Ruchki da Nozhki Nail Lounge — Local services in New York

I was really looking forward to getting my nails done at Ruchki da Nozhki Nail Lounge based on the reviews and pictures. However, after my experience, it’s unlikely that I will return. I came in for a Russian gel manicure and asked for a lavender/pink chrome. I confirmed multiple times with the front desk that they could do this color, and they assured me they could.

Once the nail tech began, I requested to have my nails cut shorter. She cut my thumbs much shorter than the other fingers, creating a visible discrepancy. I asked her to match the lengths, which she did. Later, I noticed that there was still blue polish from my previous manicure left on my nails. I pointed this out, and she said she would fix it but never fully removed it.

As she was about to apply the chrome, she asked another tech for help, which surprised me given the salon's reputation for quality designs. She seemed flustered and confused, and when she applied the chrome, it was clear instead of the lavender/pink I requested. I let her know, and she consulted another tech, who mentioned they didn’t have the color I wanted, only green. Without informing me, they proceeded to apply the green chrome, but I immediately stopped them. They then offered me a few other options, but none were what I originally wanted.

During this time, my original tech began attending to a new client without any regard for me. Another tech took over but then handed me back to my original tech, who was busy with her new client. A third tech was eventually called to finish my nails. Throughout this process, there was no apology or acknowledgment of the issues, and the flip-flopping of techs was frustrating.

When I went to pay, I explained to the manager that I didn’t want to pay for the chrome given the experience and the lack of the color I wanted. Instead of taking responsibility, she questioned why I didn’t refuse the chrome earlier. I explained that if I had known from the start that they didn’t have the color, I would have chosen a different solid color instead of the cloudy white base. Reluctantly, she agreed not to charge me for the chrome.

This salon, where the manicure costs $137 (without tip), lacks consideration and accountability. The audacity to ask for a tip after such an experience is appalling. Tips should reflect good service, which I did not receive. The salon needs to be mindful of their clients and the experiences they provide, acknowledging when they fall short and offering appropriate compensation. Entitlement will only push away...

Summary: Overpriced for what they offer (100 dollars for basic mani/pedi) when compared to Honey Nail Salon

Pros: clean, use of quality nail polish, length of time spent cleaning and shaping nails and application of nail polish, metal tools are sealed in pouches (but unclear if pouches are reused as they have tech name written on them) Cons: short massages, short amount of time spent with pumice cold vibe from tech (actually rolled her eyes at some point), not relaxing, unclear if tools spent on clients are reused (new tools i.e emery block, pumice) not opened in front of client)

I can’t speak to how long nail polish lasted as I wrote this the day I had my nails done

I frequent natural nail salons and was looking forward to getting a mani/pedi here based on the reviews. For the prices listed on their website I was expecting a lot as this place is more pricey than the other salons I have been to (100 dollars for basic mani/pedi without tip.) The tech I received ( her name started with a H) was a little cold but I didn’t initially didn’t mind as I was more interested in their quality of their work. She spent a lot of time on cleaning, shaping of my nails and application of nail polish but I was surprised by how short the foot and hand massage was and how short a time she spent with the pumice board. I was also unsure of how they sterilized their tools and if they reused tools like their pumice board.

What soured my experience further is that the tech rolled her eyes at me when I accidentally smudged my nail when she nodded yes to me asking if my nails were dry. I actually left the place less relaxed and with a bigger headache than when I walked in.

All in all it was average for natural nail salons. Definitely not worth the price and not as good as Honey Nail Salon.

Updating my review with pictures. The nails didn’t even last a week (I got them done on Wednesday and today is Tuesday.) Granted they weren’t gels but would have expected them to last longer based on the...

I love this salon.

I rarely get my nails done because I'm not very fancy and I usually mess em up very quickly anyway. But I've been here a few times, for special occasions or for a treat for myself.

The experience of just being in this salon is so soothing. There are no fluorescent lights, no big signs or menus of nail services on the wall, and they even stow/hide the UV light devices between clients. The cost is certainly higher than other nail salons, but for the environment and quality of service, there is no match - so this was my absolute go-to for special care (I saw "was" because I moved to Boston, but honestly I'd seriously consider driving down to Brooklyn for a quick visit if I needed a really good mani. It's that good.)

Most recently, I visited for a gel manicure before a very big event that I hosted. My appointment was right on time and my nail tech (Quinn) was phenomenal. My manicure lasted perfectly until today (7 days) and still it only chipped in one place because I tried to catch something as it fell and hit a bad angle on my nail 🥲

Every time I visit, the technician is extremely attentive to detail. It's the most thorough manicure I've ever received and it ALWAYS looks the best. Like, instagram nails, every time! Pre-pandemic they also offered tea, coffee, or water, and I hope that comes back soon!

I love this place SO MUCH.

Editing a year later - this time, I didn't do anything stupid and my manicure is still flawless more than THREE...