I must share the results of some of my experiences with Nelles Nails... During my first appointment, she educated me on proper care of my nails (extremely short and slightly weak). Instead of taking my money and doing acrylic tips, she explained that it was best to do a polish and let the nail bed strengthen. She didn't use a drill but, instead hand buffed all of my nails. Prior to scheduling with her, I was never educated on the damage that I was causing my nails by just ripping my acrylic off. My usual Vietnamese owned nail place would just take my money, no questions asked. I was also surprised that the polished actually last until my follow up (which was 3 weeks). At my second appointment I was able to get acrylic. I was impressed by her technique that she used and her attention to detail and design. She literally stares and compares each nail making sure nothing's "off". Since then, I've only let her touch my nails. I always look forward to the compliments from others, once I get my nails done! My nails are usually "fun" but, one time I'd gotten nude polish and still received compliments on the natural look and shape. Does she have a dog? Yes! However, I've not had any bad experience or encounters. I am proud to say that, I am extremely allergic to dogs and I've yet to have a hives breakout or throat closure. As far as attitude and unprofessionalism, there has not been an instance where I've experienced either (and I'm a professional when it comes to things like this- career). I've enjoyed all of our conversations and interactions. I feel as though I can ask a question about the service I'm recieving, and get a genuine answer. In my honest opinion as with all businesses, you can read all of our reviews and make your decision OR schedule at least one appointment and then make your decision.... the choice is yours but, you wont be disappointed if you choose to go! read more

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Very talented whenever you can get the service, but in this COVID-19 environment, you have to book/pay to reserve your appointments ahead of time. I was on my way to my appointment last month, and I got a call while driving that my appointment needed to be rescheduled. When I tried called and text for my new appointment, I never got an answer. A month later, and 3 appointments booked with deposits, and still no answer or text back. I would have loved to continue this professional relationship and support this business, but it is very unprofessional to accept a customer's deposit, schedule date/time, and cancel without any further communication?! Very poor customer service! read more

I've gone to Nelle several times and each time I absolutely loved my nails. The first thing that struck me about her was how she cared for me nails. She advised me against acrylic and really took extra care. No drill was used the first time and when I went back to get my gel done again she used the drill with a super light touch. I appreciate being able to leave with no cuts on my darn cuticles because they were cut by the drill. Sometimes you get what you pay for and I didn't mind paying for my beautiful nails. Gel at other places last me 2 weeks tops. After 4 weeks my nails still looked great. I could have gone another serval weeks for sure. The reviews are pretty interesting but I'll say everyone is not for everybody. Find someone who meshes well with you and keep it pushing. Nelle and I clicked from the beginning. I absolutely love her. read more

Despite all of the negative reviews, I was going to try this young lady out. I try to support black businesses. I texted her yesterday inquiring about an appointment. She responded this morning, initial response was professional. I responded saying I have seen your Yelp reviews, my only concern is do you have a dog there. She said yes I do, have a good day. No more responses. I just simply asked if she had a dog. I'm scared of dogs and wouldn't have gone anyway. But she does appear rude. After I posted my Yelp review she continued to post about my concerns with dogs on Instagram. Very unprofessional read more

I will start this post off by saying that I am a little bias because she is my family! However, I am big on customer service and Nelle Nails has provided nothing but a great experience! She is very knowledgeable, creative and fun and loving person! If you get a chance to experience her services you will be hooked! She is booked up for a reason! Duh......Honestly I am shocked at the comments but what I have found is that some people think because they pay for a service they can treat or say anything they want to people or think people are supposed to take it! NO,service goes both ways! Please support Nelle Nails because she is wonderful!! read more

I absolutely love my nail technician whose become so much more...therapist, tv show critic. I've been a client since 2014. I've had acrylics and gel manicures and my nails are healthy both ways. No dents or burns from a drill...no lifting of acrylic. In fact, I am able to maintain length with just the gel nail polish. All designs hand done and her creativity is like no other. I drive in rush hour from DC because of the quality of my nails. Highly recommend. read more

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Nelle is one of the best nail artists in the DMV, hands down. I had my first appointment with her about 3 years ago. I had been following her on Instagram for months, and admired her work from afar. When I saw that she had done Joseline Hernandez's nails, I hopped on my phone at 12am on New Years eve and texted her to request her availability. I was shocked when she answered me at such a late hour! Most business owners would have let me have it for texting them so late (as if they are obligated to answer me immediately), but not Nelle. She was very professional, and explained that she did not have any appointments available until mid March. Mind you, this was January 1st of that year. I knew that she had to be good if she was booked that far out. So, I went ahead and made my appointment. On the day of my appointment, I saw what all of the hype is about. Nelle showed out on my nails! They looked impeccable! On top of that, I felt like I had known her for years. It was easy to have a conversation with her, and she took her time on my nails and made sure that the foundation and design were top notch. Furthermore, she was very clean (as a health inspector, this is of utmost importance for me). She used a new file for me, and had no problem with sharing the names and bottles of the products that she used. I was delighted to see that she was not using MMA monomer (which is illegal, btw). I was so in awe of her work that I actually broke down and cried in her chair, and thanked her for everything. The other nail shops in the DMV pale in comparison to the standard of excellence that Nelle sets for her craft. It is so hard to find someone that gives a damn about what they do. Nelle does, and it shows. If you are on the fence about making your appointment, get off of that fence and get in Nelle's chair! You won't be disappointed! read more

I try my best to support Black-owned businesses. But, sometimes it's very difficult because of poor customer service. I scheduled the appointment about 2 months ago. There was no other communication between us besides the confirmation text that was sent on Dec 29th, which I responded to promptly. This is what she sent to me via text on Dec 30th at 7:45a. My appointment was scheduled for 9a: Gm, I will need to cancel our appointment this morning. I will refund your deposit for the inconvenience. What is your cash app? My response: Good morning...no explanation or apology an hour beforehand? Very unprofessional attitude & customer service. Her work is very creative. But, it's not worth it when clients are treated this way, especially at her price point. No apology, explanation or an opportunity to reschedule. I understand that life happens, but can I at least get "I apologize for the inconvenience but________." I decided to unfollow her on Instagram and then I see that she blocked me. For what? So I can't leave a negative comment? Obviously, she knew that she didn't handle things correctly. read more

My fist appointment was rescheduled to another day with very short notice on the day of the appointment. She claimed that it was due to "a bit of scheduling conflict". On the morning of my second appointment I text her to confirm, she did not respond until 15 minutes before my appointment time )while I was sitting outside her house.) claiming that she was just then seeing my text and that she had been in the ER all day. I said no worries, I understand that things happen. She said that she would reschedule for another day that week. I sent a text requesting a specific day during that week. She did not reply until 24 hrs later. During that 24 hrs she posted a review for an esthetician that she had visited and two sets of nails that I'm assuming had been done within that 24 hrs. Anyway, when she finally replied, she was very condescending in her remarks. She claimed that the first available was at the end of the following week. Which was very inconvenient for me. I then requested my deposit back. She said that the deposit was non-refundable and then offered me an appointment that was a month away. Now I'm getting pissed! I then let her know that I rearranged my work schedule to accommodate my most recent appointment with her and I could not do that again. She then said "I actually did TRY to move some things around to accommodate for Friday but unfortunately I was unable to. Unfortunately I can't plan for unforeseen occurrences, no one came. Good thing is just nails and not open heart surgery". If it's "just nails, refund my deposit. She is one of the main ones that are complaining about the standard that black businesses are held to. Just because you are self employed does not give you a pass to handle people any kind of way. Other people's time is just as important as your own. Shanelle, your CUSTOMER SERVICE skills are lacking. You need to do better. I will find a way to report you to someone who can do something about your bad business practices. read more

Nelles Nails - Posted the day after her day in the ER. - Nail Technicians Near Me

Update : I have not logged on to the actually Yelp app in quite some time. I recently logged on to see that Nelle left me an extremely hateful message because I gave her a bad review. Again, the quality of the work she does is exceptional! I'm all about supporting Black businesses, In fact, I'm still in search of a great African American nail tech, however, customer service is my number 1 priority. My review was not an attempt to make her loose business but an honest coaching to help improve with better customer service. It's sad that our black community lashes out in hate when given constructive criticism... read more

I'm writing this review in response to the four negative reviews. I've been coming to this nail tech for the past 4 years, every 2 weeks. And my nails have never been healthier or more beautiful. I'm a professional brown skinned woman and was elated to find a PROFESSIONAL nail tech that looked like me. And let's be clear, many of the corner nail "chop shops" are operated by Vietnamese and they are not on the same level; they're probably best described as basic. Nail artistry is Shanelles craft; if you truly look at the people who are on her level it's a very diverse world. And many of those people are brown! She does have a dog, and I am TERRIFIED of all animals! It took a few visits before I saw him from the first time and when I told her I don't even like dogs looking at me, she removed him and I rarely even get a glance of him now. I may get a peripheral of him twice a year. I've never had a problem with deposits not being applied to my final payments. Furthermore I have had to cancel last minute due to extreme emergencies, and when I explain my situation we reschedule, yep just that easy. All I have to say is, just try to book an appointment... and they're probably aren't any openings until next year and many of these people are regulars. There's no way a business could maintain such a loyal customer base if they were unprofessional thieves who let their animals run rampant and didn't listen AND respond to their customers concerns, needs and wants! read more

So I started following Nelle on instagram in 2013 cuz her work looked A M A Z I N G! I reached out and scheduled my appointment and BAM I've been loving her ever since. Now I will say I am not a "regular", because of bills. Lol but when I'm in need of an appointment she will definitely look out! What I will say about Nelle is she isn't for everyone, and i mean this in the most realist way possible. That's in life in general. I've referred various folks to her and while they may not have had the experience I did (conversation), they all hands down loved their nails. Nelle is human, so stuff happens but I'm positive she makes up for it in the event something is to happen. If you're reading this and you're not sure about scheduling. DO IT. You won't regret it. What you will regret is continuing to go to those chop shops and not getting quality work. read more

Listen I don't know about them negative reviews but what I will say is Nelle is an awesome person she has been doing my nails for over 3 years now she has never been rude or nasty to me my first time coming to her she made me comfortable and was very respectful as well. Please if you are looking for great experience and a bomb nail tech Nelle is your girl believe that read more

I love Nelle!! From my first appointment with her, she has always made me feel comfortable. Making sure that my nails are healthy is her main goal, and I appreciate that. She has educated me on what works best for me, she knows what I like and makes sure that I get my glitter in :-). Aside from how professional she is, I can talk to her and feel like i'm talking to someone I have known for years. I have never had a bad experience with her and I cant wait for my next appointment. read more

I say just don't do it. Someone can have great talent and great ambition and still not be professional. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. I originally booked through style seat. I got lost trying to get to her location and called the number listed for her. She then proceeded to let me know that she couldn't accommodate the appointment I scheduled as she didn't confirm with me and hung up. She seemed busy ok... fine... I did my research and tried to book "her way"... even though she is listed on style seat to book. It took months... I made an appointment. I spoke to her on the phone and through text to do this. I paid the deposits that she requires in advance, months in advance mind you. I was working late and work two shifts and had to wake up early. She sent out a mass text message that appeared to be spam. Spam is so common on cell phones these days. Then cancelled my appointment because I did not confirm within her 8 hour time slot. Yet during this time I was working and sleeping. She is rude and disrespectful. It doesn't matter how many clients you have. It doesn't matter how good you are. When you treat people disrespectfully it's even worse. She has no sort of professionalism. I would never do business with this woman ever again. It is sad when you are trying to support black business. And you can't do so because of the people who run or own the businesses. I then let her know that this is the second time she's done something of this nature and I am upset and frustrated as she proceeds to say that she's never used Style Seat... How when that's how I got her information after losing it from my friend... then tells me I'm unprofessional for being upset that she's canceling my appointment. Sad..... if there was an option for zero stars, that's what I would give. read more

Unprofessional, ghetto, and customer service is horrible. As a black woman I'm always for supporting my own but I'd rather pay a Korean than deal with someone so unprofessional again. Services are not worth the level of unprofessionalism that you have to deal with. read more

Nelle is awesome nail tech. She is funny, professional and all around great person. She does great work and is very neat and pays very close attention to detail. I have been going to her off and on for a few years now. I look forward to my visits every time and get inspired by her work. I am so glad I was introduced to her and looking forward to the many more encounters to come. read more

Please believe every negative/bad review you see! Yes, she does amazing work and is very talented, but she is very rude and unprofessional. The negative reviews about her are true and I know first hand because I had some of the same experiences with her besides the dog issue. Which I figured something happened because she went to her social media of course to let everyone know that she has a dog and if you don't like dogs don't come to her for nail services. Don't let the good reviews posted today (10/30/2018) fool you as she went on her social media page and asked her customers to do a review here considering she pretty much only had negative reviews posted. read more

For a person to do nails in their house, the business should be separated from the rest of the house like in a basement or separate room not a conjoined dining room/living room/kitchen. Upscale nail salons should be a place to relax and give a spa like experience especially if you're charging spa like prices. There is a large dog and multiple children running around and the policy states NO CHILDREN ALLOWED. (The irony) She does a good job but I believe her technique needs fine tuning. The nails look great when complete but they don't hold up for the price. I do not have a problem with the deposit price, but I do have a problem with her cancelling at the last minute and not allowing the client to do the same and having to forfeit their deposit. Overall she is not professional and can stand some business tips. read more

I heard such good this about Nelle and her talent. I won't deny she is talented. However, she is extremely over priced for the experience she provides as well as the nail design. My regular gel names with four fingers of design cost $95. For $95 I would expect my nails to last a full two weeks however, a few days after getting my nails done the chipped (this was gel nails). I was very disappointment. I was not going to follow up with her for a few reasons 1. She was too far for me to go back 2. The actually experience was just average and I didn't want to be bothered.To be specific- she left me alone for 30 minutes while soaking off my gel, she refused to put tips or acrylic on top of my nails (my nails were very weak) stating "it would take too much time and it would go into the next persons appointment." (i could have appreciated that if she didn't let my nails soak for 30 mins and if the appointment wasn't 2 hours long) and finally she doesn't dress for work. At my appointment she was wearing pajama pants, an old worn tee shirt, slippers, and a head wrap. Anyhow, my friends encouraged me to reach out and explain my disappointment and send pictures so I did. She has not responded yet (this was several days ago). All in all she is talented but if your looking for professionalism along with a quality experience I would steer clear of Nelle and her makeshift nail salon. read more