I've been coming to small Lily for years. Sayuri and her team really care for and take their time with your nails so that they stay strong and healthy. The shop is small and intimate and conveniently located on top of a Starbucks and a CVS. There are no window fronts for people to peek into. The nail art is also phenomenal, if you're into that type of thing. Highly recommend! I get compliments on my nails all the time. read more

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I've always had a great experience with Sayuri. Her attention to details and skill is impeccable. I highly recommend getting your nails done with her. The nail salon has a clean and relaxing vibe. You also get a choice of having either free coffee or tea. Such a nice and thoughtful touch. read more

Sayuri and her team are the nicest most professional group ever! Another spot that uses Japanese gel and does beautiful intricate nail designs! This is not your average nail salon folks! Please remember to take your shoes off when you enter the salon. You have the option to use one of their indoor slippers or just bare feet. Sadly had to keep it simple and thus went for one design but with a color twist and they were happy to oblige. They also have a professional eyelash extension technician as well so you can get your full glam going! Space is inviting and bright but they are in the 2nd floor with no elevator so keep that in mind. read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Just finished my service at Small Lily & all I can say is wow. From start to finish, the ladies were very professional, kind and welcoming. Taii is so skillful in her nail art and patient with designing my nails exactly like I wanted her to. She was also so sweet. They gave me candies and the entire experience was phenomenal. What a gem! read more

Small Lily - Final result --done by Taii - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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I came here the day of New Years Eve for a gel manicure with nail art. I had been going to a place in NYC for a while and wanted to try somewhere that was closer to my apartment and in Forest Hills. Small Lily is located in an office building on Queens Blvd next to CVS. Upon walking in, you instantly feel relaxed. They have slippers for their clients to wear since they prefer that you don't wear your shoes from outside. They also take your coat to hang up. The music that is played is calming music as well, which I really liked. It is by appointment only and they only have two chairs. The salon is Japanese owned and everyone who works there is very friendly. We had some great conversations about Forest Hills sushi places to go to and noodle houses. I came in with an idea that I wanted for my nail art and was really pleased with the way it came out. I wasn't sure if I should get tips on two of my nails since they had broken. I was told they could make the nails look good as is and that made me really happy that they were honest and not just looking for money. Also, after about a week, my nail chipped off and around the edges the gel was coming off of each nail. Sayuri was super sweet and helped to fix them. I will swift let be back. Loved the ambience, the workers, my nails, and the green tea! read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Recently moved to the neighborhood and noticed a sign that said "Japanese Nail Art" and made a mental note to check it out! I easily made an appt via Yelp with Sayuri for the Weds before the Labor Day weekend and and was able to squeeze me in! Pleasantly surprised with how spacious and clean and cute the place is! Safety and cleanliness were key - no outside shoes and wash your hands fhitting minute you arrive. There's even a Hello Kitty wearing a mask :D Sayuri is always masked and behind an acrylic partition. Conversation was super easy and pleasant with Sayuri and her husband, Billy. She was meticulous with my design and literally read my mind a few times re: the nail art! I'm positive my nails will look good for a very long time given the attention to detail and TLC! Pricewise, pretty similar to any boutique Japanese nail salon in the city. Will definitely be back! read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

I first came here along with my friend earlier this year for my birthday. Since then, I've come by again for a gel removal, and I've booked another upcoming appointment for next month. I really like this place: Sayuri is very sweet and since she was the only worker there (at least at the times I had gone), she completely attends to you. The service there is great and she does great work. She only sees one client at a time, though she was courteous enough to give me and my friend pedicures at the same time when we came by earlier in the year. Definitely a different kind of environment than your ordinary nail salon. I don't get gel manicures that often as they tend to wreck havoc on my nailbeds, but I think I'll almost exclusively go here because Sayuri does such a great job. Worth noting: she doesn't take cards, but she does take Venmo! read more

A hidden gem! I had a great experience getting my manicure and pedicure here. It was my first time going and I'm so glad I found it. Sayuri was so nice and professional. Her space was very clean, cozy and relaxing. I really appreciate that I could wash my hands before the service starts. Sayuri was wearing masks the whole time. Made me feel safe and comfortable. I love the results and price is very reasonable. Will definitely come back! read more

Small Lily - Gel manicure with one custom drawing - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

This is the only place I've actually enjoyed getting my nails done. Sayuri is so sweet and welcoming and she's a very talented artist. I've visited Paintbox twice in the city hoping for this kind of experience and I was disappointed both times. I brought a bunch of ideas from Pinterest and Sayuri helped me pick out colors to replicate my favorite one and then followed it meticulously. My gel manicure is still looking great after a week of swimming, snorkeling and countless sunscreen applications. I also love that you can make appointments online. It's really convenient and Sayuri was understanding when I had to change my appointment time. I look forward to going to see her again soon! read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Small salon, very professional and relaxing environment. Am very happy with their services!

This will be my new salon in the area. The owner was so friendly and welcoming - she even serves tea during a pedicure! The attention to detail here was amazing. I've never had a manicurist who has taken her time with every single file stroke / paint brush applied. She also did a great job with my tiny nail beds! I can't wait to go back! read more

Small Lily - Ghostie nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

I still love it here. It's nice and quiet, and the product and service is always superior. The woman even remembered me even though it's been a long time since my first visit, which was amazing. I described what I wanted instead of bringing a picture, and the execution was flawless. If you call and don't get an answer, leave a message! Unlike other salons, the work doesn't get interrupted to answer the phone, which I really appreciated. read more

Small Lily - Summer vacay nails! (yes i kept the same ring finger design). - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE! Sayuri is only interested in MONEY, not customers. Don't give her any of your hard earned money because she doesn't value it. I've been coming to this salon for about six months. I'm a bit off the wall and eccentric, and I would always ask them if they could translate Gudetama videos, or help me with my Japanese studies. When I laughed with Sayuri and the staff, I thought they were laughing with me, NOT AT ME. A few nights ago, I came to get a gel pedicure done. I was assigned to Kaori san. I've always gotten along with everyone there. Kaori san did a great job on my nails and I was extremely happy. I always loved coming here, even though it is beyond my budget. I would come every week at times. It felt like I was chatting with girlfriends. I was happy with Sayuri and co and was happy to support the business because I always had a great time and my nails looked incredible. I was finishing paying (a $100 tab without tip) and I was talking with Kaori san (NOT Sayuri -- she was with a customer who apparently is "VIP." ) about how I had splurged a lot the past few days and was a bit hard up. I joked about paying Sayuri's rent (I have already gotten $20 off a few weeks ago for filling up my first "customer loyality stamp card" -- which is when one spends $800 there) but I meant it with no disrespect or as a means of complaning -- I truly LOVED going there and chatting with the staff -- just the day before, I had stopped by the salon just to buy some bath scrub. I texted Sayuri that night after the session -- as I always did -- to thank her and her staff for the amazing service. I also asked about possible gel nail extentions, and I get this text message from her the following morning: "Yes. Extension gel solid color is $95.00 I have to tell u I am appreciate u spend money at Small Lily. But u are telling us how much spend money here and expensive here too I am so tired to listening like that. never say u have to spend his is money here your choice.U told us front of other customer yesterday. What d u think other customer think?! Please think about. Thank u." WHO SAYS THAT TO A CUSTOMER?!?! First off, I've been spending my hard earned money in this business for months. Second of all, the other client was talking with Sayuri about her kids and morning sickness and work holiday party. The client had no interest in whatever I was saying. I also thought I was chatting with "friends," but apparently not. I would have been happy to apologize for being out of line, but that response was SO RUDE. It's pretty much a: "F--- you, Patricia -- you don't matter because I have so much business." I guess my money doesn't mean much when she has women dropping $200 a session (like the woman next to me who apparently she was terrified of me offending and having never come back -- for Sayuri, if a client has a Gucci handbag and designer boots and is talking loudly about her excesses, she's more important.) I had confided to Sayuri in the past that her services were a splurge for me as a teacher but she (I thought) was so kind and understanding -- which is why I kept coming and supporting her and the business. Bottom line -- Sayuri and her staff may do beautiful work, but she apparently only cares about you as a client if you are wealthy and dropping $100+ in her business and tipping her well to fund her rent and trips to her timeshare in the Poconos and that cheap Trader Joe's wine she offers clients -- or else she gives you to her assistants and sends rude text messages because her personal clients are more important -- because they have more money. She mentioned a few weeks ago (Trust me, I went often) that tips aren't allowed on credit cards anymore because she was losing "2% in fees!" Talk about being money hungry. This isn't how you run a business, Sayuri -- treating "lesser" clients like garbage because they don't fill your pockets enough or fit your elitist criteria. You just lost a loyal customer and apparently her "worthless money." You should be ashamed of yourself. Also, she hates animals. Enough said. Update (12/11/17): I texted her back (see picture) on 12/09/17 that I was upset and had updated my Yelp review. I thought, "Maybe she'll reach out and apologize." NOPE. She also wrote a passive aggresive reply to my review on her Instagram: @small_lily_ny -- perhaps write your venting in English? Bragging about your success? Something is seriously wrong with her. ... I have found my new nail salon at Bess Nails and Spa less than a mile away. For someone who has so many Chinese clients (including myself before that day and the woman she was afraid of me offending) one would think she wouldn't speak so poorly about Chinese owned salons or Chinese people in general. Charlene has my money now -- she does cal gel as well, and she actually cares about customers! read more

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I love my eyelash extensions by Akina. Since I started coming to her, I have gotten so many compliments on my lashes. I feel pretty all the time now even without makeup. Akina has much experience and it shows. She is professional and makes the eyelash extension experience fun! My lashes last a long time but i still come to her every 2 weeks for a fill in. I also love Sayuri and her nail services. I am able to come to Small Lily to take care of my nails and now lashes too! It's a one stop shop and the girls here are absolutely lovely! read more

Small Lily - Eyelash extensions by Akina - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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I am so HAPPY I came to Small Lily. Carol and Lily were so hospitable. I had a regular pedicure and Gel Ex on hands and the entire experience was magnificent. I will definitely be back for the smiles, great service and beautiful nail art. read more

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As someone who also has a business, I wanted to review this place CONSTRUCTIVELY to help them more, not to tear the business down. I have been here a few times already. I love their service - nice cozy place, one customer at a time, free snacks and drinks, friendly staff and owner BUT I will only be coming back here on VERY special occasions if ever I would be needing nail art. It always takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours to have my gel nails removed and have pedi and gel mani with NO DESIGNS. Why? I think the chatting from the owner makes it longer. So at times she would stop, look at me while doing my nails and explain what she wanted to explain so it takes longer than it should. I went here for my NAILS and talking is fine, we have good talks but talking continuously for 3 hrs is too much, I don't even get to do what I usually do when I'm in a nail salon. At times, I bring my book and read or do something online and I don't get to do ANY of those when I'm here. The first time, I honestly didn't like the color I picked (which was my fault), the color was just coming out from the layered coatings and I would like to change it but since I realized that it had been already 2 1/2 hrs, it would add up to the time if I redo it (cause again, talking continuously) so I didn't change it anymore. I went out starving and had to go to Austin St and eat. I devoured a meal and a large milk tea which my friend was even surprised. I was DRAINED, not relaxed due to the continuous talking. I didn't want to say directly that I didn't want to talk (I would look rude). Also one time, the owner said she can mix the color I saw from one of the samples but didn't give me a heads up that it has extra charge. If I have known, I would have chosen a ready made color. As much as I didn't want to compare, in my usual nail salon, the LONGEST I've been was 2 hrs with nail art, gel removal, a foot spa and light back massage. I've never had 3 hrs of nail experience with just the services I had. But if you are taking your time, then I don't see any problem. Again, the nails and service is great. read more

Sayari provides impeccable art work in a clean private inviting environment. The owner is a talented, charming and insightful communicator. I love my mani and pedi. My gel ombré nails with customized art is simply stunning. Small Lilly is perfect for persons whose expectations are quality service. I will definitely be back. read more

My mom and I got our nails and toenails done here for my wedding and she did a great job! It was my first time getting a gel manicure and I like how long it lasted. She also did nail art for me. For some reason Yelp won't let me add a photo but I was very happy with the nails and toenails! Also it had nice chill vibes with relaxing music playing. I will be back as I live close by. read more

I came here in hopes to fix a "birthday manicure" gone wrong at the lily nail spa (similar names, opposite cyst service) I should've came here initially! Love the attention to detail & the fact that they actually do the nail art they promote! On the pricey side though, but for the nail art I think it's worth once in a while. Will return. read more

I love getting my nails done at this place. The place is very clean, relaxing music is being played, and more importantly, it is very quiet. Most of the time there is no other customer. It's great that everyone wears masks and are quiet and respectful of each other. Sayuri is such an artist, she is very detailed oriented and does an impeccable job. Her newest addition, Fumi is equally good and sweet. Can't wait to go there again...my oasis from all the craziness. read more

Excellent. Pedicures on point. She does a wonderful job. Everything is clean and calm. So relaxing and my toes look fantastic.

Terrible service. Communication is a huge problem with them! After being told a price over the phone, they told me a higher price in person. Not right to waste my time. Also, she told me if I can't afford it then I should go elsewhere. Very rude. At that point I wanted nothing to do with them. Really disappointed. Go elsewhere guys! read more

After reading all of the positive reviews, I made an appointment for a gel manicure and I was able to get it for the same day. I'm disheartened to write an average review, but I'm even more disheartened that my nails have only lasted 6 days being chip free, after paying $60 including a tip. Typically, my gel manicures last at least two weeks with no chipping or scuffs. Additionally, I'm in and out in about one hour, but during this visit it took 2.5 hours. I'm appreciative of the thorough filing, but had I known it would take that long, I would have had a snack or lunch before my appointment. My review is for meticulous filing, buffing and an intimate setting. However, stars taken for the $10 charge to take off the gel nail polish (just to add gel polish back on), the 2.5 hours it took to do the gel manicure and the short length of time my nails lasted being chip-free. I think I'll stick to my regular manicurist and book far enough in advance to get an appointment. read more

Came here because I saw the great reviews and I wanted to go somewhere that does a good job on nail art. They were able to accommodate me for a last minute appointment. I was blown away at the meticulous service--I was given candies and water upon arriving, very nice touch...ambiance is inviting and clean, slippers are offered at the door, and selection of high end polish brands. I also loved that the pedicure was not done using machine but rather a basin that was filled with fresh water. The pedicure was thorough and detailed. Paint job looked flawless. However, there was some issues with my manicure -drying machine was not working well, and the mani/pedi took about 3 hours, which was painfully long...they did take a bit off my bill to compensate me for the delay, which was greatly appreciated. I'm taking off 1 star only due to the length of time spent. I will be back and hope to see the owner next time, she was very talented. Overall, was happy with my beautiful nails and the wonderful service. read more

Small Lily - Manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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A definite must if you're in the market for an awesome mani/pedi experience. I came for a manicure and was fortunate to get an appointment the same day. Calling ahead for an appointment is necessary. I was one of two customers and did not feel rushed at all. I was greeted by Kaoru with a friendly smile and offered a drink menu. Decent selection; I went with the raspberry tea. Delish. The space is super clean and organized. Everything had a place and did not seem cluttered like most salons I've visited. The price is up to par with most places around the area. I got a stamp card to use with subsequent visits. You won't find a space like this in the city. Prepare to breathe cuz the products used are natural and non-toxic. Ditch the masks! Plus, if you book an appt with a friend, you will actually hear and speak to each other in this place. Gasp! The nail art speaks for itself. If you're into Japanese nail art and/or gel nails, you won't be disappointed with Sayuri (owner) and Kaoru. Kudos! I highly recommend and will return. read more

Its not cheap ($15 for a regular manicure - the nail art can easily get into the 3 digit prices), but a regular manicure here lasts me 10 days. They are great, and also the service is wonderful. Really quiet and intimate (2 chairs and 2 technicians), and I really enjoy the conversation and the green tea. read more

I love love love Small Lily. I've been coming here for about a year and it's consistently great. Sayuri is very attentive to your nails and works with delicacy and precision. The atmosphere is calming and there's always music playing. An added bonus is the tea and snacks :). Depending on what kind of service you get, the prices vary. I find that more complex designs for gel manicures are pricier, which is expected, but the results are always worth it. Highly recommend for locals and anyone else looking for a great gel manicure or otherwise! read more

I feel bad writing this review because the girl who did my nails was so sweet. I got a gel manicure and a pedicure here for my wedding. $100 and 2 1/2 hours later, I had nails I loved. It took much longer than I thought it would, but I figured it was worth it. I got them done on a Sunday. By that Friday, while preparing for my wedding the next day, I realized two of my nails had completely chipped off. Later on, another nail came off. I was so upset because I spent a lot of time and money on this manicure and my wedding was the next day. I was upstate, so I couldn't go back to the salon to get them to fix it. I had to scramble to find a nail polish that matched the color close enough so I could fix them myself. Of course they didn't look nearly as good as a professional manicure. It was just something I really didn't need to be worrying about during my wedding weekend. I realize most people have had good experiences here, so this must've been a rare mistake they made. I just urge this salon to please make sure they do their gel manicures correctly. Future customers, please make sure of the same thing. read more

After going to numerous places in forest hills for years I'm happy to find a place where you aren't taking a gamble with your experience and the quality of the work. They take their time. They know what their doing. And there's something beautiful about getting off street level and having it be appointment only. Everything you read about slippers, soft music, lovely conversation, a free beverage and bowl of snacks is just a bonus. I'll definitely be back. read more

Awesome experience here! First of all - they have real CalGel here!!! It is also about $10 less for solid color than in the few places that do offer it in Manhattan. Apparently you have to be CalGel certified. The space is adorable - cozy yet spacious and you get to take off your shoes and rest your feet and they offer comfy slippers. You also get a choice of beverage! I felt completely taken care of. But the best part is the manicure! I am already planning my next design as I wanted to start with something simple. So happy I found this place thanks to Yelp! read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Great customer service and love my nails! I've went here a few times already and I really love it it's very clean as well, they sanitize everything which you don't see in other salons. read more

LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE this place. It's so cute and cozy. Sayuri is absolutely amazing. I can't stop starting at my nails. I'm so glad I found her read more

This is the sweetest nail salon. Very quiet and relaxing. Nails are done very beautifully and with care. I am happy to have found this salon. read more

This was by far the best nail salon experience I have ever had! I came in for my bridal nails with my mom and friend. The entire experience was relaxing and incredibly fun. Everything was clean and well kept, and Sayuri is super talented. She helped me pick out the perfect color and was meticulous when it came down to the small details. There are only two nail technicians but they made sure everyone was comfortable while waiting. Definitely make an appointment. We loved every moment here and we highly recommend Small Lily! read more

Small Lily - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Great service. I love my nails. I was able to pick a design and she was able to recreate it. I have no chips and they look great. read more

Small Lily - Great Nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

I stumbled upon Small Lily today and was so pleasantly surprised. If felt like an "experience" rather than just getting my nails done. The space was clean, inviting and relaxing. Lily was so sweet and professional and she did an amazing job with my nails. She offered me tea with little candies on the side. Small details like that go along way with me. She offers non-toxic options and believes in the products and methods that she uses. I was lucky to have stopped by when she was free but appointments are recommended. This will be my go-to nail salon from now on! read more

I've been getting my nails done at several nail salons in NYC but I highly recommend Small Lily! The best service ever I had read more

I cannot say enough praises about Sayuri and Small Lily! The salon is small and inviting, and is the cleanest nail salon I have ever set foot in. The gel manicures are amazing and lasts for a longer period of time than any others I have had in the past. Sayuri really takes the time to get to know her customers and if you're feeling creative she's game. If the nail polish color you're craving doesn't exist, she will customize it and mix it for you, feeling like a diva and you want hand painted designs or stunning gem work, she's got you covered. On top of all of these wonderful praises my nails look and feel healthier than ever, and aren't weakened by the polish. Just remember to call first and make an appointment and you won't be disappointed! read more

I was looking for a nail shop closer to my apartment and made a last minute appointment. My gel manicure took almost 3 hours and it was done painstakingly slow - it can be relaxing for those who have a lot of time on their hands or are looking for a full-on spa experience but it left me nodding off while they were doing my nails. The gel manicure only lasted a little over a week, which is difficult to stomach when it costs me $60+ with tip. Gel normally stays for at least 2 weeks. And I felt uncomfortable when the technician (also owner, I think) gave me attitude when I was hesitant about the nail color. I remembered clearly picking a matte color (I never, ever go with anything with glitter or sparkles) and my nail clearly had tiny glitter bits in it. She insisted it was the color I picked...even though she didn't clearly separate the color and didn't take out the jar until almost one hour after I had picked it. It literally took that much time for them to remove my regular nail polish, trim and cut my cuticles. For me to insist on changing it would've probably taken another hour of time which I didn't have. All in all, I felt like the experience left me feeling snubbed and clearly made a dent in my wallet. Wasn't worth it and the service, while nice on the surface, felt forced. Won't be coming back again. read more

Owner was very friendly and she did a great job. My nails look amazing. The inside is also very clean, organized, and has a nice atmosphere. Will definitely come back! read more