I've been getting serviced by TRACY for 5+ years and she's absolutely amazing! I usually get gel mani or powder dip and they're always super cute and her pedicures are always on point! She takes her time and works diligently to provide the perfect nail service and if you're unsure of the color she will pick one for you that matches and compliments your complexion. TRACY is favorite nail tech! You will not be disappointed, I promise you! Thank me later read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tracy is truly the best. I've been coming to this salon for over two years, and her work is consistently exceptional. She has incredible attention to detail, takes her time, and I never feel rushed. My gel manicures, pedicures, and eyebrow always come out perfect. The salon itself is warm and welcoming, and they even offer a complimentary drink. I highly recommend booking your appointment with Tracy. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Nails are always hit or miss. And when they are a miss, it's bad. One redeeming quality is the free choice of drink. Prices aren't normally aren't as expensive as other places near by but it's a toss up for quality. read more

Tracy is a great mail technician & friendly person. She always does a great job. The prices are very reasonable compared to other nail salons on the Hill. read more

I visited this nail salon on a Friday, and by Sunday, two nails had already broken. When I went back to get them fixed, the gel X technician was not available, so I had to get two temporary acrylic nails just to look presentable for work. This service was not complimentary, even though my original set was less than a week old. When I returned this week to have another broken nail fixed, the technician didn't squeeze me in because she had an appointment in 15 minutes--despite the fact that this was likely a quick 15-minute fix. To be clear, Gel X typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks, but accidents happen. My issue isn't solely with the broken nails--it's with the lack of transparency and poor customer service. There was no clear policy about walk-ins, and repairs are not complimentary after a certain timeframe. I wouldn't expect a free fix two weeks later, but I did expect a complimentary repair after just a few days. I won't be returning! read more

I've never been told to take the matte top coat home and finish the nails myself. I requested multiple times to clean up around my nails and remove the lint to no avail. She wasn't friendly at all after she found out I was there for a no gel manicure but was super friendly to the other client who walked in after me. I watched her take her time with them as I sat to dry my nails. I explained to the guy at the register that I didn't want to take the nail polish home but wanted them to cover the shiny parts but he just kept saying she can't tell me to take the polish home, as if I wanted to. I said plenty of times "I'm not happy with this and I want it either fixed because I can't do my own nails, that is why I am here, or give me a discount on my service." I gave them the option to fix it before I left but he just kept saying I couldn't take the polish home because it belonged to the shop (which I never wanted to do, I just reiterated what she told me to do). During the service, she was irritated that I asked her to clean up my nails and she kept turning off the light instead of inspecting her work and as you can see from the pictures, well you see how they turned out. There was no soap in the soaking dish and the hand massage was just her putting something on my hands and telling me to wash it off. Lastly, I ended up putting on my own lotion at the station and asked the lady if the cuticle oil was in the other bottle so I can apply it to my own nails. It's upsetting because I used to enjoy coming here and now I just can't after being treated this way. I even asked them if they can just fix it after explaining that I came there because I'm not good at doing my nails so I definitely didn't want to do my own matte top coat but they didn't. Just look at my nails. The nail shops in this area are really going downhill and it's so unfortunate since I had to pay for parking for this too. What a waste of time and money. I showed you the areas that was messed up, the areas that was shiny and repeatedly said I'm not happy. You pointed to a lady that had a client in her chair, who wasn't pleased at the idea of fixing my nails and nowhere near finished with her client. I appreciate you taking the upcharge for the matte off but I am not even an hour away from my appointment and they all need the polish removed. read more

See all

The worst nail salon in the area. It took a couple weeks for my cuts to heal from poor cuticle clipping with dirty products, they also filed my skin to the point it bled. Will never return. read more

I've been going here for years they're really quick and efficient and nice and they have a nice and relaxing vibe in their nail salon & whenever I get a gel manicure it never chips and they're really good at shaping nails as well. They're the best nail salon in the Eastern Market neighborhood! I got my nails done by Jenny I showed her a picture of a milky square gel nails and she achieved the look I was going for perfectly! A lot of people have complimenting my nail color as well! read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Salon is cheaper than others (Nails by Nina) but if you want to just have gel or dip/powder removed and not do full manicure, definitely not same treatment- I ended paying for mani (wanted cuticles trimmed)- they clearly want gel/powder and full paying services. Typical I guess. Tony, only male nail "aesthetician" does not speak, a bit gruff and appears miserable. Maybe turn for one of women aestheticians or find another salon-miss prior owners of Capitol Nails on 200 block Mass Ave NE!!! read more

Service is always great, quick, and my nails always look perfect. The staff is very attentive and prices are more than fair. Highly recommend! read more

I've been going to Pen Nails since my manicurist Tracy changed job tenure to work there. I am a 63-year "young" senior who has been getting gel nails (which last longer than a regular polish) for a 1.5 years! I LOVE the relaxing atmosphere in the shop, the friendliness of the majority of the staff, the location and the selection of polish colors! I also LOVE the fact that my nails were restored from the poor health they were in! They were brittle and I would bite them down once they chipped. I've been going to Tracy all along --- who lets you know her schedule so you can return to her for the new manicure! I tried another shop once, and it couldn't compare to Pen Nails... Thank GOD for the quality experience! read more

Although some on this site had fantastic experiences, I am not one of them. Like the other review, this was one of my worst experiences at a nail salon. I called ahead and secured a time for a mani/pedi. They took me right away and things were okay with the pedicure until the foot massage. The technician's nail cut the side of my foot near my big toe - not even close to any of the nails. She did treat it and put a bandaid, but it didn't adhere from all of the lotion on my foot. I wasn't unhappy at that point so I ask about my manicure, she indicated there were no more chairs available. She had one of her regular client's waiting next to me so she said she could do my nails in the pedicure chair. She had me balance a bowl on my lap with hot water while she had me stretch-out my arms for her to perform a manicure. She rushed me through and I had to ask her to refile my nails because they were uneven. At that point, I was super disappointed and just wanted to leave. The place was super busy, but if they could not accommodate an appointment because they took too many walk-ins, then I wish they would have stated so and I would have gone to another salon. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Less than stellar shiny buff. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I love coming here! They offer you coffee, tea, wine, etc.. right off the bat! Jenny, Tiffany and the gentleman who stands at the front desk and does appointments are always so kind. Honestly every technician is really sweet and has done a really good job. I always walk out with great nails. They always listen to me when I have certain requests and it's an overall 10/10 experience. I've been coming here once a month for the last year. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I've been going to Pen Nails for 4 years now, and they are by far the best I've been to in the city (been living here for 10 years). They have the most colors to choose from, and extremely reasonable pricing. My out of town sister literally waits to get her nails done when she visits so that she can get them done with me here. I'm always happy with how my dip nails have turned out when I leave, especially when Jenny does them. She has seen me through my pregnancy and postpartum nails, and I love her for it. She knows just what I need (from not shaving down my calluses too much in my third trimester, to switching to gel and shorter nails right before the baby came, to the perfect going back to work color). read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been come to this place for years now, I bring niece and my sister here, they also really like the service provide by them. The technicians are very detailed oriented, they provide a variety of nail polish and it a very affordable place. I hope to keep coming here years to come. read more

See all

Went here for a gel manicure and they were standard pricing at $35 and had quick availability. The lady who did my nails did seem distracted and answered a few phone calls during the service. Other than that, the service was good though I think my cuticles could have been less sloppy. I would go again and try another a manicure with another person. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

3.5/5 I tried this location out instead of my regular spot because it had high reviews. The location is small and intimate and it seems like most of the people who go there are regulars. When I walked in, I was going for a gel pedi and dip mani with slightly detailed French nails. I arrived and showed the image of what I was going for and the color I would want. The lady, not sure of her name but it starts with a D, told me to pick a pedicure color and sit. The pedicure experience was a 10/10. My toes came out great, she asked if I was okay with the length and was willing to file down as needed. They also give you a list of complimentary drinks including tea! The issue came for my manicure. As stated. I had wanted a French nail in dark brown but a thin double lined French. We started filing my mail and added tip which shaped out okay. Again, I asked for a dip nail. Prior to starting, I had showed my inspo pic and was not told it would not be possible. We get a base color which is fine but the base wasn't blended well. You could clearly see the base color versus the clear line of demarcation of the added tip. When I flagged it, her response was very pushy and "trust me, it'll look fine". She then tried to start doing the French nail design with the nail brush straight out of the nail polish bottle. When I told her it was too thick, she finally informed me that the design wouldn't be possible because she didn't have the tool for it. And the options of thinner brushes weren't in my desired color. She tried to do a regular French mail but since the base color wasn't blended in right, I decided to have her paint the whole thing brown. So she then uses a gel manicure color over a dip base. I've literally never seen that. I don't want to say it's everyone at the salon but clear communication from the beginning of "I can't do this"/"we don't have the tool" would've been much appreciated instead of waiting to tell me when I'm already in the chair and the we're halfway through the mail process. I left spending $120 for something I didn't want nor like. read more

Love love love this place. I rarely treat myself to a manicure and today I went all out and also got a pedicure and my eyebrows done and all of it was amazing. I felt super safe, masks were worn the whole time and they installed plexiglass. I left feel I be truly pampered from hands to toes! read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Cup of tea and a Mani Pedi - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I was very excited to try Pen Nails, but I am disappointed by my experience. The person that did my nails seem irritated with me from the moment, I sat down. Several times they cut too deeply into my cuticles or hangnail to the point that several hours later, it still hurts to wash my hands. In one of my nails there is a visible gap between the end of my gel, nail and the start of my skin. If I look from the view point of the tip of my finger I can see a cut and irritated flesh. This also applies to the sides of a few of my nails but the cut is not as deep. I was also never offered a drink or any of the positives mentioned in other reviews. Neutral information is that I paid $60 for the gel manicure and that only one person does designs on nails so you have to call in advance and see if they're there. Some of the other nail techs seemed more personable and gentle. I might try them again, but request a different tech. read more

Berna is fabulous! She's always attentive to details, has a stellar memory with specific requests and will squeeze you in her schedule whenever she can! Not to mention the dip manicure she does is always on point! read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Dip nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very gentle on the cuticles, large selection of colors, dip is $50, excellent foot massage included in basic pedicure. Everyone is nice, the space is no frills, and their work is superb for the price. No rushing. I really like them. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Pardon the shoes but - very good pedicures - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Honestly this was the most uncomfortable nail salon experience I've had in DC. My nails look fine, not great but not horrible, but I really just expect more for a $75 full set. Very uneven, I tried to ask for it to be fixed in the moment but she was not really understanding the issue and just kept filing a random part of my nail. Could not do ANY designs, even just a French tip?? Just overall feel unsatisfied and would not recommend unless you have a tech you know and trust. read more

The pedicure experience: GREAT! I feel like some places don't really get all the callouses off, but she took her time and really focused on the details. The chairs are nice and complimentary wine is amazing. I loved the gel manicure on my toes, the coat was even and they had tons of colors. Manicure experience: My fingers became waterlogged/ dried out for soaking in acetone too long because they took more people than employees. However, I did call the same day and they had an appointment available. Dip was iffy. It may have been because I made an appointment for 6, but what I got and the picture I showed them was completely different. I still think they look good, just not what I asked for. Plus once I got home I realized the dip is kinda "lumpy" and uneven/ too thick?! Definitely not the best manicure I've had. They were really nice people, just might need some slight adjustments. I think if you go during the daytime you may have a different experience. read more

See all

Worst gel manicure I've ever gotten. Texture of the nails is terrible, cuticles a mess, feels like the woman who did my nails never did gel before. I had her redo some nails that had air bubbles and she wasn't able to improve anything. Then had the nerve to ask why I wasn't happy with them. Absolutely do not recommend. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Terrible manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm so sad to say that June is no longer working here. I walked in on a Sunday right at opening time for a pedicure. I asked to soak for 5 minutes and for the water to be warmer. The woman appeared to have an attitude. I then asked for coffee and to see the menu... again this seemed like a problem. At the end of the pedicure I was told I couldn't sit at ti front station because there weren't enough seats so I waited in the chair for 15 minutes. After that I said can I move, she said sure go over there. She didn't help me or say anything. I got to the station only to see there was ample room (4 chairs). This experience was cold and distant compared to my other experiences with June. I can't say I'll return. read more

I'm not even the kind of person who leaves negative reviews I just take it on the chin but I have never had such terrible service. I've been getting my nails done for over 10 years and no salon has ever left me this upset. Long story short he ripped a cut so deep on the side of my nail and all I was coming in for was a simple acrylic nail soak off. I did not have an appointment but I called 2 hours before closing asking about if they could take me as a walk in. The man who answered said yes and I said I was on my way (10 mins). I arrived and he was the one who took me. I would have been happy with anyone, I was a walk in. But obviously I'm expecting whoever takes me to be able to do the service. Whatever drill bit he was using he had it on so high and pressed down so hard it literally made my nails bed feel hot. On the 2nd nail he pressed so hard and held the bit at and angle that cut a long and deep cut on my finger. Mistakes happen I've been nicked before, but never deeply cut so deep I was bleeding through bandaids. He apologized and I didn't make a big deal about it, eventually I was handed to someone else. I specifically asked for a soak off as I do my nails frequently and want to preserve them as much as possible under the acrylic. She kept saying "he didn't know what he was doing" and as soon as she started drilling I could literally see the technique difference which immediately led me to believe he didn't know what he was doing, and/or he was rushing with me. She said she wasn't going to soak them off which I was disappointed by. So she began to use various nail clippers to create spaces between my nail bed and the acrylic so she could pry a fake nail to pop them off. This was painful and led to many cuts of my natural nail which I had asked to specifically be preserved in length. After all that she said you're done. I asked for a bathroom or sink to use to wash off the blood and dust. I was gone for maybe 30secs-1 min and I come back and my personal belongings are gone. I look around and see they were moved. I go collect them and walk to the front desk. Im not necessarily expecting a specific resolution but I was expecting something. The man who cause the situation initially tells me the price. It is the original price and I do ask him about some sort of discount because ... the service I requested wasn't even provided and also my finger is bleeding. He doesn't say anything and I ask again... he repeats the price and then there's more silence. I'm so annoyed and frustrated I just say "fine" pay and leave, also I still tipped because I genuinely am an understanding and nice person but wow yeah ... I do not recommend them and I will never be coming here again. read more

I typically go to cosmopolitan nails in navy yard but they were closed today due to the Easter holiday. My nails were in rough shape and I desperately needed them done before the work week so I called pen nails and they were able to get me in immediately. The staff was all wonderful and I was really impressed with the manicure I received. They painlessly removed the nail extensions I came in with and meticulously cut my cuticles. Will definitely be going back. My total was $40 for nail removal and gel manicure. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Gel mani - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Customer service was very great. I made an appointment the day before. Everyone I interacted with was pleasant and it was tranquil (I had an morning appt). I had the highest priced pedi (don't remember the name and a full set. I had Vietnamese coffee as my complimentary beverage. The pedi was truly relaxing and great and reasonable for what it included. However, with all the good comes a not so good I asked for a simple drip design (think of painting dripping down). I understand not everyone is artistic as others but she couldn't do it she tried but it was horrible. I then asked for rhinestones which she stated she had but I wanted various colors they didn't have .... For a $50 full set I'm not impressed. Also it's only been a a week and I feel like I could use a fill in. I wouldn't come back for nails they just don't have the skill set ( or the nail tech who serviced me doesnt) I desire. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Full set after one week - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Pen Nails is my favorite nail salon in DC! All the staff are so nice and my nails always look great and the services are super quick. They also offer free drinks while you get your nails done. I usually get acrylics and gel and my nails can easily last a month without chipping. Jenny and Tiffany are amazing!! read more

I've only had great experiences with Berna at Pen Nails. I've been seeing her for nearly two years. She always makes time for me, does a fantastic job with my dip nails and ensures it meets my high standards. She also loves color and we have a fun time coming up with my nail colors and designs. Cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

See all

I have been a regular at Penn Nails since before I even moved to DC full time, I have been to several other nail salons in the Capitol Hill area and they don't compare to the quality & prices at Penn Nails. They serve a variety of drinks during your visit, the green tea & Vietnamese coffee are my favorite. Hands down, always see Annie. She has been doing my nails for several years now and I have never been disappointed. She is so friendly and knows exactly what I want; she often helps me choose colors when I get indecisive. I have long natural nails and get dip powder, which has never cracked, broken off, or chipped. They last so long and my nails are actually stronger as a result. Annie always finished my manicures with a lotion hand massage & hot towel which is the best part. They take card & cash, and always appreciate tips in cash. I have never tried to pay with my phone or apple pay. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Natural nails with dip powder - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Kathy is the best; this place has been the best since I have been here. The employees are so kind, and their attention to detail is impressive. 5 out of 5 would recommend. read more

Tiffany is a magician! She worked on a knot in my foot for so long, I felt reborn when I left. Just got a basic pedicure, no polish no fuss but it was perfection. Highly recommend! read more

TL/DR: My gel polish is peeling after just one day and my feet and fingers are now red, swollen, and itchy. Techs don't prioritize customer preferences and lie about prices and service inclusions. Techs use FOOT RASPS Didn't see an active sanitation protocol being demonstrated. Inconsistent customer service. I came in for a gel spa pedi. The gentleman (who I'm assuming was the owner) at the front door was friendly and got me seated with a drink in hand. He explained that there would be a wait since I was a walk in which was no issue. I was told the bottoms of my pants were too tight during the service and that I wouldn't get all the benefits of the spa pedicure so I should downgrade to regular gel which was appreciated. But that was probably the only thing I liked about the service aside from the free drink. My pedicurist was... a trip. I wanted my nails filed into a square shape and she insisted on cutting them. I said no and she used an old, dull nail file until I eventually relented and let her cut them. She brought out a foot rasp (looks like a cheese grater) which is ILLEGAL in most states including the District. She saw my facial expression when she brought the rasp out and asked if I wanted the pumice to which I said yes. I needed help finding my usual color when I first came in, and another tech had helped me find it after some time, just for my pedicurist to tell me she didn't like the color and she picked something else. Yet again, I had no choice but to relent because of how insistent she was. She clearly didn't respect my preferences and I wasn't in the mood to argue with her about them. When she attempted to paint a thin French tip on my nails with a regular polish brush, I decided to end the service with a top coat instead . I asked to get my cuticles trimmed as well -- no bells and whistles, just a cuticle trim. They asked if I was looking to get a manicure. I said no, that I just wanted a cuticle trim. Another tech came to assist with that while I was getting my pedicure which is no problem. Not all of the techs are/speak Viet and so they communicate with each other in English at times. During my service, my techs were badmouthing clients being serviced near me and other techs working at the salon. The fact that they were giggling at people and pointing at them is super unprofessional and unfair to both their coworkers and customers. After my service was done, I was charged the cost of a gel pedi and a manicure even though she spent less than ten minutes on my hands and I had insisted that I didn't want a mani. I have nubs for nails but she filed them even though I didn't want or need it. She lotioned my hand and massaged each for less than a minute combined which I, once again, did not ask for. What's even worse is that she nicked my fingers in three places and my cuticles are jagged and sharp because she was rushing. Sanitation was also lacking. The premises are clean enough. However, none of the tools they used on me came out of new packaging and I did not see them using Barbicide or a sanitizing machine for them. They don't use disposable jets or disposable liners for their bowls which would be fine if they were cleaning in between clients, but that was not being done as far as I saw. The use of the foot rasps yet again was a HUGE since they're illegal due to their injury causing and infection spreading potential. My feet and two of the three cut fingers are now red and super itchy when they were not before coming here. These seemingly minute things are huge risk factors for infections and it now seems that I have one. Proceed with extreme caution when considering this place. The refund I'm getting from my bank will now be used to cover antibiotics and anti fungal cream. read more

I wanted to come and add more information regarding my review after the owner responded. In the picture you'll see the difference between a manicure gel light and pedicure gel light. This salon uses all manicure gel lights for both hands and feet. Regardless of whether they separate the ones they use for hands and feet, it's uncomfortable to have your feet stuffed into the manicure gel light while being serviced. They do not have the light located on the right to comfortably dry your gel. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a factory and they just care about getting you in and out. If you're looking for a nice relaxing pedicure you won't get it here. When I walked in for my appointment time I had to wait 15 mins and the I was rushed thru my pedicure and the the shop got busy and they rushed me out of the chair and no place to go or sit to have my nails dry. Would not recommend. read more

I don't get my nails done that often, but when I do, I go to Pen Nails! It is by FAR the best nail salon experience I have had. My (regular and gel) manicures from Pen Nails have maintained a state of near perfection for so much longer than any other place. What is their secret? I don't know. But I'll be back! Additionally, their lemon/ginger/honey tea is coziness in a cup. Please note that there is a tall set of stairs that you must go up to enter. It wouldn't be easy for anyone that has trouble with stairs, balance, or has a stroller, etc. read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've become a fan of Pen Nails. Their staff is nice and most of them do a good job (unfortunately not all). I've had luck as a walk-in before 4:00 but after that it gets pretty busy. I've always verb able to make a reservation for the evening with no problem as well. As I mentioned, although everyone is nice, some technicians are better than others. I've gotten to the point now where now I request specific ones, though I only get a regular mani-pedi for $40. Note that they do use the "cheese graters" here, so be ware, they will ask you beforehand if you want them to use it though. They also offer you wine, tea, Vietnamese coffee, and water. Most people get the Vietnamese coffee but it's too sweet for me. I really enjoy their ginger tea and red wine. The white wine is too sweet. Bonus is that they allow you to tip on your credit card but note that they don't like to accept Amex (although they do technically accept it). read more

Went to Pen Nails for over two years! I did not allow anyone touch my nails BUT Annie!! The best in the shop in my opinion. I always got mani dip and gel pedi and she always would take care of me! She never rushed and always upheld our appointments! 10 out of 10 recommend. The work speaks for itself! read more

See all

I choose this salon on whim...I needed to replace the salon I'd been going to for 2 years. I've never been more glad I followed my instinct; Tracy is the best period! She's the most gentle nail tech I've probably ever had and the color selection is to die for. Want beautiful nails at reasonable prices? Look no further! read more

Pen Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all