Nails on 1st

I have been going to Nails on 1st for over 5 years now. As it was back then, the salon remains a place with friendly, helpful and professional nail technicians. In the very beginning, my usual request was a regular mani/pedi. Over that past 18 months or so, I upgraded to getting a gel overlay manicure and have never looked back. I have seen my well protected nails grow longer in such a fast amount of time. They have never looked better thanks to Vivian! And every 4 weeks I loyally return, knowing that I will receive wonderful and skillful service and care!

I stopped in on a whim just trying to find a nail salon around the area and decided to try my luck here. Very pleased with the service I was greeted with right when I entered and I love how everything turned out! Grace did my mani-pedi and she was super meticulous with my nails. She went out of her way to make my perfect my nails which was very sweet. It wasn’t like your cut-and-dry sit down, rush the job, next client kinda thing I’ve been used to. Everyone here did their thing and educated me on how to better my nails. Will definitely be returning to try that overlay!! Thank you guys!!

I’ve been going to Nails on 1st for over three years for my manicures and absolutely love this place. Vivian does my nails & every single person is welcoming, kind and skilled! I go monthly and genuinely enjoy getting my nails done and spending time here each month.

Highly recommend this salon! Each nail technician takes their time and asks questions throughout the appointment to make sure length, shape, and color are perfect. Not only are the technicians highly skilled, but the environment is welcoming and friendly. Pictured here is the dip manicure done expertly by Michelle for my spooky October birthday! Thank you for the incredible job as always!

I’ve been going to this salon for 2 years now, and they never disappoint. All the staff are very friendly and dedicated to providing the best service. From the time I started going here, recommendations and care for my own personal nails have been given and followed through with (thank you, Vivian! 😊); since then, I’ve see a tremendous improvement in the health and strength of my nails. My personal recommendation is to try the vegan overlay gel—I have extremely soft nails and always thought I needed tips to have any sort of length. My natural nails now grow as long as I want them to with this gel, and I can go for weeks at a time with no breakage. I most recently had a wonderful manicure from Blanca—she’s so kind, patient, and committed to giving the best quality possible.

My 11 yo daughter and I always come to this place and we have done so for the past five years for mother daughter mani-pedis . Everyone is always so attentive, so friendly, and efficient. The atmosphere is low stress and relaxed. They give the best service. Make sure to ask for Vivian, Nataly, Grace or Michelle!!! I have to included before and after pics!

The most wonderful, relaxing experience with Natalie! She truly took her time to give me exactly what I hoped for. Genuinely cannot wait to come back!

I’m usually so boring w my nails. Funny bunny or navy … Cyndee and Grace had me test chrome on my nails and I just went for it. Fun! Love this place - the energy is the best - plus they do a meticulous job!

After showing what I thought was a very simple design, I was told "yes, we can do that" $200 and FOUR HOURS LATER (an hour after closing)- I was left with something I didn't ask for, and a very cheap looking design that upsets me every time I look at it lol. These are my real nails btw- no tips. Included in the $200 was a regular pedicure that included no massage at all.

I have been going to this place for 8 years. It is my "go to" manicure location. I love the work, the service and the people there. I have been doing Overlay Vegan and couldn't be happier with the results. After 4 weeks it's still perfect and considering I work with my hands, this is truly amazing. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great place to get your nails done.

I have been a loyal customer at Nails on First for 8 years. The quality of care and support has always been top notch. They are often busy and making an appointment is highly recommended but I am certain that you will not be disappointed. From the calming music in the background, the greetings at the door and what I consider to be solid customer service, this is my one and only nail salon!

I absolutely love this place. I used to go to wherever was convenient at the time, but now I only go here. The staff is friendly and does a great job. I have been going here now for about ten years. I will not go anywhere else.....

Worst nail job ever!! Went for a powder mani and was left with nails that are at different lengths, filed unevenly, and have hangnails. The powder does not cover the entire nail, is way too thick and wavy/uneven and looks as if it's already growing out. My skin was covered in a thick layer of glue as well that they tried to remove. A different tech then refiled my nails, but also filed off the topcoat and did not reapply. Everyone was rushing. Several other customers complained about their manicures and asked to get things fixed. My nails look like they were done by 3 year old. Never again!!!

I never leave reviews, but I love this place so much I have to. I found this salon when I moved to the UES, and now go once or twice a month. They have easy online booking, which is so convenient. They do an incredible job and are very knowledgeable about what's "trending" in the nail space. They do everything from "Hailey Bieber donut nails" to gel x to designs. What makes this place 5 stars, though, is its personal touch. I come regularly but book online, and the owners have learned my name and what I like. They are young and always friendly, and accommodating. I can be annoying with my color choices, and they ALWAYS cater to me and are SO patient. They will find the exact colors I request by name or do styles I bring them. They have such great attention to detail. It's also so reasonably priced!! During the holidays, they even gifted me nail oil and socks (two separate visits) to thank me for being a customer! I always leave a big tip because I truly appreciate these women. Never thought I'd leave such a passionate review about a nail salon, but I love this place lol.

PSEUDOMONAS BACTERIAL INFECTION ON NAILS When I was getting my UV gel fill in color changed I asked them why it looked like two nails had a green tint. The nail tech refused to answer me and then the owner came over and told me it was just germs that would grow out. I now have bacterial infections in 4 of my nails from this nail salon. They continued to do my nails and use the communal UV gel on the nails that I questioned them about. The supplies are not sterile and they use the same supplies on other clients. I will never be going here again.

Made an appointment that was not honored and was upcharged upon leaving. They had ample availability online, but were running extemely behind when I arrived. They did not notify me of this when I presented for the appointment, just instructed me to pick a color for polish. I had booked a powder removal and mani but was upcharged when I stated I had to leave due to time constraints, after they left me alone in the chair with acetone soaking my fingers for over 45 minutes and zero update or communication. I repeated several times I did not have time to wait for a manicure and polish to be applied and dry after the unreasonably long wait for removal alone. When I asked the receipt be adjusted to reflect cost of removal only, two techs flanked me at the entrance, demanding I insert my credit card in the machine to pay for both services and tip accordingly. I insisted they should not be charging me for both services when only one was performed. They continued to press and ignore my statements so I resigned to paying the unadjusted total to escape the uncomfortable situation, and have discussed the matter with my credit card company to dispute the charge upon its posting. My nails look horrible, fragile, and dry after their shoddy removal. I will definitely never return and will encourage friends and colleagues to stay far away from this salon. Unprofessional and dishonest employees run this place.

i came here a day ago for a simple soak off and a lady there name binita was so aggressive with my nails to the point where they are so frail and my pinky finger is so rare it had hole and is sore. i asked her to be gentle just for her to blame it on my thin nails. and yes i do have thin nails but not this damn thin where it hurts to run it under warm water. then when its time to pay she questions why i didn't tip her. tip culture is out of control first of all, i workin customer service and most of what i make is from tips, and i dont argue with people over it. this lady didn't GAF and i told her that tipping is optional and i would've loved to appreciate her work with a tip but there aint shit to appreciate. she left me with hyper sensitive nail beds and man handled my hands the entire time after asking for her to be more gentle. train your employees to have some sort of decorum because clearly she didn't have any.

Holy crap, this place is the BEST nail salon I've ever been to! As a former nail technician, I really appreciate how cleanly and attentive the employees here are, and they just go above and beyond to make sure you have an amazing experience and feel taken care of. The nails came out stunning, the prep was thorough and the massage was spectacular. I will definitely be coming back here asap! -Mrs. Bonafonte

First time customer. Came in for dip mani and lasted less than a week. Poor quality powder as it started cracking and eventually fell off 4-5 days afterwards. Nail tech was gentle with good technique but too bad the quality of materials is terrible. Won't be returning.

The owner is very friendly and if there ever is a misunderstanding of what you want done she makes sure it's done correctly. All of technicians are very nice as well and I've loved my nails every time. I get SNS and they can last me up to 3 weeks before I need to get them redone. If the chip within a week they will also fix it for free! I love that they have so many options for SNS too. Ive gotten gel here too and they do great designs. Vivian is one my favorites there, if she's free ask for her!

The staff is very friendly but my gel nails came off after 2 days. It is not worth it at all for the price.

They spent the first 10 minutes of my appointment telling me how my powder nails were put on wrong (from a previous nail salon). I wasn't asking for their opinion, nor did I have any complaints about my nails. I just wanted a color change. Yet, its been FOUR DAYS and my powder gel manicure from Nails on 1st is already chipping and coming off. The irony. At least my previous manicure lasted 3+ weeks from my previous nail salon. A lot of $ for poor quality. Skip this nail salon.

This salon is super clean and relaxing, and I always walk out with a very well done set. Got acrylics here with powder gel recently and they were shaped so well, and the powder came out nice and thin. There is nothing worse than a lumpy/thick powder manicure, but that is far from the case at nails on first. Great attention to detail, and excellent service .

I had my nails for vacation and that same night they chipped. WhenI canw back they did them over and my nails are horrible again. They cracked and are chiipped again. I had powder done. I will never go there again and dont recommended to anyone. They have poor quality products. Was in a rush and that's why I went there. I usually get them done on Long island at luckynails.

I've been coming here for the past year, but when COVID hit, I was hesitant to go back due to safety precautions. I finally decided it was time to get my nails done and I couldn't be more pleased and felt so safe. There was only 2 technicians working and one other client when I was there. Right when I arrived, they took my temperature, made me sanitize my hands, and sprayed the bottom of my shoes with disinfectant spray. Plastic partitioners at every station. I am always pleased with their work, but was even more pleased to see how they handled COVID.

This place is usually busy whenever I go, which is a good sign. All their technicians are pretty good- they have a deal if you visit the salon ten times, you get a manicure for free- make sure you ask for the deal card!

First time doing SNS in this salon but so far I am loving it. They have a great color selection, technician was so pleasant and place is very clean. If this last it will be my go to place for my mani/ pedi. $45 for SNS Manicure which is good for UES.

This is the best place on the UES. I come every 2-3 weeks to get a gel manicure and pedicure and they are amazing! I highly recommend nails on first!

I wish it was possible to give this place less than one star. I asked for an eyebrow wax and provided pictures for reference. The waxer too off half my eyebrow, denied that I had hair there previously, and then laughed about it. I refused to pay, and would advise you not to go. Photo provided so you can see how horrible my eyebrows are.

So I am a certifiable SNOB when it comes to manicures and pedicures! With that being said, I LOVE getting my SNS powder gel manis here. I've been to 2 other nail salons for SNS gel and they were an EPIC FAIL. I randomly found Nails on 1st and have been a loyal customer/fan ever since. My tech Vivian is neat and lets me experiment with my creative requests. I find them to be clean, efficient and super pleasant. P.S. my manicures last 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Yasssssss!

They did really good job on my nails so I always come back here! Staffs are friendly, and I LOVE the powder gel - it lasts very long. Highly recommended!

-Technician cut me twice in the same hand. Painted over my dried blood. On my other hand, I didn't bleed but it was deep enough to leave red welts and is sore. -Color application was uneven - the extremely thick coat near the nail bed so when it grows out, it has the added benefit of looking extra hideous. Rest of the nail was just thick in general. If it's a light color, try three thin coats not two extra thick coats please. -avoided the sides of my nails like they were lava. Is it too much to ask that more than 50% of my nail actually be covered by polish? -edges are rough and uneven even when looking from afar. -cured gel polish on my skin. -forgot an application of polish on my thumbs and cured it without saying anything until I noticed my thumbs were more sheer than the rest of my hands. Refused to take the top coat off and just added another thick coat of color plus another coat of top coat on top. It's like nail polish is free and she gets paid by the thickness of the layers. Technician Binita was below average in her application of gel nails. Honestly, gel nails is hard to f up and she did a great job of f-ing it up. If I wasn't in a rush before flying out, I would have gone to my regular place in the East Village. She managed to do multiple things wrong and while it looks ok now when I squint it'll be obvious once the mani starts to grow out how poor a job it really was. Also didn't wear gloves even though there was a sign on the wall that said everyone must wear fresh gloves between customers. $35 for a gel mani, if you don't want your fingers anymore or want nails so thick it's like having an extra nail come to Nails on 1st. Zero quality control whatsoever. Update - nails started lifting 5 days in.

I have been a customer for the last year or so and have been mostly satisfied until today. I asked for a fill and gel polish change, which ended up taking almost two hours. As the tech was putting on the color, it was very see through and needed a few layers. I asked for another layer as my nail could still be seen, and instead she started to put the top coat on. My tech seemed very ready to be done with my nails at this point. I had to ask multiple times for this to be fixed before it was actually done after a different tech helped out. As I was finishing, I noticed the shape of my nails were different than others, especially my index finger. But it had taken so long already and I was ready to just leave. When I was checking out, I noticed I was charged way more than I ever had been before. I asked about it, but she said that was right. I knew it wasn't as I have gotten the same thing repeatedly here. I was frustrated but didn't question it any more. I tipped about 18% and handed the receipt back. When I walked out of the store, the tech came out to tell me I needed to come back in because I didn't tip enough. I felt so uncomfortable with this approach, but came back and added a few more dollars, which ended up being about $100 total. It simply wasn't worth the money or worth the level of discomfort I felt asking for my nails to be fixed or to tip more.

This was the best part of my week. Nails on 1st is so clean and relaxing. They have adapted to COVID with all proper precautions, and even went above and beyond the standards set. It's easy to make appointments and we sat down right on time. They did a wonderful job on our gel manicures and spa pedicures. One of the best manicures I've ever gotten! Everyone here is kind and enjoyable to talk to. Can't wait to return.

I went in with my girlfriend to get her nails done after her Chemo appointment, just to treat her after the mess of a week she has had. We entered in and she said she wanted to get a Manicure and Pedicure. The lady at the front brought her to the pedicure area and the lady looked at my gf and asked her why she didnt have hair and laughed and said "bald bald" and continued to laugh. My gf was visibly upset and started crying and ran out of there and the 1 other customer that were there, visibly got upset as well and left. I was appalled at the behavior of the pedicurists and said that was discrimination and I did not even know how to react. Like it would be one thing to ask my gf what happened, but better to not dont say anything at all and let her enjoy her day. I just wanted to make her feel better and feel like herself by getting her nails done and boom she gets automatically discriminated against just because she lost her hair from the intense chemo??? like wtf is this. how is that allowed? beware of this place if you have any type of disability or physical blemish or anything of out the "normal" because you will get bullied and discriminated. I instead took her to a place that her nurse at MSK recommended, it was up the block, they were so inclusive and even let her do a free design, much love to them.

I had a great experience my first time at nails on 1st! Vivian was amazing and did a great job with SNS powder gel. After moving to NYC I struggled to find a good nail salon that is worth the money especially for powder gel and this place did the trick! They charge $45 for SNS which is pretty responsible especially for NYC. They're open till 9 pm which is a huge plus on nights I work late. They give you a rewards card to be stamped at the end of each appointment and my nail technician wrote down the color of the powder she used on it in case I had any issues or wanted to get the same color again which I really liked. I will definitely be returning!

I. love. this. place! After long search, a journey even, to find a decent affordable place in UES - my quest has come to an end! Place is great, they give great quick back massages, they have a combo gel mani/pedi package with massage for 62$! The only thing - it gets busy and making appointment is a must! If you work in a hospital nearby, this place is a hidden gem.

RUDE - I came here for a pedicure and liked the way it turned out. However: 1) I was up-charged for my service and decided not to mention anything as it was only $2.00. 2) i was also told i needed to give a 20 percent tip mandatory. I typically do tip 15-20% but was taken aback by her demand. There was nothing written anywhere in the salon saying this was a rule. I attempted to ask more senior people in the salon, at which point I was hushed told "never mind". Clearly, this woman had created her own arbitrary policy in that moment..

Well, let me start by saying I am not a reoccurring customer. I was in the city for work and needed a manicure badly so I was very excited to see there was a salon right next door! From the moment I arrived Yan was great! I got taken back right away, they had a marvelous gel polish color selection and it was basically the best manicure I've ever had! It got busy as I was finishing up which I always consider a good sign so I definitely recommend giving them a try if you're in near by and in need :)

Clean nail salon in the Upper East Side - I've never had to wait and they do a great job with both manicures and pedicures. Professional, good service has me coming back on the reg!

First time going there and was so impressed! They are appointment only right now and sanitized my hands and shoes(!) as soon as I walked in. I had a spa pedicure ($43) that came with an AMAZING ten minute foot massage, hot wax on my heel, and a leg mask. Everyone working there was so friendly, space was clean and had many covid safety measures and the service itself was awesome. Also have great selection of high end polish (like Lakur). Definitely my new spot!

Just wanted to say thank you for always doing such a wonderful job and keeping up with the latest in manicures. Vivian offers a wonderful facial as well and is very experienced at listening to the customer. Nails on first will always be my go to salon. Thanks

I used to go to this salon on a weekly basic for mani-pedi and monthly for a bikini wax. They recently changed management and not only they increased the prices but the quality decreased significantly. My bikini wax was usually was $15 and now $30 plus $5 extra for plucking what was left behind! The waxing area was uneven and when I came home I noticed she left wax all over the area. Extremely painfull to get off by yourself. Very disappointing. Won't be coming back.

I just got my gel acrylics removed the girl removing them continued to hit my cuticles with the drill until I told her not to use it any more. Then charged me 21$ after being told it would only be 10$

I get my mani/pedi at Nails on 1st on the regular. The girls use clean tools everytime! Every 10th manicure I have the choice to get a free 10min massage or free mani! Its a great deal! I do wish the mani/pedi came with a complimentary massage just a little bit longer but half the time I am in a rush and have to get out of there anyways but other than that I am very happy here !!

First time - great experience with Vivian. Second time- NEVER AGAIN with Binita, she demanded a give her more tip after she did a terrible job. She barely cleaned my toe cuticles , she was rough with my hands , the gel manicure didn't turn out so great. She made a scene about giving her 15%. I gave her shy under that bc if her lack of effort. To top it off she was on her cell phone while doing my mani and had an attitude. I'd only ever do my nails again with Vivian. This other lady needs to be re-trained, she's a bad look for this awesome location.

Came here for the first time less then two weeks ago after trying to find a nail place for so long in the UES. Place is clean & staff was nice however i made an appointment only to be waiting almost half hour. I let it go bc things happen and it was my first time. I leave with nice nails only for my nails to start lifting and eventually two nails came off and it hasn't even been two weeks (powder tips) Came back for a second time to give them the benefit of the doubt, made an app for 130, they tell me reschedule for 230, no problem, i get there, asked a Spanish looking women to look at colors, ignores me & on top of that waited again for 20 minutes. I cancelled my appointment & will not be returning. Two stars bc place clean and nice and i liked my nails the first time before they got messed up.

Told me how much to tip and demanded more money, so rude. Won't be going back, subpar manicure

I came here in a bind because it is close to work. The place first of all is not super clean. It is very cluttered. The nail technicians don't wear gloves or mask. I didn't see any obvious sterilization area or kits. They did squeeze me in on a lunch hour rush. My pedicure they barely even tried to pumice my calluses. My manicure she didn't even push back my cuticle at all. The whole experience was very factory worker. Yes It is 32 dollars for a mani pedi but you can get better for cheaper if you go a little uptown. Not worth it.

Great job with powder gel nails. They last a long time and are good for my natural nails.

I've never been so embarrassed, I don't think it's right to force customers to tip. I told the lady I had the green card with only $80 on it my other card was lost with my wallet getting everything fixed Monday. Yet she still tried to force me to tip and tax like wtf you shouldn't force it especially if I tell you I don't have. I'm never coming back, I always tip cause I work in the same industry but if I tell you why I cannot there is no need for you to harrass me.

The essie gel manicure I got chipped within the first day. Customer service was friendly enough, just wish it would've lasted longer.

After waiting 20-30 minutes for a manicure and pedicure, the nail lady told me she didn't have enough time to do it. It was really disappointing and frustrating. She didn't even understand she has lost a customer. I've been here before and there's only one lady who can really communicate with customers.

I just got a manicure, and I can easily say it's one of the best I've had to date. The place is clean and bright. My manicurist was an expert and very efficient too. There's plenty of salons around but I've definitely found the only one I need!

WILL NEVER GO BACK HERE! I had been here a few times, as it is close to work. I called this morning to see if I could make an appointment for 8 pm after work for mani/pedi. They asked me to come a little earlier, since they close at 9. I told then I would try, but that I work until 8. I asked if 8 would be OK (since I could have gone somewhere else) and they said yes. Then I offered to come get toes done during my lunch break if I could and come back for mani after work. They asked me to please do that. I wasn't dying to get a pedicure during my lunch break, but was happy to help them out so nobody had to stay late. After my pedicure, when I went to pay, I asked to pay for both the mani/pedi at that time, as it is cheaper to do both at once versus separately. The person that did my nails asked another person that worked there and she said no, that I had to pay separately. I explained how I would have come at 8, and only came now to help them out. She said if I had come at 8, then I would have gotten the cheaper price. I told them that wasn't nice, as I only came now so nobody had to stay late and they asked me to. She was nasty and refused to give me the lower price. She also said she didn't know if I would come back -- which was funny because if I didn't come back and paid for both, they would have made money off me! I told them I was going to just go somewhere else for my manicure after work. She told me I can come talk to the boss another day. I never am one to make a scene, but I was LIVID and told her exactly how I felt, hoping the other customers would hear what was going on.

If I was rating the front desk person it would be 5 stars but based on the horrible service I received this afternoon they deserve negative 5 stars........when I came in I was treated by the pleasant young lady behind the desk she took my temperature gave me hand sanitizer asked me to choose my color and seated me in the pedicure station and turned the water on she said someone would get to me in a few minutes twenty minutes later no one came to service me and I let her know I had to leave soon she offered to have 2 people work on my hands and feet great I thought she asked two technicians to work on me, they were horrible they had attitudes the one doing my manicure cut my finger never apologized and was rough she painted my nails horribly instead of leaving I changed my gel manicure to a regular manicure, the technician asked me to pay before she finished and I did, after I sat at the dryer I gave the technician a tip even though she didn't deserve one she never said thank you, the front desk young lady came over made sure I was comfortable and put quick dry on my nails, which she didn't have to do but she was really sweet and attentive, the technicians on the other hand here are horrible entitled and rude they do not respect the customers time or want to make lasting customers as this was my first time, do not come here for any service they are horrible

Came here after being referred by co-workers. I got a gel-mani and it started lifting less than a week in. This happened to my friend as well who got a SNS manicure there. Never coming back here, waste of money.