Dashing Diva
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 228-9999
- Cross Street:
- Between 15th Street and 16th Street
- Directions:
- L at 3rd Ave; 4, 5, 6; N, R, Q, W at 14th St-Union Sq
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-9pm
Editorial Review for Dashing Diva – by Justine Goodman
In Short
The Union Square location of the branded nail chain brings a "walk-ins welcome" sensibility to a spa-like beauty experience. To say Dashing Diva is clean would be an understatement; it's immaculate, and so is all the equipment. Every tool that touches your hands and toes undergoes an advanced "autoclaving" heat sterilization process (much like the one used to clean dental equipment), and is then stored in sealed, single-use packaging. A full menu of nail services ranges from basic mani/pedis to extensions to more extravagant treatments, like the $60, 60-minute All-Out-Diva pedicure. Waxing services and hand, foot and chair massages are also available.
Hits: Unlike the average corner nail salon, you'll never feel rushed, crowded or anything other than perfectly pampered. Three flat-screen TVs (usually tuned to the Food Network) help drying time fly.
Misses: If you're looking looking for a super cheap salon, Dashing Diva may not be for you--the basic manicure and pedicure are $15 and $35 respectively.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe salon only carries its own brand of nail polish, available in 150 different shades. If you're committed to a specific color made by Esse or O.P.I., either bring your own bottle or tell the staff what it's called and they can usually match it to one of theirs.
When to GoGet the weekend started early with free cosmos when you purchase any service on Thursday and Friday nights, 6pm-9pm.
Save MoneySplurge with discounted package rates like the Divaroma manicure/pedicure combo for $46 (regular price is $50) every Monday through Wednesday.
The ExtrasForget what you know about fake nails: With 160 customized shapes and sizes to choose, Diva's revolutionary Virtual Nails ($35) look and feel real, without the toxic chemicals and expensive upkeep of regular acrylic tips.
User Reviews for Dashing Diva
07/01/2008 Posted by hypatia1
I had a free manicure there because of some bad service. Thanks. I thought. I went to cash in my free manicure, and I regret it! I thought, "They're just nails, they'll grow back if it's not very good." I never thought I'd leave in pain. I sat down with a friendly manicurist and when she began filing my pinky nail the problems started. She began filing the left side of each of my nails obsessively and barely touching the right. She moved on to my ring finger... AGAIN! Obsessive filing of the left side and none of the right. On the next finger I stopped her and said: They're not even, do you mind filing both sides the same? She didn't really understand me. I fiddled with my fingers a bit to examine more closely what she thought she was doing. I realized then that she had nearly filed the left side of two of my nails raw. As I'm typing right now, it hurts to use those two fingers and put pressure against the keyboard. Now I like my nails short, but really? I got up to leave and several people surrounded me to 'see what was wrong'. What is wrong is you have a nail inept nail technician! They sat me down with the 'master technician' to finish my nails. She chatted me up and was nice. I left with a mediocre manicure with some sloppy edges. I will NOT be going back, I promise you that. Bottom like - worst free manicure ever. Their prices aren't cheap. I had the spoiled manicure once (step up from basic) and it was EXACTLY the same as the basic one but without the aromatherapy and with the wimpiest excuse for dermabrasion ver!) They told me I'd get a longer massage (10 mins), but was actually only 2 if that. Their nail polish formula STINKS! I forgot to mention that I have seen their massage person doing manicures when they're busy... Yep. Save yourself. Dashing Diva is invading Manhattan!
Pros: they use new tools for each manicure
Cons: everything else imaginable
06/16/2008 Posted by diva2640
I would agree with the previous post the concept of this place is great but this particular location doesnt follow through..I felt rushed for the extra $ I paid for my ped and manicure..both of which totalled close to $60 ..the nail tech wasnt really focused on the details of my experience...The place was minimally staffed (had to wait 30 mins to be seen & I called ahead with an apt.) II have however been to other sites and found better cust svc..Its unfortunate
Pros: decor
Cons: cost
