DC NAIL SPA — Attraction in Washington

I’ve been loyal to DC Nail spa since they first opened in 2017 and am now updating my rating of this place because the quality and customer service has declined significantly. DC nail spa introduced me to dip powder manicures. For years they did a fantastic job leaving my nails looking amazing and healthy. They never pushed additional services, always took their time, and were very friendly. I’ve been so loyal to them that I even continued to go after I moved outside of the city. I’m not sure if management changed, as I haven’t seen the original staff (including the owner) in a long time but it seems like the ethos of the salon is one that is trying to get you in and out as fast as possible, regardless of quality. My past few visits haven’t been great. The staff isn’t as friendly or trained as they were in the past. It’s clear that they have expanded their staff significantly and the quality isn’t consistent but they no longer wear name tags, so it’s a bit harder to request you favorite tech when you get a good one. I’ve had to go back within a week and a half because my dip powder manicure chipped or cracked. I’ve also had technicians who said they could do the designs I showed them (very basic designs) and they have turned out terrible or peeled off within days because the tech didn’t use the correct technique. At first I thought it was because I chose a busy time to go in or it was a off day for the tech but now it’s become consistent that I leave pretty disappointed or end up back in within days because the tech did a rush job and my nails chipped. Today I went in to get my hands and feet done for vacation and it’s the final straw. My dip manicure is bumpy, my nails are thin (which makes me nervous that a crack or chip is going to happen), and the shaping is all off. It doesn’t look like I just got my nails done a few hours ago. So sad I have to officially breakup with DC Nail spa but this isn’t the place I fell...

I had such an inferior pedicure that cut so deeply into the side of my nail, that z I had to go to a podiatrist, who explained that I may have to have the entire nail removed for an ingrown toenail. I decided to wait until the nail grew out and it did work its way out of the surrounding skin. I went back only weeks later for a full Mani pedi, I chose my favorite person because I did not want to go through such an ordeal again. the place was crowded so she for some reason I did only my gel fingernails first, and then I went to the back and had my feet in the water waiting endlessly . I was infuriated when I would try to get the attention of someone and they would look straight at me and then around and ignore me ! After a half hour at least of this. I ended up having to wipe my feet myself get out the chair rtc —all the while with techs not lifting a finger —put on my shoes and walk to the front where I complained and paid for my manicure, I would like to return, I just may not . But if I had been told the reason or any explanation it would’ve made it possible to understand what had happened . she apparently had not had any lunch and was. needing to take the time which was about 45 minutes She said she had asked anybody who was available to finish up with me, but no one told me anything. ! Very poor customer service. I have seen some insolent workers before but this was a final straw. I don’t blame her in the slightest because I can understand her need for i leaving me but not the rest of the in the sewing mess. I asked for the manager of course and said that when I came back if I come back, I should have a free pedicure. She looked sour and said Nothing . . The tech was so apologetic that this is the only reason for two stars . I will go back only if she can take me for a full service. No one else. Plus I live in the nabe and will relay to friends. No one should risk an ingrown mail and...

This used to be the only nail salon that I came to in dc but slowly I started picking up on the energy and reluctance to provide me with good service. I previously left a 5 star review but I had to take it back after today. After reading through most of the bad reviews I notice that there’s a trend that people of color get worse service here and I’ve experienced this myself. I made an appointment for a pedicure and when I walk in nobody greets me they just stare and I have to explain why I’m there (it’s not the first time this has happened). Then after choosing my color and waiting around I’m taken to the back with another woman to wait for someone to service us. The other woman is taken in and serviced immediately, then her technician tells me to put my feet in water (without the jets even being turned on) to wait. I kindly ask her to atleast turn the jets on beforehand and she seems surprised that I asked as if it isn’t the norm in any nail salon to soak with the jets on, if anything that’s the bare minimum of a pedicure experience. I then wait 15 minutes for someone to show up, no one does, and I have to ask a technician if anyone is going to come. When someone finally does come she seems so unhappy to work with me and she rushes the entire process I could feel that she genuinely did not want to service me. I was not offered anything to drink (which is usually their protocol) while every other customer around me was offered something. Overall the technician had a miserable countenance and did not take much or any care for what she was doing it honestly felt like she did not even want to touch me. When I complained to the manager (got a 10% discount) and my technician brought me the receipt she had the biggest attitude, it was very obvious that she was upset that I said something.

End of story: I will not be returning...