Studio L

Very warm atmosphere, everyone working there is sweet. The only issue I have is that when I asked for my nails to be cleaned up the nail technician didn’t exactly listen. My nails look sloppy. They look like I painted my own nails with my left hand (I’m right handed). I’m on my way home now to fix my nails

The quality is 10 stars. But getting an appointment is not fun. Partially because they’re always busy — which is a good sign as far as the service offered — like I said, 10 * quality. But the nail techs are also managing the appts/​phones. Not efficient, the mixups I’ve had are aggravating.
But. I still return, they’re the best at what they do.

Studio L is one of those few places that deserves all 5 stars. The staff are very friendly and professional and I walked out absolutely loving my nail art. They have a large range of designs to choose from and the nail technicians are very thorough.
It does cost a pretty penny — I ended up paying $ 75 for Calgel and nail art on four fingers but in my opinion it was very much worth it.

It’s my go to nail salon. Very convenient location from where I live and they always do a great job. Ask for Manami. She’s the best — very patient, listens to what you want and tries to make it happen. Only thing I don’t like about this place is it’s hard to make an appointment. So call ahead of time.

Flash forward 3+ years later, I am still obsessed with Studio L.
For anyone that hasn’t read my original review from 2012… I live in Maryland. NYC is a 4 hour bus ride away. Studio L is THAT good. When time permits, I go up to NYC once every 4 – 6 weeks and always book an appointment ahead of time. Am I a little excessive? Sure… judge away, lol. But when my nails end up looking the way they do. it’s well worth the travel time (ok… it also helps that my best friend lives in NYC).
My original nail artist Maria is no longer working at Studio L (sad face), but the owner Manami has taken me in and has been doing my nails for over 2 ½ years. I’ve also had Shizuka and Ayumu work on my nails — everyone is exceptional.
At this point… I’m basically a veteran to nail fabulosity. The smallest details are not missed! Sometimes I go in knowing what I want and am super descriptive about the tiniest detail. Other times I have no idea what I want and throw out basic ideas only for a theme to develop during the process. I love Manami’s flexibility with my ideas! And I totally trust her judgement and opinions when I’m unsure of how something would look (sometimes my ideas are a little crazy). I usually book for 3 – 4 hours (depending on if I need extensions) — because of the effort I go through to get there, I might as well «go big» and bling the eff out of my nails. Plus, if I wanted just a simple gel manicure, I can go somewhere in MD for that…
I’d love to describe ALL the awesome designs I’ve had on my nails, but instead I’ll upload pictures. :)
For those reviewers who mention that it takes a while for a manicure… well… would you rather them rush through? Probably not. At Studio L, they’re so gentle/​careful from start to finish. Gentle on your cuticles, careful not to cut you, and take the time to make sure the polish is perfect. Time (and money) well spent, IMHO.

I am a returning client b/​c they were so attentive w/​my first visit.
This 2^nd visit was just as good.
They are gentle with your nails. They really are talented ladies working there.
Two nails ended up being uneven in thickness of the gel, but when I pointed it out, she offered to fix it. I appreciated that. I declined her offer & just wanted her to make note of it for next time. She said she’ll put it in my file (on the iPad w/​my information). That made me feel a lot better about returning.
This appointment took a little over 1 hour. Extension appointments take at a minimum 2 hours b/​c they build the nail from scratch. Not a place for a 20 minute manicure. Plan on being there a while but getting a fabulous result.

Calgel mani and pedi from Ako and Manami. Price mani with arts $ 55 and pedi with art $ 70.
Cons: 1) art start fall off after 2 weeks; 2) some bobbles on the art, make sure to tell them to fix it; 3) take too long to do nails; 4) hold your nails too long in UV lamp; 5) use for a top not a Calgel but gel shellac… Why? If it Japanese!!! But they have a Calgel top I saw it. Very confused…
Pros: 1) remind you about appointment; 2) huge options of design, ask about a magazine with designs; 3) not noisy; 4) explained you about Calgel if you ask; 5) give you a point cart ($ 15 off); 6) very thankful for a 20% tips.

My first time at Studio L & they accidentally had me down for just a gel manicure, with no artwork. I told them I called to get artwork and showed them what I wanted. Even though it was a mix up, they were extremely accommodating. Immediately they moved around their schedules & I had two girls working on my nails. Even though they were short on time, it didn’t feel rushed. My nails turned out AMAZING. Their detail & attention on each nail is unreal. I already made my second appointment to come back.
Thank you girls!

They are the best! If you want to get the most quality nails you will go here. My nails last so long without chipping or damage. The designs are top of the line and I will never go anywhere else ! The ladies are so nice as well :)

This place is true to it’s rating here on Unilocal!If you can dream it– they can do it! The manicurists are artists in their own right whipping up designs only a Japanese teenage girl can create in her harajuku Gwen Stefani notebook or you, flipping through a magazine. However you get to your chosen design they can paint it up with CalGel on your nails.
I loved their art– their customer service, their location. The privacy of a room upstairs is just refreshing from your local nail salon where (depending on where you are) you get solicitors, lots of walk ins that often causes disruptions and just the typical busy-​ness of a salon.
4 stars for Studio L! Ya’ll are onto something here!

Excellent work. So happy with the results of my nails. They are very patient and accommodating. A bit pricy, but you get what you pay for.

I have been coming here for years and it is one of the few places I know that is consistent in their quality of service. One of my friends at work has now become addicted to getting her nails done there. I highly recommend this place, check out their work on Instagram to see the magic they do with Calgel.

You really get what you pay for here! Although this place is the priciest gel nail salon I’ve been to, I don’t regret it. They put a lot of effort into making sure your nails are perfect before you step out of the door. The place is a bit hard to find though because it’s located on the 16^th floor of a business building but once you find it, you’ll be greeted by really nice Japanese ladies.
I was inspired by a picture someone posted on Unilocal and went with the white w/​negative space nails. The nails look simple enough but it took around 2 hours for me to finish. When I compare Studio L to the other nail salons I’ve gone to, this place is definitely the best. Each finger took a while as my manicurist drew each line on with precision. I can only imagine how long it would take if I requested a picture of something on my nails! I ended up really loving how well my nails turned out and if I’m feeling the occasion to splurge a little bit on myself, I will definitely be back.

I’ve been here twice and both times I can say I was greeted in a friendly welcoming manner. When approaching the building it may seem intimidating bc it in no way resembles your typical nail salon. However once I made my way upstairs and in the room, it was cute and cozy. They have a wide range of Calgel colors and plenty of nail designs to choose from if you’re into that. I tend to only get a solid color but I’m tempted to get a design bc they’re really talented! Clean, professional, and long lasting Calgel manicure. I’m very pleased and this is my go-​to spot after work bc it’s so convenient. Only a few blocks from NY penn.

I found Studio L here on Unilocal one day when I was absolutely desperate for a gel mani back in early September. This was my first cal gel experience. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to regular gel. My manicure lasted from first week of September until I got them done again the first week of October. (They even lasted the salt waters & chlorine from my Dominican Republic vacation!) My next mani lasted exactly a month. The point being– these manicures last! I go to Ako, but all of the ladies here are so detail oriented, talented and super nice. Worth every penny!
Tip– don’t walk in expecting to be taken care of right away. This place books up fast! Make an appointment.

I have been looking for a good nail salon since I first moved to New York 9 months ago, and time and time again I have been overcharged and very unhappy with the quality of the manicures. I have found many places that do good pedicures, but none that have provided me with a great manicure (with the exception of Akiko Nails, but they’re too far from my work and the process of getting gel extensions is too long). I have FINALLY found a nail salon that it close to work, quick, friendly and provides me with an incredible manicure. I went to this salon yesterday after reading Unilocal reviews, and I’m thrilled with the result.
I booked last minute and they were able to squeeze me in straight after work. I got a Cal Gel manicure for the first time, and I asked for a simple, nude color. The technician was very friendly and helpful and she took her time assisting me. Her attention to detail was fantastic and I was beyond happy with how my nails looked when she was done. The shape is neat and the colour application is flawless. This place is definitely my go to nail salon in the city.
All in all it cost me about $ 42 dollars (excluding tip). This may seem a little pricey but it’s worth it.
My only concern is that Cal Gel will damage my own nails. While I have been assured that this type of gel is very gentle on the nail bed, I’m skeptical. I’ll have to wait and see if there is any damage when I go back in two weeks!
18^th October 2014
So I have been back to Studio L a few times since my first visit and my nails have grown more in that time that ever before. I wouldn’t say the Calgel has necessarily weakened my nails anymore than they already were, but it also does not improve the strength of your nails either.
This personally doesn’t bother me, and it is the only place I have been to in NYC where the manicure actually lasts 2 weeks!

I had an ombré Calgel there and was very happy with the result. I had something specific in mind and they did exactly what I wanted :) it’s a small place on the 16^th floor of a building (kind of like artists’ studios)
The staff is Japanese and friendly enough. I especially liked the girl who did my nails. Will definitely come back for gel manicures!

Alrighty, so I’m a bit of an OCD nail snob so I’m giving this place 3 stars. Some positives would be a very reasonable price for nail art, wide selection of add ons (like bows, jewels, etc). It’s also easier to make appointments with them.
What I didn’t like about the place was how long it took. I’ve been to a lot of different places so I know how long getting gel on and off takes, but this place was just very slow. Also, she had so much difficulty with cuticles. I’m not sure why, but it felt like she wasn’t sure how to do it and just kept cutting deeper. Lastly, I felt that they were not as detail oriented as other places I’ve been. I definitively left with some bubbles and uneven top coats (which caused discoloration earlier than it should).
Overall, I wouldn’t make them a 1^st choice, but I would return again if I’m in a bind.

such an amazing nail salon!
don’t be sketched out, it’s on the 16^th floor in an older building, but the actual salon is super cute, neat, and clean. filled with nail inspiration on those cards of nail extensions as well as a plethora of nail magazines and fashion magazines for perusing, you’ll be able to get your dream manicure here.
ako did an AMAZING job on my nails (i got a negative space manicure), drawing all these straight lines on by hand, with no stencil. i was amazed! she was so sweet and funny and did the most amazing manicure i’ve ever had for me. and all in one hour! i was so impressed.
they managed to fit me in last minute on friday, luckily due to a cancellation. they have a multitude of foils, jewels, 3D enhancements, and decorations you can use on your nails, or they can freehand a perfect design. they did mention they usually book up after work and on weekends pretty quickly, so call in advance if you can, or try your luck like i did!
and SO much more affordable than Oh My Nails in the east village (sorry! i love you guys there too but $ 200 is just way too much for a manicure!)
love it here! be back soon :)

First time here and I must say I will be back.
These ladies know what they are doing. My nails have never been this awesome. Who really gets excited about nails? I sure did, this time at least.
This is a very small salon but they make up for it in attention to detail.
I arrived late and they still accommodated me. Yay!
The little gator arm rest was annoying, but cute. It wasn’t very comfortable.
If you’re getting gel extensions make sure to ask about pricing, I was expecting to be charged $ 40-​$ 60 based on their prices online only to get a whopping $ 100 bill at the end. No one told me the plastic tips she used under my nails where extra, I didn’t want them in the first place. She insisted I needed them since my nails had no free edge which I must agree where short.
What angered me was that my thumbs seemed to have been a phenomenon in this place. Yes I have wider thumbs than most women but I’ve never had an issue using #1 tips on them. The nail tech insisted I use acrylic which I refused to. Why on Earth would I get acrylic in Midtown when I can get it in the Bronx for $ 20 tops? I came for gel and that’s what I’m getting.
After them discussing in Japanese on what to do with my thumbs (RUDE!!!) another technician came over to place a form on my thumbs and easily did a gel extension on my thumbs. This made me so angry since I wanted this all along and ended up getting plastic tips and gel on top for the rest of my hands and I was told it couldn’t be done!
All in all these ladies made my nails look beautiful. I would have preferred to get a certain price prior to beginning and then told about extras as we went along because I simply got extensions and one color and without designs.
Btw this took almost 2 and a half hours! I was tired of sitting but I let her do her thing.
So thanks Ayumi and also thanks to the lady who did my thumbs so perfectly. Next time don’t make a big fuss, no one likes to feel like an oddity. I wasn’t born with dainty little fingers but I sure love my big fingers!