I went here to get a full set of Acrylic nails. Mind you this is my first time there. The nail tech I worked with glued the tips on, but when they fell off during filing she glued them back on with out replacing the tip, which isn't how it's done. After she was done they looked nice. But less then 24 hours later my nail is broken at the tip, which she originally did not replace. I will be returning to have my nail REPLACED! And will not be returning after this. Horrible job. read more

Nails First - After 16 hours.... - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Not as clean as anticipated but my dipped nails turned out great. Very friendly and decent price.

I absolutely love Ryan. He is the sweetest and the only person that does my nails but his wife I feel like she needs to work on her customer service skills. She always seem angry and have an attitude. Actually I just get the feeling she doesn't like African American. The rest of the workers are polite and nice. I'm deciding if I'm ever going to go back. read more

Nails 1st is my go to place when I don't make an appointment at my regular place. But let me tell you something tough, they have never disappointed me. They take care of you right away (even if you are a walk in) and the service has never felt rushed. Most of the technicians pay careful attention to details and the result is always amazing. The only reason I don't give them 5 starts and why Nails 1st is not my regular place is because of their equipment (the massage chairs are pretty outdated) and the variety of colors is not impressive. If you aways pick "safe" colors and don't care as much for designs I highly recommend Nails 1st. read more

Nails First - No chip manicure with accent glitter nail. - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Ask for Ryan! You won't regret it! He really makes our experience great every single time. So good at what he does. Atmosphere is soothing yet fun. I honestly just love how they treat their customers and the effort they put into giving you exactly what you ask for. read more

I walked in today with no appointment, a very limited amount of time (25mins!) and some very outgrown and chipped acrylic nails. All I wanted was to atleast have them taken off or made better looking, because they looked HORRIBLE. I knew I was asking a lot when I came in and asked for them to do this for me in such a short amount of time. I figured there would be eye rolls and attitude, and possibly even turned away, but there was none of that! They were pretty busy, but I was greeted with a smile and they started immediately! I wish I had gotten the name of my nail tech, because she was AMAZING, and so nice! I've never seen someone work so fast, and with such a beautiful result as well! I was in from out of town today, so I don't know if I'll be back, but if I am in the area and need a mani or pedi I'll be sure to come in again :D read more

Not very hygienic dip manicure. Everyone's fingers are getting dipped into the same pot of powder. You don't even wash your hands prior to the manicure to try to help prevent spreading bacteria or fungus. Will not be getting a dip manicure here again read more

My daughter got acrylics and I did a pedicure. Her nails turned out great and her manicurist was very nice. The person who did my pedicure was rude and quick. She looked like she didn't want to touch my feet. Im not sure if she was dating the guy that was doing my daughter's nails but she kept coming over and speaking in her native tongue and bothering him while he was trying to finish my daughter's nails. Not professional. First and last visit read more

This is my favorite nail shop ever. They do high quality work. It is the cleanest shop I have ever been to. The service is above and beyond. Everyone is so friendly and polite and cannot do enough for you. I would highly recommend nail first to anybody looking for a great shop. I get my nails and pedicure done every two weeks. I would not go anywhere else. I rarely have to wait because they run pretty much on time. They go out of their way to make sure you're satisfied. Ryan does my nails and he runs the shop smoothly. If you're looking for a great place to pamper yourself with a Mani- Pedi I recommend you give them a try. read more

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As soon as I walked in Ryan greeted me and was super lovely and Vicki did my nails, super satisfied! The color is great, shape is great and she was so sweet. Will definitely be back. read more

Wow, this is by far the worst nail salon I have ever been to. I stopped by my usual place, but there was a 15 minute wait so I thought I'd stop by Nails 1st since it was on the way to where I was headed. I looked it up online on my way and saw it was $5 cheaper than my normal place. Score! But no. I'd been once before when they first opened, and now I know why I never went back. I got a pedicure, and it took them only 20 minutes. That should have been a sign that something wasn't right. The other person who questioned their hygiene is correct -- no sanitized tools, raggedy towels, and there was buildup on all the nail polish tops and the carts with the tools. Worst of all, there are still callouses on the bottom of my feet. Like, are you kidding me? I just paid you $22 to put some sloppy color on my toes? I could have done that myself! I feel like I just threw my money away. I'm not pleased, and I certainly won't be coming back. If all you're looking for is some color and shaping, check this place out. If you want an actual pedicure, grab $5 more and head elsewhere. read more

I like nails first, I think their prices are great and they do a wonderful job. I brought my bridal party and out of town guest in here for nails and waxing before my wedding and they were very accomodating. The reason I took away one star is because after all the people I brought in that day to get their nails and waxing done, I spent $96.00 and then they realized that they forgot to charge me $7 for my lip wax. I thought that with all the business (about 16 people) I had in with me that morning that they could have overlooked the $7. However, I like them and I still go in. They know me and they do a great job! I would recommend especially since the prices are good and so is the quality. read more

LOVE this place!! Actually surprised to see some of the bad reviews, as I've been going here for a year now and have never had a bad experience. They DO get very busy - so I recommend an appointment. However, I've never done enough planning to actually make an appointment of my own and they still always get me in, with less than 30 minutes of waiting. People are very friendly - my nails always look great - and the price can't be beat! $22 for a pedi with a sea-salt scrub. YES! Also, suprised to see so many people complaining that they don't take tips on CC. I've been to many, many nails salons and all have this same policy. Seems to be standard. And logically, makes sense ... Tips have to be paid out to the employee on the day of their shift. If you pay with a CC, that means the owner is not getting any true "cash" - which means they'd have to dip into their own bank account to pay out the tip. No big deal! For a $22 pedi - I stick a $5 in my wallet and everyone is happy. read more

Excellent color selection and service. Ryan makes you feel right at home. Great customer service

Nope. Once was one more timw than enough. ** my legs itched all day while out with my cousin for her bday until I was able to get home and shower ** I called the day before to make appointments for my cousin -mani/pedi- and I -hot stone pedicure- I explained 3 times that I need to have 3 services done. He clearly did not understand me. My cousin got a manicure AND pedicure and we sat at the drying table for like 6 minutes and we were still done and out the door by 12:02. I did not get a hot stone pedicure. My cousin, who is 8, could have done a better job. She offered to use a cheese grater on my feet (the cover actully had a picture of cheese on it) and I still have rough skin on my heels (* I regularly get pedi so honestly my feet are not bad) The scrub was more like gritty goo being smushed around on my legs. Gently. The massage was pitiful, even after I asked if she could do a bit more pressure. Then she starts painting my toes. So I ask if my appointment was a quick pedi or a hot stone. She says, "I don't know (he) told me pedicure" Long story short.. I will not be back and I do not suggest going. The prices are average and the quality of service is POOR. read more

I was a walk in today for a fill, I'm new to the area and just drove by while I was killing time before another appointment I had this afternoon . Glad I stopped here! Ryan was excellent. Knew what I wanted with my nail shape and had to do a couple nail repairs cuz I was past due for my fill anyway. Good choice of no chip colors too. Will def be back! read more

I've been to Nails First four times now. Every time, I am amazed at the quality of my nails! I've had Ryan and Flavia. Flavia did such a beautiful job with my dip powder nails and she is so kind and sweet! Ryan runs the show! I highly recommend everyone in the area to go to Nails First, first! I've never been disappointed. I've had three no chip manicures and one dip powder. They all lasted almost three weeks! The only reason they did not last longer was because my nails grow fast and I need them re done. 10/10 recommend. It's always a good time! They have the BEST selections. read more

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I'm happy. Sandy gave me a great no chip, French mani - 35, another young lady (sorry I didn't get her name) gave me the sea salt pedi - 22 (and started my gel polish removal while I relaxed). Great job. I'll def. be back! Takes credit cards for payment. Tip is cash. read more

Just got my nails done and I really like this place. I agree with all the other reviews and will absolutely be coming back here!!! The only reason I knocked it down a star was because they don't do tip on credit card! In a few weeks I will be coming back to see how their waxing is!!! I LOVE that they say Merry Christmas!! read more

It was my first time yesterday and I am happy with the service I received. They take their time and make sure the work done is clean and just the way you wanted it. They didn't act frustrated when I requested a few changes or when I was too peculiar about my nails. Vicky did my gel nails and she was really fast, and good. read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Nails First is my number one go to for my acrylics. Vicki does an incredible job, always super clean and symmetrical. Everyone is super friendly and accommodating and i always feel welcome here! i've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Ryan is always super attentive and nice and i always leave happy! If you're going here for acrylics i definitely recommend vicki, she does awesome work!! read more

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I thought they did an excellent job. The prices are good and it was busy but they were super polite and accommodating to everyone that walked in..I'm new to the area and just walked in and they happily took me. I had a full set and had them shaped specially Vincent did my nails and did an outstanding job..i will be returning in the future! read more

Nails First - Full set "talon" shaped..turned out excellent. - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

I have been going to nails first for 6 years. All nail technicians are great, but Mimi is the best! She gives the best manicures. I let Mimi pick my colors because I trust her so much. She talked me into the dip manicure and I am so glad she did. Although more expensive than no-chip, this manicure lasts me a month and my nails grow so fast! read more

Nails First - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

1) Prices are great/competitive 2) Very friendly staff. Have had 3-4 different people do my nails. 3) Have been getting my nails done here for over a year now (on lunch from work) and they work great with me every time and always go a nice job. They do it pretty quickly but accurately. 4) Best NO-Chip I've ever gotten. The color stays on for 3 weeks and does not ruin my nails. I've gotten no-chip at other salons before and they've peeled off and chipped so quickly compared to here. Love them! read more

I went here with my girlfriend, she was getting a manicure, and pedicure. I was waiting so I figured I'll give it a shot. The girl cut my nails crooked, she didn't even clean them up. When I said something about it she got an attitude then the guy explained why they were ok. Terrible service and no pride in their work. It's a shame when you have to steal $15 from people just out of laziness. Her nails were terrible. The lady's were rude its a miserable place read more

I made an appointment at this nail salon for myself and my daughter and her friend for manicures. I specified that it was a back to school treat as they are entering junior high and they would like to sit next to each other. When we got there they tried to put one in the back and the one in the front. When I politely requested that they be seated next to each other for the manicures they gave me several excuses as to why that cannot occur. Finally they started the one girl and had my daughter sit next to her and then move my daughter to another table. Overall they made the girls very uncomfortable and although there was mostly adults there I can see that it is not child or tween friendly. Very disappointed with their service. read more

When I walked in it was packed and I didn't have an appointment. I thought I was going to have to wait, but they got me in for my mani/pedi quickly! Ryan did my mani & pedi and he was great! He did an amazing job and he was so friendly and nice! At one point everyone was offered a complementary cold bottled water. I will definitely be returning! read more

Vicki did a fantastic job on my nails and was very friendly. I will absolutely be back to see her.

Vicki does my nails perfectly! I highly recommend this salon! Clean and great for making appointments!

Great place! Very clean. They are very diligent in making sure you are pleased with their work. I have been there as a walk in just shy of closing and they are always welcoming and stay after hours to please me. Ryan is very intent on the customer service you receive. I highly recommend this place! read more

I love how my nails turn out. Jane is the best, she listen to my request and very patient, even help me pick out color that will match my dress. My no chip turn out perfect. read more

Love this place. Tried it for the first time to get a gel fill and no chip. I've been going to Nail Tech 9 for many years but my 2 people were both on vacation and I thought to try somewhere else, just until my normal tech returned. Well, to my complete surprise, I got a stellar manicure and I actually like it better then Nail Tech. They have more colors to choose from in fact and their artistic designs are beautiful. I brought my daughter back the following day to get her brows waxed. Nice job. I think I'm replacing my old stand by....because this place is better. They give you bottled water,listen and follow through with your requests and even guaranteed my satisfaction when I was hesitant to use them. It's a little father for me, but definitely worth the trip. read more

Love it here! They always have a great selection of colors, they're quick, and my dipped mani lasts forever!

Most friendly, inviting, relaxing staff and establishment in the suburbs! Every time I go to Nails First, I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a pedicure. I usually go on the weekends morning-mid afternoon. The front desk never fails to greet me and thank me for my business. They even put your shoes on after you're done drying!! I can't say enough about the great service I get here. As long as I live within an hour of this place I'll never go anywhere else! read more

If your ok with a "meh" job this is the place for you.. if your a little more picky and want good service and leave content with your nails this is NOT the place for you. Overall, I'm not satisfy with my nails (got a full set w/ a coffin shape) but I did give three stars because the gentleman "Ryan" was attentive, realized I wasn't so happy with my nails, did try to assist and fix.. stars def deducted because they charge a shape fee for nails and well the shape isn't really what I even requested, they're all different size (some longer than others), and Since the nail tech didn't bother allowing me to wash my hands before polish, I was left with a bunch of crumbs under my polish that come thru and look lumpy.. read more

Worst set I've ever had done. I wanted a white and pink ombre with glitter. I told the nail tech and showed him a picture of exactly how i wanted the design to look. He convinced me to do dip powder because it is "healthy for your nails". I went with it without hesitation. When he finished I pointed out that he forgot to add the glitter. He then says no to me and says he can't put glitter on top of the dip powder for some reason which I did not know, and claims that I did not tell him at the beginning I wanted glitter and that next time i have to tell him. Not only did I tell him but I showed him pictures. The ombre did not look good at all and the dip powder is all lumpy. I paid $55 for the worst nails I've ever had. I normally pay $35 and looks way better than this. Overall very dissatisfied and will not return to nails first. read more

Nails First - worst manicure I've had. Supposed to be "ombre" and almond shaped. - Nail Salons Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

I've been to Nails 1st about 5-10 times and I have never had a negative experience there, until yesterday when I had the worst manicure I've ever had. I had one of the older women, and she was very unfriendly and did not talk to me the entire time. When I came in my nails were very long and I asked her to trim them but leave them long and she cut them shorter than my fingertips and then filed them down to the stub. I didn't know someone filing your nails could be so painful. She then trimmed my cuticles very harshly and painfully. She made 3 of my fingers bleed! Overall, Nails first has great prices and most of the people are very friendly. However, due to this awful experience, I don't think I will be coming back. read more

For a not so girly girl, I am a fan of a good mani-pedi. My calloused hands (from Crossfit) leave little opportunity for femininity- so a nice no-chip really spares me being mistaken for having man-hands. I come here about every two to three weeks- they've never once turned me away, though I've never once made an actual appointment. The owner makes you feel very welcome, and they give you little bottles of water while you get your nails done. I've been in a time crunch a few visits, and they were super accommodating, tasking two wonderful nail techs to get me in and out in no time. They also have a ridiculous amount of no-chip color options. A giant creaking tray of painted fingernail tabs to choose from. It's the only part of the venture I abhor, as it's nearly impossible to choose a color when you're given so many options. Thus, I generally close my eyes and grab one knowing a) it's temporary, and b) I'll just get hot pink otherwise. Their nail techs are great- they take their time, really work to make your fingers look fantastic and for a reasonable price. And, I'll be honest, most of the time I get a pedicure it's not because I need a pedicure, but I do need that massage chair. It's a nice break from all the working out and eating I do (if you're following me on Yelp, you already know I'm crazy about food and fitness) If you need a place you can trust with your tips and toes, Nails first won't let you down. read more

This place is amazing!! The prices are unbelievable, especially for this area. The technicians were incredibly sensitive and did an excellent job. They were also extremely nice. I can't wait to go back (which I will be in two weeks)! You should definitely check them out. The only thing I didn't like is they don't accept tips on credit card, so as someone who never carries cash, I had to go to the cash station after getting my nails done. read more

My concern at first was that the technician just started filing away at my nails, with no talk if how I wanted them. All in all, though, it was the longest lasting manicure I have ever had. Back for round 2- hopefully the quality will repeat itself! read more