Red Lotus Spa & Nails LLC — Attraction in Philadelphia

Please take your money to one of the other nail establishments just a few blocks away.

Let me start out to say that I really wanted to like this place, and I gave them a fair shot. Since I moved here, I have been a few times. It is the only place near me open on Sundays and from the outside, it looks bigger and nicer than the other salons down the street. Don't be fooled.

(1) The place is dirty. It seems like it has gone downhill in the last year. There is clutter and dust everywhere, random open nail polish bottles, and trash on the floor. Often the technitions are eating next to people getting their nails done, which is unsanitary much less during Covid. The last time I was there, I never saw them sanitize any instrument or wipe down the tables with any sort of cleaner. I also saw a technician drop a used buffer on the floor and then use it on the next client.

(2) I have been less than pleased with the customer service. Everyone seems rush and angry. I don't expect Spa level quality, but it would be nice to not have my hand swatted away. No lotion, no massage.

(3) I have seen the technitions do very beautiful work, but it seems they are only interested in doing full-set acrylics with designs. I have heard them pawn off people who come in asking for regular manicures or gel manicures, and when they get one they rush the service or try to do multiple at a time. I once was left to soak in pure acetone for 30 minutes getting a basic gel while my technician took another client.

(4) My manicures have been so bad that I have had to have them redone twice. First, I had a dip gel that started to chip off completely after 12 hours. If you know anything about dip gel, you know that shouldn't happen. Most recently, my technician applied the wrong color dip gel and left it looking so thick and bubbly that I could not wear it to my professional job. I quietly expressed my disappointment to the front-desk manager when paying (but of course still paid and tipped). She offered for me to come back and have it re-done the next day, which I initially appreciated. However, when I returned they made such a big deal out of it, making me point out the person who did it (in front of her) and the technicians loudly fought over me and who would re-do my nails. The technician who took me then refused and told me that it was my fault the nails were done badly and told me he couldn't do a "short professional manicure."

Again, I wanted to like this place and tried to give it a real shot. The only plus is that if something is terrible and you approach the manager, she may allow you to have it fixed. But, it is such an awful and embarrassing process that it is not even worth...

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS REVIEW INCLUDES BOTH THE ORIGINAL REVIEW AND THE UPDATED ONE!!

Updated Review: (8/23/24) Okay so I finally went back to give them another chance. I went 3 times before updating my review. They updated the shop. It is very clean even though they should probably also disinfect the headrest of the pedicure seats in between clients. They are always fully staffed. Some of the women that work there are really standoffish and unwelcoming but you have the option not to go to them to do your nails. Most of the staff is really nice. Hellen did my nails/pedi and I absolutely loved it! She was pleasant and very patient with me (I’m picky lol). She was precise with her work and quick. She also did my brows. She is all that! I like her. lol. I look forward to coming back to let her do my nails again, honestly speaking. It’s worth the visit. Just let them know your wants and needs respectfully and they will take care of you!

OAN: One of the women outside the nail salon mentioned that they double dip in their wax. I didn’t see it because my eyes were closed, but I’ll pay attention to it the next time I go. Tbh I broke out in my eyebrow area twice after letting them wax it before so please be aware when getting waxed.

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Original: 2 Stars ( 2/3/23) Definitely a hit or miss type of nail salon. But honestly, I left the shop unsatisfied with my nails more often than I left happy with them. It’s convenient because there is always a full shop of nail techs but the nail quality is mediocre. They aren’t cheap At ALL. The price makes the quality even worst because it doesn’t match their work. Polish is often lumpy. The work don’t be polished. However, the pedicures seem to be more consistent in a good way. The owners are cool and down to earth (the only reason I patronize only when I’m desperate) & some of the nail techs are nice UNTIL you bring to their attention that you don’t like one of your services and request them to fix it. I also noticed that they don’t wash their hands between services and eating (they always have food in the shop, which is cool because they need to eat lol)…or between customers. I never had a complaint about my eyebrows. They wax them nice.

Please note: nails were Done on 2/3/23 …. I was so disappointed! I let the nail tech know I was celebrating my BIRTHDAY and this was the outcome. Yikes! If your not picky, no problem for you. But if you’re getting your nails done for a special event, don’t do it to yourself. You’re...

I’m updating this review because I did speak to the owner she is very good people. I appreciate her taking the time out of busy schedule to address the situation. Again I’ve been going there a long time and have been very pleased with all of the techs work. Customer service is key!! She was very understanding and that is key to running a business. And she has been in the neighborhood a very long time, they are clean and fast that why I like to go there.

Ok so I have been going to red lotus since they opened and I never received the type of service that I received today. The nail tech who I will not mention because I’m not the kind of person who want anyone to lose their job especially during this time but she really turned me off. I felt like she low key insulted me during the service by stating that most of her clients spend $200 to $300 for her service I felt like that was an unnecessary comment given the state of the economy during a pandemic you should be grateful for any amount spent by a returning or potential client. She also walked away several times during the service. She asked me what I liked and I told her I usually get simple nails and she proceeded to say that she only likes doing extra nails and that if your not getting anything extra she would rather you go to another tech because it wouldn’t be worth her time. And you are entitled to have a preference however when you work in the service industry it’s not in your best interest to insults your customers. I also told her I wanted my nails shorter then my previous set and she still made them too long. I think that she want to make a certain amount of money a day which is fine but if I request a certain thing the customer should be your priority not your personal agenda. She also made me very uncomfortable which in the chair while she was doing my pedicure. I should have requested someone else at that time but I was not trying to cause a scene. Her service was poor af. I’m mad I actually sat there but I really tried to give her a chance and she failed miserably!! I will have think if I will even go back and if I do decide to go back I definitely DO NOT want to be serviced by her. I feel as this the other techs do a way better job and mind you I’m been going there since they opened and haven’t had a problem until today. Friday 8/14/20 I got there at 9am this morning and I will probably go and talk to the owner myself because I’m not a keyboard warrior and highly upset...