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January 2024 by Dipali Dey
I’m not happy with my experience. The technician (Ting Ting) came late, and I was waiting for her at the counter. She was initially sweet when she took my jacket and hung it on the rack. I showed her the design I wanted, and she agreed to it. After prepping my nails (she also hurt me, which resulted in a cut, but I was nice about it), she left to get the stuff she needed to do the nail art. She returned with cheap stickers and glitter you can get off of AliExpress for less than five bucks total. I was too shocked to speak. She volunteered to get my AirPods from my jacket so I could watch something on my phone (note: I didn’t ask her to). She dropped my AirPods Pro case, and the Tile tracker attached to it came off (I told her it was okay and didn’t make a big deal out of it). While she finished prepping my nails, I showed her the image again (which she made me Airdrop at the beginning of the appointment), so it’s not like she didn’t know what I wanted. I told her I wanted the same colors as the image. She said they’d have to be painted and cost me $150, so I agreed instantly, assuming that’s what I was here to begin with! I can put stickers on my nails at home! In between, she insisted on using a sticker, and I agreed half-heartedly. When she put it on, it looked ghastly, so I politely requested that she remove it and paint it instead. She got mad at me and said that my design was too complicated and that she was getting late for her next customer. She said I should have sent the image of the design earlier instead of booking online. I corrected her, saying that I called for the appointment and made inquiries, and at no point was 1. I asked to send the image in advance. 2. Told that a simple design = stickers! I even Venmo’ed them $50 to book the appointment three weeks in advance. I texted them the proof, and even then, no one asked me to send a photo of the design I wanted. Anyway, she spent the next 20 minutes finishing my nails and making a big show of how she was late for the next appointment. The next client arrived (same race as hers), so I felt she couldn’t care less about me because of my race (South Asian). She proceeded to charge me a total of $120 for the appointment. I said no (even during the appointment when she started rushing through her job). I ended up paying her $100, which was quite generous of me, and I only did it because she kept apologizing. I was even ready to speak with the manager if she was not okay with me paying $100. I believe even that was too much because the artwork looks childish and unprofessional. I have no qualms about paying high prices if the quality is good. Unfortunately, the quality and customer service are questionable. I just feel bummed about my whole experience as I was super excited to get my nails done.
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January 2024 by Eileen Wei
I am very picky when it comes to nails, and I love getting nail art on them and this salon always delivers my requests. Seriously, pictures don't do these designs justice! You pay a fair price for the level of quality service you get. I always get hard gel and my manis last 5-6 weeks without any lifting-- and I don't try to baby my nails! All the nail techs are amazing and they really take their time with your mani to ensure it comes out flawless. I 100% recommend this salon, they are the best in Boston. You won't be disappointed.
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January 2024 by Martha Duffy
Went for a spa pedicure for two people. My tech was 15 minutes late starting. The pedicure was terrible. It was supposed to be an extended massage for 1hr 10min and although I started 15 min late, we still ended on the hour, so mine was only 45 minutes in total. The pedicure chairs were incredibly uncomfortable, not a typical pedicure massage chair- this was just a regular plush chair. Will never come back. For this kind of money, only MiniLuxe is worth it. So dissatisfying.
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January 2024 by Angie Ruth
Alright, I have to be honest. I have been gatekeeping this place since 2022. I've told others and posted on my IG while tagging them but have I done a Google review? No.These ladies are amazing. I used to see them when they were in the financial district. A small, humble salon with amazing quality work. When I say these ladies take their time to do good work, I mean it. I paid the pretty penny (prices ain't cheap!) to walk around with their work on my hands. The designs they've done for me are pure art, so of course I don't hesitate to pay them.The new shop in brookline is gorgeous and the parking is much easier than before. I also chronically run late (Caribbean people time, yknow?) And these ladies have been respectful and direct about expectations. Which of course makes me nod like, "yes girl! Protect your business!!" (Can never fault someone for communicating about a timed service.)I'm a broke girl now so I haven't been in in a few months, but these girls are amazing. If I wasn't such an eye rubber, I'd book them for lashes, too.Wishing them much success and hoping I get my money up to pay them another visit. Xo
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December 2023 by Esther Barkho
Micro-aggressions against Black customer and possible shady payment transaction practices to potentially avoid credit card transaction fees and income taxes. $116 for an average gel manicure.My friend found this place and we were both very excited to have our nails done here. My friend had her nails done at the salon a few times before I was able to join her. The first time I had my nails done I loved the outcome (extenders, with gel french tip nail art - around $200 total). At check-out I was told the credit card machine was not working and would I mind paying by Venmo. That was fine with me. This was an overall good experience. Therefore, my friend called and booked three separate appointments for us and one more friend for three weeks later (putting down a $150 deposit). At the time of the appointments the nail session was fine. However, when it came time to pay they would not let us pay separately and asked my friend who booked the appointments (and also happens to be Black) to pay for all of us on her credit card that she used to book the appointments with. We do not have a clear understanding why this request was made but, we finally agreed (even though this was inconvenient for all of us). When my friend went to pay with her credit card they told her that yet again the credit card machine was not working and asked if she would please pay by Venmo (the total for 3 people was around $275). My friend was at this point flustered due to the difficulty we were experiencing trying to pay and vocalized this to the owner, Cammie, who was checking us out. However, my friend wanting to move the process along and leave agreed and paid for us all by Venmo. As we were in the process of tipping our nail techs for their services Cammie asked my friend to prove she had paid for the appointments and asked my friend to show her her Venmo transactions. We were both confused by the request however, complied and verified our payment. I want to note that the prior time when I had been asked to pay by Venmo for my $200 dollar appointment I was not asked to verify my payment or show my Venmo transaction history (I happen to be White). The overall interaction with Cammie left us both feeling uncomfortable, moreover we both felt my friend was experiencing a micro-aggressions around payment due to her race. We will not be going back.
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November 2023 by Alice Cho
They are a bit rough with your nails, my friend and I went and her cuticles were sore into the next day. But it's a nice, clean place and appointment was easy to make.
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October 2023 by Kaya Dlouchy
I really wanted to like this place out of convenience since I live so close to it, but after a couple of less than ideal experiences I just do not think I will be returning.The first time I came in, I had booked a gel mani and pedi for my graduation. I came in a few minutes early and sat in the waiting room which is lovely. They were nearly 15 minutes late for my appointment and it was a busy day for me so I asked how much longer until I would be serviced. They took me back five minutes later clearly annoyed and they ended up rushing me through everything and doing both services at the same time switching people throughout and I felt very rushed even though this appointment was booked in advance. My toe cuticle was also nicked at one point and it bled for so long and that was not even acknowledged. When I went to pay the bill way higher than what I was expecting for a regular gel mani with no design and no hard gel and a regular pedi so I asked if that was the correct price, after reluctantly going to ask someone else he came back and told me it was actually almost $50 less than what he wanted me to pay.The last time I came in just for a gel mani and I happened to walk in with a friend. We were seated together which was super nice! I should mention that during my friend’s service, I saw that the nail tech had asked her to change the color of her nail polish three times as each one was “too thick” to apply. Her application was extremely lumpy and poorly done at which point a different tech had to come redo the entire service for her. During my service, the nail tech basically sanded off my entire nail plate and I jerked my hand back multiple times after asking her to be more gentle as I have thin nails. Once my nails were finished, I left the salon in so much pain. There was a spot on my thumb that hurt for two weeks because she kept drilling in the same spot. Not to mention after just one week the gel polish was already chipping off. I work on my laptop all day, not with my hands so there is truly no reason that should’ve happened for the price. After removing the polish myself two weeks in I discovered most of my nail beds had these thin brown lines which according to google was bruising and bleeding under my nails because of how thin my nail beds were… After that service I paid and tipped 20% as I do regardless of service, and as I was leaving the guy told me my friend didn’t pay her tip and he said that in a way like he expected me to pay for her… We walked in together and were sat with each other, but our services were not together and that is not my business. Not to mention her service had so many problems and tips are not obligatory, this was just so uncomfortable. He made me take a picture of the QR code to text her so that she could leave a tip.Overall, I would say this place has its pros and its cons. I personally have had more unpleasant experiences than positive ones, and I do not feel the prices are representing the quality of the nails and services accurately. I know some people love this place, but I think I gave it a chance to redeem itself and I only left more dissatisfied.Services: Pedicure
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October 2023 by Ginny H
Upon leaving I literally told the nail tech, “this is the best manicure I’ve ever gotten!” And I meant every word! The attention to detail, the incredibly kind staff, and the stunning salon, YES YES YES!! I will never go anywhere else again!
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July 2023 by Vivi Huang
I am super picky when it comes to nails. Most of the Vietnam Nail Salon do nail with speed not really pay much attention on the quality. I've got nightmare experience that the technician rip off my dip powder with a Charlie Card, or cut my cuticle that it bleeds. It's hard to communicate with them due to they speak little English.It's hard to find great Japanese Nail Salon in Boston. I've been Tinailery customer since 2021. Every Technician is amazing! They are friendly and not hassle you! You can really take time to relax and enjoying being pampered.Some nail salons charge cheaper price but it doesn't last long , so you have to go more often, and the product might destroy your nail bed. I usually do the structure nail, hard gel. It lasts 4 weeks without a problem, I do house chore and type all day long.There is not many nail place can do what they can do here. Their products are also imported from Asia(Japan and Korea). You've got high quality products that other nail salons don't even bother, they just want to max their profit not dedicate to do the best in the field.You might need to book the appointment way ahead, because they are too popular and they take their time to do a good job. Price is on higher side but with the quality of the product they use, and quality of the work they do, I think it's worth every dime I spend.This is my favorite nail salon in Boston. They always deliver a solid work for me.
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July 2023 by Abeer ElAnsari
It’s my fault I don’t speak up, but you have to remove regular gel nail polish a little better than this. Your website mentioned soaking as well, but that didn’t happen. I left with gel residue on my nails, they look terrible. It’s unfortunate because your manicures and cuticle care are amazing. But paying $25 for a removal to turn out like this is absurd. Paying that much, I expected to leave the with my nails looking clean. Only giving you a 1 because I like the manicuresService: Polish removal
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May 2023 by Dorothy Loren
I could not have been happier with my experience here! I am used to going to regular nail salons where manicures take 30 minutes, and this was a huuuuuuge upgrade in terms of both time spent with you and end result. Ting Ting is a perfectionist like me and made my nails look gorgeous. I will definitely be back!Service: Manicure
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March 2023 by Dolphia Arnstein
It might be the best place to get nails done but one can never book an appt. If they pick up phone, they don’t want to speak and phone has too much static noise to hear. I am texting them almost a week and I still can’t get a appt.
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February 2023 by Rebecca Chen
First time after COVID to do my nail. So glad I came here. The environment of the new store is fantastic. Their professional is not to say. The service and technique are top-notch. Though my nails are mini and round, Phoebe helped me make a great pattern. LOVE IT!
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January 2023 by Sophia Sun
The best gel manicure with Phoebe! Definitely come here if you want to treat yourself to a high-quality manicure. Phoebe is incredibly detail-oriented and talented. I felt taken care of and pampered! Would definitely come back and recommend.Service: Manicure
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January 2023 by S Joseph
Well, I have mixed feelings here. Typically, I would rave about Tinailery. Phoebe, Mia, and Cami are wonderful artists. However, recently I spent nearly $300 on my nails only to be serviced by a tech who said no to all my asks, did what she wanted to do, and the nails fell apart three days later. Currently, I am still waiting for them to make it right given they promised I can get my nails done to my liking at no extra charge.I am still waiting for a call back nearly three weeks laterOn another occasion, I booked a $12 nail fix appointment and was charged a $40 deposit. I canceled the appointment within their allotted time and they failed to give me my refund. When I called to point this out they told me the manager was unavailable and this went on for two weeks. I gave up and considered it a tip.I am not sure if they are worth the heavy cost anymore. I'll update you guys as to whether or not they have honored their word concerning my most recent issue.Update: Once again, Phoebe saved the day. I received an email concerning my complaint aimed at making me the culprit for their poor planning and lack of oversight. However, Phoebe personally text me and offered repair service and delivered.Will I return? Yes, until Boston gets more competitive Japanese nail salons and artists, I have no choice. But, I’ll no longer refer or be extremely generous with my tips. The manager is non existent or responsive and Phoebe (as well as Mia) can’t be held responsible for everything that goes on—it’s unfair to them.