We just arrived in the Windy City and decided it was time for some nail therapy. I needed a nail repair, and my friend wanted a mani. Naturally, we found this nail salon on Yelp and loved the fun name. When we arrived -well-the name fit the decor. The salon was beautifully decorated with sparkling chandeliers and jeweled tables. Service: Even though they were busy, they fit us in quickly with a friendly smile, and the staff was eager to assist. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

was very disappointed with my experience at Swanky Nail in Chicago. The service felt rushed from start to finish, and I didn't feel like the technician took the time to do a quality job. After my service, I paid the amount I was initially told and left a tip. When I returned from the restroom, I was unexpectedly asked to pay even more money because they claimed the price was different than what I had originally been quoted. I felt caught off guard and uncomfortable, especially since I had already paid and tipped. The pricing did not feel transparent, and the experience left me feeling misled. I would encourage future customers to confirm the total cost of every service before the appointment begins to avoid any surprises. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - I was very disappointed with my overall experience at Swanky Nail in Chicago. - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I decided to give this place a try and got a dip manicure. The place is clean with a nice aesthetic, however the woman who did my manicure took forever and kept having to redo my nails because she would mess up. She also made me bleed so much, and now 3 days later my nail wound keeps opening back up and bleeding. Finally, the dip process here is very strange as I had to actually wait for my nails to dry (never had to do this at the other salons I've been to). I was at the salon for 2 hours as a result, which is insane for just getting a manicure. Finally, to top it off, a racist customer asked me if I worked there (because I'm an Asian woman) even though I was clearly getting my nails dried. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Made my nail bleed even 3 days later still bleeding - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've seen Kevin throughout 2025 and will continue forward. My nails are always beautiful, last forever, and he's so fast and talented. Clean place. Love my nails from Kevin! read more

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The guy doing my nails said no when I told him I wanted them cut more and wanted a different shape. Already takes so much for me to say something and then he embarrassed me in front of the person next to me, kept arguing with me and ultimately I left with something I had to go somewhere else to fix. And he kept throwing my hands and aggressively pushing them away. The whole experience as very uncomfortable. read more

Part of me wants to gate keep but I have been burned by bad dip TOO many times in Chicago to not tell the girlies about Swanky Nails! Alex has done dip for me twice and the first time it lasted for 4 weeks! In the photos below, the red set is four weeks old and the purple set is fresh today! Extremely happy with my service and won't go anywhere else for dip! Michelle did my pedicure and did such a detailed job as well. Highly recommend!!! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Purple = fresh set! - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I did a walk in for gel manicure and got in within 10 minutes! I had Sophia and she was wonderful! I couldn't decide between two colors and ended up doing both with chrome! Only ended up being 60$ without tip which I think is reasonable. I feel like a mermaid and absolutely love it! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Purple chrome on the left - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I almost hate to do it, but I have to bump down a star because I have such inconsistent experiences here. Sometimes it's great and other times it's, well, not. They just seem very disorganized. As I noted in my previous review, I'm not sure that booking a specific person works very well, as I don't think I've ever actually gotten the person I requested (so I stopped requesting a specific person, which is fine). Every time I check in, it just seems to be a scramble as to who is going to take me, they always seem unprepared (even though I always make appointments. Last night, I came in for a pedicure and dip ombre manicure. I had the pedicure first, which is standard, and picked out a color for my toes. I wanted to have my ombre nails be the same color (or close) as my toes with white. I finished the pedicure, then a different person came over to ask me what color for my dip ombre. I told him I hadn't picked out the colors yet but I wanted to match my toes and add white. He looked very confused, then asked if I wanted an American ombre. I told him I didn't know what that was, so he pulled out a picture on his phone to show me. I thought he was showing me the style, but apparently he was showing me an ombre with light pink/white. He told me he couldn't do the blue I had on my toes. Now, I've been here multiple times and have definitely done dip ombre with many colors (and white). I've even done dip ombre with two different 'colors' (even though once on a previous visit I had a tech try to tell me that wasn't possible, despite me having done it before). So I don't understand why I couldn't do it this time. Once I realized I wasn't getting anywhere I gave in (yes I know, partly on me) and had him do the American ombre. Now, don't get me wrong, his work is good, and the nails look great. But it is not what I wanted. And my request was not unreasonable because I've definitely had it done in prior visits (not those exact colors, but that idea). So it was frustrating to me to pay so much money for something that while yes, looks great, isn't what I wanted. The tech told me "it looks natural" which yes, it does, but I didn't want natural. This is what I mean by inconsistent experience. They always seem disorganized and it seems that what is possible depends on the tech I get. I made an appointment for dip ombre, so I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that I get a tech who can do dip ombre. So, I think I'll be looking for a different place from now on, one that at least I know I can get what I'm looking for. They also have this check in system with points, but I have no idea how it works. Every time I check in it tells me how many points I have, but I have no idea what the points 'do' or how they accumulate. read more

Linda is so sweet and does an amazing pedicure and manicure! Every mail tech I've seen there does a great job!

I just moved to the area and was looking for a new nail place! After reading the reviews I was slightly skeptical, but my nails turned out SO good! Rachel did my full set quickly & exactly how I wanted. The two girls at the front desk were so welcoming, offered coffee and water and I was seated early, 5 minutes before my appointment time. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got my gel manicure a week ago and it's already lifting and chipping. Going to have to go somewhere else to get them redone

Had a great experience at this salon! All of the employees were super friendly. Kevin did a full set of dip on my nails and I LOVE them! Will definitely be coming back read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Dip nails by Kevin - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was probably the worst mani/pedi I have had in my life. The woman who did my manicure was incredibly rude and although I asked for a dip manicure, I'm pretty sure I got some type of acrylic. It took my new nail salon a long time to get it off. I would not recommend this place at all. It also doesn't look very clean. read more

Usually go here and they do a wonderful job but this last time I was blown away. Walked in without an appointment and Nancy pleasantly greeted me. She suggested GelX which i've never done before and it turned out amazing! So satisfied with the outcome! Perfect job! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - French ombrè nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Last minute decision to get nails done after plans fell through... so I came in as a walk in yesterday and they were able to fit me in between customers! Sarah did an AMAZING job! Perfect shape and thin acrylic like I prefer. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Full set acrylic, almond shape with gel polish - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very reasonable pricing and great service! Nails looked great tho I do think some parts do it was a little shear and not as smooth. Overall great experience!! read more

Nancy was my technician and she was wonderful! I'm not very nail savvy and she was patient and walked me through what be best!! Great job, reasonable prices. read more

I happened to be walking by after getting a beard trim by a nearby barber in preparation to attend my friend's wedding later that evening. I figured I would get a manicure/pedicure since it had been a couple months and I couldnt get a set appointment on my off day from my normal spot. I walked in and they told me they knew I would come in as they saw my interest/curiosity lol! Jenifer was very conversational and took good care of my feet and hands. Very nice woman and I would definitely go to her again. Staff seemed pretty nice and welcoming. If you happen to live in this part of River North or passing by, its worth a try. Very clean salon and modern looking! read more

Love swanky nails! They are the best! Go to Kevin he literally does your nails so good they have never looked better! Kevin is so funny and nice! If you are looking for a bomb manicure go here! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What an incredible experience with mommy daughter! I showed up wanting full set acrylics, ombré look finished by chrome. Of course what i wanted was not in any color samples available. I showed Rachel a picture of my desired look, she takes her time trying different colors to get me desired look and nailed it! Then theres my young daughter getting pampered with mani-pedi. They spoiled her with massages, cookies, drinks, complete relaxation. The prices were very competitive and the service was over the top and incredible !!! Thank you Swanky Nails for treating these swanky girls! We will be back! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Swanky nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went here with my bridesmaid to get my nails done for my wedding. I wanted the french ombre manicure and my technician recommended tips since my nails are too short. I don't normally get tips, or my nails done at that, but they turned out great! They were sturdy and elegant and looked great for weeks. My bridesmaid's dip nails also turned out great and lasted for many weeks. I would definitely recommend. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - French ombré tips - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Just had a wonderful manicure and pedicure here! That treated us so wonderful. My daughter is getting married so brought the girls here for our pre wedding nails. They rolled out the red carpet! Had bubbly and flowers and a banner all ready for us! So nice to be treated so special. The service was excellent and they were helpful with color selection. The place is clean and the colors they have every color you want! Definitely will return! Thanks to Amy for my nails and Rachel for setting this up! read more

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Love swanky! Cannot recommend enough. Clean beautiful space, able to do designs and never rush you on a color choice. Best nail salon ! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Dip with no chip design - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing dip nails by Kevin. I waited to take a pic to see how long they held on but this is 3 weeks after on the dot!! He thinned them out soooo much for me, like I asked, they were basically as thin as you can possibly make dip. So natural looking. Kevin was skeptical that they would last, but he still did it per my request. 3 weeks later and they still are holding. That's true skill. I could probably even go another week I think. Very impressive read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - dip - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I LOVE my nails. Kevin did such a great job, he was super nice and very attentive. He cares about doing the best job possible. I also got a pedicure and the lady did a good job as well. Overall great experience. Nice thoughtful service and cute nail salon! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Was hoping that Swanky nails might be my new go to place in Chicago but was really disappointed by my experience. My nail technician messed up my dip nails resulting in the need for a second technician to come and remove much of what she had done and redo them. This was frustrating because it resulted in my appointment being over 2 hours. I was ready to jump out of my chair by the end. The nails did finally look good in the end but I was disappointed to find the dip started getting micro cracks after only about a week. Won't be back! Will keep hunting for my next go to place. read more

Been going here for three months now & I see Kevin every time for my dip nails and pedicures! Always so detailed and I leave so happy! read more

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Been coming here for years. Alex is the best for acrylics and Rachel has been able to do every design I've requested. Recommend!

With so many nail spas in the city of Chicago, I love exploring to find the ones that not only do a great job on your nails but provide a great service! An appointment was made for the afternoon but when I arrived was told that the person chosen was sick. I never received a phone call letting me know that particular person was not going to be able to do my nails. The first thumbs down. I was given a man who was in such a hurry to get my nails done. 2nd thumbs down. I told him it was the first time that I was there to let him know that you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. I guess that didn't matter to him because he argued with me when the water was too hot for my feet, did not show me how to use the massage chair and he was not gentle whatsoever. He just wanted to get it done. 3rd thumb down. Finally when he put me under the drying lamps, he did not ensure that they were turned on. After a minute or two I realized that they were not! And so I did said out loud "foot dryer is not on!" Another man came and turned them on for me. 4th thumbs down. I had set my timer on my phone for 20 minutes to let my toes dry. He never checked back with me to see if they were dry nor put the oil and the bags on my feet. He just sat in the corner looking at his phone the entire time. 5th thumbs down? When it came to paying, he jumped up and he was ready to take my money!!! In the end I went home with smudged nails which tells me that the dryer wasn't working because I sat there for 20 minutes and that never happens at any other spot I've been to. I like to put these reviews so that businesses know what they can improve on and potential customers can make a decision as to whether or not the particular salon is for them. For me I gave this place 1 star and will not go back. Five thumbs down overall. For those wanting better care and the service that you are paying for, try Loft Nail Salon and Spa off of Huron in River North. So far they are the best that I have found! BTW they have the best color selection and can do any design you show them! read more

No just no. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking. But I also expressed how uneven it was before we finished and he didn't do anything about it. And he was very aggressive the whole time. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Do I just have crap luck bc what is this - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great team! Kevin does a wonderful job and is a clear communicator. They were all so patient and gave good advice. Awesome spot for a manicure and pedicure. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been going here since February and am always pleased. I typically go to Alex and he is quick and efficient - Shapes my nails perfectly and listens to what I want. He's great! Sometimes it's hard to get an appointment with him because he's so good. That was the case for me recently so I made an appointment with Amy. I can be picky about the shape, etc but she did AMAZING! She is also quick and efficient. She shaped my almond nails so perfectly. I didn't have to ask for any adjustments and she pays so much attention to details. You can't go wrong with Alex or Amy! Annie has done my toes a few times and she is wonderful as well! I am only taking off a star as I'd like to see the salon a bit cleaner. It's not bad but could be a bit better sometimes. (Floors, pedicure stations, etc). Highly recommend! read more

Walked in without an appointment and barely had to wait. Nails were also done super quick and for such a great price. Definitely recommend

I decided to get my nails done a day before my trip to Chicago. I was flying in for the weekend to attend a wedding and I wanted beautiful Gel X nails. Unfortunately, the end result was horrible and I knew that I needed to get my nails fixed asap. When I touched down in Chicago I booked an appointment with Swanky Nails & Spa on Friday, July 14th. Overall, the service was outstanding! They were so professional, patient, and kind and they did such an amazing job with my nails (see before and after pics). read more

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I scheduled an appointment here today to get some acrylics done before I go out of town. After reading some reviews I ended up deciding to get them done by Kevin, which was the right choice! they look awesome. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - acrylic nails done by Kevin - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came to Swanky for a gel manicure right after they opened and had a great experience! The staff was kind and did a beautiful job on my manicure. Swanky was professional, clean, and modern...it lived up to the name! They have been super safe during the pandemic, as well. They social distance, have plexiglass barriers, and wear masks. This is my new go-to spot! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Front desk - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Swanky Nails is great! Amy does my nails and she is so talented and has such great attention to detail. Highly recommend asking for Amy!!! read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This sucks to do but I would highly recommend against coming here. I had requested acrylic gel set and it wasn't provided though I had an appointment. For context, I have weak nails, and I add acrylic tips to keep them at a long length. This requires cutting them so the natural nail wont break, then adding a tip. Issue one: Significant appt delay I came for my appt at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening. I waited 25-30 min to be taken care of. IT is so valid that they are busy and it truly didnt bother me. However given I made an appointment, and they had my number- I see no reason why I couldn't be warned of a late appointment. Issue two: Request not done & ruined set 1 week in I have had acrylics. In the last set 1-2 nails had popped off and broke. I knew this time around I wanted to get a fresh set. The technical Kevin neglected my request by saying I dont need that with him knowing i was concerned how long the manicure could last with weak nails. He wrote it off saying I can come back and get them fixed if needed. I got the set done on Jan 12. Since then the gel nails have broken off on three nails. All while doing simple task like opening a box with scissors, opening a fridge, and opening an orange. While I have weak nails, and I knew how to make a manicure last a month through acrylics- I find it quite absurd to be mansplained about why i don't need a service, not provide a quality service, then being with a broken $55 non chip set a week in. While I can of course always come back for a $5 repair change per nail- I do not think its fair. If you come here advocate for yourself. They will take advantage of you by not fulfilling a request you need. Lastly, this place did not ask for my vaccine card. They did sit me next to people 1 foot away. read more

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Swanky Nails is the best! This was my second time going there, and they always do a great job. Kevin did these nails for me, I rarely see a French tip done so well with dip powder and he killed it! Will definitely be going back. read more

Swanky Nails & Spa - Dip manicure with tip (coffin shape) - Nail Salons Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Kevin is my new go-to for acrylic nails with tips! He always does a phenomenal job and pays so much attention to detail and shaping, and is also super quick. He also doesn't make them too thick so they look and feel natural. I'm hesitant to add yet another good review for Kevin because he's already in such high demand they double booked him on me yesterday but he does such a great job I have to recommend him!! My nails lasted twice as long when he did them than they have by anyone else. I've also gotten dip powder done by Rachel and she did a great job. I also love that they accept zelle and venmo for payment & tip, which is convenient. read more

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