Emi Nails

I landed upon Emi Nails on Unilocal after endless searches for the best Japanese gel nail art. The reviews here are all true, Emi is absolutely amazing.
I went on a weekday during the evening and the entire process took close to 2 hours long, but it was definitely worth it. I had 2 nail extensions and nail art done. Emi uses gel nail forms for extensions which is quite rare in NYC, this type of extension is so much better since it uses your original nail to build length. Emi is very sweet, easy to talk to and most importantly, very detailed and organized. She can basically replicate any design you like, really impressed with that.
I’ve had my nails for over 3 weeks and I’m still getting compliments on them.
Emi is not your average priced gel nail salon, but the quality of her work really justifies the price. I’d definitely recommend her.

I cannot rave enough about how much I love Emi’s work and how much I love Emi herself. I really do not like sitting still for very long but she makes it fun and she’s so easy to chat with. Her work speaks for itself. I’ve never left disappointed or concerned. The nails last a long time and continue to look amazing. I have no worries that when she does my nails for my wedding they’d look anything but gorgeous.

Emi did my wedding nails and everyone was raving about my nails! She is very sweet, easy to talk to, and meticulous with her art.
She confirmed the appointment the day before and was in general easy to get a hold of. She operates out of a side room in Deify salon and books about 4 – 5 appointments a day, I think.
Nails are pricy but worth it considering how long they last and how stunning they are. I literally am wowed by my nails every time I look at them. As others mentioned she used only Japanese nail gels which is high quality and doesn’t require filing down the nail like Shellac.
Notes: tip in cash and it’s better to remove your gel nail polish at another salon before coming since the charge here is $ 15

Emi does a fantastic job! She uses a Japanese gel which is very different from your normal gel manicure. Although, it isn’t cheap I highly recommend going to her. Especially if you are looking to get your nails done for your wedding!

I LOVE Emi’s nails! She’s so incredibly talented at what she does and makes the experience enjoyable. I highly recommend her!

I found Emi on Unilocal and I’ve gone to her several times. She has never disappointed, she is exactly as the others say. She does excellent work, she’s sweet, funny, professional and a very skilled nail tech. Emi knows how to do any design and can make your nails look as glamorous or as chic (and simple) as you like.
I’ve since moved away from New York to California, so I miss Emi, because finding someone good to do your nails is VERY difficult, and after six months away, I haven’t found anyone yet.
I love you Emi! When I visit New York, I will definitely be visiting Emi’s nail shop.

Emi is amazing! She is by far the best nail artist I’ve ever been too. She is a real professional and extremely sweet and nice. I just had a vague idea of what I wanted and she helped me pick the design and gave me suggestions.
I would definitely go back!

Emi is by far the BEST nail artist I’ve ever been to. She is so detail oriented and so great at her craft. I’m getting married this weekend and she made sure everything was perfect! I’m so relieved to have found her. If you’re curious about getting nail art but are afraid it won’t look nice, I suggest you see Emi, she will hook you up like none other.

Very talented, very tatted nail artist. I work for a top salon spa so I’m very picky about my beauty services. Emi is a gem, she painted Mondrian art on all my nails in 65 minutes! Totally fabulous and amazing, check out her Instagram @emy_aoki_nails!

Emi is so talented! I went with more simple nail art (more my style) and was so impressed. She takes so much care and makes sure it’s perfect. Plus she’s awesome and so lovely to hang out with for an hour!

Emi is the BEST gel manicurist in NYC! She uses Japanese products only – no gelish or shallac gross-​ness! The quality of the product and Emi’s talent is why her manicures look amazing and last so long! The extensions I got look and feel amazing. My first pair lasted four weeks before I got them filled in. Emi genuinely cares about all of her clients. She must see so many people and yet, she remembers everything you talked about last time you were there! It’s never silent and awkward like it can be with other nail artist. I will only go to Emi – she is truly one of a kind! Talented and wonderful! The best in NYC!

I recently had my nails done by Emi. I’ve never tried Japanese nail art, but I decided what the hell. I needed to get my nails done to keep the IDEA of spring alive in my wintery heart. I selected a design and Emi walked me through the process. The end result thawed me. I felt as if it was summer and the sun was shinning on me through my nails. They make me very happy. And they should, since it’s damn pricey ($ 80 w/​o tip). But they are so worth it. Treat yourself.
Sidenote: I didn’t know she specifically focused on these type of nails until I got there. I just went to her because she had 5 stars and I needed my nails done. Unilocal got it right!

I moved to NYC a few months ago. I usually do gel nails and found it really difficult to find someone who did proper UV gel (not the gelish/​shellac stuff). I found Emi on Unilocal and thought I’d give it a go. And oh my am I glad I did. Emi is the sweetest person and very talented at her craft. I personally haven’t gotten any nail art done but every time I go Emi always has a new design and they are always so cute and creative.
All of the products she uses are from Japan and are of the highest quality. She has a wide selection of colors, sparkles and etc. I love that she’s as picky and as meticulous as I am. She gets my pointy talons to the tee every time! She’s just overall super awesome! You won’t be disappointed!

Emi is the best. I swore off gel as it severely damaged my fragile nails. But thanks to Emi I am back. She is extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful. She really wants what is best for the client and does not push additional services if she doesn’t think they are necessary. Her nail out art is spectacular. She is tucked away in the back of a hair salon near FIT. Thank goodness my office is right next door because I am there every two weeks. But you can definitely go for 3 weeks and she does such an amazing job the gel doesn’t chip! I highly recommend her!

Emi gave me a great experience for my first time with nail extensions! We had nice conversations and the great thing about her is that she speaks english, which i dont find common with other Japanese nail artists. She is definitely a perfectionist and i loved that she painted the sides of my nails! My previous gel nail experiences weren’t as great as this one.
I’m very picky with what i want and Emi did an amazing job executing my requests. She gives great advice on what I should do to save money if i ever return. I will definitely come back!

This place is a MUST-​GO place. Emi is a wonderful manicurist. I love how she actually cares about her customers. She even asked me to keep some of my nails and only do some extensions so I could pay less. It must have been a busy day for her. But she still took her time doing my nails and talked to me all the way through. I was so excited by the time I was done! My nails were shining and glowing. It is amazing how she did it in so little time with SO MUCH LOVE. I am going to visit for my next nails too!
The story of yesterday:
I was desperate to do my nails before going on my date yesterday. I searched through Unilocal to find which place has the best rating. As I was going through the reviews, I figured that there are only few that opens on Sundays. I was sooo disappointed on how nail shops don’t open on Sundays. Then I got to find Balance Nails! But since it is through reservations, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it.
I called Balance Nails at about 5 mins before its open time and left a voice mail. In about few mins later, Emi called back! She told me how the schedule is full for her. But she still asked how my nails to be done. I told her that I want it to be one solid color. She then told me about how she might be able to squeeze me in at 3pm. She said she will consult the customer at 12 and see if the customer’s nail can be done before 3. She called back at about 12 and told me she will be able to do my nails!!! HOW AMAZING?
I arrived about 2:40. The place was so cute and I walk in with her in about few mins. Even though I was indecisive about how I want my nails to be done, she helped me though and encouraged me. I could finally figure which fingers nails to be extended and the color of my nails. She was so gentle and totally knew what she was doing. She friendly asked questions and led our conversation. My eyes were drawn to her portfolio placed on the side. There were so many cute nails that she’ve done. I asked her if I could do them. Because of the time I had was so short I could not do all 10 nails but she did one art for me. It is even cuter.
Emi is SO talented and soooo nice. I would definitely recommend this nail shop to anyone who is looking for their nails to be done! Don’t hesitate!!!
And the price was reasonable :) I wish I could pay her more only if I had more money prepared.
I LOVE YOU EMI! Thank you so much!

I can’t begin to describe what a wonderful experience I had at balance nails. Emi was the sweetest person I’ve ever met. Even though I was running late. She knew I came all the way from Michigan and she waited for me. Which was so sweet, because I know her time is precious! She took her time and was so welcoming! I love my nails I can’t stop looking at them! I definitely will be back to NYC just to visit Emi !
The layout of her work space is absolutely adore ale! It made you feel comfortable and welcome. Also, all the products she uses are top of the line gel!
However, the greatest thing about my experience was Emi’s amazing artistry skills! She’s amazing! A true artist! All the designs are hand drawn by her!
I can’t wait to come back! Hope to see you in Detroit soon Emi!
Thank you

I wish you could rate manicurist the way you rate über. This way all of the bad manicurist would be taken off the road and all the crappy patrons would get one star. Alas, this is not the case. In NY you have to pay and try until you find your true love. I found my match in Emi from Balance Nails.
I admit I am completely spoiled by hard gel. The resiliency, beauty. I don’t care what people say about hand cancer, UV gels last forever and make your hands look pretty. Problem is the real masters of this type of gel are in the burbs. I don’t know why? Maybe people think short, stubby, manicured nails give you more street cred? I don’t know. What I do know is I like my long and tapered. The place I went to that took off my hard gel made my nails look like they had been filed by a blind seagull. Or something that doesn’t have hands, and any business giving manicures. They said they hoped I come back… Never.
I’m a fancy girl. I like my nails clean, so that I am undistracted by them. I want to pull out my clutch and to not feel ashamed by my chimney sweep nails. I like clean and long!!! Emi recognized this and made me feel comfortable. She’s a Japanese, tatted angel with the soul of a Buddha who is recreationally obsessive compulsive with nails. First time she did my nails she just wanted to see how they would respond to the gel. Two weeks later when she realized my nails were made for gel she created a proper tapered shape in a nice ivory shade. She blended two different gel types to create the right resiliency and color.
She’s only one person and her office is in the back of a hair salon. I love this because I hate the factory feel of many NY mani/​pedi salons. She only does gel manicures. But, think of her as a specialist or as an artist. She does what she does best.
I’ll be back!

Emi is a really talented and creative nail artist, she is very friendly, I’d love to come back next time ;)

I first went to Balance Nails in early December, 2013.
I had acrylic nails removed a week before that had left my own nails dry, thin, too short and very damaged. I vowed to never have acrylic nails again and began to see Emi at Balance for gel nails.
I’ve been going to Emi for four months now, about every two to three weeks. My old, damaged nails have grown out while being protected by Emi’s beautiful gel designs. This is the strongest, longest and prettiest my natural nails have ever looked!
For designs, Emi creates her own or embellishes an idea that I bring to her. She takes time with each nail, whether it is a simple or complex design. She helps me plan colors and designs around an outfit I may have for an event (yes– I am THAT girl, ha ha) The gels remain shiny, strong and I’m aways getting compliments on them. I work closely with clients daily and it means a lot to me to have my hands look nice, maintained and finished.
Balance has a very convenient location and hours as well.