Oak Nails

I’ve had shellac manicures 3 times here and they are fantastic! $ 30 for the entire process, includes a full manicure and they have tons of colors. Lasts up to 3 weeks if I really take care of it, usually around 2. I’d recommend Ken or Nikki :).

Been coming here for four years… couldn’t be happier. Lindsay always takes such good care of me… definitely highly recommended.

Oak Nails is my favorite place to get a nice, affordable mani/​pedi. My nails have always looked great and the shellac lasts the full two weeks even after shifts at a restaurant.
I’m giving Oak Nails three stars because I was talked into getting a brow and upper lip wax on a slow Friday night and the waxer ripped skin off if my face. Now I have a pretty noticeable scar right under my nose.

Ok. I like this place normally, but recently 25% of the time my gel manicures chip. This week it was less than 3 days old. Then another chip at 4 days. I’m pretty sure the issue was that the polish was old. I wish they would’ve just thrown it away and asked me to choose another color. It seems like that was the very same issue the last time, too. I don’t know if I’ll go back at this point.

I consider pedicures more of a form of torture than a form of relaxation. Every new pair of scissors or clippers they pull out makes me cringe. But a girl has to do what a girl has to do and I go about once a year to get my toes taken care of.
I was in desperate need of a pedicure before vacation on Sunday and couldn’t find a girlfriend to tag along. So I grabbed a book and Unilocaled the closest nail salon to my house and Oak Nails popped up.
The lady who did my toes was very nice and let me read my book while she worked. I appreciated that she never mentioned how tense I was and just let me do my thing.
I decided to spurge and get my nails done, too. The guy who did was nails was nice, as well. I wasn’t able to read, obviously, and just kinda sat there in silence. He mentioned a couple of times that I needed to relax my hands and fingers more (which is frustrating to a person who doesn’t know how to relax). But overall, he was very gentle and kind.
I only have one other salon to compare Oak Nails to and I think I like this place better. I ended up paying $ 56 plus tip.

I have been going to Oak Nails for about 3 years. I am always satisfied with the manicures and pedicures I get here. Like any salon, the quality is somewhat dependent upon the technician. There’s only been one time I can remember that I thought my manicure could have been better/​less sloppy. I typically get shellac on my fingers and the process is quick and the polish stays for 3 weeks. All of this remains true but lately I’ve been disappointed in their customer service.
I used to always be greeted by Diana (often while she was working) and told to sign in. The greeting was quick and casual but friendly and warm. Now there’s a teenage girl running the desk and she is awful. I’m sure she’s a nice kid, but she’s not friendly or cordial at all. She sits at a desk and texts all day. When someone walks in she says the exact same emotionless, «What can we get for you today?» The last 2 times I have gone to Oak Nails I made an appointment and I’m 0 for 2 on this girl remembering I MADE AN APPT. I had to tell them this time «I have an apt». «Oh, what did you need?» WHY DID I MAKE THE APPOINTMENT? The time before last I said «I have an appointment» and then sat at the desk behind the register waiting for 15 minutes before I asked if I was going to be helped soon/​that I’d made an appointment. It makes me feel sad and conflicted but I may stop going if someone doesn’t start driving the boat that has even a LITTLE customer service finesse. Moral of the story — your teenage daughter/​cousin/​friend is not the same as a friendly adult. Get a new desk person please!!!

Just went here while on vacation and let me tell you… Amazing service, very friendly staff, and awesome job on my toes and nails!!! Best massage I got too! The ladies took time to do a fantastic job even though they were closing, they stayed late and gave us everything. The gal I had even did an STL symbol on my toes even tho I’m in royals territory. All the staff were so sweet and friendly! Wish there was a nail place like this in my town. So glad I went there! My nails and toes look phenomenal! Thank you!!! Nikki, go cardinals! ;)

It was horrifying. I went in with my 5 year old, who always accompanies me to get my nails done. I initially asked for a fill then decided to add a pedi. Every other place I have been do both at the same time, not here… As the girl is doing my pedi she’s barely even massaging so she won’t «hurt» me ugh. No I like it rough. I opted for the mint masque also, she puts it on and it’s ok for about 20 seconds when it starts burning horrible so I said this has to come off it hurts… Nothing I had to ask 3 times an. She rolled her eyes stopped polishing said something to the girl next to her laughed then scrubs it off my now beet red legs. And that was just the pedi. I waddle, bc I couldn’t walk right, over to the nail station where I explain what I want a fill but please build them up a little bc they’re too flat also a tad shorter… Dude who looks about 12 pulls out nail clippers and I almost flew out of my seat and I firmly told him no way that could split not only my false nail but my real nail from cuticle to tip plus it would hurt like hell. He acts like I am the biggest bitch he has ever met throws the clipper in the box and says them I will only shape them. Uhh what I’m the one paying here… He continues working on them and ruins my set of nails lucky for me I went to nail school so I could make them half way presentable with my free nail file and buffer… ugh. And worst of all he gives my 5 yr old gum without even asking me first!!! No way also nobody even asked if I wanted a design, I always get one…

Was seated to a pedicure chair 20 min after signing in, then waited another 30 minutes before someone came to start the service. Never have I experienced such poor service. Would caution against this place. If you are busy, at least let a client know they will be sitting and waiting for such a long period of time.

Since I started traveling for work I’ve been getting my nails done on a regular basis for lack of time and (honestly) expertise of doing my own nails. Time was always an issue for me and I couldn’t be happier that I came across Oak Nails. I found them about 6 months ago and Diane and her team have been lifesavers. They have the BEST hours ever and are open until 8pm on weeknights. I work late and finding a salon that was open late enough was always an issue for me. They’ll take 7:30pm and even 7:45 pm appointments.
I usually call and make an appointment, but it seems like most of the people there just walk in and there is always someone available to take them. I’ve never seen anyone wait longer than 5 minutes. They’re also very accommodating if I call and have to come in last minute. They’ve never said no to me.
They have a huge color selection and always have new stuff come in which is great for people like me who get their nails done all the time. Their massage chairs are super comfy, and the people who work there are always friendly and fun.
Diane is my favorite there. I read about her on a review before I came in for the first time and I’ve been going to her every since. She does a great job on my nails, let’s me be picky, allows me waaaay too much time to pick out my color (I can be a bit indecisive), and best of all she does it all so quickly. I can be in and out of there in 30 minutes which is great for a busy bee.
I will continue going there as long as I live in that area. It’s the best thing that’s happened to my nails in a loooong time. I’ve tried other salons in the plaza/​brookside area and they don’t even compare to Oak Nails. There’s a reason their always busy!

Let’s just say this: I’m not good at regular nail maintenance. For me, manis and pedis are mainly about time with my girls, gossiping in massage chairs and probably prep in the run up to a vacation. So I can’t comment on the regularity of the service at Oak Nails, but for the handful (see what I did there?) of times that I’ve been there, I’ve been pleased.
This place is always hopping, mainly due to its proximity to UMKC, but I’ve never had to wait for more than 5 minutes to get in and that’s normally with at least one other person. They have a huge selection of colors available and they actually look good. No crusty bottles, no separated polishes that I see at other places.
Their massage chairs are on the new side and do a thorough job, going so far as to do some ‘lower chakra’ pressure points that prompted my friend Brenna to mention that she might have to tip the chair when it was done. I’m sure that could be changed, but why bother?
As for the actual manis and pedis, they are super professional. New tools come out of packaging before each service and I’ve never had a problem with cut cuticles or too rough of exfoliation. Ok, my left foot is ticklish, but I can’t fault them for that.
All in all, this is my go-​to place for nail services south of the river.

Oak nails was recommended by a friend and it was close to my work so I thought it was worth a try. I was blown away by how big the salon was, how nice and clean everything was, how quickly I was tended to and all my options. I had my gel nail polish removed and chose another color. I love my whole experience here and can’t wait to go back!

Really great atmosphere! Plenty of large comfy pedicure stations. Cute pink butterfly chairs for little girls too! First place I’ve ever seen that! Emily did a great job! I didn’t request anybody but she was great! I originally wanted an intricate design and showed her a photo, she seemed uneasy but said she would do it for only $ 7 up charge. I decided to go with a simple nude nail instead. She did my fingers in OPI Samoan Sand and each one of my ring fingers in OPI Designer De Better. I’ve uploaded a photo too. I saw one review showing a sloppy acrylic job, but I didn’t have that experience. I hardly get acrylics and get gel instead but needed something longer quicker and Emily did a great job of taking the time to shape them correctly and dig out gently any excess acrylic under my nail. I always appreciate this because it usually drives me crazy when I go home.

I’ve been here a few times. I went on a friend’s recommendation that the prices were cheaper. I would say it is only slightly cheaper. Every time I go the manager is snapping at the workers or worse a customer. She also has what I assume are her daughters running around and she is snapping at them.
My first mani was okay. I went back and had acrylics put on. They were not great but not too pricey. The lady kept coughing on me and it was just generally not a great experience. I went back awhile later to have the acrylics removed. I had Valerie this time and she did a good job on my nails and was very personable. If you do go I recommend her.
Last Saturday I went back for a pedi/​gel mani. I didn’t catch my tech’s name but she was nice enough. I had originally asked to schedule with Valerie but apparently she wasn’t working which they could have mentioned when I booked. However, while I was looking and the gel swatches the manager’s daughter asked me to switch. I had a couple picked out but said okay. The manager was working with a customer and after they had sorted through I asked if I could have them back. It didn’t seem that the colors I had liked were in the second swatch set they had given me. The manager snapped AT ME this time that they were the same colors. I said it seemed like there was a couple colors I didn’t find in my set. She again wouldn’t let me see the original set and said «THEY ARE EXACTLY THE SAME»…I was already running late and not ready to get in to an argument over polish swatches so I just said whatever and picked a color. But if they are the same, why did you need my swatches when the one you switched with me was already available?
I will not be returning to Oak Nails because frankly the manager is a word I won’t type here. It is already annoying to listen to her bark at the employees. I don’t need her attitude when her store is not any better than any other nail salon.

I came here with about 10 girls last weekend to get our nails (both mani/​pedi) for a wedding we were all in the next day. As soon as we walked in we understandably were chatting with each other. The technicians were very pushy, trying to get us to hurry up and pick our polishes, while we were talking a bit we actually were all trying to find out polish. I understand large groups can be annoying but they were very noticeably annoyed with us that it made the next hour and a half very uncomfortable. The woman who was paying for all the services, the brides sister, was treated very poorly. The manager at this salon was visably rude to her. One of the girls was waiting about 15 minutes for her pedicure whilst in the chair, the bride’s sister asked nicely is someone was coming and the manager snapped at her saying «Yes, give me a minute» in a very rude manner. Her attitude did not improve through the entire appointment.
I would not come here with a big group, they don’t treat their high paying customers very well.

I’ve been going to this place for several months now… possibly even a year… once a week like clockwork. I am either having my nails done or getting a pedicure and I tip very well. They’re not the friendliest but I just cared that it was clean and fast.
I’ve noticed that they’ve gotten much slower lately but still… I was content. However, last night, while getting a pedicure, I had a most unpleasant experience. Just a little history first… I’ve been getting pedicures for years due to a visit to my doctor. I had an ingrown toenail that had to be surgically removed. It was painful and I swore I would never go through that again. My doctor told me that if I got regular pedicures, I would not have this problem.
Every time I get a pedicure, I tell them that I am prone to these and they take the necessary steps to cut the toenail properly. Last night however, the guy proceeds to chop the hell out of my toes. I have no idea what he thought he was doing but he obviously didn’t know how to do it. I had been reading a magazine only to be interrupted by searing pain. I looked down and both feet had toes that were bleeding. Aside from the infection factor, my toes felt worse and looked more terrible than before I came in. The owner walked over and said you need to go to a doctor.
I was just livid. I specifically waited until today to write this review because I was so mad last night. However, in the light of day, and with toes that are hurting badly, I felt it was in the public’s best interest to know what kind of people they have working there. And I’m praying that my toes do NOT become infected.
I won’t be back. Nail salons are a dime a dozen. I will find another that knows what they’re doing.

I’m still on my quest for finding a new nail salon so I stopped in here for a gel manicure since my last one was chipping hardcore from Valentine’s Day (not previously done here).
I called before and was told that they weren’t busy so it wouldn’t be any issue getting me in but once I showed up, I had to wait 10 mins. Not extensive but it was slightly irritating since I called and said «Alright then, I’ll be there at 6:15» annnd when I showed up, there was a wait.
They have a ton of colors, nail stations, pedicure stations, kid stations and lots of gel color.
I heard thru the grapevine that this place was cheap but with my basic mani and gel color it still was $ 30. (This is not a complaint, but average price in KC is not «cheap».)
The tools were very clean (they pulled them from a package in front of me) and the file and buffer they used on the nail were brand new also (and I got to take them home with me).
Overall, the only reason I’m giving it a 3 instead of a 4 is because it’s not very convenient to my house (I wouldn’t care about this if the manicure/​atmosphere blew me away) annnnnd I have a few nicks on my cuticles.
I’m so-​so.

Unfriendly employees and long waits.

CND Shellac is $ 20.
Enough said.

My promised update to reflect how long the shellac lasted me and what the removal process was like.
I feared the worst for the removal process. I envisioned sitting for 10 minutes with my hands immersed in chemicals, the result making me look like I should be banished to Kalaupapa.
Not the case at all.
Preface: exactly one month ago, I had my first shellac manicure at Oak Nails (see previous review). This is actually not the same as gelish, but better, from what I’ve heard, because my polish job was chip-​free for THREE weeks! First chip occurred three weeks from the day I got the manicure and there were no other chips in the week that followed.
If you get a dark color, yes, the growth will be more obvious, but it’s not horrible because it’s not chipping!
Keep in mind I had Diane both my first and this past time. She is the owner of Oak Nails and the Master of the Shellac Manicure.
The removal process is as follows: small pieces of cotton are soaked in acetone and placed on your nails. Then your hands go in a plastic baggie inside some kind of heating mitts for about 5 minutes. Then she scrapes off the polish (comes off pretty easily and it’s not hard scraping), buffs them with an electronic buffer, and whatever residual polish is left gets more cotton soaked in acetone and a bit more scraping. Not at all a long process and doesn’t seem too harsh.
They got a whole bunch of new colors in, too, including glittery options! Yay, glitter!
Bonus is, it takes way less time than a regular polish job because you aren’t there waiting for them to dry. And if you’re like me (read: impatient and clutzy), no matter how long you wait for nail polish to dry, you inevitably end up smudging them at some point.
SFL! (Shellac For Life!)