Pure Rain Nail Spa

I came with a small bachelorette party while in Chicago for the day. Three of our party, including the bride, had never had a mani before! The bride got a lovely French manicure (and requested this review) and the other two ladies got manis and pedis. They all enjoyed the rom com playing.
I already had a mani and a pedi, so I got my eyebrows shaped while we were here. I usually get them threaded, but I liked the waxing. I think this is one of the cleanest, nicest, and most relaxing nail spas I’ve ever been in.
We had a great and relaxing time!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I deleted my review of two stars. I would’ve kept it, but it was written out of frustration of the service I had received two weeks ago; it was REALLY REALLY bad that I almost decided not to return to them. But that was the work of one technician and not the business overall.
The owner, Nadiya, did her absolute best to make it right, offering me a free Manicure that went so well, as usual, minus the bad experience. This is a really great place with an even better No-​Chip procedure. The ones I’d get before coming to them would damage the top layer of my nail. I don’t have that problem here at Pure Rain. I prefer Lucy to handle my nails, she’s personable and has a really warm spirit AND she’s puts a lot of effort into making sure your nails are done to perfection.

This place is fantastic. From the great service, pretty nails, and entertainment (sex in the city or today it was something borrowed — the movie) this is my new nail salon. It’s not the least expensive in the area, but my nails look fantastic and last longer than any other place I’ve been to. So, clearly worth it. They have great weekly specials if you’re available weekdays too. Don’t waste your time elsewhere. Also, it’s BYOB, so bring a friend, a bottle of wine, and get a pedi together!

Terrible. I received a no chip and the polish was matted when I left the salon, I noticed this in the light outside but didn’t have time to go back that day. I had to go out of town a few days and when I called to tell them I wasn’t happy and asked if I could just get the polish redone, I was given the run around. I was told they had no record of me coming in last week and I would need to pay for a full no chip manicure. I have the receipt that shows I was in. I am disappointed because this salon is close to my home, the run great movies and serve drinks. The technician I had did a terrible job and even worse, the receptionist answering the phone when I called to try to get my nails redone was extremely rude. I’m hopeful there are better places in the area.

I really liked this salon. I went with my coworker (who goes here often) for after work manicures. Although they take appointments, they also take walk-​ins. We were seated immediately, we came at the right time too; shortly after about 6 people came in. The color selection is great, the service is quick, my manicurist was polite and made sure I was happy with the final look. Extra bonus… you get wine with your service! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because they seem limited on staff.

Did a horrible job on the gel manicure… It looked bubbly and I could peel off the whole layer of nail polish in one… Too expensive for the quality

Earlier this week, my coworker brought me a flyer from when she got a no-​chip manicure here. She’s already told me great things about this place. I decided I would try them out yesterday because I needed a pedicure badly. Well, not real badly, maybe fake badly… After work, I called beforehand to know when they took the last customer for pedicures and if I could come the same day. I don’t frequent the area much but I do remember this spot used to be Ossama’s Hair Design MANY years ago.
The salon is nice-​looking and the staff was pleasant. While I was soaking my feet, the nail tech asked if I wanted something to drink. I took the red wine. (Now I already knew they served this because my coworker told me, so I was actually waiting to be asked.) What I didn’t know was they also have free wifi for customers. I seen another patron with a laptop so I asked if they did and they had no issue giving me the password.
After awhile of enjoying my service, I requested a manicure as well. The regular mani/​pedi deal is $ 45. I also found out the mani/​pedi deal decreases to $ 35 on Wednesdays. It was no hesitation to get the manicure because the pedicure is $ 35 alone. The only service that could be pricey is anything no-​chip. I’m not a fan of no-​chip; tried it only once in my 13 years of getting my nails done. Also, unless it’s an ‘American manicure’, I don’t care to have the same nail polish on for more than two weeks.
With any product or service you are trying to sell, in any industry, there are many others trying to do the same thing, so customer service and quality is key. Your complimentary extras, as in this instance — the wine, TV, wifi and hot stone massages, gives an additional boost for your brand and keeps people coming back. I don’t frequent a nail shop often, maybe every 2 months, but when I did in the past I went to those cheap hole in the wall nail salons on the Southside or some of the few subpar ones in the Loop. I think I finally found one I will stick with.

Love Pure Rain Nail Spa. I moved to the South Loop several years ago but never actually looked for a new nail spa. I am very loyal and still traveled up to the Lakeview neighborhood for all my nail needs. That got old many months ago, so I searched out a new place and thankfully found Pure Rain, and I am so happy I did.
Fardia usually does my Mani/Pedi’s, and she’s incredible. She is a perfectionist with a wonderfully sweet accommodating personality. Nadiya, the owner, is always there to make customer’s feel welcome and to make certain that you are extremely satisfied with the services they provide.
The spa is always clean and very comfortable. Reruns of Sex and the City often play on the tvs along with some great movies.
As long as I live in the South Loop, this will be my go to place for my nails.

Well… The hardest part about writing a review for this this amazing salon is — where to start?!
I moved back to Chicago for work after living in Los Angeles for a decade. Not long after I returned, I began the hunt for my new home-​base nail salon. Sadly, I spent my entire first year going through groupon after groupon, trying to find a spot that felt «right» to me… I actually stopped getting my nails done for a few months because it seemed more of a labor than a luxury.
Then one day I chanced upon a non-​groupon related find… A tucked away little salon in the South Loop/​Loop by the Harold Washington Library (main Chicago Public Library branch, with the gargoyles), also a few blocks from my home…
The immediate appearance seemed too good to be true… Plush couch-​like chairs, byob, TVs playing Sex & The City, free wine with your service… Additional options including massages and waxing, facials etc. by a licensed aesthetician… all at extremely reasonable prices.
My mani-​pedi couldn’t have turned out more perfect… I frequently have ingrown nails, and the girls there aren’t shy to make sure the nail is cut to my liking.
I have now gone to Pure Rain religiously for four (4) years — for weekend afternoon relaxation — or for one of their weekday specials. Mondays are no-​chip mani and pedi for $ 60, Wednesdays are regular mani and pedi for $ 35. You also earn cash points after every purchase.
I can’t help but add a shoulder massage almost every time. Get one once and you will understand why. Just beware because it can open your pocketbook to an addiction (at least it’s reasonably priced and available in moderate 10, 15 or 20 minute proportions lol).
Lesser known, Pure Rain is also pet friendly. I have brought my cat on several occasions and also my dog (when she was a puppy) — either of them sat in my shoulder bag and loved all of the extra attention. I would still bring my dog if she was a calmer breed and capable of sitting through the appt. My cat on the other hand could watch tv on my lap all day.
The entire Pure Rain staff is super friendly, helpful, and warm. Some of the women there even feel like friends or family to me, and I truly look forward to spending some of my day there every couple weeks — watching a girl-​power comfort show or movie, having a glass of wine and relaxing.
Pure Rain is my staple nail spot in Chicago — my favorite and my one and only. I even love it more than any I tried while living in Cali. Considering that I spent a decade in the LA areas of Westwood, Venice, WeHo, Hermosa Beach/​Manhattan Beach, and Santa Monica — I feel like that says a Lot. …
So highly recommended!

BEWARE! Do not be deceived by the appearance of this shop. You have a serious risk of getting a FUNGUS or an INFECTION at Pure Rain. To save money, at the expense of their customers, Pure Rain does not properly disinfect and sanitize their tools for manicures and pedicures. They do not use ultrasonic cleaners like other nail salons do. Hence their metal tools are not properly sterilized and you are exposed to bacteria from tons of people each time you have a service at Pure Rain.
Additionally, to save money, Pure Rain re-​uses nail files, buffers, pumice stones etc, on customers’ hands and feet without cleaning them thoroughly between customers. After Pure Rain completes a pedicure, they rinse the pedicure tub with water, using no disinfectant cleaner at all, and then service the next client in that tub. Pure Rain’s practices result in a huge risk for customers getting either a FUNGUS and/​or serious INFECTION from pedicure tubs and tools that have not been cleaned properly.
For the same price as Pure Rain you can go to nearby salon, Spa O, which uses files, buffers, and pumice stones ONE time only. They also use ultrasonic cleaners to properly sterilize all of their metal tools to ensure the safety of their customers. Lastly, as a precautionary measure, Spa O uses plastic liners in their pedicure tubs and then removes the liners and uses disinfectant spray to thoroughly clean their pedicure tubs after completing EVERY pedicure to minimize the risk of their customers getting a fungus.
Every time you go to PURE RAIN you are at RISK of getting a FUNGUS and/​or INFECTION. Why take this risk when other nearby salons take appropriate safety precautions and charge the SAME PRICES as Pure Rain charges?

Terrible manicure. Polish was old, waited for 20 minutes even with an appointment, polish is all over my skin and it looks worse than when I paint my old nails. The manicurists switched half way through the manicure. I explained before I was unhappy and even through the manicurist agreed it didn’t look good they would do nothing to fix it. For spending 70 minutes there what a waste of time. STAY AWAY.

My favorite nail salon in Chicago — staff is attentive and my nails are always done well. They have fun colors and fun girly movies running at all times. The salon is clean and BYOB! See pictures for my cute shellac/​no chip manicure!

By far the best place for a mani/​pedi in the Loop. Attentive staff, constant Sex and the City repeats, and wine! This was the first place I hit up for a polish change and I’ve been a loyal customer since. They have great weekly specials too depending on the type of service you’re in need of. Just make sure to book an appointment in advance — I’ve seen plenty of people get turned down for a walk-​in appointment. Don’t worry though, I’ve called the day of and haven’t had an issue getting fit in. Super relaxing setting and if you’d prefer to have your beverage of choice you’re in luck (it’s BYOB)!

«Cause BABY YOU’RE WORTH IT!»
Having moved from LA, Pure Rain Nail Spa is the BIG Chicago stand out experience I have had, and I can’t help but go back for more! The Nail Spa in itself is relaxed and beautiful. The nail technicians are not only talented and very detail oriented, but the entire staff is friendly, fun and always makes sure that I am happy with their work and my visit! I so enjoy the rom-​coms playing, the staff and the clientele. They have created a lovely, cozy atmosphere to feel well pampered, relaxing, yet at home with everyone there. You can make friends or just chill with a magazine or a movie; have a facial or a massage, «Ladies Choice.»
Their no chip (Specials on Mondays!) lasted for over two weeks, (while working retail during the holidays, opening stock boxes, zippers… you name it) and I would call that a miracle! I love bringing my friends to Pure Rain, they always fall in love too! Check out their Special Wednesdays mani/​pedis, where you can hear each client sigh… «Ahhhhh»
I am going tomorrow… oh by the way… feel free to bring some wine and make some friends, I know I will!
Thanks Pure Rain! I have never felt so pampered!

I love this Nail Salon! It’s connected to my building so it is beyond convenient for me. They always fit me in when I need a mani/​pedi. The salon is clean, the staff is friendly, and the color selection is amazing. I have not been disappointed. I highly recommend this nail salon.

I go back and forth on this place.
Things I like
1. It’s by my house
2. reasonably prices
3. The techs are really polite and friendly
4. Many many no chip colors
Things I don’t like
1. At times when I make an appointment (sometimes several days ahead of time) it’s not granted (I show up and they tell me they are too busy to take me) or delayed.
2. My 7 day nail color that I pay an extra 5 $ for stays max 4 days
3. my regular nail color stays anywhere from 2 – 10 days.
4. My no chip has never lasted more than 7 days.

I just returned from my first experience at Rain Spa. It’s clean and beautiful décor. I went for the special and arrived 20 minutes early. I was asked if they could do both mani and pedi at same time. Huh? I’m early!!! Anyway the tech who did my nails was not good. She rushed through pedicure and did not scrub my feet. Literally went over my heels once that’s it. I asked her at the end to do more. She hesitantly did. A pedicure even on a busy day should nt be less than 10 minutes.
The manicure was good.
I watched other techs and they took time with clients feet, so I think I just got a bad tech (I didn’t get her name but she’s young)

Do NOT go here. They charge $ 5 to remove no chip… even if you are getting no chip done again. I have been a patron of this salon for years. YEARS! Seen ownership change hands and have never been bullied to pay $ 5 extra on the premise of encouraging «loyalty» the way I was this morning. I walked out. Unacceptable.
Many times i have rented out the whole place for events and go as regularly to this salon as I can bc I used to love it. Today they lost a regular customer bc they insist on a $ 5 charge bc I didn’t get my last no chip done there. I travel for work and am unable to be 100% loyal to a nail salon. This business owner needs to reevaluate her policies if she wishes to retain and gain customers.

It is seriously my favorite nail place. They do a fantastic job. My pedi last for at least 3 weeks and my no chip mani last for 2 to 3 weeks (and my nails don’t get damaged)
The owner remembered me and my friend after the first visit.
They never rush and the experience is more a relaxing SPA experience than anything else.
I am very surprised if the negative reviews because all the persons I know who come here, love it as much as I do.
It is BYOB — girl talks favorite place
$ 60 deal Monday for no chip mani and regular pedi ($ 75 the rest of the week)
I simply love the place!

This was a difficult review to write. Probably one of the most difficult reviews I’ve ever written. My previous experience here was so bad, that I honestly felt traumatized by the location itself. Ever have a bad experience like that?
A little more than a month ago, the owner, Nadiya, reached out to me on Unilocal and offered to re-​coup my experience via a «free» manicure. I LITERALLY waited a full month to make a decision about coming back. I’m a pretty brave fucking girl, but being degraded just leaves a very long-​lasting sour taste in your mouth. Anyway…
I make an appointment to come back. I ended up being late by a little more than 15 minutes for my appointment. I was meeting a gal pal of mine and we were both late. I hate being late and I felt pretty shitty about it too. I did call 10 minutes prior to my actual appointment notifying Pure Rain Nail Spa that I was running late. The owner said no problem.
We got there and everything was nice and average. I should have prefaced this (an all my reviews) that I kind of have a potty mouth (when I write reviews mostly), but oh-​the-​fuck-​well. Here’s the run down:
— Nadiya (owner) made a good faith effort to reach out to me. She clearly cares about her business and wants its to be successful, like any good business owner.
— None of the terrible awful people I encountered were spotted while I was there.
— The manicure was done well and it was obvious that the esthetician was making a constrained effort to be a little nicer to me.
****NOTE**** I don’t return to business on the bequest of business owners to have my ass kissed. Personally, its rather irritating. I like this whole free-​market-​speech thing (however limited it may actually be).
This is what I didn’t like and REALLY rubbed me the wrong way, which is why I had such an issue writing this review:
— The owner mentioned that she had only reached out to offer the free manicure because she thought I still lived in the area (I live about 40 mins away from the city now).
I found it disconcerting. I haven’t worked through why I found it bothersome, but maybe because the offer at that point didn’t seem genuine. I’m not sure.
The biggest problem with reviews is that they are largely based on emotion and perception. Not fact or technique, which are typically quite secondary.
The biggest problem I had with my initial visit was how awful I was treated. The owner did much better, but I don’t feel that it was necessarily genuine. I also felt as though while she saw the service as «free,» I had actually already paid for a manicure I NEVER received a few years ago. And the truth is that for her it was a «free» service because she wasn’t the owner at the time.
Starting out at 5 stars, here’s how I break down my rating:
— 1 star for the paltry invitation not being exactly genuine.
–1 star the entire interaction being somewhat awkward.
If I had never encountered my original experience, I would frequent this business on occasion. At the time, I was in college, so of course this was a more convenient location. I’m still in the city fairly often for hair & waxes, but I probably still wouldn’t go out of my way to visit for a manicure or pedicure.
Just my two cents… or «free» cents, I guess.