Image Nails and Spa

Cozy, happy space, with friendly, relaxed, non judgmental staff.
As a runner and a roller derby girl, my feet are really not cute. I don’t get mani/pedi’s that often, but I ran a lot of miles this week, plus I had an unattractive big toe toenail that I thought might look better covered with some pretty pink polish, Valentine’s eve, and all.
I called Image Nails to see if I could come in, as it was about 45 minutes before they’re closing time, and Vivian (who is also the owner) said yes, she would take me. When I got there, there was a customer getting a hot stone pedicure, (which looked awesome!) and 2 other customers getting manicures. Vivian was very welcoming, and we got started right away, (though in no way did I ever feel rushed throughout my entire experience– even though it was Saturday night!) Vivian was super attentive. And here, unlike some other nail salons I’ve gone to, my feet did not get any looks of disdain, or shame. I have actually found myself apologizing for the poor condition of my callused feet in the past, but Vivian didn’t make me feel that way at all.
A very pleasant surprise, paraffin was included in the basic pedicure, which I really loved.
Most importantly though, despite the hour, Vivian didn’t cut any corners, and didn’t skimp on the massage! She did a really nice job, and I left at least a half an hour after they closed.
What also added to my experience was the nice chats I had with the hot stone pedicure customer about wedding planning, and then when her pedicure was over, with Vivian. We talked about Valentine’s Day, our boyfriends, and the recent snow storm; just very pleasant small talk, which I enjoyed. I also liked that it was a small space so when staff talked to each other, they weren’t yelling across the whole salon. There also wasn’t a TV, which I appreciated.
Anyway, I’m definitely going back to Vivian, and Image Nails even though there are other nail salons much closer to where I live and work.
Also– 20% off for February, so my $ 35 pedicure was only $ 28!

I’ve been in the DC/​Alexandria area for almost 3 years now and FINALLY I can say that I have found my nail shop! I just can’t say ENOUGH about how amazing Vivian is. From the minute I first walked through the door of Image Nails only a month ago, I was immediately greeted with smiles from the staff and Vivian made me feel like I was talking to an old girlfriend. And when she finished with my nails… oh my gawd! I get acrylic with gel overlay, square shaped, and this is the first time that I can say that they looked SO natural and I’ve gotten more compliments on my nails than I’ve ever gotten! This girl is talented BEYOND belief, and I just couldn’t be happier. On another note, the last time that I went in to get my nails done, I was feeling really sad about some personal stuff. Vivian is so sweet that she actually looked up from my nails and asked, «Are you ok today?» Most people could give two craps about how their customers are truly doing as long as they pay for their service, but I almost cried when I realized how heartfelt and genuine her concern was. I had one of the BEST conversations with her that made my entire day better on TOP of having the BEST nails in town! I just love this woman SO much, and I’ll never ever go to anyone else as long as I live here. There is NO ONE in the area that can even COMPARE to her talent, and once you go to her, you’ll see exactly what I mean. She’s the BEST!!!

3 stars for a place that gave me satisfactory service in a satisfactory ambiance. The ladies were nice and very accommodating to wet nail syndrome. You know, when you cant pull up your socks or get your hair out of your mouth, fearing a smudge. It was genuine care for you and their hard work. My lady really cared about her job. She was 8 months new to the states so there wasnt much conversation to exchange. Regardless of lack of English, I still had a good time with the other technicians and even the other customers.
Call me a snob but I wanted an up to date salon and informative conversations of what was going to be done and even tips and techniques to be shared with the client/​customer. The ladies are nice, like I said. I just wanted a little bit more for the price I was paying.

Whichever top coat they used, it takes forever to dry. The youngest one there does not have the best customer service. My nails look really bad because 1) it looks like I did it myself and 2) it took forever to dry and they smudged just from the time I left the store to getting in the car

I absolutely love going to Image Nails! I have never had a bad experience, all of the staff are very personable and caring. They will make sure that your nails are perfected before leaving the salon. Vivian gives hands down the best gel manicure that you will find in this area. I’ve tested a few nail salons and I will say since coming to Image Nails I will never venture out else where. I highly recommend!

Worst manicure I have ever gotten. And all for the low price of $ 20. Are you kidding me? This is less than one star. Run, do not walk.

for a acrylic full set is $ 35 & 25 for a fill, which is very pricey! but vivianne — the store owner always always always does flawless acrylic nails! especially the claw nails which some salons can make uneven. I no longer go here because of the expensive prices but for a fancy event I would definitely stop in!

I did my homework and came to Image Nails because of good reviews on Unilocal,and I’m glad I did! They were surprisingly not at all busy around noon on a Sunday (admittedly, the day after Halloween, so lots of people may have been recovering), and I was helped immediately. The space is quiet and calm, and I was offered coffee/​water/​tea. The staff was very friendly, and seemed willing to chit chat or stay silent, as you prefer. Overall, the experience was peaceful and relaxing.
They have a HUGE selection of polish colors, both «regular» and gel, which are methodically cataloged by number so you can remember which is your favorite.
My manicurist was extremely detail-​oriented and took her time to do a thorough cuticle trim (essential for a high-​quality gel manicure). Her approach to applying the gel polish was a bit different than I’d experienced anywhere else – multiple thin coats of base coat, color, and top coat – but I trust that they know what they’re doing, and at least so far, it seems to be holding up well. It’s easily the most exacting manicure I’ve ever had.
If I lived in Old Town, this would definitely be my go-​to nail salon. Thanks, ladies!

Had a great experience here. Clean, nice place. It was very quiet. I love that paraffin is included in the standard pedicure.

Had the most disappointing, most expensive manicure of my life at Image Nails and Spa. The women are nice, the location is great, and the manicure was gentle and thorough. But it took an hour, cost $ 20, and the paint job looks like I did it myself. I won’t return.

Following a recommendation from a co-​worker, I went to Image for a gel manicure and classic pedicure. The young woman who did my manicure (I didn’t catch her name) was extremely nice and even helped me pick my nail color (which I am loving).Two weeks later, and my manicure is still going strong. A nice change from other places I’ve been. Paraffin wax was included in both the manicure and pedicure, which was a nice surprise. They even offered me water while I was getting my pedicure.
It is a small shop, with only a few stations, but I liked the cozy atmosphere. I will definitely be returning!
Thanks again!

As I’m writing this review, I still haven’t decided how many stars to give. This establishment is a rather small shop and isn’t very fancy at all. I wasn’t offered water or wine, as I’m used to in other shops. Come to think of it… I wasn’t even offered a smile upon entering.
The young woman who seemed to be running the show, asked what I wanted and then walked away from me. I stood there looking lost until she returned and offered me a seat. There was music playing but no one spoke. I was one of five customers in the shop and we were all quiet… The mood in the shop was very somber… Like we were at a funeral. Finally I spoke to the woman next to me, just to break the tension. We carried on polite conversation but were the only ones talking.
I tried to convey my thoughts (nail color, discomfort, etc) to the woman who was working with me but she didn’t understand a word I said. I asked that she didn’t massage my right hand because I was experiencing pain due to an injury. Immediately she grabbed my right hand and began working on it…
Ending on a positive note — they were fast and proficient and I’m happy with the finished result. Will I return to the little library for gel nails? Shhh… Stay tuned.

They had a great selection of colors for both gel and regular polish! I only had a pedicure and it was amazing, my feet feel so much better. I will definitely be going back!

Wonderful service. great attention to detail and top of the line choice of colors. I’ve never had a salon take such time and consideration on my nails.

Extremely happy with this nail/​waxing salon! Vast variety of colors and brands. Never too busy to take me whenever I arrive. Great massage chairs. Paraffin, scrub, light massage, hot towel comes with $ 35 Classic pedicure. $ 35 Gel manicure is done beautifully. I was so pleased with the nail service, that I opted to try their waxing service, and I am VERY picky with finding an awesome waxer because I have very sensitive vaginal skin and a very low pain tolerance. However, Vivian is fantastic! She does my waxing exactly the way I want it and is very meticulous and thorough in getting all hairs. I would absolutely recommend this salon and will continue to be a repeat customer.

Thanh did such a meticulous job on my gel nails, so I decided to change my toe polish. The color didn’t match, (I’m maintenance) but she jumped up to make it correct with a smile and efficiency. I’m pleased and satisfied :)

I have been floating from salon to salon since I have moved to Alexandria from NY. This place is pretty much across the street from me. I went there (under the previous owners) a couple of times for convenience, but it was expensive and it wasn’t anything to get siced for. I saw the ad for the monday and tues gel mani/​pedi special, and I didn’t want to get out of my sweatpants, so I gave it another shot. I went over and it looked completely different and I was greeted by Viviane, who was super sweet and you could tell she was really excited about her new business. Jen did my nails and did an awesome job. I thought at some point it was a spa pedicure and they were going to try and charge me more (we have all been in that situation) but it was just a really great pedicure. Here’s to Viviane, Jen, and staying in our sweatpants while getting pampered. So long Nails Foxy…

Since I moved to Old Town, I have been searching for a local quality nail salon, and finally found it!
Vivianne is the new owner. It was previously «Nail Image», and under her ownership it is «Image Nails & Spa». She prioritizes quality and overall customer satisfaction. She takes her time, but is an absolute perfectionist. She gave me the absolute best gel manicure I have ever had … and I have had many! She was very kind and patient. She has plans to further update the interior of her salon, but the location is perfect. It is cozy and small, not a lot of room for big groups. It’s best to make an appointment but Vivianne is very accommodating and flexible.
Amazing location.
Reasonably priced.
Amazing quality.

I have finally found THE nail salon after 2 yrs of searching. Absolutely amazing all around. Staff very friendly and facility was small but very homey. I got my paraffin pedi and gel mani. Price for both was $ 60. Which is good. I have gotten cheaper prices but i also got what i paid for. She took her time to make sure my nails and toe nail design was to my liking. Taking all my girlfriends here next time!

I was pleasantly surprised to find Image Nails and experience how good Vivianne is
It was hard to find some nail technician in Alexandria who can actually shape, file and tidy up cuticle in this town
Finally I found this nail salon that does not only offer great service, situated cleverly off King Street but also with extensive range of nail polish options and reasonable price
Highly recommend this salon