Wanted to love this place, felt like it would be clean organized and a good spot to adopt for my…read morenew nail spa... They have the right idea, poor execution.

I have come to love this place. After 20 years of looking for a place to get a good mani pedi, I…read morefinally found one. Ashley P does a fantastic job on my nails and Ashley S does a brilliant facial. Brenna the manager is a joy. I always leave in the best mood. Im

I visited on May 25th and wrote this that day but did not post it because I was torn as most of the…read moregirls were so kind and it was a less busy salon. I also wanted to go back and receive the paraffin treatment that I did not receive and paid for included in the $65 spa gel pedi package. It was promised to me upon leaving on the same date because the way the services were rendered was all over the place and with three different people after the "experienced" nail tech refused to do the spa part, like if it's below her or something and she refused to rub my feet specifically because I watched her do other people! She was acting weird with me from the very beginning and I was kind to everyone!! So she got one of the less experienced girls to do it, and instead Anita stepped in and did it. The owner, Anita said to come back in 4 weeks for it. Well I went back on Aug 3 and put in the notes that a complimentary paraffin treatment was supposed to happen from the last time. Mind you, through the app they set up a profile for me from last time (May 25th appt.) and when I went to rebook this month I noticed the pricing breakdown as $50 for pedi, $15 for spa, and the highest price $30! for nail art (double French or something like that) Okay, what I had asked for vs. what I got was only thin lines drawn on free hand by a thin brush with many colours across only three nails, one being my big toe on the right foot and the other two middle toes on the left, then all other nails were different colours cute summer colours including the trending turquoise. By no means were there intricate designs or even jewels put on but the price was bumped up to $95 for a pedi?!? The design was difficult for this particular tech I guess, as she tried to persuade me not to do it the second time I came while rolling her eyes and making funny faces like I was hassling her by asking questions. Of course I inquired about the bump in price, and she then agreed that I could pay the same price. Keep this in mind as you read...also the MANI-PEDIS W/ NAIL ART page of the website is totally cringe. I'm almost certain the nail tech wrote it *rolls eyes*. Needless to say I won't be back, they are an inexperienced salon (read about my experience in NY for comparison) if you like that, then go here! Anita is kind but has the ability to switch up on you depending on the nail tech attitude. I think she really runs the place...lol. Anyway, I digress. Enjoy the read below. It's long but please do take a deep dive if you have time. Trust me, it will help you decide. May 25th visit: Hhhmmm, so let me start with the positives. Most of the staff are very kind, except one who I could do without, then the rest tend to follow behind whatever she says even though you are treating everybody kindly. But hey, some people mistake kindness for weakness, especially when they are insecure about what they bring to the table. But hey, I did my best to keep my cool and not her back the same weird attitude she was giving me. This person, who I assume has a certificate from George Brown (so does the owner, hanging on the wall) is the nail tech and her nail art was just okay. I think she was more pleased with it than I was but if I send a message with a photo and ask if you can do something and the person in the other end replies "Yup, no problem", well that's what I'm thinking. Anyway, the girl that did my nail art was very unsure as to IF she could even do it. I asked if I could pick something else then but she said she'd try in this iffy way, it was weird. Honestly, it was subpar as well as her customer service. I mean if you're not going to talk to me I'm not talking. Like this is your job, not mine. She talked up the women she was doing before me and after, so that was a choice. Not sure what her problem is. Here's me trying to engage her by saying oh it looks nice. I ended up acting pleased because she had an attitude and seemed like she liked her subpar work more than I did. I just went with it, I didn't feel like being rude as it was my birthday. But when she ripped the toe nail splitter off my left foot, I had to give a slight warning and under my breath and I said "don't p*ss me off" so that she knew she should relax. PLUS she kept switching the curing machine abruptly from one foot to the other foot, but at times not turning it on. So ladies if you're not paying attention, then your gel nail polish is not getting cured properly and most likely won't last long for the money you pay. I also had to tell her that the machine was not on. She was just very abrupt at times and i don't like that! She was rude and passive aggressive, for what reason? I'm not sure. I probably should have given her less of a tip and the owner more since she was more attentive but I wasn't sure how they were going to split it. Enough with the cattiness, the owner and all other staff were very pleasant and I left a good tip. To be continued...

Very attentive. Very friendly, small shop, maybe 4-5 pedicure chairs but only 2 people working. Not…read moreenough polish options. Able to make appointment quickly, same day. It was $60 for gel pedicure including gel removal.

My daughter and I had such a lovely experience at this salon. From the moment we arrived, everyone…read morewas welcoming and friendly. Lucy, Mimi, and Anna did a fantastic job on our nails and toes, and we both left so happy with how everything turned out! We'll definitely be returning throughout the spring and summer. Highly recommend if you're looking for great service and beautiful results

Best Nail Salon in Bloor West Village! The prices are reasonable, the customer service is…read moreexcellent, and the quality of work is exceptional. My personal favorite is Mimi---she is detailed with her manicures and pedicures, and is excellent with facials....all with a sense of humor! The owner of the store is also very good accommodating any last-minute requests as well as eye-brow shaping. There are several shops much closer to me, but I choose to travel a bit further to get better value.

First let me start my review by saying that the ownership has changed hands, so the previously…read morehighlighted Rita and Steve are no longer there, however...QUEENIE is fantastic! I can't say enough good things about her, she was very sweet, warm and friendly. We had an excellent conversation for the duration of the services, and her services were meticulous. I did book on a Monday at 1PM which is their quietest time with most people back in the office, so I highly recommend making an appointment on a Monday/Tuesday before 5 PM, because after that she says that they get swamped. They are also moving in one week to a brand new glossy high-end condo first floor location, not too far from their old King St. one which was very close to me, hence my trying them in the first place. Boy am I ever glad that I did, and this will be my new go to place! I should also mention at this point that I'm actually an Aesthetician/Hairdresser myself, having owned three Spa's over the course of my career before a back injury. I'm a fairly good judge of work standard, and an OCD perfectionist, leaving the salon and not finding a single thing that I had to tidy myself which is very rare. I see from alot of the reviews that finding a great place Downtown is a real struggle, and while they are located where King Street meets a small side street named Princess, I think I heard the word Sherborne in there somewhere, but I could be mistaken. Fingers crossed that they carry on this high level of customer service and quality work over to the new space, which I assume will become incredibly busy at sidewalk level with giant new windows, brand new, and high foot traffic. So back to the services, not only did I find the mani/pedi fabulous, not rushed whatsoever (lasted for about 2 hours if I'm correct), it included exfoliation, a lovely massage and even hot towels. But wait for it, if it's even possible, it got even better. Pricing! I received a full manicure/pedicure with regular polish for $40. If I had chosen to add shellac to my fingers and toes, they have a special for $60. (As well if paying cash, no tax.) I couldn't believe it! I got this amazing service meticulously done, not rushed, left fully dry, including the tip For $50! (At that price I could afford to tip her 25%, and if I had more cash on me I would've given her more). I highly recommend this place and specifically Queenie. Again I do hope all of this transfers to the new place, but if you're reading this today on a Tuesday and can get in there before 5 PM. Now is your chance!

This salon is amazing! Best designed, the nail technician really pay attention to details ! Very…read morefriendly staff! Will come back for sure!

The quality of the work is poor. The deception in color of fingers matching the color on toes. Oh-…read moreit will dry the same color. Went because of they had the brand used on my feet elsewhere. Showed me a different brand they said was the same. It was not at all. Went to complain after the weekend and was given some story about work done and I said it was ok. The girl told me it would dry the same. It did not . Trusted them. Asked for a partial refund when asked what k wanted- told no refunds ; work already done. Lies. Beware despite other positive reviews. Waste of money. Never going back.

Came in for a walk in Monday and I wasn't expecting anything! I usually like trying new nail salons…read morearound davisville/eglinton to know where I like most! Honestly I was SO impressed with the manicure right off the bat! She really went in on my crusty ass skin and did all the steps so methodically! I showed her a photo of what I wanted and she helped me choose the colour perfectly! Not only that she applied the shellac in very thin coats..I didn't feel rushed at all! The five star is not only for the amazing friendly service but specifically for her job well done! Seriously coming back

Very disappointing. I booked the polish free pedicure $55 - 45 minutes…read more The girl was late to start 5-7 minutes and then ended the service 10 minutes before it was scheduled. I asked her and the front desk about this and they said the polish dry time is build into the time of the pedicure... basically paying for waiting for the polish to dry. But since I didn't get polish the service was ended early. The photos from the website make the place look modern and cool. In reality this place is a dump with a paint job, dirty floors and even a hole in the floor. It might have been nice when it first opened. There is a nice projector tv and I saw a customer order a glass of white wine. Not worth the $60 for a pedicure that I could have done myself.

I love love love the service at Bside beauty! My nails always look great!…read more The only downside is that it is quite costly. For extensions with different colors + matte French it costed me close to $150. Sadly because of the higher costs I am looking for other salons to try out. But they do a fantastic job at delivering what you want! The shop is also very clean and welcoming!

I love getting my nails done here. I think I've been coming to Essential Beauty for at least 2…read moreyears now - originally starting with shellac manicures before I moved onto bio gel for both manicures and pedicures. The ladies do such an amazing job! Mary leads a well oiled team - every time I've come, I know I'll leave with an awesome set that will last at least 4-5 weeks with the bio gel. The price I think is quite reasonable for downtown Toronto ($60 for a bio gel refill - without designs). Sunny has been my recent tech - she knows how to file such a good almond and I love how quick she is with designs! I always feel welcomed as soon as I arrive. It is such a cute / unique spot filled with colourful personality and Sanrio decor. I'll be back in a month :) and then the month after that...

This was a totally new experience. The whole set up is completely different from the salons I've…read morevisited here in the US. I loved the products they used. The no acrylic application using the Builder gel method is great. They had a great selection of colors and application methods. The prices are amazing and They do very quality work. I love how they take their time and I hate that this was possibly the only time I can experience this is disheartening but I am glad I decided to get my nails done here.

Unfortunately, bad experience here. Quite disappointed given the good reviews and seeing as how…read morebusy this place always is. Waited an hour after booking an appointment for a shellac pedi. The slow speed didn't stop there. The technician I had was totally incompetent (name started with an M). The application itself was just as slow - she moved at a snail's pace, and not because she was careful. She cut my 2nd toe and the toe cuticles were all cut too deep and stung once she wiped it down. (Did not even realize my toe was bleeding until we left) Polish was applied clumsily, absolutely flooded the nail beds and onto the skin. The colour was pretty at least. For a complete amateur, they should not be charging regular price. Definitely avoid the newbie if you do decide to come here. Save your dolla for someone else. I'm all for people being new and learning but this was unacceptable. The rest of the staff there seemed very kind so give them a try instead.

If you wantvto say goodbye to your natural nails never ever go there for removing your shellac !read more