Essential Nail Spa

07/23/08

NON-CHIP MANICURE

by ReviewEEe at Citysearch

I use to go to Santuary Nails to get the "No-Chip Manicure" UNTIL I realized that I have been going to the WRONG place ladies. I was desperate so I googled another place that would offer the NON-CHIP MANICURE. It's a gel product that looks just like nail polish and lasts for two weeks WITHOUT chipping and looking great! Luckily, I found Essential Nail Spa!! Everything is so different, but in the best ways! The ambiance is more welcoming and spa like. Everyone is so friendly and talkative even the clients are friendly. I recommend to come here because the process is less damaging to your nails whereas before I was soaking off every two weeks. Here at Essential they soak off once a month and when I get fills they do not look thick at all! Natural LADIES!

• Pros: Quality service. Sanitary. Comfortable atmosphere. Communication is great!
• Cons: Parking. Appointment highly recommended.

06/01/08

reliable, elegant, and fast

by skiptomylau at Citysearch

It was the morning of my wedding, and I was in a panic. My friend had recently visited Essential Nail Spa, and recommended the non-chip manicure. I heard it dried instantly, and was intrigued. When I entered the salon, I instantly felt like a bride for the day. The service was friendly, reliable, and elegant. The nail techs were excited to hear about my wedding and honeymoon plans, and gave me good recommendations to keep my spirits up for the long day ahead. I honestly felt welcomed and conversation was so easy between the technicians and the customers.

The manicure did dry instantly under a UV lamp. My nails were perfect for my wedding, and the day played out perfectly, thanks to my great start that morning at the nail spa.

I absolutely love the non-chip manicure, and now I'm a regular customer. The drive is pretty long for me, since I live in the suburbs, but it is very well worth it. I refuse to go to any other spa after my experience here.

• Pros: Friendly and on-time
• Cons: Can't just walk-in, must make appointment

10/29/07

Knows What's Important

by aechang at Citysearch

Having experienced terrible nail salons for many years, it was a relief and godsend to discover this small nail salon in Lincoln Park. The ladies here are friendly, unpretentious, honest, and all-around wonderful. The owner, Nina, is well-versed in safe and current nail techniques, so you know you are in good hands. She and the staff are meticulous in making sure you are comfortable and getting the best service possible. This small business has a passion for excellent customer service and nails...not for getting your money. I have been a loyal customer for the past two years and plan to be unless I move out of the city! The prices might seem a little more expensive than your run-of-the-mill nail factory, but considering that the place is clean and the staff meticulous in their work, it's actually a deal. You won't contract any weird fungus from the spa pedicures (they run fresh water for theirs), and your nail beds won't be prone to infection (they hand file their acrylic overlays). It takes more effort on the staff's part, but they are willing to do it for the interest of the customer. The icing on the cake is that none of the ladies (NONE) talk about you in another language - unlike many of the nail places I have visited - everyone is kind and genuine.

This is Chicago's best-kept secret in nail places!

• Pros: Friendly and skilled staff, great owner, clean and current
• Cons: Parking can be difficult