I was drawn to check this place out based on the reviews since I am a consistent manicure needer and a cheap place close to home seemed like a fantastic possibility. What really interested me was the... Read More
I was drawn to check this place out based on the reviews since I am a consistent manicure needer and a cheap place close to home seemed like a fantastic possibility. What really interested me was the tell of low prices and exceptional, drawn-out leg massages. I was mildly, but not majorly, disappointed. I called ahead to find out how late they were open (8pm), and was told it was no problem if I got there by 7pm. The place is indeed no frills; the carpet reminds me of the horrific excuse for carpet in my very first apartment in college. The rest of the place was equally worn, taped over, cracked, and long past it's prime, but their tools and work stations did seem clean and sanitized. The nail polish selection is extremely limited (no OPI as far as I could tell, and many of the Essie were just several bottles of the same color). I had a little wait, but nothing major, and the ladies were nothing but exceptionally friendly, helpful, and kind during my entire interaction. I ended up with a very sweet technician who looked a little like Paula Abdul. The pedicure was fine. I appreciated the intensive scrubbing she did on my heels, and the massage was pretty good; I didn't find it exceptional though. I was disappointed that she cut my toe nails pretty unevenly, and despite the fact that I asked for rounded tips only to get something between round, square, and totally misshapen. I had to re-clip them myself. The manicure was better, she did a nice job with my cuticles, my nails are well shaped, and it was a standard, but enjoyable process. My only complaint would be that the polish lines right near my cuticles are just a tiny bit uneven in places. That last bit is just a particular pet peeve of mine. The dryers were the old yucky kind that you have to restart, and most of the buttons were worn off. Still, despite my being one of the last customers, they in no way rushed me and took time and care with me. I can see why this place is loved, the women who work here seem utterly lovely, and I'm sure that brings folks in the hood back. I, on the other hand will stick to Garden Nail and Spa. Despite the fact that this place is listed as being cheaper, it's actually $2 more for a mani-pedi than Garden Nail and Spa (Ruby Nails is $32, Garden Nail and Spa is $30), which is not a big deal, but Garden Nail and Spa offers a bit more, like a spotless, roomy, fancily equipped facility, a heel treatment with your pedicure, perfect polish lines every time, and a nice shoulder rub while your nails dry. I swear, I have no affiliation with Garden Nail and Spa, other than as a happy customer, I'm just saying that it raises my bar for what I expect. Read Less