If more of us gave ratings to solid places instead of only rating places when they're somewhere you should avoid, Acqua Nails would have five stars! I love seeing Lina for occasional manicures and monthly pedicures. Everyone there is lovely but I saw her the first time I went and now she's my person! Service is wonderful, the pricing is much better than where I used to go in NW DC, and great color selection. My go to place and I highly recommend for nails. read more

Thx Laura. You made my nails so pretty!!!! $42 is such a good price for perfection. You're the best. read more

See all

Mediocre at best. I was a 9:30 am Saturday walk-in for a manicure and pedicure. Absolutely no crush of business with only two other clients and five manicurists waiting for clients. I asked for no polish just buffing- much less time overall for the manicurist. And, they charge five dollars extra for buffing! The pedicure did not include any kind of exfoliation or skin removal on the bottom of the feet, which was a big disappointment. And rather than using lotion on my legs, she used excessive amounts of oil which soaked into my pants and made my sandals very slippery. No lotion and way too much oil. The manicure was basic although the shape of the nails lacks consistency. However, the warm damp washcloth that she brought out to wipe my hands had gigantic gray/brown streaks on it as if someone had wiped up the floor in advance of also using it for a client's manicure. Absolutely awful. So many other places to choose from, I won't be going back. read more

I have been going to Aqua Nails for several years and have always had a nice experience. I normally make an appointment which is very easy to do. The nail technicians are very skilled and thorough. They take enough time to give you the very best treatment.I have never had a bad manicure or pedicure here. I feel that the price is very reasonable. read more

Very welcoming salon & high quality treatments. A little expensive but worth it. All of the nail technicians are highly skilled

I've been going for ten years and had my first bad set of acrylics last week (too thick and chrome was off), I called an hour lasted asking to come back in and fix and they said I could come whenever but next morning worked best for my schedule. I came in and they took a look and fixed them super quickly and they look gorgeous now. I'll stay a loyal customer for this reason!! They acknowledged their mistake and were super quick and kind about fixing the issue. I also love that parking is free in the back. I will keep recommending acqua to friends. I high recommend Kathy next time you go as well!! read more

Acqua Nails Salon - before which was too thick and color off around edges - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been twice, once to get acrylic nails, and once to get the acrylic nails removed. The woman who removed the acrylic nails today pried them off my fingers brute-force style without soaking them in acetone first. After two weeks since the acrylics were applied, the nails had gotten loose, but it still hurt and my nails look and feel choppy and damaged now. This was my first time getting acrylics, so during the procedure I didn't know that this was not standard. But it felt wrong so I did some online research, and apparently this is NOT how acrylic should be removed. She also had me pay halfway through the procedure, which felt like she expected me to run out on her. I didn't much like the transaction being handled that way. Overall, if I ever do get acrylics again, I will not be getting them (or having them removed!) at Aqua nails. read more

Best location for service and Covid-19 cleanliness!!!!! I've been coming to this place for years, but wasn't sure after Covid-19 shutdown this spring. The owner has thought of everything. During shutdown, they updated their entire store--the distance between stations, the waiting areas, bathroom, etc. It's all been optimized for CDC guidelines...even down to the temperature required at check-in. I love this local business and am a big believer in supporting small businesses...especially during this season. If you're a regular or a new client, you can't go wrong trusting your manis, pedis, and waxing needs with the ladies of Aqua Nails. Let's come out and support their business in our community so they'll still be here when this is all over. read more

See all

I can't say enough about this wonderful addition to Madison Park. It is right on Lake Washington! The brand new decor makes one think you are in a five star resort. Our flight attendant daughter said she received the best pedicure of her life there. And we even sipped on our favorite drinks. Go, You will be happy you did! read more

My go to place for pedicures for year. Consistently great service. Manicures are their bread and butter.

Over the phone I was quoted $38 for French Gel manicure on natural nails. +$2 for soak off. When they saw me, they said $40 +$6. They change their prices based on the person to get a tip. Needless to say, I did NOT tip and will not be returning. read more

So happy to have found this place. Helen was quick but extremely talented. My gel manicure is flawless. Everyone was so kind and even spoke to my kids! Will return! Thank you!!! read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Acqua is a great salon and Kathy is the best nail tech I've found in DC. I tried several salons after moving here three years ago and have been extremely happy with Kathy for over a year. She is very detailed and my manicures last 3-4 weeks. The salon is clean, they offer a nice choice of colors and parking is convenient. Highly recommend! read more

I got the Hailey Bieber Glazed Donut manicure here. They do charge extra for it though, it was $50. I had Laura who did a fantastic job. Another lady there got an attitude with me when I was just trying to explain what I wanted. The man at the front desk just says yes to everything when you ask can you do xyz even though he doesn't know what you're talking about. They don't allow you to put tips on the card. read more

I have been getting my eyebrows waxed at Acqua Nails since I moved to DC (about 9 months ago) last week I went and had a really awful experience. First the tech accidentally put wax on a pimple so it started bleeding which was not great, but things happen. When I got home I started to notice scars on my eyelids from this wax that were incredibly painful (I've attached a photo). I have never ever had this happen before and am so disappointed. read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Scar from the waxing service - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Go see Kathy!!! I've been seeing her for over a year and every time her attention to detail is ON POINT! My manicures and pedicures last 3-4 weeks! This salon is great, professional, and clean. It's simple to schedule an appointment by calling. I have never had to wait for an appointment I made. COVID Note: they have plexiglass up between customers and have distanced seats. Everyone there wears a mask. Well done! read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Unfortunately, quality has gone down and prices have gone up with this nail salon. I went to get a powder polish change and was cut twice during the manicure. When I brought this to the attention of the manicurist I was told mistakes happen. I asked for alcohol or antibacterial to be placed on the wounds as to not get an infection and was ignored. I will not be returning. read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Just walked out of a HORRIBLE experience. They are out to rip you off. Prices are not posted anywhere- not on the wall, nor in a brochure, nothing. I was told an acrylic refill is $20. During the refill, the lady refused to file down a nail a bit more after I asked her to, because she said my "nail bed is naturally longer" there. As I stuck my hand into the UV dryer slot, I accidentally bumped the tip of my middle nail and was YELLED at by the technician "you need to be more careful, now I have to fix it!". Finally, when I went to pay I was told my total is $30, WHAT?! "We charge $5 for cut-down" they charge an extra $5 to CUT MY NAILS? Also an extra $5 because I asked for pointed nails, which apparently considered a design?! As far as I'm concerned, they could tell each customer any price they want because nothing is posted. In the end, I'm furious. And the nails aren't even pointed like I asked. Never returning. Btw- pedicures are $30 and they will upcharge for any little detail. Ridiculous for a no frills quick salon. read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Looks round to me. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The salon carries light joyous vibe. No drama, no awkwardness. Just friendly, supportive, and happy. Skillful massages. This is The Only nail salon I go to when I want manicure done nicely. They do such a neat job! Other salons hurry up not to pay attention to cuticles, or shape your nails weirdly and you need to watch their technicians as a hawk so they will not leave your nails messy. In Acqua Nails I can relax and know that I will be happy. All ladies there do excellent work of high quality. read more

I went here for the first time today and Helen (I think that's her name) did a great job on my gel manicure. She took her time and made sure I was satisfied with the finished product. Smooth application and no bumps. Prices are pretty reasonable. I suggest making an appointment because they can get quite busy. Will definitely be back. read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm so glad I discovered this place. I got a fantastic shellac manicure yesterday, and I'm going back for a pedicure ASAP. The salon is clean, modern, open and airy, they have a large selection of regular, shellac and gel nail polishes (opi mostly) and the salon staff is professional and nice. If my future appointments are as good as my first, this is my go-to nail salon. Note that they don't take tips on cards, so being cash for a tip! And I believe the sign at the salon says "Acqua" and not "Aqua". read more

Acqua Nails Salon - My best shellac manicure ever. This color is Cake Pop by CND Shellac. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Let me start with the convenience and their work because they're both very positive. Really convenient because there is free parking in Safeway. My gel manicure always lasts a full 2 weeks from here and I'm always very satisfied with the job they do. The one time my nail chipped a day after I went in and they redid it no questions asked. I'm giving them a 4 because it's a little on the pricer side for a gel manicure and take off at $37. They also don't allow tips on credit cards so you have to have cash. (They have an ATM but it's usually never working) read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Would rate a zero if possible. Literally just walked in and asked for an eyebrow wax... one of the technicians replied "We busy!" Never have I experienced anything as rude as that like from an establishment before. Will not ever be back. read more

They are so rude! I will never come back to this place..the staff is awful and they look at you very bad if you dont leave the tip they expect! They also lie a lot..keep always the recipt with you.. one time they say that i didnt pay the time before just because i didnt leave a good tip... they are just TERRIBLE! Higly not reccomended!!!! read more

I have been coming to Aqua Nails every few weeks for almost two years. The nail technicians are always so nice and kind, and always make sure I'm comfortable. They've given me a pillow when they noticed my back hurt, and have let me use their phone charger when my phone was dead. Wendy and Van give the best manicures, and I have had great success with the powder SNS manicures. They have been the only thing that's gotten me to stop biting my nails, and the manicurists also do a great job with my nails even when I've bitten them all off super short. I frequently take friends there for mani/pedis and they always want to come back with me. Sometimes it can take a little while to get nails done there but I think that's also because I get the powder. Highly recommend! read more

See all

I really hate to leave a negative review...but I don't want what has happened to me to happen to someone else. I have gone to this salon MANY times over the past 2 years. The location is convenient for me so I've continued to go back. After my most recent 2 visits however, I sadly will not be returning. Recently, I have been treated so rudely by the employees that I left feeling terrible about myself and wishing I had skipped my appointment. At first, I thought maybe I was being sensitive, but during my appointment they were directly pointing at my face and laughing (I had recently gotten oral surgery and my face was a bit red) and saying something about my "teeth." It went on for my entire appointment and I was extremely embarrassed, but tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, the most recent time, I had asked for a gel manicure. I asked for them to remove my acrylic from a previous manicure which I could not get off myself. They were laughing at me about how poor of a job I did for the entirety of my visit and I was humiliated. My manicure and gel pedicure were decent at best; some of the gel polish was touching my skin and caused air and water to get underneath and they did not last as long as a result (less than a week for the gel manicure, about 1 week for the gel pedicure). Sadly, these are not isolated incidents of poor quality and service, just my 2 most recent experiences. I have NOT had this problem at most other salons in the area, therefore I know that I'm not "too tough on my nails" for this to occur. The poor experiences I have had time and time again coupled with extremely poor customer service are enough to keep me from returning at this point. I caution anyone who wants to pamper themselves and get ANY services from Acqua - you will leave feeling disappointed and discouraged, rather than beautiful and empowered. Note: I have been getting my nails done about every 2 weeks for 7+ years [gel, acrylic, SNS, you name is] and my mother is a beautician. I have been to many places in Arlington and feel that this review is fair based on my experiences both in the area and with gel in general. read more

Best spot in Georgetown! I've been going for years and love it. Also reasonably priced

So glad I found this gem of a nail salon in Georgetown. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Acqua was open despite the wretched weather after a recent snow storm. Though they were working with limited staff, Acqua was more than accommodating and my technician was very professional. Not only, did she do a great job with my spa pedicure, but she addressed me by name whenever she spoke to me -- I never told her, mind you, she actually read it off the sheet they always have at the front of nail salons. To me, unless it's my hometown nail salon that I grew up going to, the ladies who have "dealt" with my horrible hooves in the past rarely speak to me aside from 'pick out your polish color' and 'how's the water,' so this was a welcomed change. They even offered me (who is of age, I should mention) wine! read more

Guess what? Hours after spending $70+ on no chip mani and pedi...the whole fingernail peeled right off. I came in (within 24 hrs) and the nail technician did not apologize but instead yelled at me that 'you can wait until we get to you!' This is after I gave a tip (they don't care) and I'm a new customer. Worst. Customer. Service. I've EVER experienced. Ppl must be desperate to put up w this nonsense. Been going to nail salons for 20 yrs (Dallas, Chicago, LA, NYC)...never been treated like this. Throw your money away at your own risk. Oh and relaxation factor? Zero. Oh her name is Leena (sp?). Ps first time I've ever posted. read more

Acqua Nails Salon - Evidence. - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I'm honestly shocked at the good reviews for this place. I get manicures roughly twice a month, and this was hands down, the WORST manicure I've ever gotten. The girl who did my nails filed my already short nails nearly down to the quick. She cut me in THREE places when trimming my cuticles. I asked her to stop trimming my cuticles after she drew blood, and she ignored me and continued. Also, I don't think she had any experience applying gel polish, because it's streaky and unevenly applied. The only thing that this place has going for it is that it appears to be clean. That's not enough to make me return. It's also worth noting that the address is wrong. This nail salon is at 1855 Wisconsin, not that I recommend that anyone actually go. read more

Had a HORRIBLE experience here. Will never step foot in there ever again. The lady that did my nails was rude and unprofessional, treating me in a very humiliating manner as if I had never gotten my nails done before. What was odd is that she made me pay midway through doing my nails, which I had never experienced before. I also asked her a question and she responded "No No" and slapped me on my shoulder! The other customers stared in shock as I myself was speechless. Never had a more humiliating experience in my life. read more

Think I just found a go-to nail place in my neighborhood, finally! I really enjoyed my manicure experience at Aqua Nails. The location is ideal - down the block from my gym, next door to my bank and downstairs from the "Social Safeway" - so you can get many errands done in the same area! Love that. This place is pristine - very clean, very modern and I assume new. The decor is very cute and updated. The wall of nail polish has tons to choose from between OPI and Essie colors. I counted 6 manicure stations and 7 pedicure chairs, plus a private glass door in the back for what I assume is waxing. The bathroom facilities were immaculate. I genuinely enjoyed being there - I wasn't rushed and I was able to comfortably dry at their drying station with a variety of magazines to read. The only thing this place is missing is a TV or two to keep me patient as I dry. I had Kelly as my manicurist and she was very good. She filed nicely and didn't cut too much cuticle. My polish was well-applied and dried quickly (no gloppiness). For $16, this is only $2 more than what I'd normally pay at other places which are not nearly as nice (or clean) as this one. It's totally worth it for the relaxing, enjoyable experience. I look forward to many happy returns. Can't wait to try their pedicure! read more

Had a terrible experience here last Friday. I came in for a gel manicure, and here are all the things that went wrong: 1) Streaky polish application 2) I asked my manicurist to file my nails square - they were clearly rounded after. And not just rounded. UNEVEN. 3) She cut me in multiple places when trimming my cuticles. 4) My gel polish, which is supposed to last 2 weeks without chipping and has listed 3 weeks at other nail salons without chipping, lasted 3 DAYS without chipping. Note that I've used the same CND Romantique gel polish at the other salon too, so it most certainly user error. 5) Terrible customer service. The whole time she was rushing, and didn't allow each layer of the polish to dry properly under the UV light. My gel manicure + soak off usually takes an hour at most salons - I was in and out within 25 minutes, which is just ridiculous. I don't think I'll ever be coming back to Aqua (written "Acqua on their door sign) again, which is really unfortunate since I live right across the street. read more

We've been going here for over a year - I am an infrequent guest but my daughter goes on a regular basis. The first thing I noticed about the place is that it's clean. I pretty much leave a place that isn't. They are open 7 days a week until 7 but even when my daughter has been late arriving from work they go out of their way to accommodate her. I think their pricing is fair and everyone is really nice. I have not had a bad experience here - they do a very good job on cuticles and never make you feel rushed like they need to be on to the next client. Great gel manicures and pedicures. Also there's a Starbucks across the street and one in the Safeway next door. So that's a plus. Great place. read more

I've lived in the Georgetown area for quite some time now and over the years have tried pretty much every nail salon in the area. There are plenty of options to get a mani/pedi in DC, but none of the other places I tried had me wanting to return ... and then I found Lina @ Acqua Nails in Georgetown and I won't go anywhere else! I was first attracted to the salon because of the convenience, being located not too far from my house and having parking available (there is a FREE garage!, Safeway). The first few times I went I had great experiences with the cleanliness, customer service, value, and actual nail services. They have the best selection of polish (Essie, OPI, tons and tons of gel brands) and they always have the seasonal collections available too. All of their services are very affordable, they use clean tools out of the package every time, and they're extremely friendly. The entire salon is as clean as it can get, all of their equipment, chairs, etc are all new. For the first few times I went to Acqua I received services from whoever was available at the time for my mani/pedi, then I was paired with Lina and now I only see her. Lina is WONDERFUL! Not only does she do such a fantastic (and thorough job), she's great to talk to, she's reliable, and makes the entire experience better. Lina always accommodates me and there's no chance I'll ever go elsewhere- and I mean that, even when I go to spas I save my mani/pedi for my regular visit with Lina. I am a Lina loyalist and highly recommend you visit her as well (although I hope this doesn't make her calender too busy). If Lina is busy, Jamie is also wonderful. Enjoy! read more

I have gone to different nail salons over the years and am typically happy the first time, but then disappointed on return visits. A few months ago, I tried Acqua nails and have been very satisfied every time! It is clean, comfortable and offers a nice atmosphere. The ladies in the salon are sweet, quick to make sure you are comfortable and will often offer you beverages (coffee, tea, water and/or wine!!!). I don't always go to the same person but I have started to go regularly to Bebe, who imho is excellent and meticulous. She does my gel polish and makes sure that the edges are covered and tips are capped. I highly recommend Acqua Nails. read more

Came here on a whim because I had some time to kill and going on vacation soon. It's very close to my work and I thought I'd give it a try. First thing I noticed was that they don't have a sign of how much each service costs. The price for a pedicure was $28, and with $10 tip I thought it's kind of pricey for the okay service. But this is Georgetown... so things could get expensive, I guess. Like I said, the service was okay - and I have nothing to complain. I liked the person who did my pedicure - Mia. She was meticulous and my toes came out good and soft. Nothing remarkable about this place, literally. But that's probably because I'm getting a very simple pedicure service. The salon was very quiet - there was no chit chat between the employees. I can definitely find cheaper pedicure with the same service elsewhere. But the location is very convenient - it's right next to Safeway and has a free parking garage. I'll only be back if I have to. read more

I've been here for a manicure and pedicure before - about when they opened. It was ok. I do like the fact that they use new utensils each time, and the pedicure chairs are great. That said, they do not use a razor for callouses on the feet, and I've had longer lasting mani/pedis. More recently, I went back for a soak off of a gel manicure I got at Polished (which I highly recommend). Now, soak offs in general will leave your nails looking a little crappy, so you have to keep that in mind. The soak off was only 10 bucks, and she also filed my nails and applied oil and a nutritious base and top coat. That said, my nails looked really rough walking out and I found a few clumps of the gel polish left over on my nails. Overall, I'd go back especially if I was looking to save money, but I feel like there are better options in the area (there are a couple of very worthy places near Dupont, and Polished did a fantastic job for only a little more money). read more

The place is very clean and the people are friendly but I after my fifth time here I don't think I'll be back. I spent $50 for a dip manicure and my nails are extremely lumpy. read more

I took three friends to this location this past weekend and we had a good time! The ladies are pretty much very kind and very interested in what's going on with your life. I had called ahead to make a reservation and they asked us to start with our manicures as soon as we got in the door, even though the rest of the party hadn't arrived yet. We learned later that they were fully booked and didn't want to run the appointments behind us late. By the time I made it to the station, one of the ladies had my friend in a deep conversation about her line of work and how it differs between here and China. That in itself really hit a chord with me and how their customers are valued. My one friend asked for acrylic tips but was told she couldn't get them because that service hadn't been specified in our previous reservation. No big deal, just something to know for next time. Their color selection is off the charts, even for gel. For a gel manicure, it was $35, which I thought was pretty good. However, two of the four of us had a smudge or chip by the end of the day. I personally am very pleased with my service and will definitely be back to try a pedicure before vacation! read more