Allure Nail Spa

When it come to Allure Nail Spa I say two words: BE CAREFUL.
Yesterday I walked in to Allure, and was told I could have a manicure pedicure right away. Score, right? Wrong.
I sat in the chair and first noticed the bowl she was running water in looked dirty — a soap scum on the edges. The nail person quickly poured in more of the soap when she noticed me looking.
Well, I settled in to a magazine and the pedicure began. Well color me surprised when on the FIRST TOE she touched, she clipped at the nail and I literally shouted «OUCH!» She had clipped the nail deep into the nail bed and my toe started bleeding.
What make this worse than the mistake of a novice clipping toes? Instead of saying, «Oh sorry! Did I hurt you?» or «I apologize!» she stares at me and says, «You don’t want me to cut your nails?» I said, «Well I don’t want you to hurt me. And now my toe is bleeding.» She tried to blame an ingrown toe nail, which I don’t have. THEN, she pours alcohol on the toe — obviously I jerked my foot back in pain.” And she snickered, saying something in vietnamese to her co-​worker, who looked away sheepishly.
She continued the pedicure, but seemed to only be half paying attention. And it was obvious she was resentful of her position as a nail person, when she sighed then argued with me about choosing a polish. And she used the cheese grater thing for calluses and left me with a jagged skinned foot.
I cancelled the expected manicure that was too follow, as I just wanted to cut my losses and get out of this place. By the way — this was now 50 minutes later — no manicure.
So now I am left with a mediocre pedicure, rough sole of my foot, unpainted hands, and a sore big toe for my weekend of walking around town. It is the next day and my toe is so sore I can’t wear a closed toe shoe.
Just keep walking down the street people — there are five more salons within two blocks.

Yeah, like others it quickly became apparent that the salon was sold and the original owner Tony was gone. I’d been a regular for 3 years The new crew stinks as do their policies and skills — or better put, lack of skill. For starters, they’ve removed all signs with pricing details so now it’s random. But that’s minor compared to the genuine danger of infection you risk letting them pick, chip, file and shave your nails and skin. I had several botched gel-​acrylic nail manicures. They were uneven, had gaps etc., AND chipped off or broke in a matter of a few days which was annoying but then they completely MAIMED MY FOOT during a so-​called pedicure! I’m talking DEEP, BLOODY HOLES! I believe the technician who did this bloody pedicure is also a co-​owner. He is the younger of the 2 men who work there and I think his name is Mike. His work is the shoddiest of anyone there (not that others do a great job, but he is by far the worst.) I always avoided him but one day, when pressed for time, I didn’t want to wait so let him do my pedicure. He used the callous remover on my heel like he was grating cheese! I flinched and shouted stop but it was too late. By the time I left the tingly, sensitive sensation turned to full-​out pain — so much so that walking two blocks home was difficult. I immediately removed my shoes at home to find a bloody sock and beneath it, the skin on my heel ripped open in multiple spots and bleeding. I returned two days later to show them what they did and what did I get? Shrugged shoulders! That’s right, not even an apology! I demanded an apology and refund and in return, they offered me $ 5 off my next service. RIGHT!!!
What was once a well-​run establishment is now dirty, unethical and incompetent. Don’t risk a skin or blood infection or worse a bacterial or viral infection like HIV from these unsanitary instruments and dangerous conditions. FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE. YOUR HEALTH LITERALLY DEPENDS ON IT!

This place is awesome! My new favorite place everyone was so considerate and I left with the softest feet ever. Can’t wait to go back.

I wouldn’t recommend this nail salon. I got a mani pedi last week and it was super rushed. They took no time pampering during the pedicure. Even worse, my «no chip» mani has two ruined nails as of 6 days out… Normally mine last a full two weeks+.

I had been going to Allure Nails for over a year and was very happy w/​Tony (the old owners). After visiting several times and noticing that the owners were not returning I decided to continue to get my nails done w/​the new «owner». Amy did a pretty good job on my nails and I didn’t really have a problem until one afternoon. Things were going fine until I pointed out that one of my thumbnails was crooked and gently asked if it could be fixed. I could tell that Amy had a huge problem with it and proceeded to speak loudly in another language to her co-​workers. One worker came over and stared at my nails, while another tried to convince me it was fine. Another worker, his name may have been George, asked me what was wrong with me. We do not have a friendly/​buddy buddy relationship so it was not like he was trying to lighten the mood. I ignored him and continued to focus on Amy doing my nails. After she fixed it as best as she could she got up and then walked around to her co-​workers, speaking loudly, and holding out her thumbs. I am not someone who gets offended by someone speaking in another language but I was extremely disgusted at the fact that they were openly complaining about me while I was right there. She could have waited until I left. When she was done, I paid, left ZERO tip and walked out.
This place has gone downhill since they’ve been under new management. This place has all new people who are inexperienced, immature, and have no clue how to maintain a book of business Prior to this incident I noticed that the place was surprisingly empty. In a matter of months these new owners and workers have managed to destroy a great business. If you want your nails done go someplace else.

I noticed the same pattern as others: being told Tony & the old crew were «on vacation» as the initial lie. Fine, I went with it. As long as my nails look as superb as they were before Tony & crew sold it, I’m good.
I started noticing that my no chip manicures don’t last as long as they used to. In fact, my last one made it less than a week before the peeling started. On top of that, they didn’t have the color I selected from their bin of no chip options. So I spent several minutes trying to find an alternative. None of the first few alternatives were in good condition (different color in bottle vs expectation… possibly chemistry changes). I left with a decent color but unsatisfied.
This place used to be my staple. Now I may have to find an alternative. I hate nail salon shopping but know that I need consistency. Tony and crew: your attention to detail and skill will be missed.

I honestly didn’t even notice that the owners were gone– I’ve continued to have the same service that I’ve always experienced.
I really like this nail place, I’ve been going here for almost 2 years and I’ve continued to receive the same regular and consistent service.
I never have even asked for a specific nail tech and I have yet to be disappointed by any of them which is crazy if you ask me!
I think they have a standardly priced mani-​pedi and I think that for the speed, quality, and the location, it’s really difficult to beat.
I will say that if you are looking to establish some kind of relationship with your nail person– this is not the place that’s going to make that happen but if you want to get your nails done in a calm environment and receive good, consistent service, this is the place!
I will be on the look out for the sub par service!

My go to Nail Salon for no chip mani and pedi. Great location. Amy is my nail tech of choice. The color selection is full of variety and high quality brands. The place is never too busy, open on Sunday’s and close to chase bank. Sushi pink is next door which is an added bonus. I recommend allure nail spa.

I am completely done with this place. They apparently went under new management recently and straight up lied more than once about Tony «being on vacation» when he very clearly doesn’t work there anymore, and the past several times I’ve had them done by someone other than Tony (because they will still book you an appointment with him, and then wait until you get there to tell you he is NOT there), they have been AWFUL. Acrylic has completely chipped off my nail within one day (I can usually go 2 – 3 weeks with no issues) and they will also charge you when you come in to get it fixed.
I went back one last time a few weeks ago, got a new set, and now today when I go to get a fill somewhere else, I have FUNGUS on three of my nails. I have been getting acrylic for years and have never had this happen. I am so incredibly upset and disgusted, and all I can do is advise anyone to not come here, due to lack of sanitation, skill and customer service. I hope Tony has found a better job in a better salon because this place has turned to shit without him.

Really bummed that Tony lied about «going on vacation to Vietnam for five weeks» to trick all of his regulars into continuing to come in for the new owners, or whatever the story is. I went to the new chick they brought in to fill his spot three times and she ruined my nails.
She scratched into my nails so deeply during a soak off for a new set that my new nail technician could barely get the acrylic off of my nails to put a new set on. On top of that all of my nails are now stained green (fungi) from water getting underneath the set she put on me. I work in a hair salon so my hands are constantly in water, and that never happened while Tony was doing my nails.
Do yourself a favor, and go see Avka at Nail Junkie, it’s a hike from the west loop — but you will never go anywhere else once you see his work, the cleanliness of his salon, and how wonderful everyone that works there is.

Best place for pedicures and artificial nails. The staff is friendly as well. Perfection– each and every time.

Used to be my go to place. They have recently went downhill. Never keep colors in stock.

The owners are on vacation… or at least that is what they originally stated. The new female nail technician that seems to be in charge is rude. While a make technician was doing my refill he was suggesting I get a full set. I was explaining that every two weeks 2 – 3 nails get replaced so I’d stick to that process since the owner does it that way.
Now I’m told the owner sold it and will not be back in a month as stated. The new lady in charge interjects her comments in a rude way. Her English isn’t that clear, but it was clear enough when she recommended that if I didn’t want her recommendation to find another salon. When I asked her to repeat herself she started speaking in Vietnamese to the other nail technicians.
Per her rudeness, I will not be returning. Elle on Madison will get my business!

There are some good and bad things about this place. They seemed to do a great job on my no-​chip yesterday, but they were completely overwhelmed and gave unrealistic timelines to customers.
I called ahead and booked an appointment for a manicure and a no-​chip manicure for 6pm. We were there 10 minutes early and they didn’t start the no-​chip until 6:25. They kept telling my friend someone would start theirs any minute but at then end when they finished mine, he went to start my friend’s. At this point it was 7pm and we were late so we had to go.
He did a great job on my nails but don’t give me an appointment for two people, take us 30 minutes late and then not even get to the second person.
I’ll try them again, maybe it was an off day.

I’ve been coming to this place for a year now and they always do a good job on my fillins.
I came in last Thursday March 12^th 2015 and got a fillin and by Friday the 13^th, 8 of my finger nails all chipped off! Now that’s very normal here as I been loyal for over a year.
So I just went in today at 7:30pm to get them «fixed». They told me my nails were «bad» and nobody would correct the mistakes «they» made. I said your a nail place how can you not fix them. Plus if they are soooo bad why didn’t you tell me last week when I was here «hey you should do another set». After having Tony, Kim and the other guy all in my face about how bad they were, they made me sit there for 1 hour before I would be helped. Then I was called over to Kim’s Chair and she was huffing and puffing. I said you know what, I’ve been nice enough. Just fix them. I’m not gonna pay another 30 $ from last week. So she sent me over to Tony. He did my nails and At the end he said ok you ready to pay, I look at him and was like ummmmm I just told you guys I’m not paying. He literally got in my face and started screaming at me, throwing his arms all over the place. Then Kim got up and started yelling at me too. He said to be beautiful isn’t free. WELL I WANTED TO BE BEAUTIFUL LAST WEEK WHEN I CAME IN!!!
LIKE SERIOUSLY!!! Ur going to yell at your customer who comes here every month and act like I did something wrong?
So unprofessional, what a shame. Then they told me I was banned from there and they never want to see me again. Ok I’m so sorry YOU ruined MY nails. I forgot that I was the salon owner and the nail expert. Shame on me.

Was super excited to try this spa after reading reviews.
Walked in with no appointment and was greeted fast; staff is pleasant though not very good with English. I walked in wanting to do a full set of acrylic nails, but guess what. I got gel instead. Not because it was my request, but I don’t think they were getting the idea. Anyways, did a no-​chip mani with design and a basic pedi.
Everything went well up til the mani started. Lady didn’t even ask what shape I had in mind for my nails. Had a design in mind already and was looking forward to getting that with acrylics. I noticed the lady didn’t pull out acrylics and had everything set up for no chip. I told her, «I want acrylic nails.» She said, «Yeah ok, this is acrylic.» After asking several times why I was getting gels, I just gave up because I literally found it pointless asking over and over again. Okay, so she starts pushing back and cutting my cuticles, she pulled off like a fair chunk of my skin so of course my finger starts bleeding like hell. A total of three of my fingers were bleeding. In the end, I mostly got the design I wanted but it was somewhat sloppy. Didn’t quite get the colour I wanted (glittery pink and gold), instead I got a baby pink and like a gold opaque glittery nail polish on top of it.
Overall, props for nice staff, but not so much for the colour selection or the whole doing your nails part. Still looking for a new spa within the area, don’t think I’ll be coming back.

Nice pleasant staff. But, I came for nails. Very little effort, sloppy and I had to re-​paint hands and feet when I got home. Cheap products.
NAIL POLISHES SELECTIONS — plenty of Essie, some OPI, and plenty of China Glaze and an unknown brand.
VENUE — cramp and cluttered Argyle style.
TECHS — mature with outdated methods of doing things. Hand Massage with manicure was flimsy and useless. The steps of doing nails is something I would do at home.
NAIL SHAPING — not thorough. Hang Nails still there. I mentioned, «round and short please.» Tech asked, «straight and square?» Oi! The cuticle cutter needed to be sharpened as it was snag and pull galore (thankfully, she didn’t cut me).
DRY STATION — whenever one exist, it is always doubtful that pedicure will be flawless when you put your shoes on. You don’t need this station to have perfectly polished nails, just the right name brand products.

Really nice lady did my mani /​pedi. They do a thorough cleaning and good application but really skimp on the foot/​hand massage. It was about 15 seconds. Usually places spend at least a minute or two getting in there. Neither of us had the luxury of that here so that was really unfortunate.
Prices are pretty good compared to other places I’ve been in Chicago.
I could go back for a pedi but I would ask about the massage!!!

And it’s once again « Unilocal to the rescue»!
I needed some major nail work done before a big meeting and I found myself looking to Unilocal to send me someplace close by that could take me and my acrylic loving nails.
Allure popped up on my Unilocal app and I called and they said they could take me right away. So over I went!
Clean salon, efficient staff, lots of polish choices (including my fav OPI color) and my nails look terrific! So good, that I know I will return.
And the prices are good as well. An acrylic fill with a couple of nail repairs was $ 25.
And even parking was easy on this stretch of Washington Blvd.
All in all– a winning experience and another 4 star rating for Allure! Now I wonder if they could squeeze me in for a pedicure as my toes now have nail envy?

I came in after reading the good reviews on Unilocal,and left with uneven polish, a bloody cuticle, and a sore impression.
To be fair, I didn’t have an appointment, and waited about 20 minutes before sitting. Like a few reviewers have pointed out, the service felt very rushed. She took clippers to my cuticle like she was clipping hedges. No wonder it made me bleed, which was something she was not concerned about. The gel manicure removing processing was interesting. They wrapped my fingers in tinfoil which contained a reservoir of acetone in it for about 10 minutes. I don’t know if that’s standard, but the gel peeled off after the chemical soaking, and the remnants she scraped off pretty roughly.
Another thing that really turned me off was how they don’t understand their own Unilocal check-​in deal. They insisted that I print out the Unilocal Check-​in 10% off deal. I kept telling them that I can’t print out the check-​in deal and got pushed back with «Okay just this once you can show us your phone… next time print it out». How frustrating.