Update: Attaching the charge and email that the manager Gigi sent right after writing this review and a week after our call (when she said she would send it the next day) since the response does not believe I actually got serviced at Saltmara. The manager is further refusing a refund and not believing my experience. I understand protecting your employees, but when they're literally forgetting gel top coats... that's a hard sell. If I could rate 0 stars I would! Literally this is the worst pedicure I've ever had - the technician was sweet, but was definitely not qualified or trained enough to be giving pedicures. I had to walk her through the pedicure process, she forgot to even put gel top coat on one entire foot, and cut all of my toes unevenly and scrubbed so hard she left micro-tears in my foot. She had these super long acrylics on too that limited her mobility and made the service take 2.5 hours! Also, the bowl didn't seem clean and while they claim to use OSEA products, they don't and actually use the cheapest products you can get from the cosmetology store. When I approached management about a refund, they mentioned that she wasn't fully "trained" and still working on her certifications and just started a week ago and they frequently do this as their business model. While that's fine in theory, it should be disclosed and at a reduced rate (I was charged $105 pre-tip). If I wanted to go to a student, I would've gone to a cosmetology school for $40. The manager said she'd get back to me and after countless calls, she never did and I had to dispute the charge on my card. Save your time and money and honestly go to ANY other place for a better experience. read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Email from the manager - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Salt Mara is such a gem! The salon itself is very cute, calming, and aesthetically pleasing, the kind of place where you immediately feel relaxed. My husband and I went in for manis, and it was his very first time. The team was so kind and welcoming, making sure he felt comfortable throughout the whole process. We were taken care of by Will and Greta, and they were both wonderful. They were friendly, attentive, and made our nails look fantastic! I'm already looking forward to coming back for a spa pedi in the future. I also really appreciated how simple it was to RSVP online. Their booking system let us choose add-ons ahead of time and even upload payment info, which meant no awkward fumbling with wallets and freshly painted nails at checkout. Their tipping system is also super smooth and thoughtful, making the entire process stress-free. Highly recommend Will, Greta, and the salon overall. I'll definitely be returning to experience more of what they have to offer! read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very aesthetically pleasing salon, very clean, nice products, the scrub was lovely. Warm water and conversational seating for pedicures If going with a friend. Nail techs were professional and kind, did a great job. Looking forward to coming back! read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm happy I found this salon. The vibe is really relaxing and chic. I came in to take off dip that I was convinced into getting from another salon and to get gel overlay back on. Elise was great! She was so patient and nice with me even though it was a long process to get the dip off. She made sure the nails were done well and keep my nails as healthy as possible. I really appreciated the appointment and her taking the time! Also, shout out to the man at the front desk for welcoming me and helping me understand memberships. I signed up for the Salt Membership so I will be back. :) read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I signed up for their membership and was told could cancel at anytime. However, this is a lie. I cancelled my membership in September. I was billed in October per the agreement. Well I was billed again in November when it should have been cancelled. Called asking why, the person who answered told they were unable to cancel the membership, only can email the manager, Emily, to have her do it. I was told the same thing in September. Emily either can't do her job or ignores requests to cancel. The receptionist couldn't give me a number for Emily, so I told her that Emily needs to call me. Crickets. Update: As the owner noted below I was indeed refunded the November bill and they graciously refunded the October billing, which is why I now give them 3 stars. However, I had write this original review, dispute the November charge with my credit card and file complaint with the Illinois Attorney General's Office to get them to act. Buyer beware. read more

I had the absolute pleasure of having Kim work on my nails, and I couldn't be more impressed! From start to finish, Kim was a true professional. She took the time to listen to exactly what I wanted, offering expert suggestions and ensuring I was comfortable throughout the entire process. Her attention to detail was second to none, and the nail art she created was nothing short of stunning. showcasing her immense talent and creativity. Not only were my nails beautiful, but the overall experience was relaxing and enjoyable. Kim made sure every step was perfect, and the final result exceeded my expectations. I'll definitely be coming back to Kim for all my future nail needs. Don't mind my horrible skill of photographer. read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Salt mara offers memberships, but it is a little misleading. It's not "your choice" of manicures and pedicures. Some of the options are 2 credits and some are 1. You have to go in or speak with them to get this information. I went for a gel pedicure, which cost both of my credits, and the lady who completed it did an amazing job. My feet feel great and they look good. The vibe is relaxing, quiet, clean, and everything seems very sanitary. However, it is not the typical pedicure experience. If you're wanting the massage chairs and bubbles, they don't have it. I understand the risk with the spa bowls, and hygiene concerns. Unfortunately, even though the lady did amazing, it's not the experience I was looking for. Especially for the price. It depends what you're wanting. read more

I love saltmara! I moved here from a salon I was going to in Lakeview and I really enjoy it. Kim is the best. She always pays great attention to my nails and makes sure they look flawless before i'm out the door. They are pretty standard as far as cost goes. Pretty good vibes and tunes during your visit as well. read more

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This used to be Paul Mitchell, remember that! I had an eyebrow wax. The staff and service are lovely. read more

Not good. Weird vibe. They try to push the over-priced membership on you. The owner was watching her staff like a hawk, and is extremely unfriendly, unwelcoming, and quite pretentious. The staff seemed stressed/afraid of her. This made for quite an uncomfortable experience for me as the customer. As for the service itself, overrated. I had the e-file manicure. It was just okay, nothing special, mediocre at best. They have an extremely limited nail polish selection. My nails were each slightly different shapes, and the nail polish started peeling after about five days. It's extremely dark in there, so I don't know how the employees can even see. And $110.00 later. Also only one other customer besides me the entire time I was there. That speaks volumes. They opened a second location in the South Loop, good luck with that. Bottom line, bad all the way around. With all the nail salons in the city this is the last place I'd recommend. Avoid. read more

A big shout out to Sarah W for her amazing nail service. Sarah is very detailed as a nail technician. She is knowledgeable about the process. I have had my nails done by other technicians but when my nails are done by Sarah they last. I highly recommend her!!! read more

I am absolutely obsessed with Saltmara! It has such a calming effect and I appreciate it so much when I come there straight after work! Getting my nails done is my self care and I look forward to every visit! For someone like me it's totally worth it to get the membership package! I get my nails done at least twice a month every month and it takes the ease of getting it paid for all at once! Kim there is my ride or die I would go to the ends of the earth for her! I know she's going to give me exactly what I want every time and the quality is going to be perfect! She really takes care of me and my nails. The staff there is lovely and knowledgeable! 10000% recommend paying them a visit (just don't steal my spot with Kim)! read more

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Relaxing pedicure and really nice service! I enjoyed my first time visit and look forward to trying a manicure.

So the front of the GelX manicure looks fine, but the underside is covered in glue. It's attached to my skin so it made the curing process pretty painful and I don't know how to go about getting the glue off..probably won't be coming back :/ read more

Saltmara Wicker Park - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So very glad this spot has opened up in the neighborhood. I joined the original membership and it is so worth it! Each of the ladies takes such good care, the priority is nail health and my nails can tell! I have never been able to grow them and with the help of the girls at Saltmara, I am going to a wedding without extensions, just a good gel manicure. This is a RUN, don't walk nail spot. read more