Today was my first experience at Pauline's Nail Spa, and it was truly beyond anything I expected. From the moment I walked in, the customer service was amazing. Pauline is so friendly and welcoming, and we had such great conversation throughout my appointment--honestly made the time fly by. They offered a variety of drinks, and as a holiday treat, they even had the yummiest fresh egg rolls, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected touch. I got a full set of silk nails, and it was the best decision ever--my nails look absolutely amazing! They exceeded my expectations in every way: they look so natural, feel incredibly light, and are the perfect length and size. Pauline has definitely gained a returning customer. I'm already excited for my fill! They also have a huge variety of colors and finishes, mood-changing shellac, cat eye polish, shellac, gel, regular polish... you name it, they have it. Highly recommend Pauline's Nail Spa! read more

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I was in last-minute desperate need of a mani/full set. I went to three other places on a Thursday mid-day in des moines and almost gave up. Headed home and saw Pauline's and thought okay one more try. It was meant to be. Beautiful, calm, and relaxing. Beautiful and peaceful space. I enjoyed every second of it. Tea in a steeping pot served seeing my pedicure. My full set is stunning, and I got to learn all about the silk set - no acrylic, so no smells and nail powders. I loved my experience and will definitely be a regular customer now. This is not a quick in-n-out (which I appreciate), so if that's what you want, this probably isn't the experience for you. I was there about 3 hours - pedicure and full set put on. And she had time - I imagine she's usually fully booked. read more

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I went here last week and was regretfully late due to traffic. I originally scheduled both a mani and a pedi but since I was late and I had to be back home in an hour and a half, I asked them to just give me a pedicure and not the mani anymore. Both Pauline (the owner) and Kim (the lady working on my feet) persuaded me to still get the manicure. I asked them if we can do both in an hour since I have another appointment after and that both said yes. Guess what? They made it happen. I was really happy since I had been waiting for my nails to be pretty again and they made it happen for me! This is why I will keep coming back here. I can't find that kind of service and quality work anywhere else. read more

Best place to go for a pedicure, they time their time and you aren't in a hurry to leave read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - They service the cutest little tea tray - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

Super last min. Called to check their availability and I was sitting in a massage chair 15 mins later. Really nice location. Clean and calming. They served me tea and biscuits/ cracker. Whatever it was, I want more lol. I found the manicurist to be detail oriented. Was not rushed. If I could give this place 10 stars I would. My experience was exceptional. If I had to change one thing it would be how you choose your nail color. They have the nail polishes lined up nicely on display. But you can't really tell what the colors are. Maybe not the ring of nails like other places but maybe a book of some type. Anyways it wasn't a big deal at all. I'm just indecisive. So I want it in my hands as I'm soaking my feet. Definitely returning with friends. read more

My partner booked us an appointment here as a quiet spa day for our anniversary, and frankly, I al so glad he did!! It was such a wonderful experience and the staff here are so kind and perform quality work!! The location of the spa is in a cute part of Des Moines on Marine View Dr. It's perfectly situated in the touristy part but is also nice and quiet. Inside is immediately peaceful and welcoming. Staff greet you as you enter, and there's a waiting area with drinks and candies available. There is calm music playing and yet the spa is quiet enough that you don't even notice any staff or customers conversing unless you're part of it. A feature that this spa has that I was very impressed with is that there are different rooms for each service. The foot spas get their own room, the nail salon gets its own room, etc. it helped create a private experience and for customers to be more present in the pampering. We were scheduled for a mani-pedi, and were able to relax in massage chairs with already prepared foot spas with oils and lemon slices. The staff were so gentle and precise while clipping our nails, trimming our cuticles, and removing our callouses. We also received hand and foot massages, and a mask on our feet before lotion was applied. The spa is definitely hygienic too because for the pedicure, a new package of tools was opened for my partner and I (we had our own) and disposed of. The tubs also had a lining to keep them clean. Another unique thing that I appreciate was that rather than giving us the pedicure and then bringing us to the area for manicures, they let us continue to rest in the massage chairs and gave us manicures from there. The icing on the cake for this wonderful experience was that I received a gel manicure and pedicure, and my nails still look new even after a full week of wear, which is to say a lot since I have a typing job and am very hands on with crafts and chores. I am thankful for the peaceful experience the staff here created for my partner and I, and I would recommend that anyone in need of a quiet spa day do the same. read more

I think the quality of services at Pauline's really depends on what type of manicure you get done. I initially started going to Pauline's years ago because they often had 2-for-1 manicure/pedicure Groupons. Since then, I've gotten into the habit of going with my mom as a way to spend quality time with her and enjoy some pampering. Manicure technology has really evolved since the early 2000s when I started going to Pauline's. Most recently, I got a regular manicure (see picture), which confounded my manicurist a bit (I think they get mostly requests for gel/shellac manicures these days). So she struggled with applying the polish (which had thickened either from being exposed to the sun too much, being old, or a combination of both) and had to redo my right pinky when she smudged it with the nail polish bottle. It's been a week and a half since the manicure and my nails are (thankfully) chip-free! I have minimal new nail growth near the cuticle but it looks a little sloppy as the three layers of color polish were applied somewhat unevenly. However, my mom had stellar results with her french manicure (gel) which looks very professional and (of course) is chip free. I anticipate that her manicure will last up to three weeks since the french manicure is applied with clear rather than a pink-hued polish after the white french tips are applied. This was my mom's first gel manicure and she was very, very pleased with the results! I would say that paying full price at Pauline's is definitely worth it if you're doing a gel manicure and perhaps have a deal to combine it with a pedicure. However, I wouldn't recommend it for a regular manicure (I think I could achieve similar results doing my own nails at home). I'm sure there are better salons with comparable prices in the area, but the nostalgia for Pauline's definitely keeps me coming back. :) read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Regular manicure. Only $17! - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

As you can tell, this is my go-to nail salon. I love everyone that works here. They're all nice and friendly. I have a go-to woman that does my shellac and knows how I like them done and she slays it every time! Look at my pictures and see it for yourself! Give this place a try and you'll come back for more! read more

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Nice atmosphere, clean pedicure area. Friendly staff. Pedicure itself was only okay. Used to getting quite a bit more massage time with more foot and calf pressure. The massage I got was quick and wimpy. Other than that, the pedicure was worth the $40 fee. read more

This nail salon truly caters to your needs and cares for your pampering experience. The silk nails do not destroy your natural nails, and with the wide range of services, you won't run out of options. I've been coming here for 6 years now and the staff feel like family. Come here if you want to reset, get pampered & leave with the cutest nails! read more

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First time came to Pauline's Nail Spa. It's a large facility inside and very clean environment and comfortable atmosphere here. I like music selections and great services for my shellac nails by Tracy. She was a very carefully taking off my shellac nails and cut my nails. All services were excellent. There are Organic Manicure & Pedicure...alcohol free. Also Pauline's signature silk nails, facials, wax, permanent makeup .... etc. There are complimentary drinks, coffee, Teas, even Wins & Champagne. Highly recommend Pauline's Nail Spa and I want to coming back. Thanks read more

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This was a groupon, which I don't normally do, but Tiffany Haddish commercials make me laugh so I went to the site and sure enough got this Groupon on! Ok the work they put in at my other nail spot was WAY more then what this place did! Any person I talk to they go to Tina and I wanted to see what I was paying soooo much for! Now I know. The nail and pedi was OK, nothing special, the girls were smiling! I was in this small room facing a wall which seemed kind of zen like, but to be honest I wasn't really into he layout! The other part of the spa was amazing looking! I would say the massage was BOMB, however I miss the interaction, they didn't talk to me, they were on and off the phone, and when I did ask questions it was not answered correctly for me to completely get it! In fact what I asked "do you hVe paraffin here! The girl said no but she did something more intense on me and I couldn't ask what it was bc she told me it's like paraffin, but it was no wear near it! When I get it done it's aamIng, I feel amazing, it's like layers come off and my nails respond to it better! After the third day my skin was back to normal! I was kind of sad. It was my skin it sure but I know what works. If you do get a groupon they charge you for the service up charge, but the cool thing is then you can tip!!!! I didn't bring cash not ever thinking about it at 9am on a Sunday! Regardless I will not be coming back here bc I don't feel as if it was over the top amazing!!! I like the girls to talk to me, to laugh with me, and make me feel welcome! Especially as my first time! read more

Very disappointed. I have been coming here for YEARS. But today is the last time. It is out of my way (drive wise) and not worth the $$. Sorry Pauline, but the pedicure I had today was not great. She was distracted, and it took over an hour for a regular pedicure. That insane. I had an appt for mani/pedi and brow wax. After sitting through an hour for a sub par pedicure experience, i had to leave. The lady who was working on me, was completely distracted. She kept playing with her ears buds, then touching my feet, then fixing her ear buds... then her and another girl literally WHISPERED things back and forth, in between disappearing doing who knows what. Also my toes look horrible. I am done. read more

Don't go here if you're looking for a quality mani/pedi. No attention to detail whatsoever, got a regular pedi and gel mani with tip came out to be $89. Not worth it at all, although the lady who did the work was super sweet she did a terrible job. They didn't soak my nails for the manicure either. read more

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I had a wonderful experience today. They were so kind to fit me in! The ladies were all very sweet and helpful and did a lovely job! read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Pedicure with flowers - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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Not impressed with the quality. $100 later and less than 1 week this is what my nails look like as well as two toes being completely off. Never ever again! I read the reviews prior, but they were the only ones with availability, so got desperate and regret wasting my time and money. Stay far far away! read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

I really wanted to leave a good review. The staff is very nice. However, the eyelash lift was terrible. I have been getting lash lifts for the last two years and this has been the worst experience. I was really hopeful because it is a very nice atmosphere and nice friendly people. if I go back, it would be for my nails but definitely not for lashes. Thank you. read more

I really enjoyed the separate rooms for both the manicure and pedicure. I came here for a Groupon for $30 for both service. Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted... everyone here is very nice and the area feels modern. I was offered wine or is water, nice gesture to what is your he norm at a nail salon. read more

We just moved here and I needed a place to get my silk nails done. Virtually impossible but again Yelp was there to assist me. Its a very nice and clean salon and they take all the COVID procedures so I felt quite comfortable. My nails turned out perfectly and I will certainly go back. Noticed they also do pedicures so if we ever get to go some place warm again I'll take advantage of that service. read more

This is my first time going to a place that isn't my regular spot so take this review as you wish. I was taken aback by the beautiful decor and extremely friendly lady at the front desk! But, I got a minor cut while they were filing one of my nails. My nails are also a bit thinner than I am use to but are not too thin to the point where I think they'll break off. The nail polish application was good and the smudge in the picture is my fault! Overall, it was a good experience. The staff is super friendly too! read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - $50 Full Set - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

Pauline has been doing my silk nails for years. All the girls do wonderful work! The Spa is sparkling clean and Pauline keeps us all safe. Really don't understand negative reviews listed below ... I don't think they are telling the truth. I have never, in years, heard of anyone being anything but pleased. Silk is much better for your nails' health. I became allergic to acrylic which smoothers the nail bed. I always get compliments on my nails! read more

It smelled good when I walked in, nicely ventilated and had soothing background music at a great volume. They offered me a beverage (I chose water instead of the complimentary wine) and then waited not even 2 minutes to be escorted to the pedicure room. It honestly took me longer to choose a color as they were hard to view in the display box and were pretty limited in regular colors. I chose a sheer chrome-like purple and with gut instinct my nail technician made sure to grab a more solid purple to layer underneath the color I chose as it wouldn't be dark enough. This type of expertise and kindness was even expressed as she scrubbed, applied lotion, and detailed my toes all in a nice massage chair. The best part is, I even had a nice little window right next to me to even see the water I loved it! read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - A beautiful chrome-y purple color for my pedicure. - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

Rose and Jena did great job! I felt sooo good and relaxing. It was third time to come here and great customer service.

I'll start this review by saying I never write bad reviews! I only come on here when I have something positive to say about a business. I am a small business owner myself and I work in the beauty industry, I know how hard things are especially right now. That being said I've come here a handful of times as I live and work in Des Moines. I've had mildly negative experiences in the past with them but nothing worth writing a review about. Today I came in at 2:45 for a pedicure. She sat me down, I soaked my feet in water which is standard when you first arrive. It can be 15-20 minutes ANYWHERE if they're short staffed. But I'd rather wait with my feet soaking than just sitting there so whatever. She gets started, cleans my feet up (hang nails etc) but doesn't push my cuticles back & trim, still not a big deal. I don't have super high standards just something I noticed. She also cut my big toe under the big nail but that's also not a huge deal and happens sometimes. Then she goes to the back or maybe to another client for about 10 min. She comes back and Then she is using pumice stone/sponge for my feet. I request she grabs a metal foot file. She tells me they don't use those. I said oh really, you don't use them or Paulines doesn't use them? She goes we don't use those. I said well I really came here specifically for that and I'm pretty sure you guys have used it on me before. She said okay I'll go get it. I was annoyed but just shrugged it off. She uses it and doesn't do it correctly (skin was dry when she used it--painful). Then she scrubs the exfoliator on for about 30 seconds (literally) and washes it off. Then she wraps my legs in lukewarm towels and says okay I'll be back please relax. My toes aren't painted so I'm just like okay whatever scrolling my phone etc. Then 10 min goes by. Then another 8 min goes by. At this point the towels are cold and I had been there an hour already and didn't get anything done. Just a half assed job on my feet, no massage, no hot stones, no oil, no exfoliant, nothing. So I dry my feet off and go up front (very out of character for me) and ask if possibly I can get someone to finish my pedicure as I've been waiting for almost 20 minutes. I notice It's not busy in there, there's multiple people working. The same lady comes back to help me and she paints my toes, and as she's painting pauses what she's doing to talk to a coworker. At this point I had been there well over an hour. I tell them I have to go because my daughter's cheer practice starts soon, I figured giving myself an hour and 15 minutes was more than enough time for a pedicure and no other service. I explain up front I didn't receive a massage, or exfoliant, or anything except just my toes painted and cleaned up. I didn't Even mention she tried to tell me you guys don't use metal foot files and you clearly do, she only grabbed it after I said that I've had it used on me there before. She says okay no massage will be $40. That's it. No apology or anything, which could have possibly been because of a language barrier which is not her fault but the owner was sitting right there! I was like ... okay wow that's still kind of a lot but I paid and walked out. Every time I've been here I always tip 20%+ despite not ever being all that impressed, bad customer service is one thing but not providing basic parts of your service and charging basically full price is wrong! I hope the owner sees this and if this is a bad habit employees have gotten into, it is resolved. I can't say I will ever be back there as I know of much better places, they just are a bit of a drive. At this point I'll make the drive because I know I'll get my money's worth. read more

Made an appointment for 5:45 waited 45 min she never said anything .. my friend and I were doing a moms night out and had reservations for dinner for after our nails. We thought it was so rude to just have us sit there for almost an hour ( I made us nail appointments a week ago) Never going back again.. sad because the inside is really nice and comfortable. I guess they just don't care for new customers or to keep customers coming back! read more

I was excited to go back to Pauline's I hadn't been there for a couple years and I don't live in that area. But my granddaughter was in town and her mom and I decided to do a Mani Pedi day. I was still excited when I walked in because Pauline has lots of colors and it's a nice looking place. That's where it ended for me. I sat down and put my feet in the water as the water began to go and it was lukewarm at best almost cold! The nail tech came five or 10 minutes later not a hello nothing and begin to work on my feet. It was not a good experience at all, it wasn't relaxing and the quality was just not there. After she finished and just left, I had to ask her about putting a topcoat on. If you are planning a trip to Pauline's, skip it there's so many other quality places that care about their customers and will do a good job. Sadly, 40$ later this is not the place. read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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I went in for a gel manicure and a pedicure. The gel manicure was okay, but this was quite possibly the worst pedicure I've ever had, and it was expensive. My feet were rougher than when I went in. It's taken two weeks to smooth them. Polish chipped in a week!! My toe polish usually looks good for nearly a month. I will drive 20-30 minutes to go elsewhere and get a Pedi that's worth the money. read more

These photos were just 3 and a half days after my gel "manicure" I'm bummed because I really wanted to like this place. It's very convenient location wise, the salon was impeccably clean and beautiful but this was by far the worst manicure I've ever gotten. She did not soak my nails or cut my cuticles at all. I figured she misheard me and was just doing a gel polish and she was so sweet I felt bad speaking up so I let it go, got to the front and she said "$30 for your gel manicure today"... needless to say I'll never go back and neither should you if you like to get gel. read more

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Weird and super rushed experience. Not very good customer service and I don't think anyone ever spoke a word to me. I wanted a round shape and my nails were cut square. They painted my nails super quick and it looks terrible. I usually don't wish I just painted my own nails at home, but yikes. Save your money and beware the $2 surcharge at checkout for already overpriced services. read more

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Awesome place! My cousin and old neighbor told me about Pauline's and their nails always looked amazing, so I had to give them a try! I love the silk wrap, SO MUCH BETTER THAN ACRYLICS!!! I always hated when I would get a full set of acrylics and it's so thick, but with the silk wrap, they look so natural and no chemicals! They're really good with shaping too, one peeve I have when I get my nails done, is when the nail salon doesn't do the shape correctly and I always have to fix it when I get home. But at Pauline's, I say 9/10 they get the shape just how I expect it to be. Def will always make the trip to come here and nowhere else! read more

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Honestly the worst shellac job I've ever had. All over my nails, attached to my skin, just sloppy. My cuticles aren't cut well, I kept having to ask the person to fix parts of my nails, on top of taking almost TWO HOURS to give me my mani pedi while other employees just sat around. Not going back and super irritated. read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Shellac all over my skin - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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I received a Mani/Pedi today which included a chair massage, wonderful pedicure with oil massage, manicure with French tips. I walked in at 1pm and walked out at 2:45. I was surprised! This was the best part of my day and well spent. Walked out totally relaxed and looking good! read more

So far so good. Here right now getting a pedi and a full acrylic set. Idk who the lady is giving me the pedi but she did a wonderful job so far. Haven't gotten anything painted yet. Will update my review later. read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

My mom and grandma have always loved coming to Pauline's, it was actually the first place my mom brought me when I got my first mani/pedi. Years later all three of us still choose Pauline's over any other salon. It's been a few years since any of us have been in but when I mentioned my mom and grandma to Pauline she remembered them instantly! And it's not just them, while sitting in the chair getting my nails done she greeted everyone by name, which is very special, IMO. Today, my boyfriend wanted to treat himself and I to couple's mani/pedi's and it was a no-brainer for where we should go. We were greeted immediately and offered glasses of wine (the moscato is delicious!). My boyfriend did the basic mani/pedi for men while I opted to get a full set of silk nails. Pauline took her time, and made sure I got the shape, length and color I wanted. Unfortunately, on my way from the nail chair to the pedicure room I messed up a few of my nails, but the woman helping us with the pedicures fixed them right up without any issue or hesitation. I've never had a bad experience in the many years I've been coming, which means I will ALWAYS come back. read more

I have a friend who absolutely loves this place, so I went with her for manis/pedis. Unfortunately, I am not very satisfied with my experience... First of all, three of us had 11:00 a.m. appointments.. Only one was taken back. I was the last one to be taken back to the manicure area, FORTY-FIVE minutes later. Second, the woman doing my gel manicure did not trim/groom my cuticles at all. That is one of the biggest reasons I decided to go.. And she didn't touch them, just pushed them back. I hadn't done anything other than trim my nails for several months, so its obvious my cuticles were not groomed. Third, we were unable to get our pedicures DESPITE the fact that we had an appointment.. It was too busy and they told us we would be waiting quite awhile, so we rescheduled them. Very frustrating. Why take appointments when you obviously cannot keep them? I was not offered the wine I've heard they provide.. Another letdown. Lastly, I did not like how their polishes were set up for you to choose from. They are not easily visible as they are bunched together on shelves. I have never seen a salon organize their polish selection like this.. I also have never been to a salon that didn't have all of their gel polishes available to see on those fake nail things.. So that was also annoying. This wouldn't deter me from coming back though. Just an added frustration on top of the rest. The salon itself is absolutely beautiful. My polish is beautiful (although, two days later one finger has the tiniest of chips).. But I am unimpressed. Hopefully my pedicure goes better than this gel manicure experience did. read more

I came here to get pampered before my birthday for mani/pedi. The salon is pricier than others in the area and has a good feel. I was not offered the complimentary wine / coffee like they offered to other customers (maybe because the lady working on me did not speak English). She was a little rougher on me than I would like. Also there was no massage during the pedicure like all other places I have been to. The lady next to me received a long massage while mine lasted a minute. I would try other places in the area before coming back! read more

Pauline used to be the place to go for an amazing pedicure but the last two or three times I've been there, I've left feeling super ripped off. They either need to hire more people or be honest when their to busy to take clients. I sat with my feet in the water waiting for my pedicure to start for about 20 minutes, the person who came with me sat for over a half hour before the gal finally started. It was super rushed and the leg massage felt like the lady was barely rubbing, I've gotten better massages from my kid. Lastly, the next day, if you looked at the bottom of my feet you would have never known I just spent $35 on a pedicure. The bottoms of my feet were rough and my friend said the same about hers. What a disappointment. read more

I love supporting Pauline's I am local to the area and prefer to stay close to home when I can. I am always treated well and taken care with care here. I am always impressed by professional and thorough of a job she does for my waxings, never too rough, also doesn't miss spots. Not appropriate to attach a photo but I will continue to be a client here. -Dee read more

I actually still drive from Union/Shelton area to have her do my nails! TWICE A MONTH!!! It is an hour and half, but that is the same amount of time I have spend locally and hating the results...my nails always look great, they almost never break and the ambiance of the shop is great. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!! read more

After I read the reviews I was thrilled and hesitant to try this new place. I decided to buy a Groupon to try this place out, when I got to my appointment, I noticed a sign that said extra $2 for all services in addition to all the extras and the Groupon. No one mentioned it, I noticed the sign and questioned about it! I read that other people had the same problem and should have believed them. I asked if the Groupon was still good, I was told yes but you will have additional charge for the manicure and the pedicure. After adding all the extra for upgrade to gel, the new fee and tip I would have ended up paying WAY more then this place was worth. I decided to skip, simply on the fact that their business practice was dishonest and misleading. If you sell a Groupon make sure to add the extra fee in the fine print or make it so the price reflects the difference. Also, there was nothing special about this place... skip it and find something closer to home! read more

Pauline's Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Des Moines, Washington