Helen Nails & Spa — Attraction in Jersey City

I passed by several nail salons and decided to explore this location for a simple manicure and pedicure. The woman attending to front was very kind and welcoming. My issue is the woman (Kim) who did my pedicure and manicure.

Kim prepared the water for foot spa, but I noticed never added soap or foot soak to the water like other nails salons typically do. She filed the toe nails, cut cuticles, cleaned under toe nails then used the foot buffer and never added any scrub to the foot and leg. Kim then used a hot towel to dry my feet and legs. She then started painting my toenails and never used lotion on the feet and legs which is typical in most nail salons. I looked down at my feet and they were very dry and I did not feel she cared about customer service.

She then informed me of where to sit to start my manicure. I was hoping for a better experience than I had with the pedicure, but it was no different! After cutting nails, filing nails, she reached for the nail polish. At this point I was over it and said "Should I wash my hands." Kim replied, "Ok go wash hands." After I washed my hands, Kim reached for the nail polish. I asked, "No lotion?" Kim replied, "You want lotion?" I immediately exclaimed, "I have to ask you to apply lotion!" Kim then reached for lotion.

I was extremely frustrated and disappointed with this nail salon. Then when it was time to pay, I was charged $20 for a regular manicure which is never more than $10-12 in other nail salons. I will never go back to this place and would never recommend this place in which you have to request lotion and...

I called in advance to ask how much a gel manicure and gel pedicure would be. I was informed by the front desk manager that it would be $75. When I was ready to pay for the service, he told me the total was $90!

I asked him how did it get from $75 to $90, and he replied because I asked for a design, and I was provided with the callous removal in the pedicure process. I told him it’s just glitter over half the color, it wasn’t complicated. I have natural nails, short, nothing complicated. I was taken by surprised. I was charged $15 more! It’s like taking away tip from your nail tech.

I highly recommend:

BE TRANSPARENT. Honestly let the customer know that a service would cost extra BEFORE providing it. Give the customer the opportunity to decide whether or not they want the service BEFORE charging the additional cost.

STOP the hidden fees. It is unprofessional and it says that you are not interested in building a positive reputation with your customers.

Common courtesy and consideration is key. Everyone is on a budget. Be considerate with how you treat your customers. I want to support local businesses without going over my budget.

I had no complaints with my nail salon tech, Ana. She was professional and gentle with my nails, and she took her time. She deserved the tip! The manager, however, told her to “hurry up” in Spanish, so basically to rush my service, just to charge me extra. Please DO BETTER. Be professional. A little respect can go a long...

I want to give this more stars. But honestly the only reason I gave this place three was because of the young lady that did my feet. She treated my mom with so much respect and understanding. My mother and I came in expecting to try to have our pedicure done sitting together. And there were only 4 people who were there working, or what I thought. 2 women doing feet and 1 doing nails. The other male seemed to be answering the phone and taking people in. One other woman who had been sitting in the pedicure chair I didn’t even know she worked there. She chatted on the phone the entire time my mom and I got our feet done (in the pedicure chair) which we could not do together because the chairs were full so I understood however, at the time I did not know this other woman on the phone worked there. She was loud the entire time, wish I could have relaxed a little better without the loud conversation. Pedicure was great the only person messing up the experience was this lady on the phone who we figured out works there because she got up and sat at the front desk. And finally got off the phone when both of us finished 😒 I rather music to someone’s annoying loud conversation. The fume of the nails was also a little strong definitely this place could use better ventilation. Otherwise the pedicure...