Tips Nail Bar & Spa

I went to Tips twice and liked the service I received. I did realize that there is a pretentious nature to this place, but I wanted certain nail art done and had read they can do all kinds of nail art. The technicians are good. However, I’m writing this because I had an appointment that I had to cancel due to an illness. They charged me the FULL service fee. I understand if you have to cancel and even dentists charge a cancellation fee. This is a nail place! They didn’t even have ‘time’ to hear me out about why I had to cancel, they just wanted their money — not a percentage, but the whole fee! Unacceptable. I won’t be returning. I couldn’t have predicted that I got sick, and thought my nail salon would understand… but not Tips. I’ll be giving my business to another place from now on.

THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE. I flew into Toronto for my close friend’s wedding, and when we (the bridal party) walked in (without an appointment) the owner-​aesthetician immediately made us feel welcome and special. The entire team worked together beautifully to get us an incredible experience, and they even heard us say how we needed coffee, so one of the staff went to Starbucks to get the 3 of us a coffee! We actually kept making jokes that the bride, for her wedding speech, needed to thank the ladies at Tips Nail Bar for making her wedding so special! They really did go above and beyond from start to finish, and made my friend the happiest and most relaxed bride in the world. We appreciated it a lot, and it helped to make the whole weekend incredible. Worth every penny. I basically never write online reviews, and I felt that I had to this time because it was too special not to!

Not impressed with my nails at all. Was my friend’s birthday and I made an appointment there first time ever to get my nails done.
They did my pedicure first and it was heaven, the girl did an awesome job, that was why I tipped $ 30 for it.
And as for my manicure, it was absolutely horrible. I asked for gel based, because I have thin nails and they break easily. NOT JUST SHELLAC. The girl had told me its an hour before close, so they need to charge me for the service first. I paid over $ 96 for just my manicure not including tips. It lasted for a good 2 days. That night I looked over my nails when I had time, it was all uneven, 3 were way bigger than the rest due to those 3 were the only ones that actually have gel on it. One out of those 3 were falling off on the 2^nd day. Had my nails done lots of times, never before this have happen so soon. Usually last for at least 3 weeks. The 3^rd day was when the chipped comes to haunt me.
The feeling of I’m ashamed of my nails was my big wow. I had people commented «Hey nice bails… oh.» That last part was when they really look into it. No, I would not return to that place. A refund was what they should of offered me.

The pros: The technicians here are incredible, namely Miyuki :) These girls can do nail designs like no other and have the latest and greatest polish selection you can find. Everyone is super friendly and chatty and if you have an appointment, you are in and out. Salon is clean, and there seem to be a ton of regulars which is always good news.
The cons: Price. I understand that you get what you pay for… but when a shellac mani with design runs you $ 80+ it’s a bit excessive. I requested a similar design for my nails at my local hole in the wall nail salon, and although not as precise as Tips, the technician did a pretty good job (I received many compliments), it lasted the regular 2 – 3 weeks, and the best part — only cost me $ 30. Also, as I said the place is friendly and chatty. This can be a great thing, but can also feel a bit like a desperate housewives congregation. A lot of older, richer women frequent here — and that’s the kind of loud gossip you get on either side of you when you sit down. Also parking can be a drag if you are not there during an off-​peak time as it’s located right on danforth.
My last visit I told the technician to just do whatever, use my nails as a creative outlet, and give me something amazing. (Note: I had a gift card so I was ok with an $ 80 price tag this day and wanted to max out my nail design). She did white with a hint of glitter. Not what I call creative and not at all near what I know she is capable of. Now maybe that was my fault for giving no guidelines, but when my bill came to $ 65 I was even more disappointed.
All in all, they do a great job (if you offer exact instructions) and worth it to go for a special occasion (wedding/​birthday etc.) and IF you want a design or something unique. Since the staying power is equivalent to a regular salon, it is not worth it to go just for a regular polish.

I got a shellac manicure from them recently. The design itself turned out really nicely, it was what I wanted and I was pleased with the result. During my manicure, they pulled off a piece of skin from my pinkie, which was then inflamed and painful for a few days, so that was unpleasant. I then got two chips in my manicure only five days after getting it, without even doing anything that would result in a chip. When I called in, they did say that the repair would be complimentary but could not find me any suitable time to come in to get it fixed so it became more of a hassle to get it done than to just let it go. I will not be coming back there.

I booked an appointment for an upcoming wedding for a manicure and pedicure. The service I got was amazing, my nails looked great and I felt completely relaxed and taken care of. The atmosphere is very friendly and upbeat and the tools and equipment used were very clean, which is a huge priority for me. Not to mention this is one of the trendiest salons I’ve ever been to. Great place to get your nails done and just relax, whether you go alone or with friends!

I can see how this salon can be a bit uncomfortable for people regarding the gossipy atmosphere. I am often just not in the mood to talk. I’m quiet by nature and even when I do talk, I’m more of a literary, world events person than a entertainment, fashion person.
But it is a nail bar, so the atmosphere is pretty much what it should be. I find 98% of the aestheticians warm and friendly. And I think it must be impossible to change the atmosphere per client when the place is full.
For legally blonde types it’s the place to go for fun.
For the rest of us, it’s the place to go for the best nail service in town. I’ve tried various different places in Toronto, a lot in Yorkville and the Bay and Bloor area where I work, but not matter how much I pay I can’t get the quality I get a tips. I’m actually very curious where others are going when they say they get nail service just as good as at Tips.
I really believe there is just no reason to pay money anywhere else, I might as well just do my nails at home. Often when I go, I’m tired, it’s my day off, I have a ton of stuff to do and I’m not in the mood for a chatty, eighties music, upbeat place. But I go because the bottom line is I want a great manicure.
And most likely, the majority of other customers enjoy the atmosphere. The hour or two, (if I get a pedicure) I spend there is more about having fantastic nails for the next two to three weeks, than participating in the fashion/​entertainment culture which these places are supposed to be like, and gossip is a part of that world.
But for the reviewer who went before her wedding and there was the mix-​up over the shellac or reg manicure, if I experienced what you had, I would never go back either. I’m surprised they couldn’t do anything at all to make it right, if it were their mistake or not. I’m really sorry that happened too you. What a stressful time.

My Tips Nail Bar experiences have been great thus far! The location is nice, the looks of the salon is very clean and trendy. It’s a salon where you feel comfortable, the tables for manicure form this long line of table and when the place is full it’s a fun atmosphere as you get to socialize with your artist as well as other clients getting their nails done.
I have had my best experiences with Naomi, she is pure talent, especially if you want to get nail art, she is extremely talented and quick. I’ve had many compliments on my nails.
Their service is amazing and they treat their clients with respect.
Their prices are a little steep, but honestly, they do such a quality job that it makes it fair to pay for it. I’ve found them to be very thorough while doing my shellac manicure, making sure to go on the sides (many other salons that have cheaper prices don’t have as nice as a finish) .
I would recommend this place, especially with Naomi! =)

I’m actually surprised to see a low rating for this spectacular salon. Yes, I can see how some can get frustrated when trying to book an appointment — but you wont be disappointed by their impressive nail art skills as well as shellac application. I got my shellac done here twice and each time they were done perfectly and lasted around 2 and a half weeks. The nail technician I had was once featured in a fashion magazine and I really liked the colour she had on so asked for the same. Much to my surprise, it was a custom mixed colour with two different shades — Just great.

You know when you find a place and you don’t wanna tell anyone about it because its so good. Well Tips is one of those places! The staff there is so friendly you feel like your at home the minute you walk in. I have NEVER experienced any rudeness or bad services, I’m not sure what the hell those other reviews are talking about. You do have to book appointments in advance, which I know can be annoying sometimes but let’s face it they’re that good! When I first moved to the area last year I struggled to find a nice, CLEAN, professional and friendly place to get my nails done. I ignored the bad reviews on Unilocal because
ranked them one of the best nails spots in Toronto and boy were they right. They have moved into their new location (just downstairs) which is beautifully decorated and very posh. Oskana has been doing my nails for a couple months now and I love her designs, attention to detail and professionalism. I feel like I’m getting my nails done by my bestie. I’ve also been looking for a good brow place and tried out The Brow House on Queen which was a BIG rip off. Tips was able to squeeze me in after my nails last Saturday and let me tell you, I was so happy with the results! I would recommend this place 110%.

Had a manicure today with my daughter. My daughter had a great manicure. Tech was professional, good at what she does. My manicure was not good at all. It was a bit disconcerting that the tech who did my manicure had dirty fingernails. It’s a very small space with minimal equipment. Long table plastic chairs, one sink etc. The music was loud and the overall the feel was amateurish. Lots of better options for grownups in this price range. Maybe a good place for teenagers etc.

This was a horrid experience for me and my friend. We went here in hopes to find a new go to spot. Instead it took us over 2 hrs for a pedicure. The girl who was doing mine. Had to redo several toes a few times and even get help from another technician. It was disappointing considering the fees for their service. To top it all off. One of the technicians shhh’d us telling us in their spa they don’t allow the use of cell phones! The place was very loud as it was and did not look high end what so ever for it to be that kind of place. We left disappointed and I don’t think I’ll ever go back.

I had a bad manicure here, but when I complained, they promptly got in touch and offered to re-​do it. Second time round was much better and I appreciate that they took the time to make sure I was happy. Great customer service.

no complains

I know this place has lots of hype. People comes from all over the city to get their nails done here. They have a great reputation, but I won’t be going back any time soon.
I went to Tips alone to spoil myself and ended up feeling terrible. The staff and owner are so cliquey I felt like I went back to high school. Everyone else in there was just talking about how fabulous they were, who was the best. They were making fun of people they knew who weren’t there. As a customer it was uncomfortable for me.
I understand the need to want to be girly and gossip, but they should take into account the other people in the room.
I can go elsewhere and get my nails done just as well, at a better price.

This charming nail bar and spa really is as good as it gets!
The space itself is lovely and serene, the staff are a joy (and riot) to be around, fellow customers provide pleasant company, oh… and did I mention the services are amazing?
Tips has some cool products and services delivered masterfully. Try out the gel lacquer nail treatment or moon manicure (which I have yet to have done, but is next on the list).
Amazing, amazing space, and my fave spot in Toronto to do a little indulging (for a reasonable cost).