I had a polish change on my toes and a gel manicure. I was completely done in less than 30 minutes - no hand massage, soaking, etc. It was $65 plus tip. Basically paid for a quick polish - no manicure was given! I am local and have used Ocean for years. I will have to find somewhere I get my money's worth! They are all about in and out, not the experience. The employees are obviously over it. Oh, they did give me a small warm bottle of water! Lol read more

Everything! Gel pedi kept falling off completely after a couple of day . Woke up with no polish thought maybe they missed my baby toe. Then they touched it up so thick that it peeled off ! Gel manicure was a joke ! So not worth it read more

I have Never Tried this Place Before but I really Enjoyed it, despite the fact I come to NC every once a year! Lol My Fiancé made an appointment for me & my new Mother In Law to come here and get my nails & toes done before our wedding on Sunday August 20th! My Manicurist was named "Holly". And let me tell you, (despite being embarrassed at the fact I haven't had a manicure/pedicure in a long time and I looked like Cinderella at that time physically a bit! Lol ‍) she did a DAMN GREAT job! She was Friendly and Super talented! Not ONLY did she get ride of my irritating stubborn in-grown nail out (that I had tried doing myself many times and failed & was seriously hurting me for almost a month ) but she made my Toes look beautiful again BUT once I left that place, my toe actually healed! And I was so damn ELATED!!! She really was a SUPER STAR in my eyes that day! I am so GRATEFUL to Holly for her patience in dealing with my Cinderella feet! Lol I would MOST definitely recommend this place! They know what their doing and they do a HELL of a job doing it! "Thank u so Much Holly for saving my nails and especially my toe! Lol " read more

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I got seated at 12:40 and a lady came at 1:30! Then on call they said that they do lots of designs but they only do color this place smell too! It looks good but hate everything in here also 55 dollars! read more

Not Great. Went in for a pedicure and dipping powder while I was in town because one of the other local places had a 30 min wait. Now I know why. Wish I had read these reviews prior to going. Pedicure was fine. Nothing spectacular but the guy was humorous and got the job done so no complaints. The lady worked very hard on my nails but when I questioned her on the look of my nails after the dipping powder she told me it was fine and to go wash my hands. I have been going to the same person for 10 years, but sadly she's in vacation for 8 weeks so I thought I'd go while in OBX on vacation myself. She then came back to the table with some gel nail color and started to apply it. I again questioned it. She again assured me it was fine. In the end, it was not fine. Totally not the color I picked out. I asked where my dipping powered was and a gentleman came over and told me the dipping powder wasn't working on my nails. What?!?! That's new...regardless nothing was said. She just tried to color match it (over top my dipping powder color) without saying anything and failed miserably. Awful. Then used the language barrier to her advantage. Funny she understood me perfectly when I walked in. I gave it 2 stars because of the pedicure and the effort she put in to my nails prior to the color. My nails are very bumpy looking and not smooth. Such a disappointment. I unfortunately would avoid. read more

i'm surprise this place has such low ratings, I got in quick. Got exactly what I wanted, the nail technician was extremely nice. We talked almost the whole time, the ambience was very peaceful. She let me sit and hang out the whole time, I was not rushed at all. I even was indecisive about what colors to pick and she let me sit there and look for 20 minutes. prices were typical price for acrylic nails. Ill come back for sure. read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Acrylic nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

i came in for a gel manicure & pedicure. I was out in 45 minutes. It's so obvious they are trying to save money by cutting steps. For instance the operator sprayed my cuticles with a water solution. No soaking & no cuticle creams on fingers or toes. Wierd!! When I commented she seemed agitated & wouldn't acknowledge my comments. Very intimidating!! My nails actually looked fine but after 4 days I'm already chipping and cuticles are reappearing. I was only visiting area but if I was a local I would not be going back. Sally T. read more

$25 for manicure with no polish. Asked for cuticles to be pushed back before cutting. Nope. In and out in 12 minutes. Tsk tsk.

Did not put much effort into making the nails look good. Very unevenly trimmed and painted. Disappointed with my visit here. read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

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I was glad to be able to go and get in fast. I was here on vacation and had broken nails. I asked for gel fill. The tec was using acrylic. I told him that is not gel. Gel comes out of a jar. He said it is a new gel. I said never heard of it. In all the years of having my nails done never have I seen gel done with water and powder. It will do till I get home and get my regular salon to fix. This salon shouldn't be telling customers they are gel and charging for it while using acrylic. read more

Nice. We loved the chairs. My mother and I both got basic pedicures. Okay the actual pedicure was very different depending on who did the pedicure. We will try it again. Also head up to ladies who choose to get pedicures with skirts and dresses on, yes we see you bits and so do the people doing your pedicure. read more

I left this business in tears. I went in with freshly done nails from a few days prior (from my hometown) but one nail broke while cleaning and I simply needed it repaired. I told the tech they were powder/dip and explained I just needed one nail repaired. They sat me at a station and told me to soak my nails in acetone. After 30 minutes they had me move stations and began working on my nails. I immediately realized the tech was attempting to remove all of my nails. I explained I just needed a repair but understood if they needed to remove the color since more then likely it would be difficult to color match. She refused to use dip on the one nail so she used acrylic gel and began shaping my nail. It was a completely different shape than all my other nails. I put the nails side by side for her to see and she replied it was going to look different because it wasn't dip. ‍ Then she said she needed to take all my nails off to change color and have them all look the same. I said my tech at home doesn't have to remove the nails to change color he simply puts cotton balls soaked with acetone and wraps fingers with foil and then uses a dremel to remove color and then dips with new color. She said they don't do that. I agreed to her removing and said I wanted my current length and shape. When she began dipping it was crazy. She put large amounts of dip on my fingers and didn't shake off. The dip was all over the place. Stained a white shirt I was wearing, light pants and my phone case. Dip was everywhere. I requested several times to just have them removed (offered to pay what ever she needed to charge but I wanted them removed and to leave but she ignored my request and kept going. Nails were lumpy, misshapen and different lengths. She had several techs come over to look and discuss. I asked the tech (a young man) who seemed to be the most fluent that at this point I wanted the nails removed so I could leave. He agreed, thank goodness but when it was all said and done I went in with beautiful nails but two hours later left with stained hands, stained clothes and phone case and my nails looking like shredded wheat without any nails at all. Clearly this establishment/tech wasn't familiar or accustomed with the dip process. I wish they had led with that so I had the option of going elsewhere. The option should be removed from the services that they offer. I wish I had taken the time to take a quality picture but I was so upset and ready to leave that I quick took a few pics (when tech wasn't looking) to send to my husband who was in the area with our three children killing time while waiting for me. Hands down the worst customer service experience of my life. Save yourself the TIME AND MONEY and go elsewhere. Lesson learned as well. Check reviews before going rather than after. Sigh. read more

I'm pretty disappointed as I was enjoying a girls day out with my mom and we decided to get our nails done. I told the technician EXACTLY what I wanted and she didn't do anything I asked for including the color I picked. The shape was wrong, they're crooked and uneven, and it wasn't even the color I picked out. I even told the technician how I felt and she didn't really seem to care. don't go here unless you want to be disappointed. read more

I came here for a safe retreat after a hard week. The staff here were incredibly thoughtful. They offered me a bottled drink immediately after I sat down. I got a French mani/pedi and was really impressed. Staff were friendly, and not imposing when I chose to read during my treatment. Pedicure chairs were wonderful, and the place was very clean. Really grateful I chose to come here! read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Gel French Manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

I've been going here for 4 years and sometimes it's excellent and sometimes it's just great until today. Came in for a mani pedi and WOW was it the worst, and most stressful experience I have ever had. I choose the ocean spa pedicure and a natural nail mani cure. I was rushed like it was a race, my nails were done while I was in the pedicure chair, he was working on my pedicure ( which was a joke) my nails were sprayed with and then polished in less than 2 minutes , pedicure and this excuse for a manicure was completed in less than 20 minutes. Horrible. I'm now going to another salon to get the polish fixed. I left there so stressed out. Not the reason I went in. And I will never go back!!! read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

The worse experience of my entire life!!! I was here on vacation with the family and decided to sneak away to get my nails done as the guys went to play golf. I took a gamble but really needed them done so I just did it! They sat me down and started on what the called a "pedicure" which included cold water, I asked for some warmer water and they wouldn't do it. He started cutting toe nails down putting lotion on my legs and a warm towel (the towels had brown stains on it) and then started painting my toes with gel polish. I was in the chair for 15 mins total from start to finish and most of that was him panting my toes. I was so upset. I asked for a drink they said they could give me red wine- so a lady brought me the wine, as I took a drink there was chunks in the cup. I was planning on getting my nails done as well so she started soaking my nails, when it got to getting them cut down. I asked for her to cut them down "a little" she cut them down all the way to the skin as well as making me bleed. I decided it was probably safe to just leave- they started yelling at me telling me I was wrong. I asked them to let me pay for my service and he told me it was $70.00 and I just about fell out considering I never had a pedicure but that's what I was paying for. 0/10 would NOT recommend going to this place no matter how desperate you are. It's truly not worth it. read more

The facility is nice. Folks were nice. The actual pedicure, not so much. One gel manicure they forgot top coat, we had to go back. Other one not good and she got polish on my shoes, which luckily did come off. The really disappointing part as as we sat there and watched repeatedly, they water down the foot basins and wipe dry with the towel used to warm your legs and place your feet on. No cleaner or disinfectant. read more

I got a pedicure and a gel manicure for $56 plus $9 tip, and had an excellent experience! They prefer if you pay in cash. I am a vacationer and got the services completed on a Monday afternoon; it was pretty busy the entire time I was there. I walked in, told them what services I would like, they told me to pick my colors for my toes and fingernails, and then I soaked in the pedicure tub for a while. Their chairs are heated massage chairs and are fabulous! I don't know the name of the gentleman who did my mani/pedi but he was good and I wish I was local because I would become a regular. He gave the best foot/calf massage! read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

Do not go to this nail salon. Went here to get nails done on vacation and made an appointment beforehand. They are understaffed which is unfortunate but expected these days. However to compensate they will rush through a bad color job and then charge you for a full manicure when all they did was sloppily slap some color on. Nails are all different shapes, sizes and lengths. Again I will not ever return and would advise anyone to avoid this place at all costs. read more

Ocean Nails is conveniently located, very clean & has quick and friendly service! I had Holly and just needed a quick pedicure. She did a fantastic job - if you are looking for a nail place definitely check this one out read more

I broke a nail and popped in to have it fixed. The tech glued a nail tip ON TOP OF my old broken acrylic, added more acrylic on top and called it done, leaving open space between my old nail acrylic and the tip she glued on top of it because she didn't bother to press the glued nail down or fill in the space on my broken acrylic, allowing moisture and fungus to grow! left the nail duck bill shaped, dips down in the center, and slopped product all over my cuticles! I was the only client there but still she rushed, did a HORRIBLE job and charged me $20 for a lumpy wide nail that isn't sealed and was done completely incorrectly I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE they do not know what they or doing or the just don't care! read more

LOCALS REVIEW: DO NOT GO HERE!!! this is the worse service I have ever gotten from a nail salon. It was a complete waste of time and money. I didn't think I would have to write a bad review but I can't just let this go unsaid. I went in to get a simple set of acrylics with a picture for reference of how I wanted them. I told her I wanted medium length nails squared (like the picture) and she gave me long nails that were coffin shaped. The lady hardly talked to me and completely rushed the job. I went in with two friends who were just getting gel nails and I was done before even one of them was finished. She put the fake nails on first and one of the nails (my pointer finger) didn't get glued on all the way so there was a gap between the fake nail and my real nail. When she finally noticed she had already put the fake nail tips up and didn't want to get them back out. So she tried to push the nail flat which didn't work, so she tried to then pull it off and that hurt so incredibly bad, she ended up leaving the nail on and just putting the acrylic right on top of it which ended up causing it to curve down. And it didn't stop there, when you get acrylics you are supposed to wash your hands after you do all the shaping and filing. The lady did not have me wash my hands which ended up causing problems. Cause when she painted them she had to re-paint about 4 of them cause they were lumpy from the debris (of shaping & filing and nail glue). She was incredibly rough with my nails and hands. She would pull and tug on my fingers which was completely unnecessary. The nails are uneven, too long, and not even the sharp I asked for. So I asked the manger for a refund and he was nothing but rude. He refused to give me my money back because "he had already done the service, and nothing was wrong with the nails." He offered to do them again the next day but I don't want them anywhere near my nails again. The nails never ended up drying completely after 1 and half hours so I just ended up taking the polish off. They lost 5 locals support today, please save your money and do not go here. There are plenty of other places on the beach that will give you better service . read more

Ocean Nail Spa - The picture I used for reference - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

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I always go to Ocean Nail Spa when I visit Kitty Hawk (about once a year). I have never had poor service. After reading some of the negative reviews posted here, I was drawn to post my experience. This most recent visit, I walked in without an appointment and was greeted warmly by John, the owner. He asked what I wanted (a gel pedicure) and showed me where to choose the gel polishes. After choosing my color, he showed me to my chair and asked if I wanted anything to drink. I got a cold water while I waited with my feet in the water and using the massage chair. The facility is clean and quiet. They had some lovely background music playing... The pedicure I got was very nice and reasonably priced. I also purchased a gift certificate for my mother in law because she wasn't able to go with me this time. I will definitely continue to give this spa my business when I'm in the area. read more

Five stars to the salon itself. It is exceptionally clean. It's bright and pretty large compared to other places in OBX. As you walk in the reception area and the manicure stations are in the front room all facing a large HD TV. In the back room there is a large pedicure area with a cloud painted ceiling with arches and 10 big comfortable chairs (some of the nicest massage chairs I've come across). The polish selective is extensive, with the main brands being OPI, Essie, and Orly. I didn't get gel this time but the color selection looked nice, lots of OPI. I'm reluctant to give the service four stars, I'll say three, but I may be spoiled after going to the same technician back home in Arlington for over five years. The technician was sweet and friendly. For the pedicure I think she did a great job with callus care and she gave an absolutely amazing leg massage. The cuticle care hurt and she did it in quick movement that pulled at my skin. If she was gentler and took her time it would have been fine. The polish application was good. My manicure experience wasn't as good as the pedicure. The World Cup was on and she would stop doing my nails for up to five minutes to turn her chair around and watch the game. That was a little hard to believe. She barley removed any cuticles with the clipper and I honestly could have done a better job myself. The nail polish application was ok but not great. Pros: clean, bright, pedicure stations, polish selection, leg massage Cons: cuticle care (probably depends on your technician though. ) read more

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Was the quickest pedicure I have ever received and not in a good way. Lasted 20 minutes and was poor quality. After she was done she just walked away without saying anything to me. read more

oh wow! first the lady greeting me came up to the counter making gross noises chewing loudly and I could see the food in her mouth. the sweet kid that did my nails was very nice but i asked to have length added and he said I didn't needed it. I'm glad I didn't insist because he gave me a shellac that was no doubt the thickets I've ever had. the cost was $45 and I tipped him $10. this was on the 14th. By the evening of the 16th they started to lift and now... mostly gone. I will try to post an image. read more

Ocean Nail Spa - $40 shellac 3 days later - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

Sloppy, rushed, & inept is how I would describe this salon. I have been getting powder dip manicures for 5+ years because they last for weeks and look great...when done correctly. She clearly had no idea what she was doing, even trying to put my nails under the ultraviolet light, which isn't used with dip powder. I have NEVER had a dip powder manicure chip or come off in less than 3 weeks. This one didn't even last 3 days and she left a BIG BRUISE on my hand. This was for my daughter's wedding and now all of our pictures have this big bruise on my hand. STAY AWAY FROM THIS SALON! read more

Ocean Nail Spa - Dip powder chipped in 3 days. NEVER HAD THAT HAPPEN BEFORE - Nail Salons Near Me - Southern Shores, North Carolina

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* I downloaded this app just so I can save any of you a trip to this awful nail salon* IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS. I WOULD! The worst nail salon I have ever been to. When I first walked in, the receptionist guided me to the wrong section for a gel manicure. There were 6 people in my group and I had to wait at least 10 minutes to start after, which is fine. The older lady with the glasses screamed at the top of her lungs in her first language in the entire store, and the owner then screamed at me because I couldn't choose find/was not happy with the colors I wanted. I literally cannot believe the owner and that older lady with the glasses screamed at me. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!!! read more

This place was very clean and I was very pleased. I got a gel pedicure. It started peeling on the 3rd day . It was ok but not the best gel pedi. I would stick to a regular pedicure next time. I would recommend though! The gentleman who helped me was very nice . read more

I came in with my 5 year old granddaughter to get our nails PAINTED. I made it very clear that we didnt want a manicure, just a polish change. I dont like people cutting and filing on me so I do it myself and then let polish be applied at a salon. After picking out our polish she started with my granddaughter which was fine, still had to tell her not to cut on her nails. She then started in me and got out the nail file and the dremel. I told her no, ai only wanted my nails painted. She said something out loud and the man came out and took mt hand and asked me why I didnt want a manicure. Well first its none if his business, and second because they always cut your cuticles because no one is careful anymore. He then proceeded to tell me that my nails were "ugly" and they would look " ugly" with no manicure. I was mortified as I looked around at the other people in there and my granddaughter listening to all this. First off, my nails are not ugly as I had just taken off my old polish before coming in and just needed some new polish. I have never been humiliated like this in a nail salon. He simply wanted me to buy his manicure package. Its that simple. No one should be insulted when they clearly state what service it is that they are asking to receive. He was clearly irritated that I was not purchasing a more expensive package. He was rude and harsh. When I was leaving and paying for my horrible service, I looked at him and showed him my nails and said" Don't they look ugly" when I was leaving just to prove a point. You could not pay me to go back to the salon. I have been in here before as I live here and he was harsh then as well but not to me. There are a thousand nail salons in the Outer Banks.. your choice. read more

Paid over $60 for acrylics that peeled as soon as I got home. Worst nails I've ever gotten by far. Very sad. :((

I had a very poor experience at Ocean Nail Spa. I asked for a design that they said they could do and left with hideous nails. I asked for a refund because of how horrible my nails were- and I have NEVER complained or asked for money back before but this was atrocious. Immediately the owner started screaming at me saying it was my fault I didn't like my nails and that he would not be able to do anything about it but redo my nails. I told him I would never want my nails done here again and that I would just prefer a refund. He then proceeded to call me inhumane and a horrible person for "trying to ruin a business" After going back and forth and being called every name in the book I got $25 dollars back. This is what I asked for compared to what they did- read more

My friend and I had a wonderful experience at the Spa. Years ago, I had a terrible experienced at another Spa and was hesitant to go. John took extra care with me .I cannot wait to go back . Holly and John are a hidden Outer Banks treasure. read more

7/22/2021 Worst place I have ever gotten my nails done. They rushed through them with multiple nails being crooked or not glued on all the way. Two of my nails broke within 30 minutes of leaving and the paint on another began to bubble up. On top of all this when i called to ask about prices i was told it would be 35$, but at the register charged 55$, and then billed 65$ to my credit card. DO NOT GO HERE!!!! read more

They were very professional, salon was very clean and modern with relaxing music. Great job on manis and pedis! This will be my spot always!

Fabulous salon. Relaxing surroundings, lovely music, friendly and professional staff, and good prices. Nice break in a beach week to get your nails done! read more

They did a nice job but the prices are excessive and are not posted. I blame myself for not asking, but $45 for a pedicure that was very, very basic is $10-$20 more than I would pay in the Washington DC metro area. A manicure for my teenager was $35. Also surprisingly high. Her service took all of 10 minutes, mine 15 or 20. read more

*** PLEASE READ*** Avoid this nail salon at all cost. If I could give them negative stars I would My experience at oceans nail spa was by far my worst nail shop experience. EVER. I stopped here because it was close to where I was staying on vacation and It is a huge regret. When you walk in your are seated quickly and then they just leave you. I sat for an hour with my hand sitting in acetone because they were "busy". Costumers came and left before they even started on my hands. I left after 2 hours and the job the boy did was AWFUL. I got the sns dip powder and I basically did my nails myself. He just sat the powder down and I dipped my nails myself. He had no idea what he was doing because my nails are uneven, bumpy, and the polish looks like it's dripping off my fingers.  When I complained to the manager he was so rude and didn't care about me as a customer. He grabbed my hand and pulled me and said that "he would just cut them off". I was half tempted to call the police to resolve the situation because I started to feel unsafe. Instead of accommodating me he said that what I got was the best they could do and if what I have is the "BEST" SAVE YOURSELF A TRIP. I have had them for 2 days and the top coat has already peeled off. As soon as I get home I'm going to get these removed.  There is a nail salon down the street in the same parking lot as the Food Lion so if I were you I'd start there. I don't know how good of a job they do but anything is better than oceans nail spa. read more

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The man that owns this place is an absolute darling! He did 3 out of 4 pedicures for our group including my 6 year old and did an awesome job. He took his time, was very friendly and took care of everything we needed! We also got manicures, one was done by the younger gentleman there who did a great job. The lady there did mine and my mothers and she seemed very rushed. My moms turned out okay but my gel polish is bubbled and cracked within less than 24 hours. All in all this was a great experience, just wish she would have taken more time. read more

We had made reservations in advance for 5 pedicures and this was not our first time at a nail salon. We were on vacation and wanted to do something nice for a birthday treat. I have been to many different nail salons, but never have I gone to a spa that goes through a pedicure in 10 minutes! Even though the pedicure was basic, the job was terrible!! My toenails looked better before I even went here! They were in such a rush to get through my pedicure, even though I was the last one in my party to be helped and no one else in the store. I will not be returning and I definitely would not recommend going. read more