If you're looking for a quick nail service with no frills, this is the place for you! I had a couple of hours to squeeze in a pedicure and Zen Nail was able to accommodate me (unsurprisingly since it was in the middle of a chilly workday). My pedicure came out great. There was no callous treatment or extended massage and they didn't offer add-ons. read more

My office recently moved to Bethesda so was looking for a new spot if I wanted to get my nails done on my lunch break. I tried Blue Zen as it is conveniently located in Bethesda Row. The Salon is smaller with 4 pedicure chairs. I was taken immediately and began my gel manicure. The technician was friendly introducing herself and we chatted about our holiday shopping. The manicure looked great! I expected a markup for Bethesda location and was charged $40. I typically pay $35 in North Bethesda but was looking for convenience. Unfortunately a few nails chipped after a week. Location is near parking garages and short walk to the Bethesda Metro. read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Christmas nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

My girlfriend and I were meeting for lunch but I came early so I had about 45 minutes to kill. Decided to come in and looked at their prices. For a place in Bethesda row, they are very reasonably priced. I opted to get a manicure and pedicure which they said they could do within 45 minutes. The staff was friendly. The atmosphere was great. The instruments and seats looked clean and everyone seemed professional. I was very happy with their service and would try their spa pedicure next time I come. read more

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Simply the best! Blue Zen nail is truly a spa experience. This is the perfect place for a mani pedi and they have such a tremendous selection of colors and services. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and they are completely customer focused. I have been coming to Blue Zen nail for many years now and would highly recommend it to all. The chairs massage you while getting your pedicure it's almost heaven! Convenient for parking with a lot right next-door. Call and ask for Laura or Gina! read more

Zen Nail & Spa - The amazing Laura!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

For Bethesda Row, the price was fantastic! The service was excellent, they helping me get ready by doing my nails and toes. The staff was friendly and nice, they had a helpful attitude. Service: They did on an excellent work on my nails and toes. I'd definitely good back, I was very happy at this salon. read more

I love this sweet nail salon and Laura is the best! Compared to all the other nail salons that are really crammed and dirty- blue zen is really calm and clean. It's upstairs from the hair salon and it feels really private as only 2 clients are allowed at a time. I get regular manicures and pedicures and the result is always beautiful. read more

Amazing and friendly service. I am usually super particular about cuticles and how close color comes to the end of the nail. These ladies are superb. Highly recommend! read more

Above and beyond in safety precautions. They will do a private session if requested. Better pedicure than any five star spa I've been to. Melanie is fantastic! read more

Fast and great pedicures! I came as a walk-in passing through the neighborhood and they got me in right away!

Exceptional welcoming staff who are wonderful....once you've found Blue Zen Nail spa you needn't look anywhere else! I highly recommend Laura and Gina if you're looking for a mani, pedi, gel, powder or any polish. Zen has waxing and many other services that are top notch! Such a gem hidden in the upstairs of Studio 47 so conveniently located just steps away from a Bethesda parking garage. The prices are a great value for the quality of the services. read more

Discovered this place through yelp and decided to give it a try. I needed a pedicure after being on my feet all day prior and decided that I would get bright summer colors and a gel pedicure. The gel pedicure was $45 but they do charge you $5 extra if you go in with a previous gel pedicure and they have to take off the nail polish. The staff were professional and we were in and out in about 30 minutes. The pedicure consisted of cuticle cleaning, filing down nails to make them even, a scrub for feet and legs and a nice massage. The gel pedicure dried immediately and I was able to walk it in the rain and my nail polish was still perfect. Would recommend making a reservation for this place as I had to wait about 40 minutes to get seated, so definitely call ahead. read more

Amazing job!!! . Definitely be back. What a wonderful experience! . Thank you Zen nail and spa . read more

Went here with two friends to get manicures/pedicures for prom. As other reviews have mentioned they can only help two customers at a time but we didn't have a issue with this, the space was small and cozy, but not cramped, so we could talk with each other easily. All of us were very happy with how our nails turned out and the service was very good. Prices were also very reasonable. They even offered us refreshments! 10/10, I don't get my nails done often but the next time I decide to it will definitely be here. read more

Loving the new location and space! It feels fresher and cleaner and the girls are great as per usual. This is my go to place and I'm glad the are still in the area. read more

I have only been here once for a mani and I haven't been back since. When I walked in I asked for a mani. I picked out my pink color and I sat down. The lady who did my nails could not speak English. I mean that does not bother me at all. However, I thought she understood that I wanted my mani to be pink. I even handed her the color and I thought she understood. But she left my nails clear and I was confused because she was looking at me like she was done. And it hit me... She did not understand I wanted them pink. So I told her, "oh, I'm sorry can I get them in this pink." I was pointing at the color and I was convince she understood this time. But she didn't :( At this point, another lady who worked there came over and cleared up the misunderstanding. I thought that the lady doing my nails would feel bad. Cause if I were her, I would have felt terrible. But she didn't even say sorry. She just erased my clear and was giving me attitude that she had to paint my nails again. She literally quickly painted my nails leaving pink nail polish on my skin. And she was being so rough with my nails... It was clear she was annoyed at me. It was a pretty upsetting experience. I didn't even tip the lady... That's how bad she made me feel for her mistake. She made me feel like I was the one who made the mistake... read more

Nice clean space with appropriately blue decor but the mani-pedi I got was just okay. My nails were a bit streaky and I had to have the girl add another coat so coverage was better. She layered the polish coats super thin so I am sure it will wear away before it chips. It was busy; my friend and I were walk-ins and they were very nice about accommodating us but once they need a station to do a mani or a pedi, they will move you and there are only 3 drying stations. Luckily, my nails and my friend's nails were dry otherwise I would have had to wait for my nails to dry while standing in the middle of the salon. I like LA Day Spa across from the Hyatt in Bethesda better and went to this Blue Zen because LA was booked up. I don't know I would go again. read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Nails at Blue Zen in Bethesda - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

3 stars... Boarder line 2.5 stars.... My friend and I were in Bethesda and thought about getting pedicures. Blue zen looked really cool from the outside and when we decided to walk in we probably should have walked out... I will give them that they were prompt at fitting us in but the vibe was awkward and uncomfortable. The nail tech barely spoke to us besides what colors we wanted... When it came to the actual pedicure it was a rough experience. Rough at pushing back my cuticles. I noticed some of the reviews mentioned something about them using the blue sanitizer liquid... All tools should be new to each person after sanitizing... I should have left at that point but I'm too awkward to get up and leave... When the receptionist cleaned the tubs... All she used was a busted dish scrubber to clean them. Shame on me for staying if I catch something. Every salon that I have been to recently have used a bag for the tub so it's more sanitary. Would highly not recommend... read more

The worst place I've ever been! They don't know anything about client service and how to do pedicure! Rude!

Blink twice and you'll miss it. No, seriously. This place is super easy to miss as you walk along the restaurants that line Elm Street but it's the newest salon to pop up right next to Yogiberry. It was a Sunday evening around 6pm - what nail salon was open? [Enter Blue Zen!] No appointment needed, I was able to roll in and get a manicure tended to right away. The whole experience was lovely, complete with hand/forearm massage and hot cloths. My French manicure was perfectly done and only set me back $20. Furthermore, I had no paint chip until over a week and a half later. Now that is getting my money's worth. I felt bad cheating on my regular salon (Vicky's nails) and let's face it, Blue Zen ain't Vicky's but when I can't get to Georgetown, I think Blue Zen will be a perfectly good substitute. read more

A nail salon really only needs a few things to make it good, and Blue Zen has all of them: -CLEANLINESS (I can't stress this enough) -Technicians who are skilled AND friendly -A decent selection of colors -A relaxing environment (preferably that doesn't reek of acrylic nails) -Mani/pedis that last for more than a week or two (longer for pedis obviously) I've been to Blue Zen quite a few times, and always find it to be better than any of the places in the District I've tried (with the exception of Mimosa Salon in Dupont--add FREE wine/champagne to the above list and you have Mimosa. Hence the name). I would definitely recommend Blue Zen; everyone's pretty nice, it's chill, you have fro-yo next door, the price is reasonable, and they'll do your mani at the same time as your pedi if you're in a hurry (even when they're busy). Just remember to bring cash for the tip, as you can't add it onto your credit/debit card. read more

Had great manicure and FABULOUS brow shaping here. I wish I'd remembered the name of the woman who did my nails and brows, but she's stunning and Mongolian, although that doesn't narrow it down too much. Clean, well lit, super convenient location, no appointment necessary. Only slight negative is that they don't have a huge selection of colors (most OPI), although they do have enough of a variety so that you can get whatever you intended (i.e. no essie "Mink Muffs," but I found a suitable replacement with an OPI grey-brown). Will definitely go back, especially for BROWS. read more

I was in the area after a long day walking around the city and decided on a whim that I wanted to stop for a mani pedi. Not knowing the area too well I had no clue where I should go. I did a quick yelp search and saw that this place was within walking distance but they didn't have a working website. I walked in and since I was on the phone I was not greeted right away, once I hung up my call I actually had to find someone to assist me. I will take some of the responsibility for this though since I was on a call when I walked in. Once I was helped I told them what I wanted (very reasonable price for the area) they helped me pretty quickly. Since I came in close to closing they did my mani pedi at the same time. It wasn't bad, I just never really experienced that before. I didn't see the uncleanliness that others complained of so I can't speak to that but overall it was a good service and if I'm in the area and in need of a pedi I would go back. read more

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after getting my eyebrows waxed the skin near my eyelids was extremely red, this is pretty normal after having eyebrows waxed but the pain I was experiencing wasn't normal at all. It burned, stung, I could barley blink without the skin on my eyes being in pain. I quickly learned that the wax the lady used was much too hot and way to close to my eyelids. She actually waxed my skin off. Now I have two giant red patches of irritated skin on my eyelids, and the pain still hasn't gone down. read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I love this place, nice clean friendly and good services. This Bluezen used to be on Elm St. now it's moved to Bethesda Avenue, I'm so happy it's still in Bethesda read more

This update is just for Mia. She's so sweet and I love the cool gel manicure she gave me. So fun! read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

This is my go to as they are very professional and skillful in everythin they do. Lovely atmosphere, super cozy and super clean

I keep coming back here to get my nails done. New location is so cozy, staff are so friendly, and gel manicures last so long. The service here never disappoints! The nail techs makes sure that you are happy with your manicure and/or pedicure; they care about you. The new place is clean and organized and every time I come back, it is a wonderful experience. read more

I went to Blue Zen after work after reading some of the reviews. The atmosphere it's nice - quiet with music playing in the background. I didn't have an appointment and I needed a fill (I have acrylics) and a pedicure. I had a little wait (about 10 minutes), but they were more than willing to take me in. The place is pretty small and there really isn't a place to sit while you wait do bear that in mind! A lot of the other reviews have been spot on. The staff is very friendly and provide suggestions with regards to color if you are having an issue deciding. I wear flip flops CONSTANTLY so my feet get pretty bad in the summer. They could have done a better job scrubbing, but the French I had done on my toes was very good...so good that it still looked like new two weeks later (with the exception of my heels that is). The acrylics weren't that great in my opinion (note I'm very picky about my nails and after being here two years and countless nail salons, I have yet to find a nail tech that can do my long nails with a proper arch and without lumps). Overall a nice place to go if you're simply getting a mani or pedi, but not the place for long acrylics. read more

This place isn't perfect, but I come here all the way from Alexandria to meet a friend for mani pedi time. That says something. My simple polish always lasts soooo long. I usually destroy a manicure within hours or at least by the 4th day. After a visit Sunday, everything is still perfect five days later. Okay not perfect. Honestly this time she seemed to be whacking my cuticles like the skin had trade value. But the polish looks good. I went in hoping for a matte gray, but they didn't have one. My friend brought here own polish which was a great idea. The atmosphere is non assuming, massage chairs are stellar, and they treat you best if you have an appt. read more

Beware! They charged me $42 for gel (I had to remove gel as well). Not only did they take 30 min to remove gel but they were also extremely slow. I got my nails done on Thursday and they are already chipping (it's Monday). I am beyond livid but don't live close enough to go in and complain (and I don't think they would be very nice about it)! read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I got my toes done and the lady gave me a super long massage on my feet, which was nice, but other than that, she only did one coat of nail polish on my toes. Also, she did not even touch my cuticles, which is odd for getting my toes done at a professional nail salon. read more

I hate coming on to yelp for a negative review... I did not get the name of my technician but she was so sweet. The only problem... she was shaping my cuticles on my left hand and she knicked a big chunk of my cuticle on my ring finger. It stung initially but did not think much of it as she kept proceeding to my next finger. By the time she finished my right hand, there was blood dripping onto the towel under my hand with how much skin was ripped off. In the moment, I know there is nothing that can be done to fix but I still paid $38 for my manicure...no discount. Even if it was just $5, I cannot be confident in my ring finger nail to be done as nicely as the rest because of the constant blood. Was a bit disappointed and will probably not come back, which is a shame since the rest of my nails came out great. read more

Went with my daughter and a friend for manicures and pedicures and had a fabulous experience.

I finally found my nail salon since moving back to Maryland! I am really picky about my nails and to my delight this place met my expectations. I got my acrylics filled in to OPI big apple Red. My technician did an amazing job and was very professional. Her name is Melanie. I'm very pleased with the results, I will be going back. They were also very quick to get me situated without an appointment. Since it's by Bethesda Row, I felt it was a very cute area to get my nails done at too. read more

I was referred to this salon by a friend of mine for my first ever Gel manicure. I walked in and was greeted immediately. I decided to get a pedicure while I was there, too. The woman (I can't remember her name) who did both was so extremely pleasant and took her time with everything, even though when I came in almost every pedicure chair was full. I am so glad I came here and so happy with how everything came out. I loved that she steered me in the direction of a more "fall appropriate" color despite my hesitation to do a dark color on my nails because it came out really pretty! If you're not looking for it, you might miss it, because it is tucked away in between the restaurants in the Bethesda Row area. I do wish I had read the reviews before I went so I would know you can't do tip on your credit card - but since it was late and I wouldn't have been able to get cash and come back she actually allowed me to do it as an exception. So - make sure you bring cash for tip! It was $38 for the Gel and $29 for the pedicure. I have paid less at other places but I definitely didn't get the same level of attention so I definitely think the price was worth the experience. The salon is super cozy and clean with nice pedicure chairs and modern decor (none of the gnarly 80s style cruella deville long pointy red painted nail photos - you know the ones). I will definitely come back for sure! The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I find the cash only for tip thing really inconvenient. I never carry cash. So, boo to that, but it's worth the effort to stop by the bank if this is the service I can expect to receive every time. :) Thanks Blue Zen! read more

I've been here a couple of times, but it's pricey. I just came on Monday and the woman gave me a gel manicure with great shaping. However it's already begun to chip, which has never happened before. Not sure if it was just a bad application or what. The location itself is a bit rundown but the people are really friendly. A decent salon if you're looking for a place in a pinch or are in the area. read more

So if I had rated this salon a few months ago, I would have given it a higher rating. I recently decided to invest in acrylic nails; my first set was put on here. The first few times the staff was very accommodating, they took their time, made no mistakes and completed the somewhat lengthy process in a timely fashion. From then on, the experience got worse and worse. This last time, the woman working on my nails carried on a very loud phone conversation almost the entire time I was getting my nails done! I was absolutely shocked. While doing my nails, her own long nail was painfully digging into each finger she worked on, creating deep red marks on my skin. On top of that, I asked her to add a little polish to one nail, so that it would be a little closer to the cuticle. All around, this was the worst nail experience I've ever had. Also, because she was on the phone, I was examining my nails and she had left jagged edges on the acrylics, causing them to catch on items frequently. Honestly, I was so upset with the service while I was there that I didn't even want to return and ask them to fix it. I can't say that I've had a regular mani/pedi here, and they always seem busy. But I'd say based on the expensive prices, and very poor customer service, I would not recommend this place to anyone! read more

Janie was who helped me and was great. There was a rush when I got there, but was sat down for a mani/pedi in no time. The place was clean and the staff friendly. I paid $39 for both the mani/pedi which is a pretty good deal in Bethesda. Will be back for sure! BTW- They accept credit/debit, but bring cash to tip because there isn't a line to add it when you use plastic. read more

Go literally anywhere else!!!! This was by far the worst gel manicure experience of my life and I've had tons. A) they lie about availability to get more people into the salon. B) the woman IMMEDIATELY cut my pinkie and never really cleaned it up. I'm sure the polish on that nail will come off first as there is definitely blood under it. My cuticles weren't in amazing condition when I came in, but again, I've never had this problem anywhere else. C) she spent about 4 seconds on each cuticle...the main reason I even come to salons. D) she didn't ask what shape I wanted my nails and then insulted their existing shape and made them the shape SHE preferred, not what I asked for. E) she REPEATEDLY (like 5-7 times in 20 minutes) got up to do other shit not related to my manicure, then would come back bitching at me about the UV light being off. F) the total time she spent on my nails was 22 minutes. I've never had a gel manicure take less than 40. G) $40?! I live in Los Angeles and have NEVER paid over $35 for a gel manicure. Especially such a shitty one. The sad thing is that ALL of this could have been avoided if she took her time in the first place. I'm really mad that I wasted my time and money on this place. read more

Zen Nail & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

It wasn't worth $40 for a gel manicure. The woman was rushed and distracted. The most surprising part was that the "tool" she used on my cuticles was her thumb nail - no joke. Then when I went to pay, knowing I wasn't inspired by the performance, she made a snarky comment under her breath. I told her I couldn't hear what she said, and she replied with something about how I should tip her. Here's a tip to you yelpers - go somewhere else or just push back your own cuticles. read more