Disappointed with the lack of professionalism I've been a regular customer at Nail 1st for quite some time, coming in twice a month for my nail services. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was very disappointing. I had an appointment scheduled for 11:00 a.m., and upon arrival, I was told to wait. After 20 minutes, I asked the owner about the delay and was informed that the technician had an emergency and left. I asked who would be doing my nails, and the owner simply said, "whoever is available." I continued waiting for up to 35 minutes, and no one came to help me. I eventually let the owner know I was leaving, and all she said was, "I'm sorry--come back tomorrow." I understand emergencies happen, but there was no communication, no attempt to find a solution, and no regard for my time as a loyal customer. Sadly, I won't be returning. read more

Let me start by saying, this establishment does good work. My daughters and I were having a girls day. Super excited to get our nails done. Started with pedicures. The foot care and scrub was mediocre at best. The end result of the nail polishing was good, however it took two different technicians to finally get what I asked for. Not a big deal. I was happy with how it turned out and both technicians were pleasant. Next up, the manicures. The technician asked what I wanted and let me get make this clear, he gave me exactly what I asked for. The design, the style, he did what he was asked. However if you're looking for all the bells and whistles, this is not your place. My cuticles were in desperate need of some TLC...a little trim and oil would have been nice. It just feels like a rushed job with some missed steps. One thing they are not missing is their overpriced charges. The manicure (with tips) and pedicure together cost $175. Maybe this is reasonable and I'm the one that's out of touch, but for this price, I would appreciate a little more with the service. read more

Nail 1st - Pedicure stations - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I had such high hopes because I heard such good things about Anna. But she completely destroyed my nails and ripped parts off my skin. So let me start from the beginning. I came in early and decided to get a pedicure. The pedicure was absolutely AMAZING and done by someone completely different (forgot to get her name). I thoroughly enjoyed the massage before hand. My pedicure was running into my nail appointment, so rightfully so Anna came over to start the take off process for my nails. When she started the process, I kept yanking my hand away letting her know that it hurt. She proceeded to say a little pain never hurt anyone. I said yes it does if you're taking my nail bed off. While taking my nails off she was also on the phone and trying to handle other business instead of trying to focus. I kept letting her know that the take off process was becoming way too pain and she just counted down that she had two more left. I finished my pedicure and headed over to her station and looked at my nails and said I don't think it's a good idea to put gel or acrylic on top of damaged nail beds. She said well if you aren't ok with it then I won't do it but I think they're fine. I missing a piece of my nail on one finger, she cracked a couple, and one was bleeding. So I would say they are pretty damaged. She had to file it down because the nail would not come off after several forced attempts. When I booked my appointment I asked for them to be soaked off and then a full set. I wish she would have said she need to soak my nail instead of getting a pedicure. Because now I have to walk around with bruised and damaged nail beds. read more

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I was getting a pedicure and at first everything was fine. Then I noticed her vibe/ attitude changed as everyone else was leaving and they begin to clean up( when they were about to close early for the New Year).She started rushing ( she was doing my cuticles on my toes and then she began taking the dead skin/ waste and rubbing it with the product that you use to rub the legs with,and started rubbing my legs with it all together,on my legs , very fast.Then she threw the nail drill by my feet, hastily,almost banging my feet, with an attitude. I asked if she was ok and what time didn't they closed and she replied "now..at 5:00, with an attitude. So, I spoke with the owner to let her know what happened and she replied, oh, she has an attitude with someone else. And I said well, she's taking it out on me and has an attitude and her vibe is bad and I asked her to stop the service., and I paid full price without the full service or anything done about the situation.The owner replied, oh ,Happy New Year and I hope your vibe is different next year. read more

Nail 1st - Pedicure not done well ( Rushed in the service). - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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This was my second time coming here I went in with no appointment Saturday at 10ish and got attended to quick. I told him I had a lash appointment at 12 and he had another guy help him with one hand to get me in and out quicker. They left my nails beautiful and got me out just in time for my lash appointment ! I forgot to get his name but he was amazing this will be my nail spot from now on ! Heidi also does amazing pedicures read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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LOVE LOVE coming to get my nails done here!! Always with Anna!! She slays my nails every time!!! All the techs here throw it down tho, my cousin also comes here and she gets hers done with Christmas, zhe's also does amazing work!!! Definitely want to book in advance with them, they get booked fast!! read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

WILL NEVER allow this establishment to get another dime from me. The person who did my nails was super unprofessional with a disgusting attitude. When asked about the horrendous mess of a service he gave he didn't want to "fix" unless I paid for another service...I drove all the way from brier creek to garner due to what was presented online via IG , to get there and made to feel like complete trash, wasted my gas, time , energy and efforts...I'm totally disturbed by what took place. Had to find another salon in the area to get a pedicure and fix the mess that was done, was definitely not spending any more money with them. Christmas should be let go , he lacks the professionalism to be in charge of someone else's establishment in their absence. read more

Nail 1st - Full set with trashy cuticles - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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My partner and I came in on a Saturday & were immediately serviced! It was fairly busy, but they were still able to accommodate us. The salon has a very warm and inviting atmosphere with its calm music and cozy decor. First, we were taken to a nice and quiet room toward the back of the salon and given our foot reflexology service that's included in many of their pedicures. Vicky was very thorough & took her time! We were then taken back to the main area to get the pedicures where the water was warm and waiting. Both pedicures were great! No complaints. I will definitely be visiting again! read more

Nail 1st - Reflexology massage before pedicure! - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I absolutely love getting pedicures here my feet always leave feeling like a new pair of feet. The gel polish last weeks as well. It's such a relaxing environment with swift service. This is the only place I like to go for pedicures. read more

This place has great great atmosphere and I definitely enjoyed every bit of my manicure and gel polished nails and my orange pedicure with my almost hour leg and foot massage. My daughter enjoyed her pedi and polished nails but, considering I had my six year old who can be impatient at times....I wish they would have maybe just made me aware of the package I chose and the time it takes and all that's included. I would have chose that pedicure for a NON daughter date. I have to admit that I wasn't planning on spending $135+ for me and my six year old. I will probably go back but I'll have to pay closer attention to the literal menu that they hand you when you get there. I winged it, I paid for it but yes, I did get a great result. read more

Nail 1st - Matching toes and fingers for the kid :) - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Another year later and still the best nail salon in the Triangle! Like most ladies, I am extremely picky and indecisive when it comes to my nails.. Anna and the other nail technicians are patient and knowledgeable when it comes to nail health and design. Even when I'm completely clueless on what I want, Anna always talks me through my decisions and lets me try different options until I'm completely satisfied. Plus they always stay up to date on new and improved nail trends. Not to mention, you won't find better prices for the quality of service you'll receive! read more

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Don't come here- staff mumble under their breaths to each other, and you can tell they talk about the customers- it's unfortunate I understood a few things they said. read more

I went into Nails 1st. ( been in before .. a year ago) I was seen by 3 people. I wanted a new set mine were old. The first person taking them off with a fake NAIL !!! It's painful and it rips layers of my real nails off. I asked for it to be soaked off. I could tell he didn't want too. So then another person who I asked was the manager... that was the quickest soak ever!! She chatted with me a little bit while she glued on the tips. They weren't glued down very well. I asked to clean up my cuticles... she said a full mani with water? I said No just trim up the roughness , SHE said there's a CHARGE for that. REALLY ? UGH!! So then I was sent to another person. I told the other gal these nails are not glued very good please add glue. I said this 3 times. I also had to keep saying I didn't like the shape of the nail. --- Doing my simple Christmas design which was Santa Hat , which contained the red that was on all my fingers and added a few swipes of White thats represents the brim and a white dot as the pompom ... This was on 2 fingers !!! I went to PAY..... $85 !!!!!!!!!! I was MAD!!! $10 was design!!! You got to be kidding me!!! THERE ARE NO PRICING SIGNS ANYWHERE!!!! THEY MAKE IT AS THEY Go!!! ----- I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN!!!! I WILL TELL EVERYONE I Know that gets their nails DONE!!!! read more

This is by far the worst nail salon they had me scheduled with a technician that was unexperienced left my nails all big bulking and had the nerve to let me walk out with a messed up nail set I complained and they swear they set nothing was wrong until I placed my hole hand in there face and they tried to have another technician fix it and that technician couldn't fix it either never returning to this place it's dirty and unfriendly. read more

Anna did a great job on my holographic tips! I don't normally get the stiletto shape nails but she made it work for my short length nails! read more

Nail 1st - Holographic tips - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I want to like this place so much but everytime I go it's subpar. Powder dip nails chip, break off in less than a week everytime. I went back so they could fix, and they cut me with their tools. I dont see them opening fresh tools either which makes me concerned about their hygiene/sterilization. Their prices are also pretty high considering the level of service provided. I paid for a premium pedicure and it was basically a 5 min light massage, file tops, and polish change. They didnt do cuticles, scrub, or anything. You're better off going elsewhere read more

I've had the most satisfying nail salon experience EVER at Nail 1st. I will never go anywhere else ever again. Point blank period. *Updated on 8/9/17* Still love Nail 1st. I still only go to this salon. read more

Nail 1st - Gel powder on natural nails, gel polish, "tye dye" effect - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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The customer service was great but when you're getting your nails done you're paying for a service. They're way too over priced for what you get. The work is mediocre, me and my mom went to get our nails done and they charged us $127, yet the nails were so bulky, and the shape wasn't sharp. The paid no attention to my cuticles or did a mani service. If you want mediocre work at a high price point then this is the place read more

Just absolutely terrible. I reached out to this salon due to limited openings at my usual salon. Long story short? You couldn't pay me to go back here. Not personable, and they were only responsive when I was trying to book an appt. 4 days after my appointment almost all of my nails were chipping and I have never experienced that with gel polish. I spent $100 here for a fill with gel polish and polish for my toddler. They did a terrible job on my nails. Check my reviews ... I rarely leave bad ones, so putting this somewhere publicly isn't something I wanted to do. I generally like to resolve anything I can with a company directly if I'm displeased but they've spent days ignoring my messages which is just not cool considering they clearly have employees who can do some pretty great work (as seen in other reviews), you'd think they'd want to resolve this. But apparently once you've paid they really do not care. I'd avoid this place. read more

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I rated this place 3 stars simply because I had an appointment that was booked about a week in advance, however upon my arrival I waited approximately 25 minutes (I arrived 10 minutes early and sat waiting for 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment time). If you give me the option to make an appointment I'd appreciate it if you adhered to the appointment time. Aside from the appointment issue, everything was nice, although I think I was supposed to be offered a drink and I never received that offer (this is not a big deal for me, but it's principle). I enjoyed the quiet room where it is dark and they have you seated in large, faux leather recliners, while they cover your eyes and neck with a heated cloth that smells like tea; you're also receiving a foot massage at this time. Once my time in the quiet room was over, I was taken to the pedicure area where I received a well deserved pedicure and then I was sent to a different nail tech who completed my manicure. Including the tip, I think I paid a little under $90.........maybe it was worth it, maybe not...... read more

came here to get my feet done and the results was terrible spent $85 on something that wasn't worth it no message just a rush job I understand being understaff and last minute walk ins but it was only 3 ladies there getting service and it was no need to rush I hate the way my nails look I asked her how many coats she said two but the way the polish is lifting and looking is terrible money down the drain I will not be spending no more money there first time last time there! read more

Nail 1st - Why do my polish look like that smh I can cry money wasted - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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My daughter and I visited this nail salon yesterday. First, aesthetically it is nice. Bright lights, decorative, large sectionals in waiting area. We had a wait of 15 minutes then we were off to get our pedis. The pedicure we selected was the basic Herbal Pedi. Price was it is comparable to market rate of you wanted regular nail lacquer but if you wanted gel polish the price was a bit inflated. The pedicure was great. They have this weird, misplaced intermission where you are whisked off to the back and placed in a barely lit, serene, zen room to have your feet dipped in paraffin, massaged, and tucked in a chair with blanket!!! It was far out and unexpected but so relaxing I actually dozed off. But alas I had to rejoin the brightly lit front to finish my pedicure so after 15 mins it was back to business. The were some not so great moments: *beverages aren't offered. If I am going to spend a benji on pedis, I expect to be offered water a least. *for gel colors, I felt their selection was limited. *the two young men working in the front had slight attitudes, not the best first impression since they were the two working the desk the most. *one girl came in around 5 pm to get a fill-in and was told the wait would be 30 minutes..they let her sit for 10 mins then told her she would have to come back the next day because they was no availability for the rest of the day...she was pissed. *someone's shoes were stolen from the toe nail dryer area...it was weird but it happened! read more

I have been up and down the East Coast and if you places in California getting super long nails done. One thing I've learned is that the salon does not make the tech, the tech makes the salon. The salon just provides services under a structure. It's up to the tech to execute that structure. With any salon, you have a good and bad nail techs. I've been going to nail first for over eight years now. I've seen techs come and go. They have been a couple of bad ones there. However, for that reason they're not there anymore. My last visit I had the awesome artistry of Nikki. Nikki is a prime example of a tech that loves what she does, and it shows in her work if you want to know how good your tech is, just ask them how much they love their work. Are they loving the artistry of it, or just the money they make. usually if a nail tech is willing to build a rapport with you, it means that they're comfortable in what they're doing and they wanna make you comfortable. That takes a level of care. So I want to thank Nikki and nails first for doing such a fabulous job with my nails over the years. I have only had two bad experiences, and those bad experiences are no longer there. read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stopped by today on a whim and received beautiful service. Nana, Hanna and Ana are awesome. Very neat gel manicure and great pedicure with peppermint leaves for aroma. Please give this place a try! read more

Nail 1st - Perfect gel Mani - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I got a nail fill, with their senior nail tech. She reshaped them, unfortunately my nails look like they're throwing up gang signs; meaning they're not straight. I see where the initial intention was to go in a certain direction is, but in order to keep the "coffin" shape even with the other hand she had to stop. I felt I had to direct her quite a bit, which in my opinion paying extra for the senior nail tech wouldn't be worst it. With experience comes less errors. She seemed very rushed and not accommodating to my requests and very preoccupied with her personal life. Even though this visit was MUCH better than my previous visit for my first time full set, it left much to be desired. My rating is based on final product, experience during treatment, communication and lackluster customer service. read more

I love coming here. Everyone is so nice! I absolutely always love my nails or toes when I leave here.

I needed a good place to get my nails done when I moved to the area a couple of years ago, and I'm happy I found Nail 1st! The business is family owned, and all of the nail technicians do good, quality work. They will not try to push add-ons like other nail salons I've been to in the past. If you want it, they'll do it for you. If don't, they won't. I personally go to Anna, she does a great job everytime. She can also do cute designs if you just bring in a picture. Seriously, check this place out. They're all good! read more

I tried this salon at my coworkers suggestion and I'm so glad I did. They do amazing work and are passionate about your satisfaction. They truly want you to be happy! They just moved into their new space, just a few doors down from where they were, and it is beautiful!! They've added more space, more technicians, and more colors and products to meet your needs. I personally go to Anna and she is super talented. I bring a picture of something I like, and she customizes into something I love. She's very creative and really loves what she does. Go see them, you will not be disappointed!! read more

I had a good experience when I went there my very first time with Anna . But when I went this time unfortunately she didn't have time to do my nails again I had the option to make a appointment but I decided to just get them done with a different nail tech. The only thing I got was a fill in with gel polish . I paid left the salon got home not even a hour later 3 of my nails were already peeling off . I called them told them about this ,which I was disappointed because I had to drive 30 mins there and back only to have to do it a second time around to get the polish re done . The tech made it seem as though the reason was because I didn't let the polish fully dry are you serious so you mean to tell me after more then a hour the polish was supposedly not all the way dry & I had gel polish . Anyway he re did my 3 nails and I left once again. This time about 6 hours had past and my nails are peeling once again . I'm really pissed off and disappointed for my time being wasted and for the amount of money you have to spend and the products they use aren't even of good quality. I spent 40+ dollars for a fill in with gel polish when I could've went to a place that I usually go to for 15$ fill in and 10$ gel polish extra and would've gotten better results then this. Also he did a sloppy job on polishing my nails as well. I'll never come back here this is just RIDICULOUS. I can't believe I wasted so much money on this . You've lost a customer read more

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Sooooo I think they are under new management and honestly my experience was not all that great. There pedi bowl does not work and for some odd reason you receive the wax massage before the pedi ???? read more

I was in the shop trying to relax on my birthday when I got fussed out by their employee Christmas. He was upset at the fact that I lost my phone in their salon and he found it. He greeted me very loudly that other guest could hear him. With anger he informed me that next time I need to keep my phone in my purse because they are not responsible if it gets lost or stolen. Which I understand but it was his tone. It's not what he said but how he said it. To the point where it made me cry. I spent $165 with on my nails & toes and I believe that I should've been respected & enjoyed my time but that was not the case. I've witnessed him speak to other women in this manner on different occasions & that's not acceptable. I believe that some more customer service training needs to be done if they want to keep customers including myself. read more

I've gone here several times, probably 8 total, and I will say the employees are very friendly! About a year ago I had a gel mani that peeled after several days and they redid the service no problem. They said they actually had complaints about that polish brand or specific color. Anyway, no problem there. Then last week I went in for another gel mani on a Saturday evening, and the same thing happened the following Friday (5 days later), the polish had started to entirely peel off several nails, and around the edges in all of them, while I was at the beach in Florida. When I returned to Raleigh that Monday, I went to the nail salon to have the service redone, as we all know gel polish should last a minimum of two weeks. I was told they have a new policy that if it's after 5 days you must repay for the service. Where is this posted, how are we to know? That is ridiculous! Gel manis are widely advertised to last a minimum of two weeks, so why they would have a 5 day policy is insane. Not to mention, the issue did occur within five days, but I was out of state. They said I should have called, but who thinks of that while on vacation. Any normal person would just go for a fix once back in town. Further infuriating, is Christmas (the male technician) kept saying that he would be happy to "fix" it, but that I'd have to repay for the full service. I know there may be a language barrier, but I attempted to correct him several times informing him it is not "fixing" the issue if you are going to charge me. It's just treating it like a new service. He could not seem to grasp the concept and kept informing me of the 5 day policy while saying he's happy to "fix" it. Obviously those are mutually exclusive. You cannot fix it, AND charge me. He also kept calling me sweetie and Hunny tho I am clearly much older than him. Very condescending. Anyway, the point is, they clearly don't stand by the quality of their work or products used, so why would you give them your business? I certainly won't be paying them to redo a service that was done improperly the first time. That's just throwing good money after bad. I won't be doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result, that's the definition of insanity. So, you've been warned. read more

This is a terrible place with terrible customer services my nails looked terrible, they were SO THICK and acrylic on my skin and under my nails. The guy on the phone said I many options why did I go there and if I had any other questions before he hung up when I called the next day! GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, trust me this was the first time I went to this place because I just moved and it's Closer to my house and it will be the last I will be going to Raleigh to my usual place.. lesson learned! read more

Was charged $70 for plain matte black nails. They were completely uneven and you could see scratches in the polish from them buffing my nails. Went home and had to file the nails myself to make them look somewhat decent. Way too overpriced for even a decent job, yet still received a horrible job read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I guarantee my Nail tech is Awesome!! I have put her to the test on many of my appointments and still she rise. I have NEVER had a rhinestone fall off, chipped polish, etc. Unbeknownst to her, I was a Nail tech in the W,DC area, therefore I am very picky about my nails. I have worn my bling designs up to four weeks, and my nails tend to stay as if I stepped out the shop. Anna is the most talented in the Raleigh/Durham area by far. I pay for what I want and expect nothing less, and still she go beyond. My colors are always pristine. View her website, should I say more? Better yet, Go get your nails done, have a Spa day, eyebrows waxed, as well as many more services. Tell her Wanda sent you!!! Nevertheless, Enjoy the environment and become one of the family as I have established myself. I guarantee my Nail tech is better than yours by far!!!!!!! read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I have looked for a great place to get my nails done close to downtown Raleigh for a long time and I finally found it! Anna has been doing my nails for several months now, also my fiancé had a men's pedicure one day too he loved it! She has always done a fantastic job, I get comments everywhere I go! Anna has made me feel important and like family from the very first appointment. She always has great ideas and suggestions to make my nails look beautiful. I can't imagine going anywhere else. My nails have never broken, chipped or lifted, and I'm HARD on my nails! I love the atmosphere of the salon, everyone is welcoming and kind. I have never had a bad experience, everyone who works there does an amazing job and I think almost all of them have done my nails at some point and I keep coming back! read more

Nail 1st - Anna picked just the right color! - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Omg!! So glad I've found this place!! Anna did her thing!! I am so in love with my nails. She performed surgery on another salons horrible work! I sat down picked my color and left the design and artwork up to her. She is very stylish and she stays current on all the latest trends! The polish selection is out of this world, so many options!! I absolutely love this place and I already have my reoccurring appointment booked! read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I just started working in the area and was looking for a new lunch break nail salon. Checked out the Yelp reviews and saw a 15% off all pedicure special for you checking in so I decided to give it a try. I called first to make sure there was not a wait. When I arrived, I was asked to pick a color and promptly seated. Before services began, I gave notice that I would like the 15% off discount for my Yelp check in. I was told that it was no longer available even though my Yelp app said differently. The young woman assisting me then went to her manager to see if it could be honored and I was told that they would but... 1. It did not include the gel polish pedicure 2. It had to be a tropical (or more expensive) pedicure At this point, I was pretty disappointed that as a business they advertised a special and then to "make it right" they still put stipulations around how I could use the discount that was supposed to be for all pedicures. I'm really picky on where I spend my money and made a decision this is a salon I will not be doing business with. I don't mind spending the money and I understand I may pay the same or more else where. My decision to not come back is because the Yelp advertised offer was not honored. read more

Nail 1st - "Anna W.", I appreciate your feedback in regards to my review and am happy you were able to have a better experience. - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I was looking around for a nail salon close in my neighborhood and I seen nails 1st they didn't have a review on so i decided to take a chance and try them out. First when i walked in the place smelled wonderful no loud music and very very cleaned. I was the only one in there which i loved like other nails salons that overcrowded and loud music playing fumes that can make your head spin. They treated me like a queen she took her time doing my eyebrows and took her time doing my nails and not rushing like other nail salons. She made sure that my nails were 100% loved by me before she finished anything. I had a pink and white french manicured done and she done it exactly how i wanted her too. IF YOU WANT YOUR NAILS AND EYEBROWS DONE RIGHT FOR THE RIGHT PRICE THEN CHECK NAILS 1ST OUT. read more

Nail 1st - Nail Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I received the Intensive Callus Removal Pedicure and my husband had the Gentleman's Pedicure. We were both blown away. My husband was so impressed he reminded me to write this review. Fifteen minute reflexology was included with both of our pedicures. Heavenly! Friendly estheticians. Beverage was offered. We are very happy to find this salon and highly recommend it. read more