Design Nails & Spa - Sycamore, Illinois

Alex W.

I tried to use a gift card I received for Christmas at a pretty well frequented nail salon in downtown Sycamore called Design Nails & Spa. I went to receive a pedicure this past Tuesday evening and am now on a 7 day treatment for MRSA per my primary care physician.

I work at a hospital and already was fearful about the possible risk of infection, despite them using sanitary prepackaged tools they opened in front of me. They literally cut both my big toe nails (curved not square as necessary for pedicures to prevent an infection or ingrown toenail) all the way down into my nail bed and my left foot was bleeding. Not only that but the technician left before I was out of my chair and after requesting only a clear coat asked if I wanted color after he had already cut off a sizable portion of my large toenails.

Not only was I not given a refund, but they downplayed the entire situation. They said what do you want us to do? The nail is already gone. They even called me after I left and had them take pictures in an attempt to rectify the situation in some way by offering me to come back in 3 weeks for a free pedicure. To be clear I would NEVER let them touch my feet again. I called the Health Department and they don't even investigate nail salons in the state of Illinois. You have to go through the state to make a report.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, always go to a reputable source that you know keeps updated licenses and truly cares about the health, integrity, sanitation and quality care of your body!!!

Had I had a choice I would have gone to Alyssa at Lyss Laid It.

Absolutely an unforgivable customer experience. Please save yourself the worry and possibility of infection or something worse and do not frequent this establishment.

Melanie Y.

I went into design, nail and spa to get my gel nail polish taken off because I had time to kill before another appointment and after they tried to talk me into getting my nails painted again I told them I did not want gel polish, but I would do regular nail polish. Because I hate trying to take gel off and I don’t have time to come in everytime I want it off. So they gave me a color book, I picked a color (thinking it was regular nail polish like I asked for)… then they bring gel polish over. They acted like they didn’t understand me when I said I don’t want gel. So I said nevermind I don’t want a color then I just want my old gel nails taken off and they tried to charge me $30 for them to take nail polish off of my fingers. Usually I don’t put up a fight to pay for stuff, but I felt like they were trying to take advantage of me. I’m like $30 is ridiculous to take off gel nail polish. You literally put a clear coat on and said you were done because I didn’t want gel nail polish again. So they said fine $20. Which still feels like a rip off.

Skye O.

Within the last two weeks, I have visited Design Nails twice, and I was very displeased to say the least with the service I received. I normally don’t write reviews, but I felt like this one could help a girl like me, who just wanted a small pampering. Let me be clear when I say, they don’t care about giving you quality when you’re asking for the “basic” stuff, they only care about the clients that ask for things like acrylic, dip, gel, etc. I had the same woman each time I was there, both times she gave me “rushing” vibes. The first time I was in the salon, I was with my cousin who was receiving a full set for her birthday weekend from Bella (who does amazing work), and I received a pedicure. I don’t always feel the need to get my nails done, normally they chip quickly due to my occupation. The woman who did my feet not only seemed to be talking poorly about me (and the fact that I did not want a manicure as well), but she rushed through my entire process because I was one of her last clients of the day. She did an ‘ok’ job, but I have had better pedicures than what I received. Only two days ago I visited the salon again, this time for my birthday treat, and I wanted a simple manicure. She asked me if I was getting a “no chip”, and politely I responded “no thank you! My nails normally chip within two weeks anyways” and that was the last thing we said to each other, even during my service. My cousin and I called ahead, and our appointments were made a day prior. While this woman attended to my nails, a walk in showed up and asked for “dip” nails. They immediately said yes. The woman doing my nails started going far quicker than she was when the walk-in showed up. I assumed at that point, it was because she was going to be doing her dip set. She rushed through my simple basic manicure, roughly and quickly rubbed my hands, I even watched a bristle from the nail brush fall off onto my nail (which she literally just left there, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t feel like I should have had to say something, especially since she was trying to cover it up, rather than remove it) all because she had a client come in (that had zero appointment, in an already packed salon), and she was going to profit more off of her. I didn’t say anything as I left, but I will say now, my nails look terrible. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I’m having to have my nails completely redone because this woman did such a terrible job on a regular manicure. Lastly, I probably won’t be going back to this salon anytime soon, despite the rave that it gets. Mainly because, their work is phenomenal, but only on the people willing to pay a good penny. It’s very disheartening. I’d leave a one star review, or no stars, but I’m simply just not that mean. Rant over, but if you’re looking for somewhere to get your nails done to feel good, but it’s just something simple? Steer clear of here. They don’t care about all of their clients or business, only some.

EpicTeddybear1

My friend and I made an appointment to get our nails done. I was only getting a fill while she was getting a full set. First off, the girl who did my nails seemed to just not want to be there or was having an off day, so I made sure to be nice and easy going. She filed my nails kind of quickly and nicked my skin a lot, but I tried to not make it much of a deal. Then while filing, she popped off two of my nails to put new ones on. I didn’t think she needed to, but she’s the master so I let her continue. In the end, I got exactly what I wanted and it was beautifully done as my friend told me they would be. When I went to check out, she charged me $50 ($60 with tip). I was confused, so I asked her about it, saying that I only got a fill, so it shouldn’t be this expensive. But no. Because she popped off the two nails that were completely fine and intact when I came in, she could charge me more. I really should have brought out my inner Karen and made more of a fuss about it, but I just accepted it and moved on because I still got what I wanted. Now I understand that a full set (according to what my friend got) was $65, so really, I guess I got a discount? But seriously?

India W.

I went to this shop for about a year and had a great nail tech until she left. Jason started doing my nails and was fine until he cut my finger. It was bleeding and he ignored it. I asked him to stop so I could clean it. I thought maybe he was just having an off day because he never cut me. For my next appointment I made it with him. After getting my pedicure I was told to sit at another table that wasn't his. His wife Mia tried to act like was not available- but he was there and had come into the shop while I was waiting. Instead of her initially saying he didn't want to do my nails she tried forcing me to get someone else. I would have preferred her to tell me before I received any services. I don't spend money where I'm not wanted. I left and will never go back.Their customer service declined. I would not recommend to people of color. They don't value us.

Debbie H.

Spent $65 on a regular pedicure and regular French manicure. Worst ever! She never touched my heel and I have more paint on my toes than on my nails. I wish I could post pictures of how bad it is.

Patricia T.

Bella has been doing my nails for awhile now and I’ve always left there happy! Mia also does an amazing job.

Veronica G.

Always professional. I love how they do my nails each and every time. I am very picky and have ocd and I always leave feeling like my nails are perfect. I am usually there for only 30 to 45 minutes.