I came in on Wednesday 12/11/2024 to treat myself to a spa pedicure for my birthday - and the experience was less than pleasant: The technician burned my left heel with the paraffin wax despite my pleas that it was too hot, then he let the wax cool for too long and it hardened and wouldn't set properly. The icing on the cake was being bullied into leaving a tip before paying with card in front of everyone, when I had zero intentions of tipping the terrible service I received! Please do better with those that aren't your regular customers. read more

did my nails really well! and also at a great price will be coming back!!! it was also at a good tike and did not take that long at all! would recommend read more

Nails First Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

This is a great nail salon. My favorite place for a deluxe pedicure. Everyone there is friendly. My nails come out great every time.

Went to get my nails done because I couldn't get into my other salon. Will never be back again!! First, the women doing my nails used a filer that looks like it's been used a thousand timed. She then proceeded to file so hard that she started to file my skin and now it's raw and sore. I also asked her to even out my nails when they clearly were uneven. Second, she didn't even go all the way down to my cuticle for my no chip. Third, instead of using a paper toll or small napkin to wipe my nails after the no chip she used the same dirty towel and didn't seem to care. I then went home to even out my own nails with my nail filer. I also asked her to use the nail polish remover to get the nail polish off that was left on my skin but instead used the cuticle trimmer to cut it off instead. I am very unhappy with my service as it seemed no one really cared. read more

I came here to get my first ever pedicure. As a man I was always indifferent about being in a nail salon or whatever. I'm far from the metro-sexual type, but my feet were laden with over 10 years of wearing black or green military socks inside hot boots on an almost daily basis.... I think my left big toe cried the night before the pedicure. I went here because I gave my wife a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure for V-day and she liked it. I walked in and I didn't turn heads like I thought I would. The patrons glanced then went back to whatever they were doing(texting, reading, talking) and the nail techs were deep in their work. So much so that it took about 3 minutes before anyone came to greet me and get me set up. So this older lady got me in her chair, pulled out this plastic container filled with tools of her trade and began to run the foot bath. After putting some secret salts and juices or whatever in the water she told me to soak my feet.... Okay, I won't go into a full detail of what a pedicure is I guess... So here's the gushy... The chairs were amazing!! Only when the massager is not on. There was a massager on the ass part and I found it painful since my sack hangs down, it was damn near kneading my balls and my ass like it was bread. I turned it off wondering who in the fuck get joy out of that. Then I turned off my man brain and thought like a woman.... Hmmmm..... You ladies are fuckin' freaks!!! Talk so much shit about guys masturbating in public but this lady next to me is getting her pussy massaged by a chair and I think she actually had a quiet orgasm. She kept looking over at me and what I was doing on my phone(I was actually looking at porn pics). When I put my phone away she just laid her head back and closed her eyes, I could hear her chair work a little harder as she adjusted a setting or two. Sooooo.... yeah.... ANYWAYS!!! I noticed that they had too much shit in the back. There was a room with a massage table where I guess the nail techs rest. I asked my tech if they do massages, she said they don't anymore. The old massage room looked kinda shady and dingy. I see why they stopped. The pedicure was great!! She worked on my crusty ass heels for about 5 minutes each and they were no longer making that rice krispies sound when I put my socks on!! YaaaayyyY!!!!! Before I left, I used the bathroom and saw even more shit in a room behind the massage room across from the bathroom. I shook my head. Then the bathroom itself was bogus as hell. Great smelling soap, but nothing to dry my hands with. No paper towels, no electric dryer and I ain't using no damn toilet paper to dry my hands(you idiots that do this just bug me out). Upon leaving I adjusted my dick and Lady Chairgasm noticed. I looked at her and she gave a shy smile then quickly darted her eyes to the TV. I thought to myself, "yep, she's a pervert too." If I go back I will make sure to bring my own papertowels!!! lol read more

I was in Libertyville visiting family during the holidays and was in dire need of a manicure/pedicure. Nails First was on my way and I decided to take a chance and and see if they could fit me in. Nails First is a "no frill" nail salon but has everything necessary to get your nail needs met (no chip available, massage chairs, accepts credit cards, etc.) Upon arrival, I explained that I only had one hour until my husbands train arrived and wondered if a no chip mani and pedi could be done on time. Although they were busy, they had two nail technicians work on my nails at the same time to ensure I got in and out quickly. Total time was 30 minutes!! Awesome! Price for no chip manicure + pedicure was $50.00. The only needed improvement was that you have to tip with cash (I would prefer credit because I don't carry a lot of cash with me). Try this place if you're in a hurry!! read more

I called ahead to get an appointment. and they suggested I come right away so I was expecting no wait. I was seated in a pedicure chair right away and the massage chair was nice, but they didn't start my water for a while. The pedicure was nice, but I watched other folks get better exfoliation treatments, so I was a bit disappointed to leave there with rough heels. The manicure was fantastic and the polish has lasted really well. Cammie was my nail tech and she was really sweet. I think she only works on weekends, but ask for her whenever you are there! read more

Nails First Spa - Ceilings are neat at Nails First! - Nail Salons Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

I just went to this nail salon for the first time. I was very impressed and happy with my manicure. Jimmy was my technician and he was meticulous with my dip manicure. They also gave my children mani/pedis and I was glad to see they took their time and actually cut and cleaned their nails as opposed to some salons where they just slap on nail polish. I would highly recommend it will be coming back here again! read more

Nails First Spa - Dip manicure by Jimmy - Nail Salons Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

Loved it! Jimmy did my nails and he did an amazing job! He took his time and I got exactly what I asked for.

Vickie is the best nail tech here. She takes her time and always does a wonderful job! Great nail polish selection here too.

I just left this place, very odd experience, to say the least. Nail polishes were all thick and near the end of their livelihood = time to make replacements. Manicure literally was finished in 15 minutes that included removing my nail Polish. No lotion or handmassage quite disappointing.ESPN was on the tv (& I love some football, but it was post game just talking, I adked if anyine had requested this channel, reply was "No, what do you want to watch?" Anything but this & they did change it. Pedicure was better, massage chairs were very nice. Little communication/direction & I didn't understand what she said nor did she understand what I said even when I asked "Excuse me can you repeat that???" Worst Part was at the end when I was ready to pay I asked if I could please have some lotion, my hands were dry, she said oh they must be very dry, I replied no you didn't give me any lotion, to which she argued back saying yes I did and this went back-and-forth 3 times. I'll give you this suggestion (I'm on the service industry myself) DON'T argue with your customers... Apologize and fix it! I definitely WILL NOT be repeating this experience.. Hope she appreciated I still tipped over 20%, because I know what it's like working for tip, perhaps she doesn't care much for her job. read more

I started coming here in August and absolutely love Jimmy's work. He takes care of you and does a great job with whatever your needs are. Jimmy and Tammy you have a wonderful nail salon and a guest for life . Thank you read more

I have been coming here on and off for years. "Off" because I find that other places are higher quality for the same price, and "on" because when I go with my family we usually go here. I reluctantly agreed to go here, just to be asked by the nail tech why I've left their salon and don't come there as often anymore - so awkward. My no-chip manicure proceeded to take 15 minutes (and not because my cuticles were pristine, since it had been ~1 month since my previous no chip manicure at a different facility), and I could already tell the quality was very sub par. There was nail polish on the skin around my nails, and two days later it is now peeling up at the base of the nail and slightly chipping. They also allowed a couple of people to be in the facility without masks, which straight up goes against the mandates and the health and safety of other patrons. I was very unsatisfied with this experience, and it was the final straw for me. I will not be returning. read more

I'm really happy that I chose this place to do my nails. They did a great job! The place is nice and clean.Very friendly customer service. I will definitely comeback. read more

Second time coming here and I have no complaints! They did an amazing job with my pedicure and no chip! The place is very clean and all the staff is friendly. As people walk in the staff greets most of them by name and ask about family, life, etc. Definitely will be returning read more

I have been getting my nails done for 17 yrs and Nails First is the worst nail salon! They do not stand behind their work. The airbrushing faded and was turning yellow after 5 days. I called and the manager told me to come in 10 min and he would look at it. Made me wait 30 min and proceeded to talk to me while he was doing another client. He kept saying his work is perfect and I did something wrong or put color on it! He would fix it this time for free but never again and if I did not like it then don't come back! His other clients just shook their head and said I was right....it looked bad! After all this he had another employee put the clear coat on my nails...and went into the back. Not good customer service at all! read more

Amazing service! Great job and the best nail service I've ever had!! Highly recommend!

Had a mani pedi with Vicky last week. It was terrific! Her care surrounding ingrown nails and rough callouses was top notch. Good treatment, good price. read more

They asked for the service I wanted and said nothing more . Others came in and they were serviced first, immediately. I ended up leaving after 15 minutes. I would definitely not go back there again. The people who came in were walk-ins as was I . Don't waste your time . read more

I love this place! The owners, Chris and Sue, are so friendly and accommodating. Hannah is my favorite nail technician. They take appointments and walk-ins. I would highly recommend! read more

After coming here for a long time, I am finally finished with them. I'm not one to write reviews. I've read everyone else's reviews, good and bad, so these are my own encounters at this salon. Glad some reviewers have liked their treatment here so good for you. When I first started getting my nails done here it was OK....I guess partly because it was convenient and I ignored the bad attitude of the techs. For a long time I stayed with the same tech, with the exception of when she was off so I would go to someone else ( very infrequent). I was kind of "assigned" this tech by Lynn, the manager, long ago. I'm not a complaining customer, tip accordingly, and treat the individuals with respect....just like we as customers should be treated. However, the last few times I've been there, my mani/pedi was subpar. Minimal effort was put into the appointment. I only ask that she push back and clean the cuticles and trim and file so that the nails aren't slanted or uneven. She would pour on the "cuticle softener" and then barely push the cuticle back. I don't think she even gave it time to soften the cuticle to move it back, never cleaned underneath the nails/toes, NO massage on hands/feet/legs. Mind you this was not just the last couple of times, but the standard M.O. I guess in the beginning the service was just OK, sort of acceptable, but in the past few months it has been acceptable to just blow through a service, take the money and bam...she's finished with you. I have seen them treat many customers with disrespect. My girlfriend introduced me to this place and we both have been going here for years! My girlfriend just recently left for another salon. I've compared with my girlfriend and she's told me they were nasty to her also. When her nail tech had a baby, my friend gave her a baby gift. When I asked why, she said she wanted to stay in "favor" with her nail tech. Who has to do that in order to receive good service? Whenever I would ask the tech to even out a nail or push back the cuticles, I was met with hostility. And yes, I can bet they talk and laugh about their customers to each other. Isn't obvious when they look at you, say something to their co-worker and laugh? Yes, shame on me for staying this long. Also look around the place...techs eating at the stations, used nail files, unsanitized "cheeze scrapers", nail dust, the one lonely, flattened nail brush at the sink in the colored blue water container to wash your hands after they have been slathered in oil. I am in health care. How would you like it if your nurse/doctor/lab tech/healthcare worker greeted you at a medical appointment with a sandwich in their hands, reused needles, unsterilized vaginal speculums, the list can go on...you get the idea. I would hope you would R-U-N! Obviously the health department doesn't bother to inspect here, otherwise they would be closed down. read more

This place needs more reviews!!!! Let's be honest, this is not an upscale spa. So don't expect that when walking in. But I have never had a bad experience here! Put it this way-- I live in the city, and go out of my way to come here, to get my nails done. My no-chip's always last atleast 2weeks, if not 3. They do accept walk ins, but I suggest making an appointment b/c they're always busy and wait times can be long. Also, Tips in cash only! Not on your card :) read more

Just tried to go in here and use a gift certificate from 12/2016 and was told it expired a year and a half ago when some new owners took over. First off, that would have given someone 3 months to use this and second of all, there's no expiration on the gift certificate. I have never heard of this in my life and after researching, it's against Illinois law to not allow someone to use a gift certificate, as they don't expire for up to 5 years after purchase. The nail salon still has the same name, so I'm unsure why I can't use my gift certificate when it's the exact same business? Don't waste your money here as they clearly just want to rip people off. The place was dead and I got turned away on top of this... I'll be reporting this business ASAP. read more

I go here all the time and it rocks! All the people are nice and they have gel, dip, and regular polish.

Not the cleanest place you'll find. I worry about how sanitary it is. Also, don't like all the foreign language talk between workers in the store while you are getting your nails done. read more

i've been coming here for a while. The service is inconsistent but Hannah or Sue are great. Pricing is reasonable. I've had eyebrow waxing done there. It's in a public area . Not bad read more

Love this place ! The owners are so nice and the shop is very clean , warm and friendly. Tam and her husband , Jimmy, always make you feel welcome . Their prices are reasonable and the work done is excellent. Also, if you ever wanted long eyelashes and at an affordable cost then this is the place - I love my new long eyelashes that last about 3 weeks and then you just have to get them filled in. Pedicures are great here too because you can get a massage from the chair while your sitting read more

Completely unorganized. Filthy inside. It's been a couple if years since I've been here but do not remember having such a bad experience.

I was going there for 5 years and at first vey nice people and they do good fills. After a while Sue the owner (I think) starts doing your nails then has someone else finish. She kept doing that to me. I don't like that, I want the same person from start to finish. They constantly over book. You can make an appointment but they don't stick to appt times. If you have an appt and then 5 or ten minutes earlier someone comes in they take that person and u who has an appt has to wait. That doesn't work for me.The owners husband is rude and only talks to his favorites and extremely rough doing nails. Had him once and never again. Also the last time I came in they were not ready for me, so I was not happy and Sue starting yelling at me that I am always in a hurry when I come in. NO I am not in a hurry , but I make appts because I have a busy life and cant wait till they have time for me. That is what an appt is for. Let walk ins wait!!!! I found a better place. Hannah does great pedicures and I will miss her and Cammie. Oh well their loss. Many other places to go!!!!!! read more

I have been coming to this nail salon for over six years. It's a beautiful environment and every nail technician makes you feel welcome and comfortable. The attention to detail is phenomenal and cannot compare to any other salon. If you call ahead they will tell you the perfect time to come in. You will never feel rushed and will always feel perfectly pampered. Sue and Chris are the owners and they go above and beyond for each customer and enjoy getting to know each person. I recommend any technician here, Tina and Hallie did my most recent pedicures and it was perfection! Sue and Chris are masters at any service. I only trust Sue waxing my eyebrows, and we all know how hard it is to find a good place for eyebrows! I used to live nearby but now I make the 30 minute travel because the incredible work, nothing compares to this place! The best and most professional exceptional service you will ever receive! I promise you, you will be beyond satisfied! read more

as we all know, there are hundreds of nail spas in the area! i tried many of them, but always gravitated back to nails first. jimmy, the owner, is always so friendly to me and always remembers things we have chatted about...trips...family...etc.....hannah is so sweet and always does the perfect manicure. pedicures are thorough and relaxing! be sure you know about their other services which are superb....eyelash extensions and applications, eyebrow tattooing ( i had this done...excellent!) and more! i'll never switch to another salon. oh...and sure to try the new powder manicure....much better for me than gel! read more