Elite Nails and Spa — Local services in Herndon

For context: I am in the process of opening my own MEDSPA, located over 11 miles away in a different market. During casual conversation with a technician (not a client), I was asked about my business, congratulated, and even invited to leave a few cards. At no time did I engage with other clients or promote my business inappropriately.

The situation could have — and should have — been handled differently. No one reached out to clarify or confirm details. No questions were asked. The decision to remove a long-standing, paying client was based purely on assumption, not evidence or dialogue.

If a business leader is confident in their services and team, there should be no concern over a respectful client sharing her professional journey when asked. This incident reflects more on the insecurity of the leadership than anything I did or said. It’s unfortunate, especially because I hold great respect for service providers working hard in this industry.

While I won’t be returning, I sincerely hope the team at Elite is treated with more understanding and fairness than I was. A business’s reputation is built not just on the quality of its work, but on the integrity of how it treats people — both clients and staff.

8/6 responding to mediocre leadership and management. Thank you for taking the time to respond days later when other reviews are responded to seemingly much sooner —

Sir, I find it telling that you chose to reply on Yelp first and differently. Where the exact same review was also posted. That kind of selective engagement reflects the same lack of transparency I experienced firsthand.

For context ya’ll: I live directly across the street from your salon. The idea that my spa posed a threat is not only inaccurate — it’s disappointing. I supported your business loyally, paid full price, referred others, and always carried myself with professionalism and respect. At no point did I solicit clients. The actual threat is your own way of thinking bc you do realize Nails are NOT a service we offer??? Fact check: A technician asked about my upcoming spa, congratulated me, and invited me to leave a card. I did so — privately, respectfully, and only with staff, not your clientele. You should know bc you were sitting right next to us. Misconstruing that exchange reveals more about Owner Bob’s assumptions than it does about my conduct.

I’ve been in this industry since 2017, and I was taught early on that you never fire a client — you communicate. You listen. You build trust. Perhaps more energy should be spent developing a team that understands your expectations rather than firing clients who do nothing but support you.

Bob, perhaps what’s most bothersome is how I found it uncomfortable that you just hang around “managing” staring at ladies in YOUR establishment. And when someone clearly doesn’t appreciate it… well…

Since sharing my honest experience, I’ve noticed a influx of 5-star Yelp reviews from accounts that raise red flags and desperation — no profile photos, no prior review history, and all posted within a short time frame. These are classic signs of review manipulation and only diminish credibility, not restore it. I’ve also worked with other beauty professionals — including a local hair salon — who were nothing but kind and supportive when I shared my news. They even offered to share my information. That’s what real leadership and confidence in this industry look like. As for long-term loyalty, time will tell. When professionals leave one salon to do the same work elsewhere, they’re not leaving the craft — they’re leaving the culture. And that speaks more about the owner than anyone else. Fast forward- I have found a new place to relax! CQ NAILS DOWN THE STREET is friendlier & extraordinarily professional!!! Cleaner!w/high end, long lasting products!MORE services such as Dermalogica facials- massages & lash extensions! EXTREMELY attractive prices.- At the end of the day I’m glad I stopped spending my hard earned money with / not so “elite nails” due to Bobs mannerism or should I say...

REVIEW UPDATE IN RESPONSE TO OWNER STILL LYING: The fact that you’re still lying and trying to not take responsibility for your rudeness and repeated mistakes will just make me want to warn others more. I called yesterday to confirm my 6:20pm appt and the man who answered the phone said “Yes, 6:20pm” just like it’s in the screenshots. The “two people” you mentioned below didn’t start until 6:55pm and my appt was at 6:20pm. This is the 2nd time you did this same thing! Every time you respond with more lies and trying to gaslight me, the worse your business looks. You are not to be trusted and other potential customers should be warned.

The first time I went, I thought Mai did a nice job on my nails. The second time I made an appointment on their website and when I arrived, she was double booked and I ended up having to wait for 20 minutes for someone else to do my nails. This third and last time I went, I made an appointment on their website again, but then I called them yesterday to confirm that they have my appointment in their books and they said yes. I showed up today on time and Mai left five minutes later. I assume that she was running out to her car for something, but then she didn't come back.

No one at the salon told me what was going on and they had me waiting for over 35 minutes. When I asked what was going on, they said two more minutes. After waiting more than two minutes, a guy rushed me to a pedicure chair and then just started rapidly cutting and trying to file my nails half a$$. I asked when Mai was going to be available to do my pedicure, then they said oh she left!!!

So I had one guy trying to rush a manicure while I'm sitting in a chair and then another woman not knowing what she's doing on my feet. I ended up, leaving with only one hand of cut nails, no polish on my feet because it was so not relaxing and unprofessional that I just rather not have my nails done by them at all.

Note to management, if you want to have a sustainable business, you cannot be this unorganized and unprofessional. While my first manicure and pedicure were decent, you're not good enough for anybody to be putting up with that inconsiderate practice of making your customers wait long periods of time when they have appointments and then not even having the person they made the appointment with there to do their nails.

— I posted the review above on Yelp and the owner responded, disputing my legitimate 0-1-star review and LYING about my appt and arrival time (claiming my appt was at 6:30pm and I arrived 15mins early. I posted a screenshot of my appt confirmation for 6:20pm and I arrived at 6:19pm! I did not get seated in a pedi chair until 6:55pm!!! And was told 10 mins after I sat down that Mai left… that’s why I LEFT! AND THIS WAS THE 2nd TIME THIS HAPPENED… I booked an appointment, waited more than 20 mins for both appts and no one even told me Mai wasn’t...

I had the most incredible experience at Elite Nails, and I can’t wait to come back! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with such warmth and professionalism that I knew I was in for a treat. The salon is spotless, beautifully decorated, and has a calming vibe that instantly put me at ease—perfect for a little self-care day.

I booked a Gel-X full set with a manicure and a Spa pedicure, and I was blown away by the attention to detail and the skill of the technicians. My nail tech, Hannah, was an absolute gem! She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted—a lavender French sharp almond nail design—and executed it flawlessly. The Gel-X application was smooth, and my nails look stunning, with a glossy finish that’s held up perfectly for over a week now. Hannah was so friendly and made the whole process fun with her great conversation and thoughtful suggestions.

I also had a pedicure with Jackie, and it was pure bliss! She recommended the #5 Ultimate Treatment Pedicure, and I’m so glad I went for it. My feet have never felt so soft, and the mild callus treatment she added was a game-changer. Jackie was meticulous and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way—she even noticed I was a bit chilly and brought me a blanket without me asking. That kind of care really sets Elite Nails apart. What I loved most was how every technician I interacted with seemed genuinely passionate about their craft. I saw Rico working with another client, and the nail art he was creating was stunning—I’m definitely asking for him next time to try something creative like the one he was working on!

The range of services here is impressive, from Gel-X and acrylics to pedicures and waxing. A friend of mine had a full-face waxing session and she couldn’t stop talking about how gentle and precise the experience was. The prices are fair for the quality you get—I paid $75 for my Gel-X set and $70 for the Spa pedicure, which felt like a steal given the results.

Elite Nails truly lives up to its name. The team’s talent, the welcoming atmosphere, and the little touches—like offering me a drink while I waited—made this the best nail salon experience I’ve ever had. And almost forgot to mention they were unpacking their huge selection of new colors for everything - regular, gel, Gel-X, dip, TAP gel, ombre, and builder gel, design - they didn't forget anything!

I found them through Google, but I’m so excited to see they’re now on Instagram, where I can keep up with their latest designs and technicians. If you’re looking for a nail salon that goes above and beyond, Elite Nails is the place to go. I’m already counting down the days until my next...