Nails & Beyond

Let me begin by saying that I very rarely spend my time writing reviews, reading reviews, or holding them in a high regard when making decisions. Most people just like to complain. It’s unfortunate that people usually feel motivated to write a review when something goes wrong, but when it comes to health and wellness I don’t mess around. When I have an exceptional experience, I’ll go out of my way to acknowledge that, just the same.
This was my second time in this establishment, and I only swung in there because I frequent the Pearle Vision next door. The first time I went for a gel manicure, all was fine. It was busy, so I didn’t mind having to wait. The staff is extremely friendly, but I wouldn’t say the most professional. The manager seems to be delegating tasks, then re-​delegating, then re-​delegating some more, all in LOUD native tongue, while the manicurists are jumping around like it’s a game of musical chairs. I thought maybe it was just the first time I was there and a coincidence, but no. One person began soaking my gel manicure off, after 25 min another person actually removes the polish, then another actually does the new manicure… good grief! I find it ironic, with the calming, geisha spa music playing in the background.
On my most recent visit it was not as busy. I had to wait 20 min just to get my manicure started. I get gel, so there’s soaking off of the old polish that needs to happen, this was an additional 20 min. The problem is the place is understaffed. The prices are great, but from start to finish, for a gel manicure, I was in the salon 1hr and 45 min. My usual nail salon does that plus a pedicure in that time. As stated in another review, the manicure was rough and I think it’s unacceptable that manicurists (and it’s not just here) think growing out their own nails to use as tools while providing a service is sanitary and ok. She filed and filed and filed my nail beds so much, it began to burn, and yes, left my nails weak and brittle. If this gel manicure even lasts 2 weeks, I’m going to need to have the polish removed and build up their strength again before starting over with further manicures. The UV is hard enough on nails, but to have them treated that way is outrageous. The manicure looks good, for what it’s worth.
My biggest motivation for writing this review is the free massage you get with any nail care service. I do NOT believe these people are qualified to be giving massages. I think, at best, they took a class. During my first visit the massage was great. I was loose, relaxed, and felt awesome. My last visit, which was yesterday, consisted of long boney fingers being dug into my back, and it was painful. I have no preexisting health issues and have had professional massages before. I don’t expect much from a freebie massage, but this was ridiculous. I asked her to stop, but it was too late. My upper back is insanely sore today and I had to ice it through the night after being woken up by the pain. Not happy. I am grateful there is no bruising, otherwise they’d have a serious problem. It’s unacceptable. All I wanted were nice nails.
My suggestion to you would be, if you need your nails done and have a ton of time to spare, go for it, but do not get the massage and stick with a regular manicure. Don’t let anyone put their hands on you that aren’t fully qualified to. Serious damage can be done by a bad massage and some idiot wailing on your back that doesn’t know what their doing.
My suggestion to the salon would be to hire more people, stop massaging people, stay in your lane, do nails and call it a day. If you want to create an ambient setting for customers to relax in, hire more people and stop conversing with each other when you have customers sitting in front of you that have no clue what you’re saying. It’s rude and unprofessional.
If I was «that kind of person» I could make a big deal out of this, but I’m not. I just know better now.

Such a great place to get your nails done! They have the best prices and the best staff! There is never a wait and the girls are excited when you arrive. They are very sociable and enjoy talking to you. They hold great conversations and make you feel very comfortable. The pedicure is amazing! They take their time, are thorough and keep their tools very clean and sanitized. The atmosphere is very open and modern yet private. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!

I am on a search for a good nail salon in northeast Philadelphia that does well with shellac, is moderately priced and has a good gel color selection.
soooo…
Let me start by saying the staff at Nails and Beyond are incredibly nice and fun to be around!
First I got my gel manicure done. I was very unhappy with the way my gel was taken off. They soaked my nails in solution but didn’t let them soak long enough. She removed most of the gel, in the hardened stage, by picking it with her thumb nail. Frankly, if I wanted them removed that way, I could have done it at home. And it HURT! My nails were sensitive and destroyed from the gel removal and are now very thing and brittle. The actual manicure part of it was fine, traditional. The gel application was sloppy. Unfortunately most of my nails are already peeling less than a week later and I had gel over my cuticles.
While I was there I also sprung for a pedicure for both my husband and myself. The pedicure was great! Traditional style pedicure. I had a young man do mine. He painted and filed my toes perfectly.
My total bill was $ 75 which was about average, but I was less than satisfied with my gel manicure, unfortunately.
All and all the place was clean with no wait on a Friday at 5pm, which is great… I’d just be careful with the gel manicures if you care about the condition of your nails!