Update: the owner contacted me and informed me the technicians I had were still in training and offered to redo my services! She made my appt with Merci and Kay!! Omg what a difference! Everything about this appt was perfect! Merci was great with shaping and my gel was very natural! Kay did a great massage and was also great with shape and polish was very neat! I would suggest making an appt at this location so you get great technicians! read more

I absolutely love this place. Everyone is so kind and always accommodating. Merci does an amazing job on my nails every time and Jenny is great at pedicures. read more

Love, Love, Love, Varnish Lab Nail Shop...... They always make you feel welcome... My nails are always perfect when I leave... Super clean!!! Highly recommended Johnny... the Best in Playa Vista!! read more

Varnish Lab - 3 weeks old SNS dip and Gel - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

An hour yes 1 full hour for a basic manicure! No hand massage no lotion and my cuticles are a mess still and nails are totally uneven as in one is round one is square! Very limited color selection and you'd think that the staff could take the time to at least organize the colors so it looks presentable! I really hope a better place opens up in playa cause this one sucks!!! read more

Varnish Lab - Crappy one hour long manicure! - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

Update!! I came in again for a pedicure with ELAINE... and OH MY GOSH!!!!!! My feet... look like Rihanna's!!! I SWEAR TO GOODNESS. I'm scheduling 2 week follow ups on a regular cadence. I have terrible callus on the bottom of my feet and I've been battling this for years in LA. This is the only place that actually gets EVERY BIT of callus off. I spent about an hour with Elaine and she was incredible! I had a little baby cut on my foot and she put Neosporin on it before we started . She is the sweetest, kindest, most charming and talented technician I've met!!!! Book an appointment with her ASAP!!! Per usual I am so damn thankful! If you have tough feet and want to leave looking like a sandal model, this is the trick. I was brought to tears. If I don't have a boyfriend within a week I'm going to be shocked lol... I was wearing sneakers for the past month so that guys didn't see my feet THANK YOU ELAINE!!! read more

I refuse to go anywhere else besides Varnish Lab for my nails. Tommy is the best! I have sensitive fingers and he is very gentle. This place is the best. read more

Great experience! Andy was awesome and did exactly what I wanted! Thank you! Will come back again. The atmosphere is amazing, they offer drinks, wine ect. Great place to come with groups. read more

Came in today for a full set and pedicure with Miley She did ok I've had better job done especially when it comes to a French manicure I've definitely had better job done for sure also Jenny who did my pedicure did just OKI've definitely had a better pedicure before as well The salon itself is just OK it's nothing special nothing to write home about isn't a very nice area though in Playa Vista but the salon itself is just mediocre Miley did an OK job on my nails I definitely would not go back for my nails or a pedicure and I don't recommend that anyone go to this place it's a complete waste of time and money read more

Great salon, nails look fabulous and they serve drinks! Also, they provide dip powder services. I definitely will be back!!

I want to say thank you to Kay for all her excellent advice on making my nails healthier. I just heard she is sometimes called Dr. Kay. Thank you for my beautiful nails as well. You rock. I look forward to the next appointment. 5 stars read more

I'm heart broken to write this review. I literally live across the street and I loved this salon. I came here many time when it first opened. The manicures were perfect, the ladies in great spirt! I literally raved about this place! Keisha is the best- we would laugh, joke, talk.. I love her! My past two experiences have been down right nasty. The last time I was here I was helped by a male manicurist who literally rolled his eyes and moaned when I asked to do a nail a different color. I was counting down the seconds to get out. Ok, mishaps happen. I'll come back I just left from a pedicure. I had polish caked on from nail art from my previous pedi. It was goi g to take some aggression to get it off, I'll admit. Unfortunately, I had an open wound on my middle toe. My pedicurist literally held and squeeeeeeezed the cotton ball over the middle toe, seeping polish remover in my open wound. I was biting my fingers trying not to say anything. It's almost over. It's almost over. You love this place!!!! I couldn't take anymore. Finally, I politely said, "I'm so sorry, I have an open wound right there." "I see it" the pedicurist said Ok, it just really hurt when you seeped alcohol into it. "I never did such a thing" her response, followed by a stern, "relax!" Ok but I think that's remover.. It really really burns She does it again! It kills! Never, ever, ever have I walked out of an establishment. I just did. When I apologized, she snapped, "that's right, cancel." The managers answer: she didn't do it on purpose. Gosh, please, pleeeeese bring back the great customer service. I want to love my local nail salon again! What happened Varnish Lab? You were the best! read more

Avoid this place!! I ended up with a bad infection and had to go to the doctor. He had to give me antibiotics for a week and had to soak my finger 4 times a day to help it heal! I have gotten my nails done for 25 years and never had infection! read more

I had a wonderful time getting my nails done at Varnish Lab! I got a gel manicure with Lily. She did a fantastic job and was so sweet! Kenny was very nice as well! Also, the whole salon smells amazing. Will definitely come again! read more

Varnish Lab - My gel manicure. White sparkly! - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

I had a great experience at varnish lab! I did not have an appointment but was taken very quickly and was provided great service! I got a dip manicure by jay and he did an amazing job! Would recommend and definitely coming again! Keep in mind it is very pricy. read more

Varnish Lab - nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

It was my first time at Varnish Lab and I should say I really loved the result. Apple did an amazing job with my nails! I am in love with the shape and color! I will def come back. read more

I Love this place so so muchhh Bc it makes me feel sooooo relaxing when I go there. I love the nail techs here too. Not only that they are super duper friendly and nice but they do such a fantastic job. I love getting my nails done here. They really know their clients. I don't have to say much and they know exactly what I want to do for my nails. Highly recommended for everyone that loves to get nails done especially if you are doing it regularly like me. It's a place to go for. Thank you for doing such an amazing job on my nails!! read more

Vanny is the best nail technician. I recently had some Serious health issues one where I was unable to be comfortable and getting my pedicure. She's very gentle, kind and patient. I will always ask for her when I go there for services. The environment is nice, relaxing clean and classy. I love drinking champagne when I'm there. read more

Definitely some obsession with gels and up sells generally. I called to book a mani/pedi and was asked if I wanted their "very popular" Soirée which includes massage. That sounded suspicious so I asked what my other options were and she said "just a basic mani pedi. But you don't get a massage." (Tip: the "massage" is a 5 minute hand/foot- the only other difference b/n treatments is a warm towel and $15). The receptionist then asked me if I wanted gels on just my hands or also on my toes. I thought she'd confused me with someone else, so I said no, I hadn't mentioned gels at all. She responded "okay, if you change your mind when you're here, we can add it then." I repeated, laughing but a little anxious "No. No gels. I have never done gels." I then asked about another treatment, and the first words out of her mouth were "you can't do that if you want gels." I was at that part full on freaked out, so I repeated that I did not like or want gels. As if she could sense my distress- but not stop herself- the receptionist responded: "it's okay, no one will make you get gels, but think about it and let us know when you get here." I live in Playa Vista, and like anything I can walk to, so I'll keep my appointment. But the encounter was jarring enough it sent me here to see if anyone else had had a near miss on the gels- and sure enough, this place likes gels! Update: I got gels. What can I say? I'm weak willed. They flashed all these beautiful gem colors in front of me and told me gels aren't at all like acrylics. Doing my part to support small business! read more

Tommy regularly does my dip Nails and Vanny did my pedicure last time, which was amazing. The massage she gave me was so relaxing. You can tell that they really care about the quality of their work and to make their customers happy. Both are absolutely exceptional and I would highly recommend both of them! read more

Tommy is soo funny and love his skills! I highly recommend him! I'm a usual customer! Been doing my nails for the past 10 years so my expectations are high and Tommy does the job! read more

I'm not sure why there are negative reviews for this place already. I have been to this nail salon twice already (once last wknd with my girl friends) for mani/pedi and so far each visit has been awesome! I made an appointment each time and as soon as I walked in, they set me up and got me started right away. The staff were very friendly and even offered me wine!! I can't even get water at any other nail salon! Both visits, the technicians took their time and made sure my nails were done right and not just rush me out for the next appointment! I noticed the gel they use here has lasted me longer than the previous nail salon that I used to go to. I can tell the technicians are new and still getting adjusted and settled in but overall for being so new, my visits have been awesome! I also like the fact that the technicians speak English unlike most places I have been to! I'll definitely be going back and I would definitely recommend Varnish lab to anyone looking for a relaxing new salon! read more

Great service. This place is a bit like a machine but the service is amazing. My dip lasted more than 3 weeks and the shape turned out amazing. The staff was sweet. Highly recommend. read more

I came to this nail lab because all of the great reviews, and those reviews didn't disappoint me. I chose dipping technique since the gel normally don't last long on my nails. read more

I live in Playa and was excited that a nail salon was opening right down the street. The location is great. (Located across from SOL in the Runway in Playa) The design of the interior is super girlie and cute, but I didn't have the greatest experience. The technician was not careful around the cuticles. I had small cuts on almost all my fingers and the polish was layered so thick. This place is way to pricey for the work that is being done. Super disappointed. read more

i am very happy with my first visit to varnish lab! did a walk-in on a saturday so it was pretty busy and had to wait about 15 minutes but i was prepared for that. tommy did a great job with the dip powder tho there are a few little patches missed that i am just noticing. other than that, he did exactly what i asked for and will certainly come back as i also received a 15% off coupon since it was my first time. the place is very clean and quiet, had good music and atmosphere. hostess was very nice and got me seated right away read more

Varnish Lab - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

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Try Merci, she's been the best so far!! They have lots of options for gel nails and designs.

The first time I had gone here, I wasn't disappointed and enjoyed the way my nails looked. This last time I went, I was charged $15 extra for the same exact set , 70 in total just a different color. While getting my nails done, i repeatedly said at the beginning of shaping that i wanted a square nail shape and i wanted the ends sharp rather than rounded bc they tend to get dull a few days later anyway. She continued to round them even after I stopped her to tell her that i wanted them to be sharp again. Besides them being rounded, my left set of nails looks a lot different than my right in terms of shape and i had mentioned to her that I believed my index finger was crooked only for her to tell me no and just continued file it. when it comes to the look of my nails, they are lumpy and when i asked for the design ( basic green heart) she wasn't able to do it yet never told me that so i had another lady helped and did the best she could which i appreciated but it still was not what i wanted but at that point i didn't want to complain anymore. Overall i was very disappointed with how my nails came out and the fact that they charged me $15 extra even tho I had the same nail technician the last time. read more

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Merci did a fabulous job with my dip nails today. I love how they look, the service was great and the atmosphere of this location is very chill. I will definitely come back here again soon! read more

I like this place and go for the convenience factor, but the already high prices have become exorbitant with the latest increase. $25 for a basic manicure is enough to make me reconsider my options. The technicians are lovely, but the staff working the front desk are not particularly friendly. read more

I've been to Varnish twice and both times, had a wonderful experience. On Monday I came for a mani/pedi and was extremely happy with how my nails came out. One of the best manicures I've ever had. I came back today for an eyebrow wax and had an equally satisfactory session. My appointment was at 1, but I arrived 15 minutes early and they were able to take me right away. Gabby was very careful and precise with the wax, which I appreciated. She did an amazing job. Overall, I really like this place and it has become my new go-to for mani/pedi/waxing. The shop is clean and inviting; the staff is very friendly and they remember you. Absolutely zero complaints. read more

I come to Vanish Lab for my nails and waxing. Kay did amazing work. My pedicure was just perfect. Meticulous! Also great with the waxing. I highly recommend this salon. read more

Amazing service my boyfriend and I got pedicures and were so happy with our service and results! Champagne is a plus too! So fun!

Came in with my girlfriend, friendly hostess, got a full set gel color and a regular pedicure my total came out to 91$ I don't know if they charged me for the champagne which was suppose to be complimentary but as good as the place looks (and it does look nice) I've had my nails and toes done better for much less money. If you like a really upscale setting but not the best work go here you'll impress your Snapchat followers for sure, but if you want quality in your nails don't bother. read more

Varnish Lab - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California

Thank you So much Varnish Lab! Angie and Kenny at the front desk were very sweet. Jessie did my gel mani and she was an angel and had a great suggestion for my nail color. Helen did my pedi and she was awesome as well! Thank you Xoxo -olivia read more

Pros: Close to home New and clean Cons: Expensive Poor quality manicure (nail polish started peeling off later that day) Receptionist ignores you to finish texting on her phone and has an attitude when speaking with customers (I also witnessed her speaking rudely to several other customers) Not enough technicians (you must have an appointment; walk-ins will be turned away) I was excited to have a new nail salon in the neighborhood, but I will not be returning again. I don't mind paying more for my nails if the quality of the mani/pedi matches the higher price. However, the polish peeled off in one piece from one nail later that day. By the next day, the polish had come off on two other nails. Sorry Varnish Lab, I'll be going back to my old nail salon even if I have to make the 15 - 20 minute drive. read more

So excited to have a full service nail salon in Playa Vista! The decor is beautiful and the sofa-like setup is very comfortable. (They don't have massage chairs with jet tubs but apparently jet tubs are a breeding ground for bacteria so this is a good thing.) Great service from start to finish. As you wait, you are offered tea, coffee, water, wine, or champagne which is a lovely touch. MAR and CAROLINE did my pedi and mani respectively. Both were very sweet and incredibly meticulous. One of my toes smudged so I went in the next day and NEISHA did a very thorough job fixing it. The nail technicians here are super professional, focused on service, and all around just great. The non-toxic polish they offer is Spa Ritual - really nice shades (note: $4 upcharge). Seems pretty good quality so I'm hoping it will last longer than a typical mani. Additional pros: Online booking and late hours (open till 8pm most days) Overall, this will be my go to salon. read more

Had a great experience at Varnish Lab with Tommy. I called and made an appointment thirty minutes before I got there on a Sunday and they took me right on time! Tommy did a phenomenal job on my nails, I got the "dip" powder polish and so far it is lasting great. I will say their prices are a big higher than competitors but I think it is worth it. Everyone at the salon was very friendly and it is kept exceptionally clean. Convenient location at the Runway with plenty of parking and a Starbucks right there to complete a relaxing afternoon! I would highly recommend the Varnish Lab and will be back! read more

This is by far the best nail salon I've ever been to in Los Angeles. The quality of work the nail techs do, the colors to choose from, the cleanliness of the salon, there is always a good movie playing on netflix, I could go on an on! Truly amazing and am always super satisfied when I leave. read more

Disappointed...PAINFUL & far from relaxing. I have been coming here for years and hope my recent visit is a one off because as of now, I'm not sure I can bring myself back! * So much for a day of pampering... my second time in the past year plus of taking a risk during Covid... it certainly wasn't worth the $150 (excluding tips) experience. * consistently LATE with booked appointments (this hasn't changed for years unfortunately), waited appointment, 20 mins * waxing = PAINFUL and took almost 45 mins. Excruciating experience overall albeit she was trying hard & very sweet (I've been waxing for decades and have never had such a rough experience). * EXPENSIVE for the value * everything was COLD: --the products: mani/pedi scrubs should have been warmed slightly. they were cold and felt like glass shards being used to sloth away the top layer of skin, not enjoyable!!! --the indoor space: manager/owner kept both doors wide open while he walked around in a winter jacket. It was more than chilly, again, not a relaxing or enjoyable environment. * mani/pedi massages- thoughtless, MINDLESS rubbing up, not a "massage." constant rubbing of same spot on my legs with latex gloves which eventually stick and pull on your skin. **NO** foot massage at all, LAME! Not effective, done without purpose to relax muscles. The "foot" massage (lack thereof), was repeatedly hitting my shin bone and was so painful, I had to tell her to stop. * callous remover - don't even waste your money with an upgraded pedi here... they use very little callous remover gel and a very harsh/porous stone to scrub/rip your feet apart. They do nothing to smooth out the skin after they've roughed them up. (They should use a finer scrubber following the first rough pass.) * cash only tips, if you don't have cash on you prepare to walk to the nearby bank * customer service, POOR... wasn't asked at checkout about my service and if I was satisfied. * overall, not relaxing, I was tense the two hours I was there, no worth the money or time & very disappointing read more

Omg where do I start? I went here and got chrome nails at 1st I thought they were great other than the fact they cost me $100. Literally one day later they were chipped and starting to on every single nail. I went back today and they had another lady fix them I sat there for two 1/2 hours. They charge $50 extra if you want chrome on them. I need to take a Zanex now not relaxing at all... read more

Varnish Lab - One day after my manicure and this was $94? - Nail Salons Near Me - Playa Vista, California