HQ Nails — Local services in Rockaway

I have never had such a terrible experience at a nail salon. I am in search for ones nail salon and I thought I'd give this salon a try by recommendation of a friend. I didn't have an appointment since they accept walk-in customers. They weren't too busy when I arrived. I came in with a gel manicure and I wanted a new one. They put the acetone on my nails to soak off the polish and said they'd be right back. An hour later, when my fingers started to burn they finally came back. I had even inquired if they had forgotten about me. The lady came back and took off the foil and acetone cotton balls, chipped off the polish which mostly fell off on its own because it was on so long and then left again. After about another 15-20 minutes, another woman finally came over and had me move to her chair. I told her I wanted my nails short since I have a child, she did what she wants. I asked her to cut shorter and she only did a couple other nails. I had picked out this beautiful blueish grey color when I had walked in and I had her use that shade for my manicure. After it was dried it looked like an electric blue color! Nothing like the sample that they provide on the nail samples. As I was sitting there, I noticed that they don't use name brand polishes. Instead, they use cheap knock off polishes that I've never seen in a salon before. So I blamed that for the color difference. I didn't have time to wait to have them change it since I was going on 2 hours of being there. I also didn't notice while sitting there, but 3-4 nails are either crooked or jagged.

Now fast forward 2 days while keeping in mind that a gel manicure is supposed to last 2 weeks. I look down at my nails and almost all of them on my right hand have chipped! I hadn't done anything to really crack them. I did some light housekeeping and bathing my child. Today, which is just over a week later my nails are almost all chipped off and longer than I would have wished. I credit this to the cheap product that they use here.

I saw that the other woman next to me was getting a beautiful design done on her nails. I see that they do a great job from that aspect, but I would NOT recommend a getting gel manicure...

I’m giving this place a 5 because the people are really nice and Rachel is soooooo good at what she does, she’s very professional, and she really takes her time. But, unless I go to Rachel I am always unhappy with the work I get done or the experience I have. One time this girl was allowed to practice doing fake nails on me and no one even told me, I had to go back the next day because they were so awful and have them redone. Then I go to get a pedicure and the wait was so long by the time someone came over the water was cold, she’s starts doing my nails and dumps acetone all over both my feet. The worst and most unprofessional experience I’ve had there was when I go to get a pedicure and I’m waiting finally this woman comes over and she’s just sitting in front of me eating some sort of cake getting crumbs everywhere and telling me to hold on so she can finish eating, I was ready to leave... then I get fake nails put on before Valentine’s Day by the owner and 80% of the time she was on Instagram looking at videos I mean really?? My nails came out really well other then the fact that they definitely needed a second coat but that’s so unprofessional especially for the owner to be doing that. Finally, I go to get a gel manicure the other day and it literally looks like I did it myself it’s just soooooo bad. If I don’t have time to make an appointment with Rachel specifically I will not be coming...

HQ Nails has become my absolute go-to salon! Every visit is a great experience, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a few incredibly talented nail techs who each bring something special to the table.

Stacy is an absolute sweetheart. She has an amazing eye for detail and always brings my nail dreams to life—no matter how complex or intricate the design might be. Her precision and patience truly set her apart, and I always leave feeling so happy with the results.

Sandy is also incredible, especially when it comes to charms. She’s a pro at applying them flawlessly—mine lasted a full 2–3 weeks without a single one falling off. She’s also super creative and confident with design and color, always making sure I get exactly what I’m envisioning.

Recently, I’ve been going to Tina and she is amazing too. Her talent with floral designs and French tips is seriously next level. She brings such care and artistry to every set, and her work always feels fresh and feminine.

Each of these ladies is so talented in their own way. I truly can’t recommend HQ...