Nailup, Russian Dry Mani Hardgel Studio — Local services in Houston

This is a warning to everyone considering coming here - I don't know what the rest of the people leaving reviews are talking about, but I had a very negative experience. Phoebe was extremely rude and condescending from the start when I was asking simple questions about the types of services she offers. I have been getting gel overlay nails for ten months now and know what I like, but I found that she kept arguing with me and talking down to me when I tried to clarify what she was recommending.

The actual manicure was of poor quality and not up to high end salon standards. My nail lengths were cut and filed unevenly and the individual nail shapes are inconsistent. I found that her work on my cuticles was extremely rough and painful and I had deep cuts under several of my nails for over a week, which stung every time I used my hands in any way, especially in water. I told her multiple times that her technique was hurting me and she ignored my request to be more gentle. On top of that, she had a horrible chrome application technique, which turned out patchy on one hand and nonexistent on the other. Her nail color selection is also extremely lacking.

One of the biggest issues I had is her outrageous pricing - not only does it not match her skillset and unprofessional end result, but she charges 50% more than high end Russian nail salons in New York, where I usually get my nails done. Phoebe charged me $35 for a simple chrome powder, which I usually get as a $10 add on and takes a few minutes total to apply, and was not worth the price whatsoever due to her poor technique. I paid over $200 for this manicure total and completely regret booking with her.

I will not be returning here and have never received such a disappointing manicure, particularly for such a high price tag. She doesn't even work in a salon, where I would expect more of a luxury experience in a comfortable setting, and her office is very cold, small, and uncomfortable. Do not...

Did not receive the attention to detail that I was expecting when it comes to a “Russian manicure”. The nails weren’t as durable or clean looking as they have been previously from actual Slavic nail artists. The skin wasn’t cleaned up around the nail to the degree that I’m used to when people are advertising Russian manicures. I also got an infection in my skin/nail that I’m still trying to recover from. The polish itself was discolored and uneven from not doing enough layers on it. Not the quality I was hoping for when it comes to $80 for a manicure, but it was okay. Looking from a distance someone wouldn’t be able to tell, but anyone who takes a close look at the detail can see the lack of execution and detail. I will not be returning here. Just my personal experience. I’m glad other people have been happy based on the reviews, but if you’re looking for a true Slavic manicure, this isn’t it. I would have given 3 stars because it wasn’t a horrible job in itself when it came to the final look, but adding the fact I got an infection is why I justified 2 stars. It was just an okay experience, not terrible, but definitely not good...

I first went to Nailup August 21st, and as you can see the first picture was the state of my nails before my manicure. In the second/third picture you can see the after, and WOW! I couldn’t believe that those were my nails! I’ve never been in love with my hands but after going with phoebe I can proudly say I’m obsessed!! Her attention to detail is like no other manicurist, she’s very informative and knowledgeable about “Russian” manicures. In the fourth picture, you can see my nails four weeks after my manicure and my nails are strong and long, even tho they’re overgrown. In the last two pictures, you can really see the growth that I’ve had in that past month. This is my second manicure with phoebe and I can attest that you will not get a better manicure at your local chop shops. Her prices are very affordable and even then you should always spend the extra dollar it’s worth it!

UPDATE: Oct 31, 2024 in the last two photos are my most recent manicure which is by far my favorite color!!! Phoebe did such an amazing job and she actually...