Accustom Nails & Facial

After all the changes happening at U.S. Nail Spa (see my updated review), I decided I needed to give Accustom Nails & Facial a try since they are literally down the street. I’ve been a regular here for almost a year now and I really like this little gem of a place! Like most salons in the area, a large part of their clientele consists of TSU students, so they’re always busier on weekends when school is in session, as well as homecoming and finals.
I can only describe this place as «organized chaos,» meaning there’s always a lot going on, but Justin (the owner) and his wife make sure things stay running smoothly. Upon entering, there are eight nail stations in front of you on the left and seven spa pedicure seats on the right. There are chairs around the front of the salon to serve as a small waiting area near the nail drying station. The regular polish station is toward the back. Powder and shellac are kept near the front. They have a decent amount of choices available. I appreciate that there isn’t a lot of turnover with the nail technicians and all of them do great work. The men get down on the pedicures — cuz you gotta’ put in work on Tashi’s feet, honey! No hammertime for me!
You’re always greeted as soon as you enter and they are always honest about the wait. I’ve seen Justin turn clients away because he doesn’t want the staff rushing just to get more bodies in the seats. One thing I love about Justin is he genuinely cares about his clients. This man is also fully immersed in black culture LOL! The shop plays a lot of smooth jazz, 80s and 90s R&B and soul music. It’s not uncommon to hear him singing along to Peabo Bryson or Johnny Gill when the shop is playing oldies. I’ve heard everything from The Temptations to Quincy Jones’ Juke Joint played here. Sometimes they play old movies like «Harlem Nights» or old TV shows like «The Parenthood.» Even when there’s a bit of a wait, I don’t mind because they always have something playing to capture my attention.
I only get shellac manicures and pedicures from here, so those are the only services I can speak on and recommend. (I’ve had my eyebrows waxed here, and though I liked them, they were not my best. It’s a great second choice). My nails and feet are always to my liking and they last two weeks or more before I notice any significant chipping. I pay $ 67 to $ 73 per visit, depending on if I have my eyebrows waxed (and most times, I go across the street to Tina at U.S. Nail Spa). Their prices are along the same lines (or cheaper) of what I’ve grown accustomed to after living here in Houston.
They serve bottled water, but no alcoholic beverages or juice. Justin isn’t going to allow y’all to get «turnt up» on his dime LOL! Despite the location (Scott Street) and having a lot of young clients, I haven’t experienced or witnessed any drama here. Everyone is respectful to the staff and each other. Also, Justin is very assertive, but he’s not rude. I’m pretty down-​to-​earth, so this place suits me just fine.

The staff is rude and changes the price when you’re finished getting your nails done!!! And she did a sloppy job!!!

Never been to a «hip hop» type salon before! Place was cool and inviting. The sisters can bring in their drama mamma problems sometimes though!!!

I love this gem of a shop!!! My first time here I thought it would be ghetto due to location… I was pleasantly surprised!
The shop is clean. They play an assortment of music (jazz, r&b…) cooling calming music.
People keep their voices and convo to a minimum and the service is wonderful.
Trying to convince Justin to start serving wine and then they’ll be perfect lol

I usually do my own manicures; but, when I treat myself to a mani/​pedi, this is where I go. Accustom Nails has been open for a while, and the owners are very generous & sweet. They usually relate to their clients as if they were all family. Not to bring up the old «Cheers» theme song, but sometimes you feel more comfortable supporting a business where they not only do a great job… but where they know you… and your sister… and your mother! I would recommend their eyebrow waxing services for those who prefer that (I only get mine threaded), because the «mom» who does them knows what she’s doing. She never takes off too much, and follows simple, classic shapes. This one gets five stars for being family-​friendly and professional.