Varnish Lane Navy Yard 300 Tingey Street Southeast, Washington, District of Columbia 20003

"I recently had a disappointing experience at Varnish Lane Navy Yard. After a deceivingly friendly start, the receptionist gave conflicting information about additional charges for multiple nail colors. The lack of consistency in communication among staff members was confusing and unprofessional. After requesting the process to stop due to the unclear policies that the nail tech I was working with had never heard of and drastically different prices, I later discovered an unexpected charge of $36 on my card, processed four hours after leaving. The incomplete service further added to my frustration. I urge the salon to review and clarify its policies for better customer satisfaction and warn others about their practice of charging your card without permission or warning after an incident like this. Sadly, I cannot recommend this place and suggest removing payment information if it's on file."

"I like the concept and was really excited to try Varnish Lane out finally, but it wasn't the 'luxury' experience advertised and reflected in their pricing. I just wasn't impressed overall. While the vibes were immaculate, the space clean and music great, I felt I was paying a lot more for my manicure to get those things than actually receiving a luxury experience when it came to the services. For example, they advertise heavily that there was a really good hand and forearm massage included in my manicure, but i got the 30-second half-effort experience you would receive at any run-of-the-mill nail shop. Additionally, it's a cool concept that you sit in a comfortable arm chair for the manicure, but you have to reach your left arm over to have that hand serviced and it's very uncomfortable. The front desk worker answered every question I had with, 'I don't know,' and did not seek further answers/explanation. When I said I wanted a french manicure, she had to make sure my tech knew how to do that, which is probably the most basic of 'nail art' out there, so that was a bit odd. I also had to wait about 20 minutes after my appointment time to actually get a nail tech over. Overall, I wouldn't recommend going to Varnish Lane because their prices are way outside the norm for nail services, and what you receive in return is not reflective of that hefty price increase."

"Such a wonderful first time experience. Patricia in the front reception was so sweet and welcoming and my nail tech was a complete perfectionist! Everything was extremely clean, waterless is so much better (no soaking your feet in those gross tubs) and the vibe is so welcoming, relaxing& calm. Though the prices are a little steep, I definitely will be back!"

"This place is completely different from the normal nail salon. It is a dry bar, which I prefer now. Much more sanitary and better for your nails. The energy is totally high vibrational at this place. From the decor to the music. No loud shouting between employees or beepers going off here. This is a place to relax and enjoy a spa like experience. No TVs. Just people relaxing and minding their business while getting their mani and pedi. I really liked having the option to do both at the same time. Very affordable. Loved being welcomed and taken care of when I arrived. They offer water and other drinks. Their nail polish selection is unmatched. Lots of nice options for a neutral nude instead of just a ton of bright colors. Seems like a well thought out business. They even have cute flip flops you can purchase. The desk employees was very welcoming and professional. The nail techs were detail focused and super professional. The place is as clean as it gets. The bathroom was clean. Not sure what else to write about. Will return for all my nail needs. Will take friends. Definitely recommend because gorgeous gorgeous girls do not gate-keep in 2023! Thank you for attending my Ted talk."

"I have now had two bad experiences back-to-back. I try not to poorly review a place for a one off experience. I had gone here 10+ times previously. However I can’t return here. The first time I was told “we can’t finish your manicure because we’re overbooked” after they removed my Polish leaving my nails brittle and exposed. I had to beg them into putting a plain polish on so they wouldn’t break. No apology. Just a comment “I don’t know what to tell you” then proceeded to seat her friend in my place after I’d waited 30+ minutes for them to start. This morning I was seen 15+ minutes late, and it took three separate times to explain I wanted a stiletto shape nail. The tech had to ask someone else to help me, and it still wasn’t done right. The Polish was so thin she had to use four coats and now my nails are thick and clunky. They then switched me to another tech because once again they ran out of time. The entire experience was stressful, and I was once again offered no apology. Very disappointing. The manager emailed me the same response after the first private review they post on here. So there is a lack of care, with the same blanket apology statement but no action to fix anything."