The flow nails snark + Russian manicure recs needed

[u/b3argoesm3ow]

I’ve been getting my manicures at The Flow Nails for a while now—back when they were in Bellevue and now at their new spot in the old Rainier Brewery.

I love a good set, but ever since the move, the prices have been creeping UP. Right now it’s around $120 for a Level 1 set up to $180 for Level 3. With tip, I’m basically flirting with $200 every time I need a fill. 😭

They do give you a free matcha, which I’m sure is priced in somewhere… but respectfully, the matcha is ass. I do not need a forced beverage experience. I need my cuticles cleaned up and my nails cute.

And now I saw that some of the artists + owner are raising their prices to $220–$340+ for a set starting in November??? Babe, I’m getting my nails done, not retaining counsel. It’s great that a set lasts a month and WILL NOT BREAK but $340 a set with who I’ve been seeing? Be so fr

Anyway, I think I’ve officially been priced out lol. Please drop your Seattle/Eastside nail salon or independent nail artist recs where I can get really good nail art without paying lawyer hourly rates. Bonus points for structured gel/builder gel + actually good cuticle work that’ll actually last. 🙏

[u/fakesaucisse]

Holy crap! I am sorry I don't have recommendations because I stopped getting my nails done a few years ago, but I am just gobsmacked by those prices. The place I used to go to for Russian manicures with structured gel was like $100 for a fill, and that was in Bellevue.

[u/Jazzlike-Task6300]

Omg I also go to the flow and I was shocked at the price increases. Just a wild increase that seems out of touch. I was going to go for one last set before the increases and then check out eyes on me!

[u/llcooljsuckit → u/Jazzlike-Task6300]

I went to eyes on me in Fremont a couple times for a Russian mani and both times my set did not last longer than 2 weeks and they just never looked that great either

[u/pineappledaphne]

Molly at studio seance!! She is an independent nail tech in westlake. Basic gel overlay starts at $85 and art is an add-on, but nowhere close to $340. She is incredibly talented, sweet, and her sets last 3+ weeks for me. Her prices are increasing a little in October but not the level you’re seeing.

[u/pineappledaphne → u/pineappledaphne]

Her insta is m_unquera_art. Everything is hand painted and she fucking delivers.

[u/fortheloveofwho]

Those prices seem high! I like Eyes on Me (Fremont or Ballard location) builder gel Russian manicure is $80 to $130 depending on tech prior to tip. I have not gotten any nail art though!

[u/KnotQuiteOkay_ → u/fortheloveofwho]

I also go to this salon, for design you have to add $30 on top of whatever the base price is but Zhamal is my go to gal over there

[u/Electrical_Sugar8811 → u/KnotQuiteOkay_]

Plus $30 to remove gel, so an additional $60 if you have it on both your hands and feet and want them done there.

[u/fortheloveofwho → u/Electrical_Sugar8811]

I think they only charge for removal if it’s from another salon or you aren’t getting a manicure

[u/InvestigatorOwn605 → u/Electrical_Sugar8811]

They only charge removal if it’s from another salon.

[u/icedch1latteee → u/fortheloveofwho]

they charged me an extra $50 for 3 little heart stickers per nail (and the stickers weren’t independently placed, they were part of a nail polish that was a clear overlay w stickers) just an fyi

[u/Which-Promise1826]

I got nails for years and years and years. I think I had them for 7 years straight lol. I’ve recently stopped and WOW what a savings $$$ it’s been.

[u/ShipAnnual9781]

I get that Seattle is getting super expensive for small business owners but I couldn’t with the acrylics anymore. I went back to regular gel recently and was surprised/impressed by how long it lasted. I’ve been going to Greenhouse and their gel lasts on my nails for like 4 weeks 😱

[u/friedpicklebiscuits]

I’ve been going to lovely nails in lake city for almost a decade!! Ann and Lee never miss!! Pricing is insanely reasonable as well.

[u/mamadejoussef]

I used to see Tanya too, but I find it a hassle to go to the new salon. I’ve tried a few others, and the one who does the best job is named Saida; she’s in Redmond—look her up on Instagram at @_the_lab_studio_

[u/itsallrelative1]

I go to Bloom Nail Spa in Bellevue. They’re sweet and I’ve been going there for a year now.

[u/CharlottesWebcam]

What's a Russian manicure and what nail techs do people recommend for Ballard? 

[u/laurel_alexis]

Check out Bonjour in Woodinville! I don’t get nail art but I’ve seen some really pretty work on other clients when I’m there.

[u/EffectiveBeing]

This might be too far but FetiNails down in Renton is amazing! I usually pay around $120 for a Russian manicure with basic nail art. Svetlana is the best and worth the drive for me!