I don't write negative reviews lightly, especially for a business I've supported for a long time. I have been a loyal customer of Modern Nails in Navy Yard, visited regularly, and have always tipped well because I believe in supporting businesses that provide good service. Unfortunately, today changed that. The attached photo was taken immediately after my pedicure. Not hours later. Not after wearing shoes all day. Immediately after. The polish was already peeling because it had been applied so poorly. Polish was splattered all over my skin and around my cuticles. The edges weren't cleaned up. It looked rushed, sloppy, and unfinished. This wasn't a minor imperfection. It was one of the worst pedicures I've ever received. What disappointed me even more wasn't the quality of the work. It was what happened next. Instead of showing me the finished result and allowing me to inspect it, they immediately tried to put my socks back on. Had I not stopped them and looked at my own feet, I would have walked out completely unaware of how terrible the finished product looked. That felt incredibly dishonest. When I pointed out the obvious issues, there was no meaningful accountability. No genuine effort to make it right. Yet they still had no problem charging me nearly $50 for a service that clearly fell well below even basic professional standards. Everyone can have an off day. Mistakes happen. But attempting to send a loyal customer out the door hoping they wouldn't notice a poor-quality service is what lost my business forever. It's not the bad pedicure that guarantees I'll never return. It's the willingness to charge full price for work they knew wasn't acceptable. If this is the level of care given to someone who comes in regularly and tips generously, I can't in good conscience recommend anyone spend their money here. The photo speaks for itself. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Gel pedicure- nail polish is all over my toes. This is sloppy and unprofessional. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Less than a week later and my gel manicure is already chipping and breaking. The polish was applied unevenly, streaky, and bumpy -- it honestly looked bad the day I left. I've been growing my nails long and healthy for months, and this set completely ruined my progress. To top it off, the nail tech was rude the entire time. Poor quality and poor attitude. Save your money and go literally anywhere else. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Pointer fingernail broke less than one week later - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Very disappointed with my experience at this nail salon. I came in for an acrylic refill and was charged $80 While the technician was doing my nails, I told him several times that I did not like how they were looking and asked if he could fix them. Instead of addressing my concerns, he seemed upset and unwilling to make the corrections I requested. The next morning, after taking a closer look at my nails in better lighting, I realized how unhappy I was with the overall result. The acrylics looked poorly done, and I decided to return to the salon to ask for help. When I came back, I was told that the only person who could fix my nail was not there and that I would have to come back the next day. I explained that I would be out of town and asked if someone else could help, but I was told no. I then asked for a refund because I was unhappy with the service and the quality of the work, but I was told they do not give refunds. I also asked to speak with a manager or owner and was told neither would be available. The customer service was very disappointing. Not only was I unhappy with the quality of my nails, but no effort was made to resolve the issue when I returned. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this salon. Services Acrylic nails Requested style I asked for pointy nails I got all kinds of shape read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Went for a pedicure, service was fair for the price, but staff seemed unenthusiastic. Place is quiet on a weekday afternoon, I enjoy the silence. read more

I asked to get a set of gel builder removed and they offered a manicure service as well. I agreed, and proceeded to receive the most bare minimum, bad, manicure I've ever had and was charged $30. When I questioned what was different between the regular removal and a manicure they couldn't give a good explanation. And the manicure did NOT include any regular nail polish. Also, the nail shaping was poor and the tech made cuticle bleed on one nail. I do not recommend coming here. read more

Likely will not come back. The place is not the most professional. I showed up before my appointment and was told that the person is "on their way". She came 20 min after my start time and didn't even acknowledge the delay .I didn't feel like they did a thorough job either and I've gotten better service elsewhere. read more

Henry's work is great but he and everyone else at the salon are RUDE. Henry overcharged me for builder gel nails. I simply asked for a breakdown of the price and he told me I'm welcome to go around navy yard and see if I can find another place with a better deal. Just rude. I've been there many times before and the quality of nails is also not great (dip nails broke in 2 days, nail polish came off, etc.). They could just be nicer to customers and not overcharge or if they are charging for taking more time, be transparent. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Paid $100 for this. $80 for builder gel, $10 to remove my previous builder gel nails (????) and $10 for French tip. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This shop has a great location, very reasonable price, very calming atmosphere. I'll go there again & again!

I know this salon has had mixed reviews under previous management, but when my favorite nail tech, Henry, from another salon down the street moved here, I trusted him and followed. I can confidently say it's a completely different place now. The space is clean, well-organized, and professionally run. Henry is reason alone to give it another chance. I've been going to him for the last year, and there's no one else I would ever go to. His craftsmanship and design skills are unmatched. My nails never break, the shaping is perfect. You can tell he loves what he does and puts real care into every client. If you're on the fence because of old reviews, give this place a second chance and if you're looking for unique designs, book with Henry! He's a true artist and craftsman and possibly DC's best kept secret right now. read more

Went in for a fill in and pedi with a french tip on both. I had one lady start my pedi and a different one finished because she had an appt coming. This lady could not do a simple french tip, and then I just asked for the straight line french and she could barely do that. My toe nails are filed slanted instead of straight. The man did my nails and acted like he did not want to do or start my nails because I didn't show him a picture of a french tip. I have like medium length nails so I found a picture similar to my length with a French tip and it took him several tries to get the simple french tip but he could not do it so I ended up leaving with clear nails and not what I asked for on my feet or nails. Also, it has not even been a full 7 days and I have 5 broken nails. At least the ladies who did my feet had a good attitude unlike the man who seemed like he did not want to do his job. This is my second time here, the first time was about 4-5 years ago and again I did not have good experience! Will not be back. read more

Modern nail bar is one of the best nail salons in D.C. I've tried lots of different places and this is genuinely the best nail salon. To top it off, Henry is a wonderful nail tech and produces amazing work. 20/10 could not recommend the nail salon or Henry more!! read more

I would not recommend Modern Nail Bar to anyone who expects to have a respectful and professional conversation with the man working here. He is grossly unprofessional, rude and refuses to take ownership of the poor services they provide. The first time I came to Modern was quite some time ago and it was an okay experience. I wasn't thrilled by the service, but was content with the nail job. Being so close to the holidays and having limited options for a last minute pedicure, I went back to Modern yesterday. Things started off well- I did not have to wait too long and I enjoyed the massage and exfoliation service provided by the nail technician. They were out of the 2 colors I wanted so I settled on a different one. Within 2 hours, my nails started chipping. I hadn't even been wearing socks or got my toes wet. Upon further examination, I noticed how uneven 9/10 of my toe nails were and there were uneven layers and clumps of polish on my toes. I was very disappointed because in total I paid $65 ($10 tip via Venmo) and was shocked to see how poor the quality of the polish, and polish job was. I called the salon immediately to notify them. Today I came in and spoke directly to the same man I've been in touch with. He was like "oh yea, just the big toe, right?" And I was like "no, look at each of these nails- they're starting to chip and are uneven- you'll have to redo all of them for how much I paid." He then accused me of walking out yesterday before the 15 minute mark. I explained to him multiple times that was never the case and the issue is they have poor quality polish and did a rushed job and I'd just like a refund. He then began to yell and say "NO REFUND! YOU SIT AND WAIT!" I was appalled by how quickly his tone and demeanor changed and it was completely uncalled for. All I wanted was a refund because I told him it would take too much time to redo each nail and clearly they're too busy. He again kept yelling and even said it was my fault for leaving yesterday. I only left after the nail technician told me it was okay to go, which was past the 15 minute mark. A different nail technician started to chime in with this rude man and yell that I left too early. Oddly enough the nail technician who did my nails, said nothing. The fact that they could not take accountability and felt it was okay to speak to someone this way is incomprehensible for me. I have not had this type of poor experience in a while and am still shaking from it. Currently, I am sitting in the waiting area because the extremely rude man has been impossible to talk to and I've accepted the only solution at this point is for them to redo all my toenails. Please do not come here. Do not even bother putting yourself through the unprofessionalism of this staff. Horrible service, worse polish quality, and a complete waste of money. read more

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This is going to be a long one and in real time at time of review. My fingers are on fire tapping the keys!! If I could give a zero star I would. I went online to schedule an appointment for Gel X at Modern Nail Bar-Navy Yard location. It wasn't listed so I called the nail bar. A woman answered and told me they provide that service but it can't be booked online. I said that's fine and scheduled for 10am the following morning (today review time). She didn't ask my name and before I could even tell her she hung up. The next day I arrived at the appointment on time. I paid the $5 to park on the street (DC parking is the devil himself). I got to the door at exactly 10 am and they weren't open yet. I waited a few minutes and called. No answer. So I'm standing outside in the cold and rain with the wind blowing so hard that my umbrella nearly ripped out of my hands and almost turned inside out. I sent an email to the manager's address listed on the website. I'm still waiting for a response as of 11:10 am. That's right; I'M STILL WAITING!!! I needed this appointment today at the time I scheduled it for a reason MODERN NAIL BAR- NAVY YARD!! I went around the corner to the Marriot Hotel to get warm for a few minutes and decided to go to Starbucks for my favorite drink (pumpkin spice chai tea latte) de $7 and some change. No biggie but it's the principle of now I've spent $12 (so far) without even getting my nails done yet. I've called too many times to count because I need to get in and out by 12:30. No answer and no response to 2 emails (I'll update if I ever get a response). So now I've had to schedule a new appointment for 3:45 which means my 5 years old daughter has to come with me. No spoil time for me today and if they say one word about her being there this review will be updated. She's well behaved but 2 hours in a salon is forever to a kid. I also had to book it as an SNS because the service I actually want isn't listed. This was the closest option to it. So yeah, here it is 11:06 and nothing!! I'm cold, paying $12 for absolutely no reason, and my flat ironed hair I pulled into a ponytail to keep it dry is now half pony half rabbit tail. This will absolutely be my last time coming here smh. At this point I don't even want to come back at 3:45 and pay another $5 for parking but dammit this trip WILL NOT be in vain!! read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - My email to management - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Michelle was very nice and professional. it was my first time walking in and I will be back.

Michele did an amazing job! She took her time with my nails and it didn't feel rushed. I loved how my french tip turned out and I recommend this nail salon! read more

If I could give zero stars.... I went here bcs it's close to my apartment, and wouldn't go back if it were free. I had an appointment at 1:45. They didn't even seat me in a pedicure chair until 2:20, and didn't start my service until 2:50. If I had gotten an amazing service, I wouldn't even be mad for how long I waited. But it was easily the worst gel manicure I have ever had in the thousands of gel mani's I've ever gotten. The service was rushed. The shape was off. The paint job was terrible. And the polish chipped TWO days after the manicure. I was embarrassed to even have this manicure on my hands. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I had a French gel pedicure by Michelle, she meticulously cut my cuticles and removed my ingrown toe nails. I've been to many nail salons and no nail technician can cut cuticles as clean as she does. She took out the ingrown toe nails and showed me, I felt so much relieved after the ingrown were removed. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Ingrown nails removed - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to this nail bar simply because I didn't feel like driving anywhere outside of Navy Yard. Bonus points for being open later than most salons (as of this review, they're open until 9pm!) Michele did my *Dip Powder w/extensions* meaning nail tips with powder color + gel top coat. She was very detailed and thorough, plus she didn't get frustrated that I kept asking her to adjust the shape of my nails here and there. I liked that she was very quiet and polite (sometimes I really don't feel like talking for an hour straight), but not stand-offish. My walk-in service with Michele was very pleasant, and I will definitely ask for her next time. Price is standard for the NCR. Comparable to everywhere else, and no crazy add-on charges. Despite the existing reviews, I recommend this nail bar. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Dip Powder #93 with extensions - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Horrible customer service, I went to have my nails done and nobody wanted to assist me when I walked in almost if I was a fly on the wall .

I can highly recommend Michelle and Win for beautiful work. They are friendly, considerate, and do beautiful work.

This place used to be solid when they first opened but ever since, the quality and consistency has been disappointing. I went in for a gel pedicure -- it was done so poorly that the gel wasn't even dry before they rushed me out of the chair. When I came back to get it touched up, they made me wait for the woman who did my pedicure originally to be done with a customer to touch up my nails. Not sure why anyone else couldn't have done it, just two nails. Ultimately waited for 25 mins in an empty salon. There are so many better options in the neighborhood. This place is just not it. Hope they can figure it out. read more

I have gone to this nail salon 2 times and enjoyed the experience and my nails! Anna has done my nails both times and did a great job with the pedicure and not rushing the dip. She did a great job shaping and cleaning the nails before dipping away and was attentive to making sure all nails matched. The women at the front desk is always friendly and helps you find whatever color you are looking for. I wish they had some chrome no more glitter but overall good selection and well organized. The price might be a few dollars more than other places but I enjoy the ambiance and not having a bunch of TVs in the salon. They do have wine but don't always offer so you should ask if you want some. I would recommend calling ahead and make a reservation as evenings get busy. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Dip Manicure - clear/pink light glitter - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was initially excited to try out this nail salon, as I live on the same block. While there are a number of salons within walking/biking distance, the convenience of this particular location could not be beat (for me). This space is a former bar that has now been turned into a cute, yet small, nail salon. You literally sit at a bar area on stools to get your manicure and dry your nails. This can get to be uncomfortable if you have to sit at this area for longer than 20-30 mins. As for my experience, this is where things really go downhill. The prices are already way more expensive than comparable salons in the area. However, this is to be somewhat expected because of where the salon is located. BUT - with high prices come great expectations. They absolutely failed when it comes to the level of quality that you would expect from a salon like this. I got a simple dip powder manicure and regular pedicure. While their color selection is beautiful, the skills of the nail technicians leave a lot to be desired. When the technician was done, THREE nails were smudged. After almost 2 hours at the salon, I finally had to leave and said I would come back. I came back the next day so she could fix the last nail. It still did not turn out correctly (see pics). For the price I paid (almost $100 including tip), I would have expected much better. I am not at all pleased with my experience, and I don't see myself returning to patronize this salon again. read more

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Michelle did my pedicure and she was so sweet! She was efficient, so kind and made the experience so enjoyable. Everyone go get a darn pedicure and ask for Michelle! read more

I had a great experience with Mary! She was very kind and professional. She fit me in last minute on Sunday, and did a great job with my dip manicure. Will definitely be going back! read more

I wanted to like this place because of its location but I wouldn't go here if it were the last nail place. If I had to unpack my entire 4hrs there it would be a book. Only enjoyable part was the wine. The pictures speak for themselves. DON'T GO HERE. I was also told not to complain. Also $55 for this crap I will not be back read more

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I booked in online for an acrylic fill in early in the day and got my email confirmation. I was excited to try this nail salon as it is very close for me and would be super convenient. I rushed to the salon from running errands to be sure I would be on time (actually 5 min early) and I was asked what I was there for. I said I had booked a fill in. The lady told me only Wednesday, the only girl that does that is on vacation, Why not update the system to not offer to book for a service you cannot offer, OR at the VERY least check your booking system and call people to reschedule. read more

I don't know why this place has bad reviews! I decided to try it out because of the close proximity in my neighborhood and their flexible hours (one of the few spots open until 9pm). My nails were a mess and needed a new set, so that's when Johnny came in (I think that was his name..). He took off my nails with care - most people just rip them off, but he made sure it didn't hurt me. He fit and cut the nails with ease and in a quick manner. I usually go with gel, but he suggested I try the dip powder (GAME CHANGER)! I was pleasantly surprised through the process and pleased to see how much less chemicals and time it took vs. the usual gel acrylic fill. I definitely recommend for those that get their nails done a good bit. Everything was clean, the interior was extremely well done, and prices were reasonably compared to other salons! I will be back! read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The guy had to Google almond shape and that's when I knew something was wrong. He cut my one of my nails down way short than the others and I wanted to leave. He also didn't let me wash my hands after filing down so it was gross. Avoid this place. read more

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This is the closest salon to me so I often visit with my daughter for a pedicure. The salon is very well kept and clean. However I question their ethics as I feel like everytime I go it's a different price. Today I paid $86 for a pedicure with French gel polish finish. The menu I was showed stated my pedicure would be $45. When I got to the register and was told my balance was $86, I asked why the price was so high. They began to say it was because they charged to remove the gel I already had (which was gel they put on my feet at my last visit); but also said they charge $20 extra for gel polish. And all these other made up fees that are usually already included. They also tried to charge $20 for the polish they did on my 6 year old daughters toes. Until I said that was ridiculous for just polish and they took it down to $12. The last time I went here I paid $144 for a gel many/pedi and my daughters nails and toes polished. I just feel like they charge people based off of how they look. Prices should be clearly posted. read more

This place is disgusting. They ruined my nails and now nobody will respond to me. My nails have not stopped bleeding for days. DO NOT GO HERE and especially run if the lady whose cash app is below! She ruined my nails. read more

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The studio is aesthetically pleasing, but I've had awful customer service experiences both times I've been here. The first time I had an appointment and waited over an hour without explanation. Understanding that there are staffing shortages right now, I decided to give it another chance. The second time I booked through ClassPass. I was helped about 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment time. I showed the service I booked on my phone to the technician before we started. During the appointment, two staff members got into two different shouting matches with another guest over their lengthy delay in assisting her/lack of clarity around pricing, which made everyone, myself included, extremely uncomfortable. At check out, my technician said she performed a service $11 above and beyond my ClassPass booking (despite me not adding anything during the appointment and showing her the service I booked at the outset) and insisted I pay the difference - which I did out of sheer exhaustion. Extremely poor customer service all around. The actual manicures and pedicures are fine, but I won't be back. I'm more stressed when I walk out of this place than when I walk in. read more

Worst mani ever yesterday.. Was rushed and the lady was rough with my nails. Won't be going back.

Poor reviews are true. I read the google reviews detailing poor customer service and quality of nail care, but I decided to give Modern Nail a try because I live one block away and my usual place (that I've been going to for 11 years) closes early and I needed the service that day. I called midday and asked to make an appointment for a regular manicure and pedicure at the latest possible slot they had that same day (they close at 9pm). I spoke with a man who first said "8pm?" Then said "7:45pm?" I told him 7:45pm was great an he took my name and phone #. When I arrived a few minutes before my scheduled appointment time, a younger guy at the front desk (not the man I spoke with) asked for my name and appeared to check the schedule. Then he walked over to a female employee in the middle of a pedicure and spoke softly into her ear. He turned around and said they couldn't take me because all of their employees were busy with other clients and there was not enough time to serve me. When I protested that I made an appointment that day and was given the 7:45pm time, the male employee apologized and said there was nothing he could do. He added that they "only have 3 employees right now" because they "let 2 go home early." When I asked why they would send people home early if they had an appointment, he mumbled something about it "not being fair to them." I have no idea what type of employer-employee dynamics go on there, so employees who left could have had good reason to leave early. However, I was appalled that they would take an appointment, take my name and number, and then fail to either honor that appointment OR CALL ME TO TELL ME. I literally rushed through an in-person meeting to get there on time and by then it was too late to try to find another salon because all others in the area close at 8pm or earlier. I try to give businesses the benefit of the doubt if they have some positive reviews but I'm not doing that anymore for nail salons. And I would never, ever go to Modern Nail again. I will caution neighbors to take their business elsewhere. A business that can't bother to pick up the phone to tell a customer they can't honor an appointment does not deserve the benefit of the doubt. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. read more

Wanted a pedicure with wine and they delivered. Ambience was very classy and relaxing staff was timid but friendly and did a satisfactory job. Will be coming again with my best friend. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Signature manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I don't need to write anything, you can see the work for yourself. These pictures were taken 36 hours after the mani/pedi. I absolutely hate when they use a dremel over the top of the nail. I feel it thins and damages the nail, the nail tech denied that it causes damage when I asked why he was doing it. My nails are so thin; with the dipping powder they look like my original thickness. It's so hard to find good nail service anywhere this costed $165 with tip for dip mani/gel pedi. Capitalism read more

They've been closed by the DC government but still let people book appointments? I booked an appointment on the 17th for today (the 19th) but the sign says they've been closed since the 13th so not sure what's going on but I would avoid read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been here twice and each time they've given me the wrong color and tried to gaslight me into thinking it's the right color. Last time I went I got a simple pedicure and they just didn't paint one of my nails at all? I didn't notice until I left the salon but I'm very upset and will never be back. Save your time and money. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - My unpainted nail - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ladies and gentlemen do yourself a favor and never get your eyebrows done here. I usually get my brows threaded but really needed them done last minute so I came here because it was close by. That was a terrrrrrrrible mistake. Now my beautiful arched eyebrows are now flat and one is thicker than the other. The lady didn't even get all the stray hairs at that. Lucky for me my brows grow back quick but I will never be back here. I have never had my eyebrows messed up so badly and unfortunately I think this going to take a while to correct. Looks like my eyebrows were done in the dark. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - Terrible eyebrow wax - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I usually come here to get pedicures but after my experience with a manicure. NEVER. AGAIN. I had my first dip manicure. I asked for a simple French manicure and even showed a picture of EXACTLY what I wanted, and the lady who did my nails kept saying that I needed to pick a base color. I asked for some help as when I usually receive a French manicure there's no color choice. My manicurist picked this orange color and said that it would match well. It most certainly did not. I asked 5 times, if she was sure that it would lighten to natural. As you can probably guess- that didn't happen. I told her that I was unhappy and she offered to give me a discount next time- absolutely not. Avoid at all cost. They don't care about how your nails look when you leave, they are more concerned with getting customers in and out as soon as possible. read more

Modern Nail Bar - Navy Yard - The manicure I got - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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