Element Beauty Lounge

11/11/09

Great Mani-Pedi, Rude Manager.

by Kawea at Citysearch

Element Beauty Lounge's atmosphere was pretty nice. I made sure to make an appointment early so I wouldn't be bombarded with a slew of fashionistas also waiting to get their Mani-Pedis. When I got there they were just setting up, which I thought was odd because I showed up 20 minutes after they were scheduled to open. The whole procedure was fantastic. Ako, who tended to me from start to finish, did an excellent job on my toes and my fingers. Even getting rid of EVERY ugly-dry cuticle!!!

Why did I only give them 3 out of 5 stars? To start, there were signs everywhere "suggesting" that the client give a 15-20% tip. I thought this was a little unorthodox, but may be helpful as they listed how much each percentage was worth for a 62 dollar value. (probably for the Groupon people, like myself)

Lastly, the Receptionist/"Manager" (she told another woman, that came in to complain, she was the manager)...who ever she was needs to either get a speech coach or learn how to speak English correctly. I couldn't understand a word she was saying over the phone or in person. After drying time, I personally handed my manicurist her tip and thanked her (more than 15%). When I was heading towards the door the Reception-Manager stopped me to ask me to give my Mancurist a tip! I told her I did and I left. I was surprised! No one has ever asked me to give a tip in my life before. It was as if it was Mandatory! I thought this was rude especially for a place of it's caliber. Tips are NOT mandatory, nor are the percentages! They are considered GRATITUDE for a job well done. Nail salons in the most ghetto parts of The Bronx aren't this rude!

• Pros: Great Atmosphere, Awesome music, lovely staff!
• Cons: Rude Manager. Pushy for Tips and how much to tip!

07/23/09

Great Manicure/massage/atmosphere

by Kris10F at Citysearch

I stopped in Element the other day and really had a great experience. Great staff, fresh/calm atmosphere. Huge selection of colors. The service was great, very quick and the technician did a great job, best of all I got a free shoulder massage!! Definetely will recommend Element to my friends.

• Pros: Manicure, free massage

07/22/09

Great E. Village spa!

by stopthehotpants at Citysearch

Everyone was really friendly from the moment I walked in and the atmosphere was really relaxing. They have so many hot colors to choose from too. Their new Essie summer colors are awesome, and I haven't seen them in a lot of the other salons I've been to. And if the color is a must-have, they will sell it to you for a really decent price. The mani pedi I got was great and a week and 1/2 later it still looks fresh which is really hard to come by. I feel like after going to most salons my polish looks bad even just a few days after but not here. I feel like the overall experience was better than most salons in their price range too. Highly recommend!