The Best Nails Chicago

Feb 05, 2025

The customer service is terrible. They don’t greet at the door and do not even ask if you have an appointment. Everyone is pretty rude and unhelpful. For charging $100 manicure at least you can for a customer is to greet them.

Jan 29, 2025

I used to have my nails done by them , but not any more . When you want to check in they are barely acknowledging you are standing there , manicurists don’t speak English or pretending not to so giving them feedback is a challenge ,bathroom is so dirty l , the pedicure is very uncomfortable because of the kind of chairs they use. Keep in mind you will spend around 130$ for a basic gel overlay , just insane.

Jan 15, 2025

Asel is the best and most talented artist I have ever had the good fortune to meet. Show her a photo and she will give you beautiful nails every time. I will drive for hours to experience her magic. I couldn’t take these nails off if I wanted to, and I am very hard on my nails. Asel is a treasure and if you’re smart you will book with her.

Jan 15, 2025

I think that they could improve. Maybe put some signs up to tell customers where to go & also let the customer decide what design without rushing to put top coat on. I paid $200 for nails that are just okay, the cuticles are great but the actual nail…they’re kinda chunky.

Jan 05, 2025

This is an update of my first EXTREMELY positive review. I live in Streeterville, so this is my neighborhood salon. I come here once a week (sometimes twice a week!) Because I like to change up my nails often. Each pedicure or manicure is $130+ I tip $20-$40 EVERY TIME. I have seen regular nail techs as well as several "managers". I spend THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON MY NAILS BI-MONTHLY. After 20+ appointments here, I am changing my review to 1 star. Here is why: 1.Nearly every time I leave, my polish is chipped or faded within ONE DAY. I once felt that their "free fix" appointment option was a sign of their stellar business practices. It is not. I have had to schedule 3 or 4 "free fixes" for the same manicure that won't last! That means taking hours out of my day, rearranging my schedule, and yes, tipping again for the same manicure. Ridiculous. Reasons I've been told that my nails are chipping and fading: 1. I use my hands a lot (False-I don't even clean or cook my own meals) 2. Olga uses "different" products that chip 3. The color I chose is "not a good formula" 4. They just shrug and offer to "fix" And the fix will be sloppy, and rushed because they only have 35 minutes no matter the design or the mistake. Also good luck trying to get the same person who did your initial set rebooted for a fix. 2. They don't listen. There is a clear language barrier because everyone speaks Russian or Ukrainian. That's fine, but when they don't understand or they don't know what exactly you're saying, they just do whatever they want anyway -Or they just stay silent. Then when what you wanted is not executed (because there was poor communicğation) they act frustrated. 3. "Smart" pedicures. They have access to these wondeful callus drills and polishing attachments, but they don't actually spend more than a couple minutes and feet are left rough and still half callused. I've gone back for a free fix just for the callus removal and after a few more minutes of effort, all of my callus and roughness is gone. Why couldn't that have happened in the first place? Especially knowing you'll be tipped very well. Do they just not care? Are they over worked? What is going on? 4. Others have commented on issues such as cleanliness and decor. I'm thankful because the bathroom was atrocious before, and is a bit better now. However, the cloths they put on the pedicure chairs are a joke. They are thin, and fall off so the techs end up using paper towels and the position you have to sit in so that your feet don't slip and the tech has a good angle is so uncomfortable. I overall have had better experiences here than most salons I've visited and I do love their hard gel and foundational nail work. But I've NEVER had such poor polish retention-even in the cheap West side nail salons. I've never been given so many crazy excuses for bad work. I've never had to come back multiple times to have the same nails fixed over and over. I am a good customer. I tip like a crazy person. I make very frequent and high cost appointments. I recommend others. Maybe none of this matters to you all, maybe you don't care about losing my business. Maybe high quality is impossible for you to maintain with your high volume of clientele. However, if this is the case: you can not honestly call yourselves "THE BEST". I really hope this feedback is received well and whatever changes need to be made are made. I would like to continue to be your loyal customer.

Dec 05, 2024

Shoutout to Tina! She is a perfectionist and my nails look beautiful every single time.

Dec 05, 2024

The shop looks nothing like it does on ig. The pedicure was over a $100 just for her to wipe my feet with baby wipes and pour a drop size of wax from a candle in her hand and rub it on my feet. She(Yulia) messed up my big toe by placing the lamp on it I asked her to fix it she refused. My appointment was at 9am got there on time didn’t leave til 1:30pm. I came with a picture from their page that I wanted and unfortunately the lady act like she didn’t understand English at all. I had asked them how to book before booking got there and they made me pay more and changed the price. I paid $358 to get my feet done nails removed and a new set. I honestly look for the nail shop to be a relaxing experience when I go and this was not at all that… my nails definitely doesn’t look like what I asked for and on top of her messing up my big toe and having me in there 4.5 hours their tip options were $103, $73, $57 or no tip… after them changing my price from $280 to $358… yeah okay… this review is the tip… Four days later and my nails breaking and they said they’re supposed to last 6 weeks bs… Haven’t even been a week… I have never had nails to break on me like I have from this shop… they’re bending like soft plastic…

Nov 05, 2024

I used to love coming here (and I will still come because I love my nail tech) but the establishment is not up to par and I’m realizing has never been. Couple things: 1. General cleanliness (not my nail tech) is bad. All the chairs are stained, the bathroom has toilet paper just sitting on top of the toilet and on the floor (you charge us minimum $109 for a manicure and you can’t get a toilet paper holder? Or better hand soap?) and dirty mops in the bathroom. It seems like the cost of manicures keeps going up while the quality of experience keeps going down. Also, last time I was here there was no water. They act like a luxury salon but it’s clear they just exploit their labor - the nail techs are paid by the HOUR which is insane. 2. If you do not have a dedicated relationship with your nail tech, good luck moving any appts around. Before I found my person, my appts were frequently cancelled, moved around, etc. Ever since the last salon manager left, the front desk staff is also not very friendly. 3. Now that european manicures are more popular, your best bet is to go somewhere else. I know amazing salons with much better quality experiences that are offering the service for around ~$75. Even the pedicure station here is a joke. It’s tucked behind some partition facing a brick wall. And don’t even get me started on the move to a new location. Literally barely any windows lol Overall, the experience is just bad as a whole. I don’t feel treated well (offer drinks other than water in cups that are not just basic plastic, make the space look nicer, don’t buy white chairs for a SALON, treat your staff better and clean your bathroom and hallway up). Do better for the cost you are charging! And also, start offering massages included in manicures. Sometimes I leave her paying close to $140 or more and it just feels like that doesn’t match the experience as a whole. Do better!

Nov 05, 2024

Love The Best Nails Chicago! I’ve been coming for 2yrs now and I’m always treated well and leave happy! Sagida is so kind and talented! I’m fairly simple with nail designs BUT nevertheless she takes her time and delivers exceptional service every single time! She truly can replicate any design and her work is always outstanding! Thank you Sagida!! If you’re wondering abt the durability of the nails I come every 4wks but can definitely push to 6wks! I wanted to mention that although I love my nail tech and my services always meet expectations the salon experience could be better I would suggest offering coffee, tea or water and better seats although they’re fairly comfortable I would recommend something with more room for us ladies with hips/thighs 😅 the hike up the 4 flights of stairs is wild I wish there was an elevator 🛗 but other then those minor things which can be fixed 5/5 👍🏼

Nov 05, 2024

Poor quality. I left feeling super unhappy, I event allowed them to make it right and they didnt event try. My nails were thick, lifting a week later, cuticles were cut up and when they filed, they were aggressive. Really wanted to like my nails and unfortunately I will not be going back here.

Oct 05, 2024

I come here monthly to get my nails done, Viktoriia is a true artist and she does an amazing job. She can do anything with nails!

Oct 05, 2024

Ive had enough with salons careless attitude about messing up my nails. I have long beautiful nails the girl was so rough with me, broke one of my nails and laughed about it, buffed my nails so hard they hurt for days and French design was different on every nail. She was obviously in training, when I went back to have it fixed they told me it was my fault and I’d have to pay for a whole new manicure in order for them to fix it. Really frustrating to pay $160 for a manicure, be in pain and then be told they can’t do anything to help you. Smh. Please go to another salon they may be good 1-2 times but if you have any problems they will laugh at you and tell you to spend more money to fit their problems.

Oct 05, 2024

The prices have gone up and they charge to remove gel from another salon. I have never been charged that before and I’ve been here plenty of times. Ridiculous!

Oct 05, 2024

Their website and phone says above red head piano bar is their location, and they moved 6 months ago. Tanya (my nail tech was fine). Not super friendly but that’s okay. It was my first time. My nails looked good after. I got hit by an electric bike on my way to the salon, and was literally bleeding at my knuckles during my service because the cancellation fee. And there was no hospitality or even compassion. I felt like a customer at McDonalds where I was also paying nearly $200. I’ll probably never come back because if I’m paying that much for nails I want to feel like I’m being cared for whether it’s a bad or good day: salon looked dirty and needs help in customer service.

Sep 05, 2024

At this price point and given the website advertises specializing in complex designs, I was deeply disappointed in my experience. I ended up having to get another manicure just to remedy the poor design. The salon is also incredibly difficult to reach.

Sep 05, 2024

If I can give this place 0 stars I would. I booked an appointment for 8am on a Sunday. I get there & nobody is there to let me in & I call their number 5 times and no answer. Finally someone reached out to me after 15 minutes of standing outside to say they cancelled my appointment. Mind you they gave me no notice, I already paid for parking & they couldn't accommodate me with another tech the same day. They offered me another appointment 2 days later but I asked for $10 off my service due to the inconvenience they caused & then they had an attitude. But if I was no call/no show they would have charged my card the full amount of my service. Yeah they don't gotta worry about me no more, wasted my time & money!

Sep 05, 2024

The worst pedicure I’ve ever gotten. I’m not sure what the uncomfortable chairs they use for pedicures are designed for; maybe a dentist’s office? Pretty sure it’s not pedicures. They wanted me to keep my legs bent with my feet up on the bench. So, no relaxing allowed, or my knees would fall to the side or my feet would slide forward. I told my tech several times that I was repeatedly readjusting where she was angrily trying to put my feet because it wasn’t comfortable for me. But instead of trying to communicate with me at all about that, it just made her angrier. They make you order and pay for your service online beforehand but the descriptions don’t really explain what you’re getting. No option for regular polish either. Gel only apparently. I should have known better when I found out they don’t accept cash. Lastly, I walked out sliding around on my sandals in whatever they put on my feet.

Aug 05, 2024

BEST. NAILS. IN. CHICAGO. I am so particular about my nails. I look for meticulous and careful cuticle work, neat and sharp designs and a natural, seamless finish. I received all of that here. Thanks Asel!! ✨️

Jul 05, 2024

Been going here for years. Now all the amazing techs have left. On top of that they canceled my last two nail appointment less that 24 hr in advance TWICE. Once two hours before. Then they just send you a link to rebook With no attempt to reschedule you

Jul 05, 2024

Great manicures that least me up to 5-6 weeks! They always nail the designs I share.

Jul 05, 2024

I’ve gone to this salon consistently over the past year. Unfortunately my last two visit required a follow-up nail repair service. For this visit in particular, I made the appointment online, selecting nail fix as previously done. When the nail tech greeted me, I informed her of one chipped toe nail and one chipped finger nail. She explained she only did (finger) nails and not pedicures and could only fix my finger nail. I showed her the chipped toe nail and again she repeated she doesn’t do pedicures, but explaining she also doesn’t have time. I explained during my last visit the tech fixed multiple nails that had chipped so fixing one toe nail and finger nail should fit into the 20-30 mins timeframe of the fix appointment Fast forward, no one was available to repair my chipped finger nail (although I visibly saw people who have previously done my pedicures doing nothing). Also, noting the fix took less than 10 mins, leaving sufficient time for a toe nail fix. I think inquires about a credit towards my next appointment and was told that is not an option. After spending over $200 on services this is unacceptable and is my last visit. L Be cautious that if the quality isn’t there, it’s your lost and monies down the drain.

Jun 05, 2024

The new location is horrible compared to Ontario St. parking is a total inconvenience. This location is NOT giving luxury manicures and pedicures although the price is. My recent service was sub par and now that Mary is no longer working there, I realize the extra travel time and cost is not worth the hassle.

Jun 05, 2024

-Aht, Aht! New location is 3 flights up with no elevator and in a building that looks abandoned. Every time i call, i get no response. I asked where my nail tech (Oksana) is and they 1st said she was sick, then they said she was on vacation. I'm guessing she left? She was thee Only reason I went here. The staff could be nicer. And no one cares. All of this work was done by Only Oksana. I'm never coming back. 🫡 (This portion below was written months ago) I've been here a few times, but the 1st time was a disaster because i didn't fill out the form correctly online. When I arrived for my appointment, Oksana made the corrections & scheduled me for the next day. She did a great job & did my nails just as i requested. My nails lasted for 4 weeks, but I could've easily went longer. Parking is cross the street for $11 (if validated by the salon). Get there early because sometimes parking is scarce. - My 2nd appointment i scheduled At the salon, so it went Much smoother. Oksana did my nails again. She's very quick, thorough & detail oriented. I showed her the nails I wanted, she took a pic with her phone & went to work. 2 hrs later I had beautifully crafted nails. Thin, natural, and protected. -They are very tight on schedule, so if you're late they may not be able to accommodate you. -Cost is somewhere from $80 & up.

May 05, 2024

Absolutely the best nails in Chicago. I've been going here for over a year and have the privilege of working with Julia, who always goes above and beyond to do an amazing job. Atmosphere is gentle and welcoming.

May 05, 2024

I have been going to the Best Nails since 2021. I have always loved my experience! From the luxury salon space (Ontario location) to my fave and the BEST nail tech there is, Z, but I had to come and leave a review on my recent experience at their new location on grand. Now I know times are hard but why yall move there? It’s giving struggle, it’s not giving the best and it’s sure not giving luxury. If I’m paying over $100+ for my nails, I want to experience it in a suitable environment. Not a cramped shoe box. For #1. The parking situation is not ideal and yall know that. #2 yall wrong for that sign on that door below the graffiti that’s plastered on the door. #3 you have to hike up 3 flights of stairs. What about expected mothers or those who may use wheelchairs or have mobility issues? Yall didn’t think about that. My girl Z, along with the rest of the staff deserve better working conditions. Do better, management. You might as well change ya name to “we use to be the best nails Chicago”. I’ll be back next month for my set but I’m damn sure gonna complain about the space every chance I get. I hope you take this review and the other ones into consideration l. When you know better you do better. Pictures: New location- that’s how you find them now Nails always done by Z- she’s the best

May 05, 2024

I love the work that Julia does but the owners keep raising the prices and the location got less “nice” or “fancy”. I’d love to see more money and effort put into your space, especially with the price increases.

May 05, 2024

I recently visited this nail salon and had quite a mixed experience. If you're aiming for a quality manicure, I'd strongly recommend booking with the managers. I found that the attention to detail and quality of service is notably better with them. It's evident that the owners seem disengaged and lack a genuine concern for the salon's atmosphere and overall quality. The salon itself is housed in an old building with pink-painted walls, and the absence of windows made it feel a bit closed off and dim. Adding to this, the bathroom door didn’t even have a lock, which was quite inconvenient and uncomfortable. When I arrived for my appointment, I was surprised to see just a piece of paper taped to the door as their business sign. It seemed like a lack of effort or investment in presenting a professional image. Moreover, their pricing is on the higher side, with a simple gel overlay costing $100. Given the ambiance and the overall experience, I was left amazed at the apparent indifference of the owners towards the salon's vibe and customer experience. It feels as though they are exploiting the hard work of their staff without giving much thought to customer satisfaction.

May 05, 2024

If been coming here for years and even have gone to other locations of theirs. Their nails last, and if you get the right technician, you’ll get exactly what you want. Never had a technician asrude as Gabriella today. She over charged me for a service I asked her to do but didn’t know how to and admitted that after she attempted the design and then still charged me. Not to mention she was rude to all of the customers coming in too. Be sure to check your nails before you put top coat on them, because I’ve had a few experiences where they say they can do a design but really can’t answer don’t want to admit it.

May 05, 2024

The most awful service of my life two times I went to the salon and the nail girl didn’t even show up. They didn’t find me a replacement. The girls are always late to the appointment for the price they charge you would expect you to be different but no and I’ve been a client of this place for two years

May 05, 2024

The techs are very accommodating and nice. Your experience never feels rushed and the quality of manicure is amazing. I recommend them to everyone. The manicure actually lasts like 6 weeks (depending on growth)!

May 05, 2024

This has been my go to place for over a year to get my nails done. The work is meticulous. But...My last appointment they moved and what a disappointment it was. Cramped, small and they are now doing pedicures right in the open. Owners did not think that through. Very uncomfortable for the people getting manicures and visa versa.

Apr 05, 2024

Amazing place! Victoria did my nails. She was fast but very professional. Very creative. Definitely recommend