Venus Nail Spa

Ann is fabulous and does beautiful pink and white.
Very nice salon and atmosphere.

I went to Venus Nail Spa to get a gel manicure. I feel bad for leaving a mediocre review, but it’s akin to the service I received. Don’t get me wrong– the staff was incredibly friendly. However, I think that the manicure process does need to be improved.
There were several issues that I experienced while receiving my manicure. First, they cut my cuticles to the point that they were lightly bleeding. I have never had this issue at another salon. One of the cuts throbbed for days and ended up becoming inflamed/​infected. Second, they did not smooth out my nails after filing the tips. As a result, the thread from their cotton balls got stuck to my nails. This thread was not removed prior to painting my nails, despite me pointing the pieces out and trying to remove them myself. Lastly, my nails started chipping just days after getting my manicure. This might have something to do with the cotton threads and uneven filing. My gel manicures usually last at least two weeks before signs of wear and tear. After just five days, the tips of my nails started to chip and the polish around my cuticles started to lift.

I got a pedicure for my first visit to this salon. Most of the pedicure chairs were filled, but I got right in. The staff isn’t the friendliest and the pedicure was just average. The location definitely helps their business, otherwise I don’t think they would be as busy as they were. The lowest price pedicure is $ 25, which I guess is the going rate. I will keep looking for a better place.

Lovely salon, but they don’t know how to do a manicure. The salon is clean and attractively decorated. They push the gel manicures because they can’t make the traditional manicures last. Try painting the very tip or top of the nail. Coming from the east coast, I never had a manicure that didn’t last at least 6 days (usually longer).
What do the NE salons do better or different?
1. they use a better quality base and top coat (the used here was dull after one day).
2. offer a larger variety of colours.
3.They paint the top of the nail (over the edge) and that has lasting power.
4. They spend time on the massage. It is stronger leaving my arms and hands feel invigorated. In fact all of the women are trained in massage and they give you a shoulder massage while your nails are drying.
5. Offer a beverage — doesn’t help the manicure, but makes you feel pampered.
I am in search of a great salon in Gainesville, one that knows how to do a manicure. Am I asking too much?

I have come here several times and tried different technicians. So far they all have been good, I would say great but the last two occasions they didn’t paint all the way to the cuticle and my gel manicure only lasted a week instead of the two weeks most gel manicures last. I’m back again because it’s clean, they take walk ins and it’s not overly crowded. They offer several other services from facials to waxing. Overall, a convenient easy to get to location with parking generally right out front.

I read the previous reviews online so I decided this would be a great place to get my nails done. For having such a prestigious location in Haile Plantation I expected much better service than what I received. One of the technicians’ kids were running around the salon while I was there which ruined the whole quiet ambience I was wanting. I had acrylic nails done and they were very thick and sloppy — my technician got the acrylic all over my fingers. Within a week and a half the corners were lifting. The overall service was very disappointing.

They work hard to do a good job here! We have been coming here since they opened over 4 years ago and they know my mom, my sisters and our puppies by name! We can call at 5:30 for a 6 PM appointment and they will even stay late to finish all of us.
I love the way they do my pink and whites and you can choose which shade of pink you want. My mom and sisters get the gel nails and they swear by them because they don’t chip like regular nail polish does!
They do sterilize everything in their store, unlike what another user posted. Also, there can be a little bit of a wait for walk-​ins but they are between a frozen yogurt store and a coffee shop, so you can always entertain yourself while you wait.

This is an update to my previous review. I’ve lived in Gainesville for 5 months now and been to several nail places in town. Venus has become my go-​to nail place. Although they may not live up to my Chicago standards, they are reliable, they always fit me in (but you really should make an appointment for evenings or Saturday mornings), and they are friendly. My shellac still chips in 10 days, but I haven’t found a salon that can beat that in town.

Their manicures are great, the nail techs are super thorough and very nice. Sometimes there’s a wait, especially on the weekend, so i recommend making an appointment.