amount of sticky product left on my skin which lasted for days. Followed signed instructions for paying cash in order to get a 5% discount, which she then said only applied to nails. Then she called the manager who asked how much cash I had given and seemed confused by the whole episode. I left my 'discount' as tip when it looked liked this would take some time to resolve. Perhaps not the first time this has happened. Never again. read more

My friend who used to live in Watertown and I used to go get our nails done together here all the time. I think this store was what got me into doing nails - their regular manis and regular pedis last a long time (At that time I didn't want to try gel b/c I didn't wait my nails to be damaged), and my nails looked soooo good after. The salon is also clean, staff are soooo friendly (they told me I had a nice nail shape) and it's a very accessible location off the 57 Watertown Yards bus. I live in Boston and think it's worth commuting here if you want to get your nails done. Now I'm a bit more budget-conscious and definitely don't do my nails as much anymore b/c it's a monthly expense (and addicting for sure), but if I had a party or were going somewhere, I'd totally come back to Watertown Yards to get my nails done at Leisure Nails. read more

Leisure Nails - Regular Manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Leisure Nails is the best nail salon in Watertown- bright, clean, spacious and modern. They have a convenient online booking system. I was assigned to Rose do my gel manicure and she's the best! She's an absolute perfectionist- she will make sure nothing goes over the rim of your nails by dipping a brush in acetone to fix it. Also any bubbles/fibers apparent- she will get it fixed magically without having to start over. Gel manis include a brief hand cream massage with a hot towel wipe down. $35 Came on a Friday at 1pm and the place was already busy with other ladies with incoming phone calls for reservation requests. Busy and popular for a good reason! read more

Leisure Nails - Gel manicure $35 - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Just got my nails did haven't been back since I moved to Seattle. I have to say the place is looking nice. I get the TikTok trend trying to get your nails done for free. I know the owner personally and they are a very nice family. I will be back again and will pay for my service. Christina is the best. I only go here when I'm back in town. Thank you Christina keep up the good work and don't let them freeloaders keep you down! read more

I had the most amazing experience here. Me and a few of my friends decided to get our nails done before our homecoming dance and I am so happy with the results. Me and one of my friends both got Gel extensions and, even though we had never gotten them done before, it was exactly what we were looking for. It turned out exactly as I pictured it and the color match to my dress was spot on. When we went, they seemed busy, but they were still able to accommodate for our requests. I had been there before, and it is always very nicely decorated and organized. 10/10 would recommend and I will 100% be going back. read more

Reviews are honestly a reflection of how things went for you. My reflections on my last visit at this spa was awkward and a tad bit unhappy. The actual nail service was professionally done, but I was unimpressed with the attitude I was given when I asked about acrylic nails. I asked about what shape they would suggest and how short they would be etc and I was given a snippy attitude by the nail tech. I haven't gotten acrylics in like 10 years so pardon me for asking a million questions. I did leave tips after my last visit thanking the tech for answering all my questions and whatnot but the more I think about it, I didn't feel like I was treated well, so not sure I'll be returning. And for the $35 price for a full set and $25 for a fill, I think that a better reception is needed. My prior visits with Emily and Mimi were awesome but I wasn't able to book with them (not sure if Mimi is there anymore as I didn't see her listed when I booked online). read more

Leisure Nails - Thanks Lynn for the full set. Not returning, however. - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

This salon absolutely destroyed my nails. I have always had very strong, naturally long nails. I typically get dip manicures and they shaved my nails down so far that my skin is almost exposed. When they took the dip off, my nails were in such pain I requested just regular polish to cover how unsightly they were and left. The technician was well aware of how bad they were and apologized for how bumpy they would be but couldn't buff them out anymore because my nails were almost nonexistent. I was going to see if they would heal quickly and then just not return, but after a week and a half of being in pain I was hoping they could help my situation. They called me a liar when I told them I booked what the manager suggested and said "if your nails hurt like that you shouldn't be here and should be at a dermatologist", all while gathering around looking at my nails gasping in disgust. They have record of me being there the last month, every 2 weeks consistently so clearly they are responsible since I only went there 3 times total. Offered no discount or compensation, and now my nails will take months to grow out and be in pain. Extremely rude staff and unprofessional. ***edit*** The owner IS LYING about the services I received... a dip manicure(what I got in Newton) is a different price than the hard gel refil she claims I received in Newton. They have clear record of what I paid for in their system, that never happened and the dishonesty and lack of accountability is disgusting. read more

Gina did an incredible job both my hands and feet. And my feet were a horror show when I went in. This is first my first set of dips or whatever you young people call them. The salon is very clean and tidy. The staff are very cordial and accommodating. Prices are reasonable. Give them a try. read more

Leisure Nails - Manicured hand. - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I went in for a gel removal and gel manicure and was very disappointed by my service. The manicurist complained about "nail dust" getting in her throat, selected the wrong nail color (I had to question her to make sure I got the shade I selected), was rude when I told her the nail shape I wanted saying it would "look bad", and gave me a manicure that hardly lasted 1 weeks when I am usually able to go 2-3 weeks between appointments at other salons. Maybe it was an off day but it doesn't make me want to return. read more

Amazing work as always! Nails always look great and the atmosphere is always calm. Highly recommend

Had a pedicure with Q as a first time customer and she was so kind and thorough. The pedicure includes sugar scrub, hot towel, hot stone, plus massage. So luxurious and relaxing! Very professional staff and clean space. read more

LONG BUT WORTH THE READ. I will never go back to this salon again! I went to this salon only due to location. My first experience was getting a pedicure done which was good, but then I went back a few weeks later to have a Dip Manicure done, and was seen by "T". The manicure was awful, dip powder all over my cuticles, the shape was mixed between stiletto, and coffin, and not almond which i asked for. The texture was very bumpy, and the lengths were all over the place. I called them the next day to let them know how displeased I was, and I needed them all fixed, they told me I could come right in, and so i did. When i came back for my scheduled fix they only put me in to have "1" nail fixed. I told them they needed to redo it all. Told me that i did have Almond shape, and that my nails where bumpy because of how my nails are naturally shaped. They did not want to hear what i had to say and kept blaming my nature nails on their poor work. They said they couldn't do the dip again and that they would have to do Gel X, and i would have to get a new color. They stuck me with the same Technician "T" and she kept rushing through the whole thing, burning me with the drill, putting nails on crooked, and when i told her it was crooked they again blamed me. I told her to redo them, and she just laid a new Gel-X on top of the original she placed. I don't think this Technician knows what she is doing, and i truly feel like she ruined my natural nail bed. The real kicker is all the Gel-X glue that was left all over my skin, under my nails, and how after two days they are already lifting. read more

WORST EVER dip manicure. And, really bad energy in the salon. It's new & clean but don't waste your money!!!

The nail technician was in her phone and not concentrating, the manicure was awful- thick polish, crooked nails, bad polish. the manager and owner were rude and did not acknowledge that the manicurist was on phone and the manicure was awful. they were not interested in pleasing the customer but more interested in fighting. I would never go back at all. horrible. read more

Got my brows waxed here, they were able to squeeze me in as a walk in. Great service, reasonable prices! Will be making this my regular place. read more

They do a great job with gel manicures! I have really loved my nails done by Rose and Q! They look great and have lasted for up to 3 weeks.

I really like this place. It is clean and so far, all the technicians I have been to have been great. I like the hot stone foot massage - it is a nice touch. I have been getting gel done lately and my last pedicure has been going strong into week 3. I have been using Kiara Sky brand at this salon and I think it last better than Opi or Essie Gel. They recently redid the salon and it looks great. read more

My friend recommended to try this nails place , when I came in , was checked in with nice Receptionist , picked my nail color , was seated right away to my seat , had my Padicures Done , Rose was really nice and did an awesome job ;) I was relaxed , also the hot stone was amazing ! I loved it and had an amazing experience !! Really nice relaxed atmosphere !! Also I loved online booing ;) Lili read more

Leisure Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Quiet, clean, well-organized nail salon. Easy parking, right in Watertown square. Easy to schedule online. Recommend!

This is my first time here and came with my 7 yr old as a vacation treat. So great! (Anna and Q - not sure of spelling- were so nice). Hot stone massage on my legs!! They also humored ($5 fee) my daughter's request for polka dots on her toes. Liners in the footpath, super clean, nice - we will definitely be back! read more

Leisure Nails - Liner in foot bath - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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I'm sitting here at Leisure Nails, post- manicure/pedicure waiting for my nails to dry and couldn't be happier. It's my first visit to LN and it's been wonderful from the start. Friendly, meticulous (really!) staff and the cleanest nail salon I've ever been in. Open, spacious, relaxing--no fumes (!!!) even though at least ten others are getting their nails done right now. Nice music, low conversation, tvs on but muted with captions (no loud news programs or talk shows-yay!) Easily best mani-pedi I've ever had. Had wonderful massage with both and have lovely view of trees on the Charles. Easy access, parking. Can't wait to come back! Thank you to all at Leisure Nails for such a pleasant experience and setting the bar so high! Thanks to Yelp for helping me find this place :) read more

I am extremely frustrated. While they do a nice pedicure that lasts seemingly for ages, the same cannot be said of their gel manicure. I went in on Saturday to get my nails done for a wedding. When I get gel manicures, I expect them to last at least a week before starting to show signs of wear. The first nail showed minor chipping within 24 hours. Not ideal but not super noticeable. This morning, I wake up to find that two more nails have badly chipped overnight and now I have to scramble to get the gel removed in a city I don't know before the next wedding event starts. I expect better. read more

Leisure Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Walk-in, no waiting for Gel Mani & Gel Pedi with Q (Khuyen). Color is Opi Gel In Funny Bunny 8254. My new fav shade ;) Everything about my visit was absolutely lovely, such an impressive service by Q! She's a great tech. I really adore the clean, perfectly finished look I walked out with. Expensive but worth it. 5 stars and I'm looking forward to next time. read more

Leisure Nails - Gorgeous Gel Mani by Q - Opi Gel 8264 "Funny Bunny" - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

It was first time visiting this salon. Diving right in, this place is clean. They take your temp when you enter and make sure you use hand sanitizer (or wash your hands if you prefer). They use every other pedicure station and have a plastic hanging divider to separate you and the technician. I was taken to my pedicure seat asap. Rachel was my technician, I had requested Lucas on my online appointment but he was already working on someone when i got there. Rachel did a decent job with the pedicure but she didn't really scrub my feet nor really massage it. I don't have calluses but its been 4 days and my heel doesn't look like i got a pedicure. For $58, I expected something WAY better. She was meticulous about making sure my toes were perfectly painted and patiently repainted my toe when i messed it up walking over to the manicure station (yikes) I also had a dip manicure waiting for me, Rachel did this as well. I requested a ombre with nail extensions and it took 2 hrs! Again, she did a great job with the manicure, really getting the cuticles etc and i appreciate her taking her time. However, she left the dip WAY TO THICK. I had asked her to file it down but it was still too thick! Interestingly enough, the manicure stations all has plastic divisions BUT they did not alternate the seats, so customers were withing 3/4 ft of each other. There was a bubble on one finger which I cam back to get fixed the next day. This time I saw Lucas, and he got it out in under 10 mins. They do have a policy that if have any issues with you pedi/mani, they'll fix it and i like that. I'll try this spot again, but will make sure I am paired with someone else. Nothing against Rachel but since I don't get mani's and pedi's often, I expect a little more when I pay that much. read more

After reading such great reviews about this salon, I had to give it a try. Also, a lot of reviews raved about Lynn specifically, so I booked an appointment via online with her the same day. Easy peazy. When I got there, I was actually a few minutes late, but it wasn't busy at all--only one other customer was there. It was a Thursday after work and rainy, so maybe that's why. The ambiance is fantastic and welcoming! The receptionist was sweet and nice and got me situated right away. Customer service is on point at Leisure Nails, something that is hard to come by these days unfortunately. I also have to say that I didn't hear them talking in a different language amongst each other. I always feel like when that's happening, they're talking about me. Call me crazy. It's a very clean shop as well, which I think is very important. The seating is comfortable and there are HD TVs (or maybe just one. I don't remember.) to keep you entertained while you get pampered. There are SO many colors to choose from--you won't be disappointed! And Lynn did such a good job on my nails. It took about 45 minutes and she was so meticulous and careful to do the best job. This is one of the best gel manicures I've ever gotten. She's also nice, which, although not an important factor to a lot of people when getting their nails done, is important to me. I'll definitely be back! read more

Leisure Nails - Gel mani ($30) done by Lynn. She did a great job! :) - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

My nails are back on their game. After falling in love with another salon in the area, only to have it go to pot shortly after writing my review, I was on the hunt for a new nail place. I figured since I could make an appointment (online without having to call anyone!) that it was worth a shot. I had a pedicure and gel manicure. By the end of the manicure, I was a fan! My pedicure was thorough but without some of the silly things that just take up time. The chairs were comfortable and everything seemed clean. My gel manicure managed to last me through an entire beach vacation in Jamaica that was filled with pool floating all day and salt water. I came home with not a single chip. Lynn is the only one I have tried so far and I see no reason to try anyone else. She is fantastic! Oh, and easy parking in front or around back. How can you go wrong?! read more

Leisure Nails - My first visit and I'm in love! Lynn did a great job on my pedicure and gel manicure. I will definitely be back! - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I get gel manicures, and was looking for a new salon. My gel was continually peeling off after just 4 days with my previous salon, and I just couldn't afford that. I tried Leisure Nails, and what a great experience. The salon is lovely, clean, and parking is easy. I book my appointments on their website, which is very convenient. The site shows pricing and how long the appointment will take. It allows you to book time with a specific person or not. Their prices are in line with other salons in the area. Gina does my nails. She is sweet and friendly, is always on time for her appointments, and most importantly, does a meticulous job. She always uses a pack of newly sterilized tools. I have been to her 4 times so far, and the gel has lasted 2 weeks each time. Yesterday I got my first pedicure from Gina. She took her time, did a beautiful job, and even used hot stones. Heavenly. I'm so pleased with my experiences at Leisure Nails, and highly recommend them. read more

Had to find a new nail salon after moving to Newton and have been to three so far. This one did a great job on my pedicure. I opted for the herbal mani/pedi because I have been doing a lot of unpacking and definitely needed the opportunity to kick back and relax. If you opt for the herbal, be sure to have at least an hour to spend, but it's a good hour because someone is giving you a great foot massage. I brought my own polish and my pedicure looks nice and even. I will definitely go back as it's reasonably priced for the service, convenient to my home, and was a great experience. Slightest downgrade to four stars due to a very average brow waxing, nice shape but still had to pluck a few when I returned home. read more

Leisure Nails - My daughters pedicure, so cute : ) - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Got my nails done by Trish, she did a fantastic job and pays great attention to detail! I had a regular mani and gel pedi combo-prices are very affordable compared to salons in the area. Glass between technician and customer as well as enough space between customers so I felt very safe getting my nails done here. They also check everyone's temp prior to their appointment. I will 100% be coming here from now on to get my nails done. read more

Leisure Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

This is definitely the best nail salon I've ever been to. First, they are extremely clean and every tool they use is taken straight out of the sterilization package. Second, they are always super nice and have so many color options for regular or gel polish. Third, they have a wonderful massage and hot towel thing that they do. And most importantly, MY NAILS LAST. I've never had a gel manicure actually last 2+ weeks without chipping but I've gotten a gel manicure twice here now, and they both lasted. Super clean, considerate, and careful. I would definitely recommended. read more

I've been all over Watertown looking for a salon that: 1) is close; 2) does good work; 3) has appointments available. I moved here about 2-3 years ago & really never found a nail salon I liked enough to stay at. I've bopped around, never staying loyal until now. I'm not gonna tell you the name of my new bff but there are several talented ppl working here. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, bc it's so busy they have a hard time w walk ins. My nails have an acrylic coat, & most people never notice it bc it looks just like a gel manicure. The techs are professional, sanitary, and do excellent work (I'll let you know how they do when you bring in your own stuff...I'm transitioning to a vegan lifestyle & I want to bring my own vegan products. We'll see how that goes:)) The prices are very reasonable, compared to other places & cities. Obvi you get what you pay for, so don't expect a $100 manicure for $30. That said, my new bff shaped my nails beautifully, gave me care tips, & made sure that every piece of glitter was in exactly the right place. TIPS: 1. Bring cash for a tip (no ATMs are nearby) 2. Use the online portal to make an appointment 3. If you want to be extra af, bring a sheet mask Enjoy! read more

Leisure Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I tried to do a walk in appointment two weekends ago and they were fully booked so definitely make make an apt! This time around I made an appointment online, which was easy, fast, and convenient. I got the classic manicure with Essie Gel Couture done by Kayla. Everyone was very friendly, the place was clean, and she did a great job... can't ask for much more! My only suggestion is either being able to tip on the card or being able to Venmo. I recently went to a salon in Boston where you were able to tip the stylists on Venmo, which I thought was a great idea. read more

Leisure Nails - Essie Gel Couture - Nail Salons Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

So glad they were able to take me last minute! My nails gel manicure from Lucas looks beautiful and held up through my beach trip :) nice clean facility read more

Great service with a wide variety of colors and nail polish brands. The technician Gina does a great job.