I thoroughly enjoyed my dip manicure by the lovely and competent, LINH! Visit this nail spa, you will not be disappointed. I visited today after coming from another salon that cut my long nails off so short I left there and LINH was so patient with me choosing a color, she even swashed two colors for me because I couldn't decide. She literally transformed my nail shape after they were horribly shaped by the previous person. You will feel welcomed, treated with respect and will love the results of your manicures and pedicures! read more

My boyfriend and I both came here for the same hot stone pedicure and we both got treated completely differently. I assumed the experience was wouldn't vary from nail tech to nail tech but my pedicure did not have the candle wax pour at the end and the hot stone massage I was given was pretty bad (only one handed for some reason). Otherwise, it wasn't bad. read more

Great place, superior service, fabulous results. I am rarely devoted to one nail place but this IS THE PLACE to go. They also go out of their way to maintain an extreme level of cleanliness. All tools come in sealed wraps and their foot tubs are lined with each new customer. THIS PLACE ROCKS! My favorite tech is Chrissy and Molly, but all the people that work there are nice. I get the feeling the people who own this place are GOOD people to work for. Nice! THE ALSO OFFER MASSAGES BY CHRISSY. SHE ROCKS!!! read more

I had such an amazing experience today! I went in earlier today and was able to schedule an appointment for this evening no problem. Man was I pampered! I worked with Vivian and she was phenomenal. You could tell by her ease and expertise that she is the one to go to. She made me feel so comfortable and guided me through the process. I'd go back and I'd definitely request Vivian. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I've been getting my nails done off and on and I've gone to another nail salon for years. I decided to finally venture out and try a new place. The first time I went here a few weeks ago I was connected with Stephanie. I got a pedicure and changed from acrylic nail to just the gel Polish. I must say that Stephanie took her time with me. I didn't feel rushed as some salons want to get you in and out to keep the rotation of clients coming and going. So I made an appointment with her today and again she took her time and focused on me. This is a larger salon than what I'm used to but it seems to run pretty smoothly. I was the last client and as everyone around us was saying their Goodnight's it didn't stop her from giving me her best. I'll continue going because of the service I get. read more

Recommended by a Meadowmont boutique salesperson who was adorned with some really cute brown nail polish for a fall look. I shamelessly copied her. The mani-pedi was tops, as well as the technicians' communication skills, but it seemed expensive for the busy setting, especially with tip. If you go, insist they do the mani/pedi at the same time or the wait is too long. read more

I'm a frequent customer of this tranquil nail salon, and I've always had a mix of experiences. My first visit, wasn't the greatest. My nail technician was cold and rude, and wouldn't let me be playful and experiment with the gel colors for a possible design or look. She also ignored me the entire time she worked on my pedicure. She didn't ask how I was doing, nor bothered to ask if I wanted anything to drink. Definitely not tip-worthy, I must say. However, every other time I've gone since then (which has been approximately 4 times, mainly because its a bi-weekly date my best friend and I have agreed to do) and I now believe that the first lady I got, was just not having a good day. All of the nail technicians may not be the same, but for those that do make the extra effort to get you a drink, make you feel comfortable, and ask about your day, are always the ones that get the better tips, that's just common sense. Regardless of customer service, their work has always been spot on. Every time I go I receive a gel manicure, and depending on my mood, a pedicure as well. And I always leave with perfectly done nails, as well as being relaxed. Definitely recommend this place for anyone who loves massage chairs and a free cup of wine ;) read more

Loved it! Beautiful atmosphere, fair prices, nice staff :) Upgraded mani.....$63 one very worth it. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Love this place!! Their gel manicures are always flawless and stay on for at least 2 weeks without chips! I also love that they use new tools from a sealed bag each time. I know that they are clean. My friend got a pedicure and they use an insert in the pedicure tub, so you're not sharing a tub that someone else just had their feet in. Super clean and great staff! The complimentary peach Prosecco is also a plus! read more

La Vie Nail Spa - OPI Big Apple Red Gel - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I sat in a pedicure chair for 1 hour while my friend received her pedicure, we both arrived at the same time. I ultimately gave up and received no service. My technician was "finishing up". She told 4 times "I'm coming". This was a complete waste of time and my final straw here. I got to watch my friend get a mani/pedi but will take my business elsewhere. read more

Didn't had a good experience first time, and I went there again and ask them to fix my nails please, and she did so much better. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I had my nails done 1 week and 2 days before they looked like they did in the pictures. I went back and asked the manager to have them repaired this morning at 9. The manager made me an appointment for 11:30. However, when I returned I waited until noon and still wasn't seen. I then asked for a refund of my services, including gratuity because I didn't have time to wait. The manager agreed and issued me a refund. I was in a rush leaving the salon and just discovered that the refund issued was $8 less than what I was owed. I am utterly disgusted by the poor quality of nail and customer service. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - After 1 week and 2 days - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Linda did an SNS full set and added a tip to my nails...they look fabulous! She took her time perfecting the oval shape and also made them nice and thin. Love them! read more

Love this place!! Never have a long wait and the different times I've been there they don't try and talk you into more services, which is annoying at other salons! They're prices are competitive. I've been to several places in the triangle to find a perfect nail Tech because I am very picky about my nails and don't mind paying for the perfect set for myself. I've found that at that salon with Jenny who does my nails just right ! I've never been to a salon where my nails don't lift, but now I have one! Even when I sometimes should've already gotten a fill! I make sure to make an appt with her so I can get in and out on my time. She's quick, thorough and efficient!! read more

Came here for a pedi while in town visiting a friend. I had mixed feelings on this place. The pedi itself was good, the price was obscene and the service was terrible or at the least inconsiderate. The space is pretty big. It appears that they are expanding, which is good because it was really busy when we got there around 3pm on a Friday. We had an appointment but the person behind the counter didn't seem to care too much. She didn't ask for names or anything and just told us to have a seat and wait. The wait wasn't too long but it was just an awkward encounter, especially since there were quite a few people waiting in front of us. It wasn't clear if our appointment was honored or if we just ended up next in line. I got the Lavendar pedi - an upgrade from the Basic. It was excellent in the execution (if a little rough). Once we moved on to the massage/painting/pampering part of the pedi, I was very relaxed. I could have probably fallen asleep. That being said - a similar pedi where I am from at a similar place is ~$10 cheaper. So there's that. My friend was in the chair next to me, enjoying her pedi until she was rudely interrupted by another customer inquiring with the technician how long it would be before she was done. In response, the technician said about 10 minutes and proceeded to walk off with this customer in the middle of the pedicure. 1) To the customer: You've had a pedi before - she's at the point where she is being painted. You KNOW how long that will take. 2) To the technician: Are you kidding me? Did you really just let another customer interrupt a paying customer's service WHILE you are providing said service? This place could be a 5-star if it weren't vastly overpriced and the service wasn't so weird. read more

Came here with my siblings to get pedicures and manicures. I had Mayra and my siblings had Linh and Van. They were all so wonderful! Very nice and professional. They did an excellent job, and we'll certainly be coming back in the future! read more

I was just refused service b/c I have the nerve to tell them to be gentle with my nails and to not destroy the nail bed. I've never encountered such money hungry people that they think it's unheard of to take time and not do damage to my nails. Apparently, the butt-hurt crew is over taking time to do a professional nail job if it involves any input from the client. And shame on John, the "manager" for his poor handling of the situation. read more

Let me tell you how this is always my go to spot to relax. I'm 34 weeks pregnant and my feet look like two hams. The care that this pedicurist is taking on my feet right now is so amazing I had to hop on Yelp RIGHT NOW and sing his praises. I already love this place but the gentel care that this tired pregnant woman received today after working a 9 hour shift is beyond what I needed. I hate being the person who walks into somewhere right when they are about to close but I had no free time. I came in here at 7:20 roughly cause I was stuck in traffic. No rush at all. A perfect pedicure with all the fix-ins. I got the herbal detox pedicure with the hot stone massage. This was EVERYTHING! I am so glad that I took this me time out and I'm even happier that I chose this location. I don't feel rushed, my technician isn't rushing. This is perfect. Thank you read more

I took y girls to get their nails done for an event. Before they went it we discussed length and shape. The nail tech are one of their nails really long (even though she asked for the to be cut down multiple times). The charges $5 for each long nails. I put my foot down on the other because the nail tech was giving her really long pointy talons. In both cases they did nothing to care for the nails or clean up their cuticles, claiming that only comes with a manicure or an additional charge. This was cost $93. I will never come back here again. read more

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Huge location and really nice technicians. The services are varied and really nice. My manicure was excellent - Mia was nice and thorough. My nails look great and she gave me suggestions on how to stop biting my nails and my cuticles. My pedicure was just okay - I love the variety you can get and the chocolate and green tea smells amazing. My tech wasn't as careful here, and her cutting/shaping of the nails wasn't great and I felt as if my scrub/massage was half-hearted. Overall, a good experience in a big and clean salon. I definitely recommend, but be warned there may be a wait! read more

Came here for my birthday nails & they were nowhere near what I asked for. This is ridiculous. Lady said she did not have the pink nude I wanted so I told her okay, no problem, do any color BUT pink! yet she still did pink..on top of all that she charged me $85! Absolutely ridiculous, never coming back ever again & definitely not recommending this place to anyone. Would give zero star rating if I could. This set definitely is not worth the $85 I spent..... read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Nail I got...... - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Thought I would go in for a relaxing pedicure before an afternoon meeting and instead the technician answers her phone, texted, was on social media, and never thought it was a problem. When I stopped her she said, "what"? I asked her to stop. When you're spending $59 plus a tip you deserve a little more attention. Very disappointing. I told her I was done and walked out. read more

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Several years ago I began a quest for the perfect pedicure in Durham, with one of my best friends. She now lives in NY, and I don't have a pedi partner-in-crime. But when I dropped in this place, I immediately thought of her and the end of our 'quest' -- the salon is even across the street from apartments we used to live in! From top to bottom, they have really designed this space flawlessly. It's large and open, and decorated with sharp accents like floating box shelves for the polish, oversized martini glasses filled with colorful fruit lining the bar, long cascading water panels on facing walls, all the techs dressed in black shirts and jeans. I didn't have an appointment, but there were only two other people getting services at the time. And they have LOTS of pedicure chairs, so I can't see space being an issue. I was handed the drink menu once seated -- "complimentary" (kind of built into the high pedi price), the menu is pretty diverse, offering wine, bubbles, teas, coffees, juice, soda, even hot cocoa or cider. I mean, we're talking Andre-brand wine; but still, it's a nice touch. I had green tea, and it was a nice relaxing way to start my visit. I chose the second-tier pedi, for $38, which has as extras a hot neck wrap, salt soak, and mud mask. All of the scrubs and lotions were brought out in individual-serving ramekins. And the foot basin is covered with a disposable plastic liner. More sanitary precautions than you typically see. My service took around 50 minutes, and -- considering my feet haven't seen the light of day since last summer -- I thought the tech did a good job, paying close attention to the cuticles and calluses. I was disappointed with the limited nail colors -- but impressed that they sort them on the shelving according to color. I was pleased with the end result, though I wish a little more care had been given to the shaping of the nails. The only part that was regrettably bad was the massage. :( Absolutely no skill. The foot rub was non-existent, and it mostly seemed like she was just stroking my legs the whole time. I will definitely return here, because it is clean, beautiful, and professional; I just hope I get paired up with another tech next time around. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Hadn't been in a very long time because I felt that my patronage was not valued. Went in today for a mani pedi and was refused service for my manicure when the man working the desk called me difficult because I asked the woman doing my pedicure to paint my entire toe nail. I see La Vie Nail Spa still doesn't value their customers. If I could give zero stars as a rating, I would. read more

I noticed a couple of bottles where the color does not match the name on the bottom of the bottle. Which makes me suspicious, what are they filling them with? I picked a pure white color but the name on the bottom of the bottle said "Let's See the Ring," which is actually a pearlescent platinum. The SAME DAY, my nails started to chip badly, which leads me to suspect they're not using an OPI polish. It's the day after I got my nails painted, and SEVEN of my nails are chipping. Who knows what brand of polish they used to refill that bottle, but it's cheap and not worth the 15 bucks I paid for the application. I've been here many times, and I've had manicures last closer to a week. I was here last month, and was a little peeved when that manicure started chipping on day 3. But I didn't even DO anything yesterday and they just started to chip off, which is unacceptable. And unfortunate, because I do appreciate their hygienic standards, but I don't see myself going back to a place where a manicure lasts only a couple of hours! read more

I've been to this spa a few times and I must say they get the ambiance right. I love the complimentary drink with services and I also like the plastic lining the spa uses for the pedicure stations. However, the only thing I am not a fan of is the actual nail polish used for gel services. Every time I've been to this place, the staff is nice and courteous but my nails never seem to last. I'm used to keeping a gel polish for at least 2 weeks if not 3. With the gel nail polish used here, my nails begin to chip after 1 week. I think they do not apply the polish think enough but if I'm going to shell out $50+ on nail services I want it to last. So even though my go to place doesn't have the ambiance of La Vie, I will still go there to have the reassurance that my nails will last. read more

I have been using this salon for just over 3 years. I have seen the service decline slowly over this time. The salon is very nice looking and I like the silent TV's and spa music. I think the owners are hardworking and very customer focused. However with that being said, if the owners are not in the salon your experience will be subpar to say the least. While servicing you the manicurists will do one or all of the following: speak Vietnamese to each other, talk on their phones, or constantly look around or outside. I always make an appointment days prior to my visit but I almost always wait 10-15 min anyway. Today I had an appointment at 12:30 and came in at 12:20 and the "manager" read my appt time as 1:00 and already have my manicurist another customer so he asked if I could wait, come back, or have a different manicurist....really?! Why did I make an appt days ago??? So now it is 12:45 and I'm still waiting. 27 min....still waiting.... 35 min....still waiting..... I loved this place and have been driving 30 min to keep coming here after I moved from Durham to Chapel Hill 1 1/2 years ago. I have been seeing manicurist Van for almost a year and she is pleasant and always does an excellent job. However after too many mishaps with this salon the cons have overcome the pros. Now searching for a new salon... :( read more

Moving here from California...I was a little disappointed in the nail salon options. I tried so many that were of poor quality and SO expensive! La Vie is still expensive but excellent quality. I have never had a bad nail experience here. I usually get just a regular mani/pedi when I go. I also usually bring my own nail polish but this is just my preference - they have many color options to choose from (OPI and Essie). They really take their time with you. The salon itself is also very nice and clean. I appreciate that they use new tools and plastic lining (for pedis) for every person. You also get a complimentary drink! My only gripe would be that they don't do your mani/pedi at the same time. And do the pedi first! I always ask to do my mani first so they have more time to dry. ...so the whole visit takes a long time. Maybe it's a NC thing I dunno. read more

So I've done my fair share on nail salon shopping. This is one that I had high hopes for and even tried out twice! Cons: -Made an appt for a girlfriend and I hours in advance. Still waited 45 minutes. It happens, I get it. But they could have been a little more polite about it. -Had this guy doing my mani pedi. He seemed livid about something. After the very painful pedicure (sheesh) I opted out of the manicure siting that I was going to wait a few days until my nails really needed it (because the certainly didn't need a beating that day) - The second time I came back I was convinced by a friend who wanted to try it out. She convinced me that it may have been an off kind of day and even offered to take the bitter pedicurist man so I could have a change. My mani/pedi from the new lady was mediocre and my girlfriend wasn't a fan of grouchy nail guy or the customer service wither. I can't remember any pros. read more

Giving this place 1 star because I have to give it a rating and 0 stars is not a possible rating. I have been here about 5-6 times now for mani, pedi, regular polish and gel nails. Yes the place is nice, but customer service is non-existent. I've done gel nails and have them taken off and have been charged $5 to remove it, now they want to charge $10 to remove it on top of the $40+ you're already paying for a regular pedi. Ridiculous! I don't understand the extremely overpriced services and they're alright at best. Nothing extraordinary. By the way for the people that think they sterilize their utensils, they don't... They put them in those sealed bags to give you that impression, but never actually get autoclaved or sterilized. I moved here from Miami and even there never have I paid this much for a pedi. Not worth it. Last time coming here and don't recommend it one bit. read more

This place has a lot of potential, but the prices are just way too high relative to the quality of work. I would have gotten both a manicure and pedicure, but it was over 40 dollars for not even a gel polish, which seems absurd to me. The work is not that amazing that it needs to cost that much money. Granted, they do give one beverage that comes with no added cost to your order. You can choose from wines, sodas, water, and hot beverages, like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and even apple cider. This does make the experience more enjoyable and relaxing and is a nice touch. The inside is very nice. The chairs are organized well and it looks spotless inside. It's super clean and bright. There's tons of colors to choose from, a whole wall really. So, you'll definitely find a color you'll like here. I chose to just get the most basic pedicure package. The massage chairs are comfortable. The lady doing my nails was nice but not super talkative and didn't try to spark up conversation. I liked the hot towels they wrap around your feet. The massage was okay but wished it last a little longer for the money spent. Overall paint job was good. I think they just need to lower their prices and improve their quality of work (longer time spent on certain tasks) and this place would be more welcoming and accommodating. read more

I have been going here off and on for the past two years, and today I was really struck by the things that make me come here again and again. First off- I am unreasonably picky when it comes to my nail services, and find myself wandering from salon to salon searching for that magical "perfect place", to no avail. The common denominator in this process has most certainly been me :) Things I love: - disposable pedicure liners (!!!) - fresh tool kits for each client (yay!) - friendly, professional staff - choice of wine during service (I die!!!) - huge selection of gel polishes - the atmosphere is really quite lovely and relaxing - warm lavender-scented shoulder wrap with pedicure Anyway, I think this will be my go to place... Till I get the urge to find that magical place again... :) read more

Before I give the reason I rated this salon so poorly I must point out that the girl who did my nails did a great job. Lili is very pleasant and very good. However, when everything was done and I went to pay their credit card machine was not working and they wanted to write my credit card number down on a hand receipt. I was apprehensive about this but did it anyways. The total was $100. When I checked my bank account this morning I had been charged $120!! I called the salon immediately and was told that because it was a hand receipt that they charge an additional 20% till the payment is fully processed and could take 2 to 3 days before the $20 is returned to my account. This is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. Not only do you put your customers through the inconvenience and hazard of writing their credit card number out on a hand receipt, but then you charge them an additional 20% hold on the payment?? read more

I agree with other reviewers that the quality of this nail salon has slipped slightly in the past year as the owners opened 2 other locations, and some of the best staff went to the other locations. There is always someone different working the front desk. I still think it's a high-quality salon though. The techs that I currently recommend are Peter, Cindy, Kelsey, and Xa - those are just the ones I have worked with and can remember their names. read more

I wanted to give this place a better rating. I had a really good first impression because of the nice relaxing ambiance and fast service, and who doesn't like sipping on a sangria while getting their calves massaged? But I quickly learned that the workers were more than just time efficient - they were straight up rushed! That kind of vibe isn't relaxing or conducive to good results. Not only are my nails chipping after only a couple days, my manicurist also clipped my cuticles too far and I started bleeding. Don't get me wrong, she is very nice and talented overall, but she seemed distracted and clearly didn't wait long enough in between coats. In the end I paid $51 for a so-so experience and mediocre results. read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Lavender-themed pedicure stuff, $10 more than regular price. - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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PROS New tub liner for each customer. Sanitary pouch packed around each set of instruments. Comfy chairs. Choice of beverage, love the wine! Eager to please. After 4 visits here, I now know it is possible to provide ladies with consistent technical skill, sanitation, and service. I had Shellac mani/pedi the first time with beautiful results that lasted 3-4 weeks, despite intense use and scrubbing of my hands in a hospital setting! Each time I'm with 2 to 3 friends who always leave satisfied. If you pay attention throughout your nail cutting, filing, and polishing, you can tell them exactly how you want your nails to be if you have a specific length or shape in mind. One of my friends decided the color of her Shellac manicure was not similar enough to her regular polished pedicure. She told them as soon as they started applying it, and they switched to the correct color for her. Our nail art was well done at this last visit. At our most recent visit we got our brows waxed, which was done efficiently without anyone getting their skin burned, with good lines and no double dipping the wax spatula! read more

I came here after being super disappointed with Lee Spa Nails and Camy hooked me up! I asked for matte black coffin nails and she delivered and they look amazing! I've found my new nail shop :) read more

La Vie Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I am from out of town and I went here over a year ago before they remodeled and they were a decent salon I went today and they try to up charge me for everything tried to up charge for my cuticles got a pedicure and my feet are still rough so basically I got a basic pedicure and my nails did at a normal length and almost had to pay $100 this is ridiculous !!well guess what I'm just going to learn how to do my stuff at home these nail salons are getting out of hand rude Service and ridiculous prices will put you out of business. Guess they want to charge more now that they put fancy decorations and their salon read more

I go here at least once a month for both manicures and pedicures. What keeps me coming back: -the cleanliness of the spa -the nail techs keep conversation to a minimum, both with each other and with clients -the variety of pedicures offered: I love the lavender pedi with warm neck wrap! I normally go in for a gel manicure, which lasts about 3 weeks or more! The prices here include a beverage, ranging from water to wine. I have been to other nail spas and have paid less, but I think the experience and atmosphere of La Vie make it worth the extra bucks. Be prepared...they are pretty busy on the weekends. I try to go during the week. They also have a special M-Th if you go for both mani and pedi. read more

This nail salon is amazing. I have lived in Durham since I was born and have never found a better nail salon and I've tried them all. The ladies here are amazing and do a wonderful job! They always make sure my nails are exactly as I want them before I leave. Xa gives the best pedicures and I always ask for her! Don't hesitate to ask for cool patterns because they can usually do them! I love this place! read more

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