I've really enjoyed the MVT location in the past--it's my favorite place to get waterless in the city, and I like their commitment to sustainability and use of nontoxic materials. However, they didn't have times available, so I opted to go to the Navy Yard instead. Both locations are clean and relaxing. I also like their no-phone policy. The Navy Yard experience, however, was average. I requested their standard manicure and the luxe pedicure. Two technicians worked on me at the same time and finished at the same time - within the hour, which was great. (One minor issue- they don't roll to your other side, so you're forced to bend your arm uncomfortably toward them, which kills the experience a little.) This was my first time getting the luxe pedicure, and while they used an extra jelly moisturizer for five minutes and a quick scrub, it felt similar to the main lane (what they call their standard mani). So I probably won't opt for that again. The massage was the same length as given at the MVT location. One of the techs noted the color was sheer, and I asked for an additional layer, which they've done no problem at MVT. But she was firm that she was only doing two. Ok friend, then why ask me if I want it sheer? The layers applied were laughably thin. I get that's necessary for a good mani/pedi, but the first application barely had any polish applied. And the mani was even thinner to the point that it looked splotchy in normal lighting. The tech working on my hands also didn't get the edges well. A tad disappointed given the price but lesson learned...I'm only going to MVT from now on. read more

Varnish Lane - Navy Yard - Splotchy nail application - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Another victim here. Lol. Guys the reviews are not Karens, it's FACTS! My own bad for not coming here to look at reviews first before doing a walk-in manicure. I thought the store was cute and looked "professional", It turned out it is just look...nothing professional. I came here cause I was around to have lunch and thought since I have some time before meeting my friends around I'll do a manicure besides waiting around by the pier. Walked in and no one welcomed me and the receptionist was somewhere hidden in the back, already a red flag but I thought I had time to spend so I'll wait. Well a good 5 mins here she comes and she polite, but once she sat me down she's back to her phone call with a friend or something, not at the front. Ok? That already doesn't look good. Then the manicure, it was nice a clean up and the guy who did it was careful and paitent with my nails, good service. But then I showed him the design which he says he doesn't do designs, so a girl helped me instead. She's nice as well, but her skill is 0. I feel bad to say, but I can't believe she doesn't have any sense in nail art. It's terrible, and I can definitely do it myself... and better! If it's just not good enough I'll take it (cause I'm a painter so it's hard to be on my OCD level), but she's... not a nail art artist at all!!! Omg?! How are they trained to do this job but is less than a normal person doing it for a friend? I hope my photos show you the quality as evidence. Please don't go there. I also costed me $70+ (tips included) just for a manicure with "design". I'm pretty upset, but at the same time I know this my own fault to not research beforehand. Annnnd I am buying a nail gel set now cause it's just hard to find a good nail artist in DC! Even with a fancy nail store, they tend to do a mediocre job. Not recommend and spend your money with 1 manicure here for 2 manicures somewhere else! read more

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*UPDATE*: It's been 3 days and my nails have already chipped. My manis normally last a week from other salons. Varnish Lane is another local high-end nail salon, similar to Nail Saloon. I think the communication could be better here and the vibe is just off. The space is very bright, airy, and clean but it doesn't really feel like a pampering experience, considering it costs almost $80 for a simple mani-pedi. It almost felt like they thought they were doing me a favor by allowing me to come here. Waterless manicures and pedicures appeal to me, as someone who has gotten an infection after visiting a nail salon in the past. My mani-pedi was actually pretty good, with a lot of attention to detail. Unfortunately however, it took 3 hours. Yes, you read that right, 3 hours for a simple mani-pedi. I actually had somewhere to go after and was super late. And then after we were finally done, the tech accidentally smudged my nail so he had to redo it. I was so tired at this point I was dozing off. The manager did address this upon checkout, however, so I appreciate that. The administrative part of the business needs some work. I had an appointment for opening day but I was called to cancel a few hours before due to an electrical issue and told that I would be called at a later date to reschedule for their new opening date. That never happened and I found out on social media that they'd actually reopened. It would have been nice if someone actually told me. They did give me a gift certificate though. The issue I have is the lack of communication. Also, when you arrive they have you wait over 10 minutes for a technician to come by, without ever saying anything so you're just awkwardly sitting around waiting for who knows how long. They are also VERY stingy with the wine here. They were out of champagne so I asked for white wine. It was very good. Tasted like a pinot grigio. I asked for anther glass and was loudly scolded. It was uncomfortable because everyone in the shop turned to look at me. The explanation was also silly. Instead of just stating that it's company policy to only give one glass of wine I was reminded that it's complimentary and they don't have to give wine and that they don't sell wine there. WTF. That whole explanation was extremely condescending and left me feeling like I was a scolded child. Really unnecessary. For the reasons mentioned above, I will not return. Nail Saloon, on the other hand, actually treats their customers like they're having a high-end experience and is much more generous with the beverages (not like I'm there to get drunk but two drinks is not unreasonable, especially over a 3 hour period). I'm paying $80 for a mani-pedi to get pampered, not be scolded. The location is very convenient for me, however. read more

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Had my first pedicure there today. It was fast, clean, and looked great. I was in and out in about 45 minutes and got compliments on my nails. Will be back. read more

I had a relaxing experience and after 25 days my nails have barely chipped at all. I'm super impressed and will be coming back. Thank you for the great work! It is nice to know your nails will last a month when you travel a lot for work, and don't have time to be at the salon!! Both hands look the same, I also built furniture, moved, did laundry, and cooked! I did not go easy on these nails lol read more

Varnish Lane - Navy Yard - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I am a repeat customer and came in every two weeks for nail services. I am usually 100% satisfied with customer service and with my nails. I am always on time for my appointments and tip 20%. Unfortunately, I came in to Varnish Lane Navy Yard for a gel manicure on Saturday March 23, 2024. My nails immediately started lifting and peeling. Four days later (today) all of my nail polish is fully removed except for a tiny pit on my left pinky. I called and was instructed to send pictures to Patricia. Patricia said her manager only approved 7 of my nails to be repainted or 50% off (The operational manager of Navy Yard would not give me her name so I only have the position to reference to.) She said they looked like I peeled them off myself on purpose. The reality of the situation is that I'm a busy lawyer and coming into the nail salon twice in 4 days is definitely a inconvenience to me and certainly not intentional. I was willing to pay the extra amount (62.40) for a gel manicure plus tip for good nails but definitely will not be shelling out that amount anymore. I am so turned off by this experience that I will no longer be a customer of Varnish Lane!!!!! read more

Varnish Lane - Navy Yard - gel by Wednesday at 2pm, manicure was 2pm on Saturday - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I came in for a mani, pedi and gel removal. They double booked my slot which was at 9 am - I'm the first client in the door and took their time before eventually saying they couldn't do my manicure at all because of the gel. Oh and this was all after they cancelled my appointment last week because they were running late with a client before me. Definitely my last time at varnish lane! Wouldn't recommend at all. read more

An update to my 9/2/2024 review: Lauren, the salon manager, contacted me shortly after my review was posted explaining there was a glitch in their system and they never received my initial feedback. She assured they take feedback seriously and did so with mine. She offered a "make up" manicure as well as additional training for the nail tech. I had my "make up" manicure today and it was delightful. The ambiance, as before, was lovely and relaxing, and the nail tech, I believe Noman was her name, was efficient but did not rush, detail oriented but not obsessive, and her massage was tops! The person at the front desk was, as before, very kind. This experience was 180 degrees different from the previous and I appreciate Lauren reaching out and offering this complementary service. I will be back! read more

The quality of the service was great! The salon is quiet, relaxing, and convenient since I live close. My feet remained soft and smooth 2 weeks later! The availability of parking isn't great, so be sure to plan ahead. read more

Beautiful space and extremely relaxing. Thank you for the great service! I will definitely be back.

I wish I had read the reviews in advance...what a total disappointment. 3 hours for a mani/pedi! I was ready to pull my hair out! I can literally already tell my nails are going to chip and/or break within days, I'll have to go get a new manicure elsewhere. What a joke of a concept. Spare your time and wallet. read more

I don't know why this place has so few stars it is AMAZING. The receptionist is very friendly and the nail techs are phenomenal. I got a gel manicure and a gel pedicure and the attention to detail was amazing. A very relaxing experience, I will definitely be back. read more

The attention to detail on your nails is super. They care about the health and look of your entire nail. They take their time and do it right. No high powered tools to get the shellac off, and don't file your nail so much that they are paper thin. The salon is clean and sleek. I saw no dust or nail polish stains anywhere. read more

I had to wait an extra 15 minutes for my pedicure because they were only two techs. No phone chargers. No offer of beverages. Adequate pedicure; nothing special. I am not going back to this location. I was there in May and it was much nicer. I expected the same experience but I was wrong. read more

The atmosphere is amazing, and the nail techs are super kind. However, the quality of the service itself was honestly terrible. Not even trying to be a Karen but genuinely trying to spare others from going through this experience (and save them the money !) Not only was the paint job terrible (seriously I could've done a better job myself) but I actually left the salon with destroyed cuticles which were torn up by the tech filing over my skin. In literal pain during the apt and red / cut up afterwards. I removed the polish as soon as I got home bc it looked that bad (which was surprisingly easy to take off for gel -- i'd be curious how long it would've even lasted) I hope this place can acquire some better techs or improve their training bc it's a great atmosphere but Navy Yard doesn't need another overpriced, below average nail salon. I would never go back (even if i wasn't paying a whopping $54 for a gel manicure!) read more

While the environment was nice and relaxing and I enjoyed the glass of wine during the service, the actual gel manicure wasn't what I expected for the price paid. It's only been a week since my gel manicure and it looks like it's been two weeks as the person who did the manicure didn't paint all the way back to the nail bed. There was space between the skin and the nail polish even on the day of service so now, a week out it already looks like I need a manicure. Also, the polish is already beginning to peel off. My last gel polish manicures have lasted me 3 weeks before I even had to think about going for another. Another downside is that I was unable to get my dip removed from my previous manicure. I had to go to another salon to have that removed before getting my manicure done. I wish there had been a bit more notice about that service not being available here. Finally, upon payment, the person said "and you want to leave a 25% tip which a) seems very high and b) while yea I had a choice to say no, I would have preferred to be able to make that decision without feeling pressure. read more

I usually go to the Varnish Lane Mount Vernon location but took and appointment at the Navy Yard location because I needed my nails done last minute before a conference. 3 days after getting my gel manicure done it began to chip at my conference. It was the most embarrassing thing. I have tried to reach out to this location but no one gets back to me. Do yourself a favor and find a different nail salon! read more

Varnish Lane - Navy Yard - 3 days after no chip - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The interior is aesthetically pleasing, but it's not worth the price. Something to note: they don't do dip removal, so if you have dip you need to take it off yourself before you go in or they'll up-charge you more than their price for gel removal. The total for my dip removal, gel manicure, and design would have been $93. Insane for the outcome I got. My service was comped, aside from tip, because I had an appointment during their grand opening that they had to cancel. It's only been 3 days, and 2 of my nails (last pic) have already broken, something that's never happened before. The white was my inspiration pic, but I asked for a pink version that fit with my nail. It's giving Patrick Star vibes. Won't be going back, don't think the quality is worth the price tag. read more

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I have now been to the Navy Yard location for several manis and one pedi. I really like the odorless and light scented oils/lotions they use and that was a main reason for me to try this business. The nail techs are very meticulous and my nails were perfectly cleaned and trimmed before the gel was applied. I like the large selection of CND polishes which is a bonus and they add your favorites to your profile. I give this location the edge because I showed a manager my mani from yesterday in which a few nails had imperfections that I hadn't noticed and she immediately arranged for someone to take care of it. No questions asked! That works for me and I'll be back. PS. Please consider adding gel to an express mani/pedi. I think it would be popular. read more

Their pedicures are amazing! They take their time so if you're used to being rushed through a service, this isn't the place for you. I didn't get a manicure but according to the reviews below, it looks like they can benefit from adding a staffer that can do nail art which is very trendy now. read more

Do not waste your time here- better off doing your own at home. I booked for a regular pedicure and they have maybe 20 max regular color options. I couldn't even stay to get my nails done because I knew I had better options just going to cvs and getting a color there. They also don't use water on pedicures and charge for everything, fyi. I explained I didn't wanna go through with the service and they still charged me 50% of what my pedicure would have been + 20% gratuity. I didn't even sit down with anyone! Also this place has a weird vibe inside, it's super quiet and all of the chairs are awkwardly facing each other. read more

Cute place, comfortable chairs, good music, they offer you Prosecco. But, I don't this this is a $60 manicure. Especially after 24hrs... complete waste. read more

Varnish Lane - Navy Yard - Manicure 24hrs later - Nail Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Nice atmosphere and consistently good service these days. They've had some bumps in the road but all good now. I usually book last minute so don't request a specific tech and feel confident that I will get a quality mani or pedi read more

Unkind staff and low-quality manicures. I would recommend going to the other salons in the area instead. If you do go, triple check that they can complete your service. My first time there, other clients were sat at a station and waited for about 20 minutes before being informed the salon didn't have enough time to complete their services, despite having an appointment. My gel manicure that time chipped after 4 days. The second time I went, I had soft gel to be removed. After barely filing them and then soaking them for less than 5 minutes, I was told that I was wrong and had hard gel and should have read the confirmation email before I came, which clarifies that they don't remove hard gel. I verified that it was indeed soft gel after checking the bottle at home. My takeaway there is that they aren't highly skilled or comfortable with gel, so I would recommend only going if you have clean nails and are looking for a subpar but overpriced regular manicure. The person at the front desk was condescending both times I was in the shop and it was extremely quiet and awkward. Not a fun experience all around, spend your money somewhere else! read more

I don't understand the low rating on here, but maybe salon and services have improved recently. I went on Monday during my lunch break and was the only one there. Got a regular gel manicure and was there for 40 mins total. Manicurist was very thorough and considerate. Front desk attendant was nice and pleasant. Salon was very clean, no chemical odor at all. Will update or dock a star if my manicure only lasts a few days. Otherwise I plan to return. read more

I had a wonderful experience at Varnish Lane Navy Yard. Parking was very convenient. The ambiance was great. My mani and pedi was perfect. Especially the massage. And my nail polish is still lasting after a week. Definitely recommend Varnish Lane Navy Yard!! read more

This place is new, clean, and bright. I wasn't really sure what to expect with waterless but was pleasantly surprised! The services were amazing and my nails still look great many days after. Well worth it. 10/10 recommend!! read more

Customer service in this place is terrible, front person was very rude, and honestly had no clue what he was doing,

Nail techs are very nice and thorough, but the receptionist was not very friendly. Mostly giving 2 stars because my gel manicure chipped after a few days. Must be something with their polishes, because again the nail techs were wonderful. read more

I've been going to VLane since they opened their Chevy Chase location in 2015. So glad they've opened in Navy Yard and enjoying the same amazing experience but closer to home. Visited twice and had great techs who did a great job with my gel mani and pedi. read more

The most disappointing manicure I've had in a long time. Awkward communication at the front desk. Chaotic scheduling and staffing. Really unsatisfactory and all around a waste of time and money. Mad at myself for not reading the reviews or just walking out when I realized how unfortunate my nails were looking. Was trying to look nice for an event but I'll have to have my nails redone now. Run away!! read more

Most expensive manicure I have ever had, and also the worst. The manicurist made me bleed during the manicure, and another spot was also raw after she did my cuticles. The full gel piece fell off less than 2 hours after the manicure was complete, and another nail fell off by day 3. While they fixed the first nail immediately, I never heard back after leaving a message about the second nail falling off. Another is already chipped. Not worth the added cost, do not recommend. read more

My second visit was as fantastic as the first! Had a pedi this time and my toes are still sandal-worthy days later!