Lina Nails — Attraction in Bellevue

[Editing my review following the owner’s response.]

Original review: I was told they offered eyelash extensions that would take only about 20 minutes. Since I was already waiting for my nail technician, I thought, “Why not?” I had no idea what I was signing up for. During the appointment, I was asked to look down while my eyelid was stretched so she could apply the extensions. My eyes immediately started tearing up. When I tried to let her know I was uncomfortable, I was simply told to stay still and keep waiting. By the time she was done, my eyes were burning and watering uncontrollably. The extensions were poking my eyeballs, and I was told to just wait and they would feel better. Spoiler: they did not. When I finally insisted they be removed, chemicals were poured near my eyes and the removal process was extremely painful. I genuinely felt scared for the wellbeing of my eyes. This was one of the worst beauty experiences I’ve ever had, and I would not recommend lash services here based on my experience. I will also be submitting a formal complaint, because eye services require proper training, patience, and care, and I did not feel any of that.

Update after owner’s response: I appreciate the response, but it does not acknowledge the seriousness of what happened. My eyes were in severe pain and discomfort during and immediately after the service. I left worried and scared something was wrong. No one asked how I was doing when I left, and even now in this written response, there is still no concern shown for my eye health or recovery. That alone tells me a lot about the salon’s priorities. I understand that this service may work for some people, but my experience was harmful and extremely uncomfortable. Instead of taking responsibility or even showing empathy, the response focused on promoting the new lash service and implying that the reaction was somehow my fault. When a customer is in pain, the first concern should be their well-being, not marketing or defending a product. Hygiene, safety, and proper technique are critical when it comes to anything involving the eyes, and I did not feel those standards were met. The lack of accountability and follow-up care shows that profit is valued over clients’ health and safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe and cared for at a salon. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this place. Please take your health seriously and consider other options where your well-being...

I recently moved to the east side and picked this place based on the reviews. Unfortunately my experience was totally the opposite of the reviews. I get Gelx nails for years, so this is not my first experience. This, this review is coming from an experienced customer. When I arrived the artist who I believe supposed to do my nail had taken in a walk-in so they made me wait and when a new artist walked in to the studio, she started working on my nails, I was there for a gelx fill. She didn’t look as experienced. And around 30 minutes later when the owner walks in they made me switch to her. She was very full of herself. Didn’t really want to listen to what I was asking for or really cared. She put on the gelx haphazardly. It almost felt like she was doing me a favor and what I wanted did not matter. She didn’t ask if I wanted my cuticles cleaned. And when I asked her why she didn’t clean my cuticles, she said that’s extra $15. (In most places it is covered with in the gel/acrylic fill price, don’t fall for this!) and I told her she still should have asked but at that time it was too late. She starts shaping my nails, and two off them end up being totally skewed (I wanted stiletto) and she turns to me and says it’s my fingers that are skewed!!! And when I show her, she hands me the file and asks me to FILE MY NAILS MYSELF! I have never ever been exposed such rude and improper behavior as a customer. And as if it was not enough, she then understands it’s not fixable and half removes the nail, without properly cleaning the bottom and puts in a new one—SO WRONG! Thankfully the initial artist finishes with the customer and she passes me to her— she was lovely but it was too late because by the time, this artist starts working on my nails all the fill was done and she had started putting on the polish. I asked for thin nails, I showed them the shape I wanted and these nails she made are probably one of the thickest and least natural that I had.

I ended up paying a lot for a very bad treatment, additional stress, and even with that I didn’t get what I asked for. And my pinky nails are still hurting because she cut my skin while filing.

I do not think business owners like this should be supported so if I were you, I would find...

I can see why this place has 500+ 5 star reviews! My sister and I saw Lina and her daughter, who were FABULOUS and so sweet! You can book online but I would recommend calling to be sure you can secure an appointment. I would NOT recommend coming in without an appointment unless it's a weird off time - we were there at 5:00 p.m. and like 7 people came without appointments while they were fully booked. It is a smaller salon so when they are booked you might share a table with another person - no issue for me since I came with my sister.

This is one of the few salons that sticks to their quoted time limit too! My acrylic fill with polish change AND beautiful design you see in the picture took 45 minutes flat! I assure you, any blemishes you see in the photo are a result of camera quality because my nails match the inspo picture EXACTLY.

There was some slight roughness in the filing, but I think it was due to them being busy/trying to stay on time. To be clear: this was so minor, I only mention if you have sensitive skin. If you let them know (like my sister did) that you're sensitive they WILL listen!

Lina asked at multiple times if I liked it - when she cut my nails (which she did perfectly BY SITE and then compared to the other hand- very impressive), when she shaped them, when she painted, and when she designed them.

Also the first fill I've had where they finish with warm lotion and a warm towel and, let me tell you, I can never go back to not having that! It felt so good and so luxurious.

You can also just tell that Lina cares. She or her daughter greeted every single person warmly, made sure to ask if they liked everything. She also asked and called me by my first name throughout the appointment. Just really nice, personal touches.

The total for me was $106 and change, which included a 18% (I think) tip. My sister was $90 something and I think that was before tip - she also did a cute design. Not sure if Katie will post a review, but she said this is the best...