Short version: My nails are FIRE!! Leo COOKED! A few small things could be improved (I elaborate below), but overall I'm obsessed with my nails and will return! Unabridged version: I have a go-to nail tech in STL, but she went back home for five months, so I have been fervently searching for a backup. After perusing countless hours of TikTok and ig posts, I decided to try this new AQ Nail Spa in UCity (AQ is a chain). Their instagram page boasts, "We can do any designs you want." Bold statement! I wanted to see if they could live up to it. I called one evening last week and requested an appointment. As I always do when I'm visiting a new nail salon, I requested their best nail technician; a tech who is excellent with designs, freestyle, and shaping long stiletto nails. I reiterated this about a dozen times in that 3 minute conversation (due to past experiences with people not listening or honoring this request). The receptionist assured me that he heard me and promised to put me with "the owner, his brother, or his best friend" verbatim. I arrived for my appointment and was greeted immediately. After I introduced myself and explained my previous conversation with the receptionist, a man informed me to sit in the first chair. He ended up being my technician. He was very nice. He pulled out my chair for me and asked if I wanted something to drink. He asked what I wanted and he offered suggestions. We ended up deciding to do a refill on my existing acrylics. He took a picture of the inspirational photo that I showed him so he could revisit it along the way, then he went to work. WHAT I LOVED CARE: I had one split/damaged nail that was hanging by the skin. Leo was so awesome with handling me with care as to not cause me any pain. That nail was off before I knew it! He was also careful with the drilling. Those drills usually cut my sensitive skin, but he was pretty good about avoiding my skin. QUALITY & DESIGN The fact that Leo looked at that inspo picture and killed it the way he did... I'm in awe! The shaping was good. The 2 nails that he had to fix/replace were slightly less curved than the others, but he was excellent with the filing and buffing. No rough edges or bumps on the nail surface. No color or paint on my skin. He took his time and did not rush. Although somehow my 2 thumbs ended up having different designs. I'm not sure if it was intentional or if something happened with the gold foil (see photo). No biggie, just an observation. But he picked the perfect color and adornments to accomplish the desired look for my nail set. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT Ask first: My nails were filed down to be noticeably shorter than they were before. Most techs ask if you want them shorter, to which I always reply no. But he did not ask. Maybe he forgot. Maybe he thought he did. Maybe he got carried away during the filing and accidentally went too short. I typically don't stare at the techs while they work because I don't like people staring at me when I'm working. So that's why I didn't know he was filing them down so far. They're still long, but they were longer. It's a small quip. Pressured reviews: After he took photos of my nails he asked me to write a review, which is fine. I said I would. Then he asked for my phone to "show me" how/where to go to write the review. (I laughed internally. Bless his heart. Little did he know...) I played along and gave him my phone. He took a picture of my nails to upload for the review. All of that is ok. What's not ok is me getting my phone back and seeing that he had entered 5 stars on my behalf. If I didn't love my nails so much I'd have lowered my rating to 2, because that was way too brazen for my liking. I speak for myself. Pricing; If you've read my previous reviews, you'll know that I am very outspoken about transparency in pricing. When Leo was done with my nails, I walked up to the desk to pay. In seconds he quickly wrote down a number to give to the receptionist- $150. I thought this was a fair price for his great work. I simply asked for a breakdown for my own reference. It took so long to come up with that breakdown. And when I got it, there were no itemized notes/services, just a list of numbers written on paper. When I asked him to explain he tried but some of the numbers weren't adding up. e.g. $20 to fix 2 nails, when the website says $5 per nail. Again, I have NO issues with the cost of my nails, they are 100% worth it, but I need them to have clear pricing. They should be able to input services rendered into their system and an itemized receipt should be provided with all services. Simple as that. Overall, this was a 4.5 star experience. A week later and I'm still staring at my nails in admiration. I get compliments everywhere I go. I am so happy that I lucked up with Leo; he's extremely talented! I will be back. read more

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I saw a Tik Tok from someone who went to their grand opening a little while ago. So, I made it my business to go to this nail salon as I don't want to continue going almost an hour away round trip to get my nails done.Upon arriving, i noticed they were pretty empty, so i was able to get serviced right away. This nail shop is absolutely beautiful. They have beautiful chandeliers throughout, black furnishings,plenty of seating and offer you drinks. I was serviced by a gentleman. He didn't speak much other than to ask how i wanted my nails. He was on the phone throughout my service. I could hear him speaking every now and then on the phone. As he was doing my nails, he would shoo my hand away as if i was inconveniencing him instead of asking me to stick them under the dryer. He did a good job on my nails. Didn't do them how i asked them to be done, but they still came out cute. I would come back, but I would want someone else to do my nails. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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I've been hearing a lot about this new nail salon, so I booked an appointment for myself and my friend and it lived up to the hype. Booking was easy and I loved that you can view their full service menu online and even send in a picture ahead of time for a price estimate if you want design. The location is in a prime spot, and once you walk in, the space is huge, super clean, and very sleek and modern. All of the staff were professional and friendly. My nail tech was Dylan, and he was amazing, so detailed, really taking his time. I got TAP/polygel nails and I'm obsessed!! They feel very strong and you can tell they're going to last a long time. My friend got a gel manicure with design and her nail tech very precise with the prep and cleanup. Her design turned out beautiful. Overall, great experience! I can't wait to come back to try Gel X with design and builder gel next time. Highly recommend! read more

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I had a wonderful experience at this nail spa! The salon was very clean, relaxing, and welcoming. I got both a manicure and a pedicure, and the staff made sure I was happy with my nails every step of the way. They even offered me something to drink, which was a nice touch. Everyone was friendly, and I never felt rushed. I left feeling relaxed and very happy with the results. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this nail spa! read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Seen my girl Ngoc today at AQ nails and as always she was Amazing and accommodating . The whole staff here is so nice and welcoming check them out you will not be disappointed. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Gel mani and Pedi - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Some friends and I went to have pedicures here after seeing a Tik Tok video after they opened. It's a beautiful facility with a relaxing and calm atmosphere. They have a cocktail menu with reasonably priced drinks. If you order wine your first glass is complimentary. I believe they had other complimentary beverages as well. We all chose different pedicures. I decided to treat myself and between the ones I was looking at, the Volcano Spa Lavender was recommended. It was a really relaxing experience. I turned my massage chair on and sipped on a Mimosa and experienced a truly relaxing pedicure. I highly recommend. I look forward to trying other services in the future. read more

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This was the absolute WORST experience ever, the staff was SUPER rude & disrespectful!! I was called " GIRL " multiple times throughout my appointment because I was dissatisfied with my service!! this place is a 0/10!! WILL not be back!!! read more

The only good is that I am glad i insisted on what I wanted with the colors. But the fees are so uncalled for. $94.86 for some basic ass pedicure service. They need to do better in service. Also technichines need to learn English too. I'm also an Immigrant and I learned their English here, he can do the same. Service was 6/10. Dude didnt explained shit, and kept pushing for the "cucumber scrub". You don't speak English but keep over pricing. Don't come here. This place isn't worth it. Yes the building looks good, but best believe you're paying for it. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This place can be really busy. Best to come here around 4 or 5 during the week in summer. Great service and the nails are always perfect. Loved the one in Clayton, but now that this one's open it's my new home. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Charcoal pedicure with a pink cateye polish. - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Amazing! they always do such a great job very consistent and quality work! WinD does a phenomenal job read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is a nice and busy place to get your nails done. It's clean and cute. Mary did my manicure and I felt she did a great job and was very nice. Now for the bad part. I asked Selene who did my pedicure if she could smooth out a spot on my foot and she didn't. She also could've put another coat of polish. But the issue that bothered me the most was, I guess the manager kept yelling from across the room for Mary to take the next client before she was finished with me!! It was annoying and unprofessional and he did it like 2-3 times! I'll be back but that was not right. read more

Great service with WinD who did a polygel manicure for me. Polygel has been harder to find in a salon service so I am glad they did offer it and that they have people who know how to do it ! thanks so much ! read more

Unfriendly person doing the pedicure. Left sitting at chair told to take off flip flops on my own. Terrible customer service. Salon was like being at a large factory no Personalization. Would not return read more

This place is amazing! I only trust Andy with my nails and he pays attention to detail. Service is top notch and the vibes are so relaxing. Highly recommend! read more

Beautiful salon. Friendly staff. My tech was Julie and I will be a new regular. I hadn't had my nails done in over two years and she made some great recommendations. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - French pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Came as a walk in and they got me right away! They do great on the nails every time. Everyone is very friendly as well. read more

AQ Nail Spa University - Great as usual! I love this place. - Nail Salons Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Not very customer friendly. I told the nail tech that he was digging into my nail bed; he just looked at me. I asked him to clean under my fingernails with the file; again, he just looked at me. Lastly, I asked him WHY he did rinse my nails off for final top coat; he acted as if he didn't understand me! I said shouldn't I at least rinse my hands off before the final coat; he said no!!! I finally just said, I would like another nail tech!!! I will not go there again,,,,, I can't believe there is no water involved in the process of cleaning nails - at the very least alcohol!!! read more