Candy’s Nails

My favorite little gym. I am so glad I found this nail shop. They are locally owned and treat you well. I have been going here for 6 months and have never felt uncomfortable. They are very clean. The shellac lasts 3 weeks.

The place is very conveniently located and inviting. It’s clean and relaxing; it doesn’t share the unfortunate sweat-​shop atmosphere of other nail-​salons where workers look overworked and stressed. So why the one star? Because Candice has unfortunately won the prize for worst-​ever nail job and worst-​ever haircut in my book.
I had been there once before just for color and liked it, but the second time I didn’t appreciate that the manager? (a female manicurist) literally pushed aside the manicurist that came to greet me, in order to get my business. I always tip well in nail salons, regardless of experience, because I have a sense of the kind of working conditions at these places, so she must have recognized me.
I didn’t find the manager particularly friendly, though I have to concede she did take her time with my nails. As she worked she kept insisting on me trying «shellac.» I knew gel was bad, though she was unable to explain the difference to me while still being somewhat pushy. I was already uncomfortable that she had charged me $ 5 extra for the supposedly «special» white tip I asked for, when I get it at other salons in the area without ever having to pay extra. After my nails were done, I was very surprised to see that the white tips were not well done at the corners, when she had taken so long (too long), but I had to go. The best came just two days after, because the base of my nails was so thick that the growth had started showing. I’m used to going a whole week with perfect-​looking nails, but after only one week my daughter was urging me to go get my nails done because «they looked so bad»… By then the dark had started to show at the bottom of the white tip too, as the nails grew, and two days later my first nail broke, only ten days after having paid more than I ever have for nails! My nails looked absolutely awful when I finally had time to go get them done elsewhere.
The same day I had my nails done, I also had a haircut with the guy, who was very nice btw (regardless of lack of skills to cut women’s hair). I desperately needed a trim, and I thought I could risk it because my hair is so easy to cut but… Well, I went home and pulled up my hair into the funniest-​looking ponytail ever: I could see two long handfuls of hair at each side of the ponytail, like one of those Chinese beards… two side ‘tails’ a good inch and a half longer than the rest of the ponytail. So off they went with the scissors. The next day I had to go elsewhere to have it trimmed correctly, because now with my hair down you could see an uneven layer closer to my face, and I haven’t even mentioned what he did with my bangs… short and square. Lovely – you get the idea.

Should give 1 star but the manicurist did try. Had shellac polish and she refused to use the timer on the machine. I kept telling her it’s not safe to keep a hand under the UV light so long that your fingers are hot. I kept taking them out and she kept telling me to put them back in. Someone needs to tell the Asian manicurists that pulling on and popping the customers’ fingers IS NOT a massage !!! Also, I have never ever left a manicure with gritty hands.
Will definitely drive by this place on my way to a different nail salon.

I’ve been going to Candy’s since I moved to the Bellaire area a little over a year ago. I love it! The staff is super friendly, super attentive, and takes their time to ensure the quality of their work. It is also very clean and well kept. I like that even when it is busy in here, it still feels like a place you can relax and unwind while enjoying your services. I hate it when nail shops/​spas are super duper busy and the whole experience just seems rushed rather than relaxed. I’m always pleased with my service, the staff, and my nails.

I’m new to town, but this place blew me away.
I echo the earlier review that they take their time with you and practice excellent customer service. The spa pedicure is $ 35, includes exfoliant, paraffin, and foot/​leg massage, and was easily the longest and most thorough spa pedicure I’ve ever had. Lahn (sp?) took her time and did an amazing job.
This place is under new ownership for the last two months, and they are making a real effort to win over new clients. DONE.
They have nails, wax, facials, and three chairs for haircuts.

Great, small nail salon right across from Episcopal High. I was in the neighborhood so I just walked in.
Alexander gave me a pedicure and he worked his but off until my feet were as soft as a baby’s bottom. They don’t have a massive polish selection, but I still managed to find an on trend purplish grey in the vast array of pinks and reds. This place isn’t too far from my apartment I guess… may have to make this my new go-​to place.