Want a "getaway" from DC? Then head over to Varnish Lane. Yes, it's in DC, but once you settle into their plush leather chairs and prop your feet up onto the rest, you will feel like you've gotten away from the city. And that's why this is my new go-to nail place. It's super easy to make an appointment through their online system and I never have an issue finding a spot (though I usually book for AM/weekday -- not sure what evening/weekend availability looks like. Front desk is always pleasant -- they welcome you, check you in, and lead you over to their beautiful wall of colors (no OPI/Essie here -- only polishes that are "good" for the nails, I imagine). They then connect you to your nail technician -- also super friendly (and how about those adorable overalls they all wear!) -- who offers you a beverage. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE AESTHETIC HERE? It looks like every millennial's dream: all white and wood and farmhouse rustic or whatever you want to call it...like you walked into a catalog. Just looking at the space makes me relaxed -- no nail trimmings all over the floor like some other places in town. No, this place is spotless. Lots of bougie WASPY women around - that's the vibe here, but hey we all need to get our nails done, no :P So I've loved all of my pedicures here and basic manicures. I recently got gel there and it literally lasted a week -- they use polish and methods that are "gentle" for the nails, but I don't like paying extra for gel and having it chip in less than 2-3 weeks. I would go with OPI/other brands for gel -- not these guys. I called them and they told me I could come in to fix it, but my schedule was busy and I didn't want the same result. But definitely come here for your next pedicure. All my techs have been super thorough and they're open to feedback. Another (minor) gripe I have is that one time I came here, the guy at the front desk who rang me up asked me if I wanted to leave a 25% tip and I didn't like that. I should choose the tip I want to leave and he should be more discreet. I have not seen him again though. This is also a great place to treat friends and family -- Mother's Day is coming up! read more

I am happy with Varnish Lane's waterless and power tool-less services. I always feel relaxed in the space when I come in and appreciate the drinks provided and not feeling rushed when my service is completed. I usually get a main lane manicure and have begun getting the quick dry polish for manicures. My nails feel healthier as I continue to come to this varnish lane. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Tribute to Elphaba and Wicked - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I want to start by saying the girl in the front is absolutely wonderful and she's extremely kind. My nails starting chipping after 3 days of having them. For the amount of money I paid for them it's just not acceptable. The whole job for the manicure and pedicure felt rushed and not like a boutique luxury service. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My manicure was wonderful. My pedicure on the other hand was not! They gave me an infection in my right big toe!

I had a great manicure with Marjorie at Varnish Lane. The staff was so nice because I had to switch my appointment type a few times so I really appreciate their flexibility. They offer the Dazzle Dry system, which is great. I'm allergic to gel polish and regular polish chips instantly on me, so Dazzle Dry is my preference. Varnish Lane is great because you sit in recliner chairs and it's so relaxing and comfortable. It's also a waterless salon, which is nice. On a Saturday morning, they had a dope playlist and it was not too busy yet. My manicure was really awesome and I'm looking forward to returning. read more

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I'm really disappointed with my appointment today. I have been here a couple times before today and I was so happy with the results. Today I got a gel pedicure for the first time. Here is a rundown of my appointment: 1. The person doing my nails didn't do a good job, she was rushing throughout the entire appointment. 2. As soon as she saw my feet, she instantly started speaking to her coworker (it felt as if she was talking about my feet) I'll let that slide due to not understanding the language. 3. My toes have been hurting since I left my appointment. I have never had problems when people would do my nails nor would they hurt afterwards, but today they've been hurting. She was cutting them with a cuticle cutter when the nail cutter was in front of her. 4. On some of my nails it looks like there is a stack of nail polish and doesn't look smooth at all. 5. If I had any opinion on my nails, I'd be given a rude glare making it feel like I couldn't have an opinion. If I have to pay someone to do something I feel as if I have some right to have an opinion. 6. I asked if the lady could scrub my feet a little more. I was told I had picked the main luxe and it would cost more to scrub my feet. Why? It didn't make sense. So are they only putting lotion, oils, cutting your nails, and putting on nail polish? That's ridiculous. I went home and it took me five minutes to scrub my feet to get rid of dead skin. 7. I wasn't offered any water. If I'm paying for something "luxurious" I might as well feel somewhat of that treatment. There was barely any customers for anyone to have forgotten. 8. The brush the lady was using fell on the floor FOUR times and didn't think to sanitize it before putting it on my feet. I should've taken that as a red flag and left. These people aren't clean, they give off that illusion. There was a rag on my chair when I got there which was drenched in oil. I understand that putting on nail polish on others can be challenging but this is a nail salon and I except people have to go through a training before being a nail tech. There isn't a nail tech at this location that do designs which is unbelievable. I had planned to have a nice day by getting a pedicure and throughout my entire appointment I was stressed out. For the price, I could've easily done it all on my own for less than $50. However, I came to relax and enjoy my appointment, but left frustrated and sad. I will not be returning any longer and will not be recommending to anyone. read more

I visited Varnish Lane in West End for a Mani/Pedi. I upgraded my Mani for the Dazzel nail polish hoping it would last longer. The staff was very friendly and my nail tech was really nice as well...I give the staff 5 stars. The overall experience was very relaxing and I enjoyed my time there. I took off two stars because: 1. I do not believe the Dazzel nail polish is not worth the price. I had a nail chip before I even left the area. I do not think it is worth the additional $12; maybe $5. 2. I was not offered anything to drink. I would think, to pay over $100 for a mani/pedi, that part of the money is the experience and I was not even offered water. I was freezing since it was a very cold day and I eventually asked if they had tea but I think part of the experience should include being offered a beverage. I am still trying to figure out where my regular nail salon will be; therefore, I am unsure if I will return yet. read more

There was a lot of drama in the salon the day I was there. I heard the tech next to me tell her client her whole life story. Her client was drinking champagne or wine, which I would have greatly enjoyed if it had been offered. Another tech had a an argument with a customer over a bottle of polish. This diminished my peace and relaxation. They don't use a foot bath, which is fine but I expected a longer hot towel treatment to at least soften my skin for callous removal. But the worst part was that the tech cut all of my toenails with a cuticle nipper. I don't know if she was poorly educated in proper service or trying to take a shortcut. She had a toenail clipper right in front of her. It was uncomfortable and caused me to flinch several times. And I was left with improperly trimmed and shaped toenails. They looked fine at first. But very quickly following I already had a couple rough calloused spots on my toes. For the premium prices charged, I expected a higher level of service. I don't think I'll go back. read more

4 days later and the dazzle dry polish is already chipping and peeling. Rather than refund the entire service, the store offered a credit for the dazzle dry upcharge. At that price point, Why not do the right thing and refund the entire service. Won't be going back read more

I came here because I had a gift card. The atmosphere is beautiful. I've never in my life been to a nail salon where they do not use water to do your pedi. They use a spray bottle, hot towels, oil etc. It was weird at first but It actually turned out to be a decent experience. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Beautiful Atmosphere - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Azaa is fantastic. She is detail-oriented and professional. I'd absolutely come back for her. However, an African American lady at the reception desk was slow and not so helpful. She offered me and the other client next to me water, but she just brought water for her. read more

Wow! I came in to Varnish for the first time and have to admit how impressed I was with the salon! I've never done waterless mania/pedis or even gotten a pedicure in the last year, but I'm so glad I stopped in today. The salon is beautiful and the space is great even with social distancing, the chairs are incredibly comfortable as well. I unfortunately didn't get my technician's name, but she was fabulous and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! read more

Varnish Lane West End - Inside the salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

1. Customer service was fantastic 2. I appreciated that the appointments are specific blocks of time - many nail salons rush the process in order to serve as many customers as possible. I felt like the technician would have spent as much time as needed to make sure it was done right. 3. Environmentally conscious read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The manicure was good, but way too expensive. They have terribly uncomfortable chairs to get your nails done in and the manicurist hold your hands to one side in order to do them. No massage very little handcream. This was a subpar experience. It should've been a $12 manicure. UPDATE: if I could give this place -stars I would. They called me 15minutes after I left to let me know that my card had not charged. Then quoted back the last four digits of a card that does not belong to me as having declined for the charge. After repeating my correct credit card number three times they could not get it right and I had to continue this pattern. They also had my email address and names. Spelled completely wrong, despite having these items been spelled out for them multiple times. read more

I have been coming here for the last year or so- and it's a trek- Brookland to West End is a haul in a city full of nail salons- there are even Varnish Lane locations closer to my house but they don't have Majorie. She is the best. Not only do my nails always look fantastic, but she is friendly and warm, and has fun ideas when I can't decide. I loved the safety protocols VL put in place during the height of the pandemic and the "spa water" is great. The only thing I don't get is the overalls the nail technicians wear- it's funny to walk into a crisp clean space and see people dressed like farmers. read more

Staff who answered the phone was rude- mid convo she turns away from the phone to ask her coworker a question, leaving me hanging mid-sentence, then hangs up without goodbye or anything. read more

While the staff is kind and facilities beautiful, with a relaxing atmosphere, the nail techs have over filed my nails on the sides three times too many. I never had such a painful manicure as I had last time. Photo for reference. Same with toes. The sides of my nails are red and stinging. Needs more competent techs or better training. Also no drying machines- only quickly dry chemicals- to dry nails at the end. No water basins, no dryers and incompetent nail techs make this a no-return for me. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Fourth nail filed way too short - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Visiting from out of town and found this salon across from my hotel - they did a great job. I loved the salon and love my manicure!

I had a great experience here. It's very clean and pretty, the lighting is not harsh the way it is in many other salons, the front desk is helpful, and the nail stylist I went to was very skilled. I like the online appointment system. Will definitely go back. read more

Omg. If you have never had a waterless Mani/Pedi then you must run straight over the varnish lane (in open toe shoes so as to not ruin your pedicure later). We had a wonderful experience. My cuticles were well taken care of and my feet perfectly exfoliated despite the lack of big tubs of water. Who knew this was possible? Also, I don't know if it's just luck or what, but my manicure still looks perfect four days later. This is HUGE considering I normally ruin my nails same day. On top of all of this, they offer complimentary beverages during your service as well. I will absolutely be back the next time I'm in DC. read more

I came here yesterday to get my nails done and LOVED it! The women we're all very kind and this was by far the cutest salon I've been to. I didn't get any designs as they didn't have time (and I didn't realize I had to book this beforehand) but I'll be back to get a design for sure. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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First off, I really do enjoy the totally vegan concept of a manicure. I needed to get a gel manicure removal and that part kind of hurt my nail since my technician was essentially scraping at my gel polish. Second, since they are waterless, which is a great concept, I wish there was some sort of way to clean at my hands during the process. Third, there was no nail cutter available and I had uneven nail length so my technician had to file my nails down which was not the healthiest thing to do. I do love the ambiance and professionalism of the place and people, however, I do think they could use some work on marketing and the overall waterless/vegan concept. read more

Service was fast, no wait but didn't get all of my pre-paid services. I paid $18 extra for a foot massage and got two extra strokes on each foot while applying the moisturizer. Wont be back!!! read more

I've come to Varnish Lane a few times and the atmosphere is incredible (feels like a super chic lounge), but I've noticed that the quality of the manis and pedis I get is a lot lower than other nail salons in the area that are both better and more affordable. The regular manis/pedis I've gotten tend to chip very easily (sometimes within only a day or two), and I recently got a gel manicure and noticed that three out of my 10 fingernails were lifting completely after only three days. I also think there could be a wider variety of polish choices, especially for non-gel options- there are only two shelves of non-gel polishes. All of the colors for both gel and non-gel are pretty standard, so if you are looking for any more funky/unusual colors, you probably will not find them here. The biggest issue for me is honestly the quality, especially since the prices are higher than other nail salons. It's a convenient option if you're in the area, but I've unfortunately been disappointed more than once and will prioritize going to other salons. read more

Having gone here for multiple years at this point the quality they provide has severely declined. Used to be my salon of choice due to their excellent service and attention to detail. Most recently they always seems to have dirty towels, staff is difficult to work with if you have any opinion on your nails and it feels the are rushing me out of the door. Was in fact told they didn't have the correct color for a nude manicure due to my skin tone. ick. Rather than working with me to find any kind of option the lady did my nails however she wanted and told me this is all she can do. read more

Love the experience at Varnish Lane. No water nail services should become the standard. I didn't miss a thing! The West End location is the only one I've patronized. The environment is very clean and comforting. The noise level is low and you can really relax in those leather lounge chairs - you don't miss the vibrating massage at other places. They aren't serving beverages now due to COVID so some of the experience is lacking but overall this was a very pleasant experience. The front desk staff is great and some of the nail technicians are friendly. I'd recommend this place! But make an appointment - it's not a place that you can just slide in. read more

I tried Varnish Lane West End for the first time last weekend and had a pleasant enough experience at the time of service (I won't deny that the space is beautiful and they offered champagne); however, I was left sitting for at least 20 minutes with my foils on, the manicurist cut me twice throughout the process, and left me with sloppy nails - leaving paint on my skin and still somehow not making it to the edges of my nails. I could have let all of this slide, attributing it to the fact that this is a fairly new salon. My main complaint came when my right thumb nail polish completely peeled off only 24 hours after (and my left thumb only 48 hours after). I called to ask for a refund and even offered to send photos as proof, but was told that I would have to come in to get it fixed. I don't live very close to West End (I was there for the day with my friends) and again requested a refund to rectify the situation. I was then promptly hung up on. The canned reply that they've left on every bad review about "Regarding your nails chipping, there are several reasons for it to happen, and I'd be happy to go through them in person" is BS. I've had gel polish on my nails non-stop for the last 3 years and have NEVER had peeling happen so quickly - this isn't my first gel manicure rodeo... One other note, if you already have gel on your nails, they require booking a separate service at an additional charge ($10) to remove it. I've never had any other salon charge extra for this. With prices as high as they charge ($44+$10), I expect a higher level of quality and service. Especially as a shop is just getting it's start, when you screw up, acknowledge it instead of making excuses, and do better when it comes to customer service. Do not waste your time or money. Go somewhere else for your gel manicure. And one additional note for total transparency - My fiance posted this same review on Google. Just want to make sure people are aware before deciding to visit this establishment! read more

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A friend of mine recommended varnish lane to me because I was looking for a relaxing spa experience when getting my nails done and boy did they deliver. They have mastered the social distancing protocol because they keep guests separated 6 ft. They have a waterless manicure and pedicure process, they take your temperature upon arrival, they make you sign a covid waiver, they even switch out the pens so that people are touching the same pens. Immediately after a guest leaves they wipe down the seats. They even have a touch less toilet! Not only that my nails were down well and they have lasted longer than any other salon I've been to in the DMV area. I will deff be back! read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I appreciate that you're taking the pandemic seriously. Made me feel safe. Service, as always, was impeccable. read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Super super cute studio, with a quiet and calm atmosphere. Note: they don't even like you to talk on your cell phone. Everything here is super natural, waterless, and they don't cater to any fake nails. For me, having fake nails, this was a little bit of a disappointment, but I went ahead with a basic pedicure. The seats don't offer massage capability sadly, so you end up just sitting in a nice, recliner seat. They do a great job cleaning up your toes to make them feel like butter. The colors are all "natural" and simple. Overall, I probably wouldn't make this my staple nail spot, but I think it's great for a girls spa date! read more

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Ananda was wonderful! She is a true nail artist and provided adorable Christmas nail art. I appreciated the COVID protocols and safety measures as well. Will definitely be back again! read more

Varnish Lane West End - Christmas nail art by Ananda - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Absolutely terrible! Do not go to this salon I get my nails done once a week at a couple of different places. I went to varnish lane for the first time. I arrived and they told me they could only do a manicure and not a pedicure as per my booking as o had gel on and they didn't have the time to remove the gel. I accepted and didn't say anything. The technician came 10 minutes late and stated to do my nails. I mentioned that the most important thing for me was the cuticle removal. Once she got to that stage she hardly removed any. I asked her if she could remove more and she said she had done what is needed and she wouldn't do any more. I asked again and said this is important to me and could she remove them better. She said she was going to stop and ask someone else to do it. She went to a room and joined the receptionist. They spent 29 minutes talking and giggling behind my back. The receptionist came out and kept laughing and saying this is the best they can do. Eventually I said please finish the job k need to go. She took another 20 minutes to come out and the manicure took one hour and 45 minutes. Very rude and awful result. Three drags later the gel polish came off of three of my nails. This place needs to be shut down. Looks nice and clean but the staff are rude and terrible at what they do. read more

Beautiful and lovely and friendly great service. So happy to have Varnish Lane in this neighborhood! read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was welcomed very warmly arriving to the salon and was automatically served. The atmosphere was very inviting and comforting- felt like home. My nails ended up looking incredible! I also love how my cuticles were not cut and my hands were left glossy and moisturized. Would definitely recommend to anyone that needs their nails done in DC:) read more

Varnish Lane West End - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My first visit to Varnish was a good one. I actually had two techs working on me at the same time for my manicure and pedicure. It took a little getting used to not having my feet in a basin or having to wash my hands. The whole waterfree thing was interesting, but I felt the entire operation was clean and sanitized. They have a good selection of polish - not as large of a selection as your standard salon, but they seem to use only products that don't have the harsh chemicals that certain polish brands have. So while at other places, I was able to have my gel and non gel polishes match exactly, it was not the case here - but not a big deal to me at all. Both techs were polite, thorough and took their time - there was no rush at all. The space is comfortable and airy. I did sit for a good 15 minutes after my pedicure was done to allow for drying - and they did wrap my toes to try and help, but I still had a smudged big toe when I got back to my office. I don't blame them, because they did say I was not fully dry - and I was just impatient. My pedicure was one of the best I have ever had, my feet looked so great. My manicure lasted a proper two weeks before I had a chip - and I have two toddlers and a busy full time job, so I'm tough on my hands. It is more expensive than some of the other regular shops around and they do charge $10 to remove gel if you have it on your hands which is a bit annoying - but just motivates you to get some acetone and soak it off yourself. read more

I visited Varnish for the first time about 2 weeks ago for what was an exceptional gel mani and pedi. My nail tech took her time, was thorough, and I didn't feel rushed in the slightest. The space is beautifully styled, clean, and comfortable. I'm also happy to report my mani and pedi is still fully intact (no chips) 2 weeks later, despite moving apartments and taking 2 flights. Without a doubt, this will be my go to spot from now on! read more

Came yesterday for the first time such a beautiful place. You really feel like a "treat yourself kind of way". The inside of the nail salon is gorgeous right out of a magazine. I had never heard of nail salon being waterless but I think it is a great idea more places should start trying. The chairs are so comfortable and the service is fenomenal. I had Ari, she is the sweetest we got know each other in just a couple of minutes. Her work was also great (ask for her!) read more

I decided to try this place out despite the negative reviews, because I thought the concept of a waterless mani pedi was nice. And yes, in theory it is. Unfortunately, I do not recommend this place for a few reasons: - I GOT A TOENAIL INFECTION AFTER MY PEDICURE HERE FROM WHERE THE PERSON DOING MY NAILS CUT MY NAIL TO DEEP AND GOT MY SKIN. My entire toe became red, inflamed, and throbbed. It was a pain to walk for a week! -polish was uneven, I had to point out places where the polish wasn't applied right -customer service was lacking -I paid for an additional add on foot massage, and man was it a waste of money. The person who did it had no experience in massage and barely put any effort into it. -polish began chipping a few days in -they don't give you general instructions on what to do/if you're done - it just makes for a bunch of awkward situations -over priced for the experience that you get read more

I was having a nail disaster. With no appointment , they worked to accommodate me. This salon is eco minded ...no water on the nails. ...saving my thin nails from torture. Gorgeous interior ...clean ...and unconventionally beautiful. I loved my tech too. read more

Wanted ombré nails and they turned out looking sponged and incomplete. I thought they would blend this at the end but this is absolutely not like the picture I showed (last picture attached). I spent a lot of money on this for them to look unfinished. read more

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