For years I have been struggling to find a nail spa in Potomac that excels in acrylic nails. I have had countless disappointing experiences all over the area and took a chance on Glossary after seeing another lady's post here on yelp where she displayed her acrylics. This post is very long overdue, and I can confirm after probably 6 trips to Glossary nails that I have finally found my perfect salon and nail tech! The staff is sweet, the salon is always clean, and I've had so many great interactions with other clients! It's also not too pricey compared to other salons, but I tend to pay a little extra than the average customer since I get gel + chrome / designs like french tips. I've been debating posting this for a while but figured I couldn't gatekeep any longer; if you want perfect acrylics, ask for Thi. She takes her time and is careful not to rush, checks for and corrects imperfections, and makes sure you actually like what she is doing by asking you throughout the whole process. A couple times I've brought in pictures from pinterest of styles I wanted, and Thi was able to perfectly match the color, style and shape of what I showed her. (I'll attach what I showed her for reference). Love this place so much!! read more

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I hate to say this, but my second visit here was a huge letdown compared to my first. Like any nail salon, the experience depends entirely on the nail tech, and unfortunately, I didn't get a good one this time. From the start, she was rude and dismissive. She cut my nails way too short, even though I asked for almond. Then she shaped them round because they were too short for almond... after she was the one who cut them that short. One of my nails had broken since my last visit, and she assured me she'd fix it. I appreciated that until she pulled out dip powder when I was getting gel. I politely mentioned, "Oh, I actually wanted gel," and she snapped back with a snarky, "I know, I have to use dip to fix it." A simple explanation would have been fine, but the attitude was unnecessary. She was also really rough the entire time. I had to ask her to be gentler, which should never have to happen at a nail salon. The whole appointment felt tense, like I was being difficult just for voicing basic preferences. To make things worse, the "fixed" nail broke the very next day, and another nail has already chipped. Gel manicures never chip this fast for me, so now I have to go somewhere else to get them properly fixed. After this experience, I won't be coming back. Too many better options out there to deal with rude service and a subpar manicure. read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Tammy was amazing!! She did a great job making my feet look good and found the Dazzle Dry nail polish for me as well!! They use plastic liners and one time packaging it seemed. Also, the music choice felt very chill. Enjoyable experience!! read more

Another amazing gel x set from Yaya!! Highly recommend. I've been coming here for over two years and always leave happy with their work! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Gel x - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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The salon is beautifully renovated and clean. Staff are attentive. The nail techs did a great job on my gel mani pedi.

What a pleasant surprise. I received a dazzle dry manicure and a regular pedicure in a calm, pleasant environment, with an excellent provider. Highly recommend. The cost was very reasonable. However, it did seem the manager was stalking her employees-not necessary. read more

Tiffany is so wonderful, warm friendly and does a great job creating a beautiful and natural sns dip. She helped me choose the best colors for my hands and feet! the shop is clean and has a good ambiance! she is in high demand so be prepared to wait/experience delay. read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Does anyone else have this experience with the gel manicure at this salon? I've tried it several times and every single time my nail color turns an orangey brown within 24 hours after the manicure. No matter which color I choose, by morning it's a drab ugly brown color. It's a waste of my time and money. I don't know if it's the type of clear gel they use or the type of UV lamps, but this has happened to me 5-10 times. I keep hoping someone has said something and they've fixed it, so I guess I have to be the one. Please fix this! read more

Love Yaya. She did my almond shape perfectly and every time I want a design, she does it so beautifully. I found my spot. They have lots of options and don't make me wait. I appreciate that. Tell Yaya Crissy sent you!! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Hailey beiber inspired nail design - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Went in for a gel manicure and upon leaving I noticed the top coat was completely streaky and she missed several sections of nail (how does that even happen?) I went back in and they slopped some more top coat on it and had me sit under the lamp. Surprise surprise, the gel chipped after 3 days. Tried to contact them and no one ever bothered responding. read more

Excellent pedicure and dip manicure: I tried this nail salon because the place I've been going to for years doesn't do dip manicures. I'm very impressed by the cleanliness of this salon. The pedicure and dip manicure by Nika truly were outstanding! I highly recommend Glossary. read more

I should start a blog series called "Me and my Black A** Nails: A BIPOC Journey to Find Unbiased Nail Service" Yes yes. I know Why would I torture myself by visiting yet another non-black owned nail salon. Let's be honest though the Vietnamese people invented acrylic nail culture . I must honor my nail journey by keeping an open mind. And the service was clean and fast. My nails are gorgeous but The language barrier and implicit bias is still a factor unfortunately Me and my husband came in for manis and pedis. As soon as we walked in that mug ALL the white patrons nearly broke their neck to stare at the only black ppl in the spa. I mean when Becky walked in with her three kids no one batted an eye. But soon as the good ole knee grows WHO don't look like they belong in John's cabin walked in one would think we're black celebs vacationing in China (if u didn't know black ppl who vacation in Asian countries are often mistaken as celebrities by the locals) Look I'm not discouraging anyone from patronizing this here establishment. I'm just sayin if you're black, be prepared. Did I mention my manicure came out great? read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - They only have stickers. They don't do nail art. You gotta go to the hood for that - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

The young lady I went to last Time was Tiffany she did an excellent job! Tiffany was booked :( so I got to work with tina and she did a fantastic job! check out my photos. I am very picky with my nails and the girls just handle it very well and anything pointed out they were very professional. read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Opi Dip nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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I really do hate writing negative reviews but I have to give credit where it's due. My friend and I drove an hour and a half to this nail salon because we were told by the owner himself that they are the best in the game! Well, I don't want to really waste anymore of my time on them so I'll just let the pictures do the talking for this review. DON'T RECOMMEND THIS NAIL SALON, unless you like to throw away money. I also was promised a refund that I never get back!! NEVER AGAIN! SMH read more

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I've been going regularly for the past year to get gel manicures, pedicures and eyebrow wax. Everyone who works there is wonderful and very kind. The massage chairs are amazing and the vibe is very soothing, no matter how busy it is. Highly recommend calling ahead for an appointment - easy to get same day and then skip a wait. Enjoy! read more

I've had good experiences in the past but this time I had my nails done with Sophie. I was rushed to get a polish color. The pedicure was okay but my acrylic nail full set was painful. I told her I wanted my nails to not look thick this time. On any other day, I wouldn't have minded it but this time I had a special event. She used a tool to trim down the nail. I kept telling her it hurt and it felt like she was burning my nail beds and she wouldn't listen. She just kept saying I wanted to thin out my nails. I didn't mean my actual nail bed. The tips of my nails look really thick. When she finished and I tried to take another look at my nails she pushed my hands towards me and said my nails look fine. read more

I have been going to The Glossary for over 6 months now to see Yaya. She is the best nail tech I have found in the DMV area. She is a perfectionist and is constantly making sure you're happy with your service. The salon is clean and has ample options for nail colors and services. If you want perfect nails and to be treated like family then I recommend booking an appointment with Yaya! read more

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I am pretty upset with the Glossary Nail Spa. Got my nails done yesterday- I came in for a fill. My nail tech told me that I had to get my old acrylics removed so she could put new tips on (I thought she meant she would soak them!). She then used the plastic tips to dig under my acrylic nails to pop them off. I kept saying it hurt really bad and she kept going. This is not standard and it damages nails so much. I almost cried from pain and I had to ice my hands at home. For my pointer finger, the old stuff wasn't coming off so she used a nail clipper to try to remove it but she accidentally went under my real nail and made me bleed. She did apologize. She didn't ask me to wash my hands or anything so there's dried blood under my nails (the brown stuff in the picture). I'm worried I'm going to get an infection. The end product is included in a picture. The other side of my pointer finger has a large glop of polish - another picture. read more

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Great experience for a regular manicure with Tina. Very nice environment, friendly people working there, and good quality manicure. Booked another appointment for a pedicure next week! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Regular manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Clean and spacious spot but both times my nail polish was put on thick and uneven, and it took a lot of time I didn't have to fix :( Want to love this place, but after two attempts, I should learn my lesson. read more

I love this place my nail tech Lynn never fails. She's been my nail tech for the past 10 plus years read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Dip powder nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

People are rude and in rush. Made my nails so thin by using nail drill aggressively and my nails and gel is breaking off within days of the manicure. read more

beautiful gel manicure by Katie! I am so happy with how it turned out. Katie paid special attention to every detail - couldn't have been a better experience. I will definitely be back. Thank you :) read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Hot pink w/design - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Tiffany does an amazing job on my nails and the color options are fantastic The atmosphere is very enjoyable and other clients are respectful of customers wanting to relax when they get their nails done. read more

I love Glossary and Tiffany is the best! Diligent, meticulous, respectful, professional is offering a top nail experience and amazing wax. She is qualified and her results last long. Highly recommended! read more

Lynn took great care of me today! I told her I was in a rush and not only was she quick, but her work was very nice and clean as well! The salon was very professional, beautiful and extremely clean! Very relaxing ambiance! Highly recommend! They also accept tips thru Venmo which was very convenient since I don't carry cash! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Acrylic nails with a light gel color - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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I have been coming to this salon since they opened their doors. It is clean with a very professional appearance. I have have hesitated to write this review . I do like this nail salon and frequent it often. I have come out with great results for a Mani, pedi, gel and dip. They do a great job. Any issues are always remedied. I haven't rated it a full 5 stars for a few reasons. The staff are professional though I do have two little gripes, I really do not like being rushed through a pedicure . 45 mins should be the allocated time not 30mins. I like a lot more time spent on cleaning up my feet than my nail color application. The other little gripe I have, the salon asks their clients that they respect the request for no cellphone usage. To create a calm peaceful experience. My partner came in recently for a pedicure. It takes him a bit of courage to do this on his own. During his pedicure, the technician and a few others were having a very loud conversation across the room with each other, .. not an ideal calm atmosphere and honestly made him feel a little uncomfortable. Also he was asked if he would like a foot massage. I am not sure why he would be asked this, It's part of a pedicure! He did comment "my tech needed to work in her foot massage technique" he saved her time as there was no nail color application Can we stick to calm and quiet personal conversation, if they need to occur, and use the fully allocated time to customize and complete the pedicures. read more

This is a reasonably priced salon with friendly and professional staff. I'm now on day 8 of my regular manicure, with one tiny chip on my index finger. My other hand is still totally the same as it was the day I got it done. I found my new nail salon! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

I was impressed by professionalism and the safety procedures at the Glossary Nail Spa. It was easy to setup an appointment and I would receive reminders to make sure I do not forget. It was very convenient. It's new, clean and very welcoming! You feel like a VIP! Stellar service and fantastic amenities. I will definitely come back! read more

The Glossary Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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From the moment I walked in, this place was unpleasant. It smells strongly of polish and is rather messy looking. It takes me a bit to find the right nail color and unfortunately there were few pinks in the " matching" section. The nail technician was obviously impatient and made comments to the other nail technicians in another language . I felt immediately " marked" as a difficult customer . She delegated me to a new technician. However even though I used matching gel and regular polish it did not match . The only solution I was offered very angrily by one of the technicians, was to make an appointment and come back and redo my toes with gel to match my gel fingers for an additional payment. I brought two additional guests to the nail shop and paid for all of us as well as gave each technician a $20 tip. I would have expected to be treated in a more pleasant manner This place is expensive,. My manicure and pedicure was done with much thinning of the nail with frequent abrasion and cutting of cuticles , even though I did not want this and it is unhealthy for the nails. There are so many options out there for nails I will be using an alternate in the future read more

I LOVE this nail salon so much!!!! First of all, they are brand new! They keep the shop IMMACULATE! Everyone that works there is so nice, I have never had a hard time ever making an appointment and I have tried most of the nail technicians in the shop. I do however recommend for you to make an appointment, don't just walk-in because they are busy all the time. Because they are that GOOD! I feel so lucky to have found The Glossary in Cabin John....they are so close to my home, amazing talented and nice staff, very immaculately clean nail shop! I give this place 5+ stars!!!! Emily G Potomac, MD read more

Really love this nail salon. Very clean, pleasant atmosphere, and the ladies are very nice. They always do a good job on my nails and give a nice relaxing spa pedicure. I always look forward to my appointments every 2-3 weeks. read more

After not having mania or pedicures for almost 2 1/2 years due to the pandemic, a friend of mine mentioned a woman named Lynn at Glossary Nails in Cabin John shopping center. I walked in and was welcomed with a big hug..... Lynn used to work at Roxanne many years ago, I've know her for close to 30 years..... All these years later, and did not disappoint!! She did an excellent job on my gel manicure as well as pedicure. The shop has a very relaxing feel, and very clean!!! read more

My favorite nail salon! I've been coming here for over a year and I've never had a bad experience. The atmosphere is relaxing, the salon spotless and the techs are professional, courteous and always do an excellent job. I highly recommend this nail salon! read more

I booked an appointment with Lynn based on reviews and I wasn't disappointed. She's great. Very professional and personable. The salon is clean and relaxing. I will definitely be going back. I got a dip manicure and it looks beautiful. read more

The ladies were really nice here. However, I got a gel manicure and one of the women made my cuticles bleed. I've never gotten a manicure where my fingers had scabs for days after. It was disappointing. read more

I just had the most amazing experience at The Glossary Nail Spa located in CJSM. I have lived a minute away for all of my life and I can finally say I have finally found my favorite nail salon. I apprehensively called the salon to make an appointment and the customer service from then until the end was phenomenal! I no longer have to travel all the way to Virginia for a good SNS manicure. Lynn is SPECTACULAR!!!! She is so professional, friendly, and caring. I will admit, I am picky and indecisive and she was so attentive and I was grateful. She recommended what she thought would look best for my nails and toes and I can't express how happy I am that I listened to her. Furthermore, the entire time I felt as if I was at a spa not just a nail salon. I am so excited to have them in my neighborhood and already have made my appointment to go back. Thank you Lynn!!!! (And also thank you to the kind gentleman I spoke to on the phone whom referred me to Lynn) you did not disappoint! read more

I had a last minute vacation and needed a pedicure and waxing. They stayed open past closing time for me and did a fantastic job. Tiffany is the best! read more

I went to this salon several weeks ago and had a great experience waxing my eyebrows. I decided to go back before our Thanksgiving gathering and do it again because they did a great job last time. This time I specifically told the technician that I like thick eyebrows and she told me she will only clean up. She cut them so short that they looked awful. I have been doing my eyebrows for years but this is the worst ever. She completely destroyed my eyebrows. She said sorry and offered free services. I still paid. This experience is beyond awful! Also the worst part is I saw the technician who did my eyebrows the first time and tried to ask her if she can do them again. She completely ignored me as I was not talking to her. I understand she had a customer but she could have at least answered seeing how upset I was. Will never go back and want to warn people please check carefully before trusting your eyebrows. Now, I just came home and cannot stop crying. Worst experience ever!!!! read more

Ok let me just say that I don't normally pay $45 for a normal pedicure.. I came here because I wanted to check out this new spot in my neighborhood. That said I just got the most insanely amazing foot and leg massage, the massage chairs are excellent, they spray and wipe everything w alcohol, AND I almost had the whole spa to myself. TIFFANY was the technician who did my pedicure and she was soooo kind and meticulous. Highly, highly recommend. Don't come in a rush. Let her do her massage and enjoy. read more