Essence Nails & Spa

This nail salon is seriously a hidden gem! I have been looking for the perfect nail place on the east coast for the last 4.5 years, and I have finally found it. Moving from Texas, nail salons around here just don’t compare (no offense). The prices there are cheaper, the salons are fancier, the manicurists do a way better job, and you get a whole bunch of extra built into the price such as wine, margarita, etc.
While this isn’t what I would call a «Texas» salon, it definitely is the closest I have come across around here. And let me tell you, I have been to one too many nail salons up and down the northern New England area and have been incredibly disappointed!
One of the qualities that makes Essence Nails shine out of the pack is the attentiveness and friendliness of their nail artists. Everyone is incredibly nice and happy to engage in conversation with you. They also offer you and your guest (s) complimentary soda and/​or water, which I have found is not as common around nail salons here.
What I loved about this place is they actually do gel dip nails! It seems as if this technique is newer and only really done in the south. They don’t advertise gel dip nails, but they do offer it for their customers that know about it. Unfortunately, it costs a lot more than it does in Texas!
My nails came out beautifully, and my nail tech was lightning fast, despite how long it usually takes to do gel dip nails. I even received a hand massage, which is sometimes hit or miss with gel/​gel dip treatments.
I moved from Maine in May, but I will definitely be going back often for vacation, as I am only 5 hours away. Without a doubt, this will be the first place I go to next time I’m in the area! :)

Best pedicure experience I’ve ever had. The salon was clean and well maintained. The staff was professional and friendly. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a sugar scrub and hot stone massage in addition to the regular pedicure. I was even more surprised when I learned this was part of the normal pedicure!

Before I explain my two stars I would like to say the salon itself is very nice and clean. My first experience here was fine, nail tech was pleasant and did a nice job with my gel manicure. I decided to go back for a second time for a pedicure and gel manicure. I walked in around five (they close at 7) and was told it would be about a half hour wait which I was fine with, they were short staffed. When I got to the pedicure chair I could tell I was being rushed by the tech so it wasn’t very relaxing. She told me someone else would be doing my mani but the other techs were held up with other clients so she had to do it. While doing my mani she was on her cellphone telling someone she would be late. I didn’t really mind, because I understand you want to notify someone waiting for you. But the worst part were my bloody cuticles. She apologized, and said she wasn’t being very careful. I left with a subpar manicure and bloody painful cuticles. Not very cute. This salon is nice aesthetically, but I guess it’s luck of the draw with the techs. I just would’ve appreciated being treated as more than an annoyance.

These girls are all friendly and do an excellent job. Go nowhere else! I had the best pedi I’ve ever had.

Just went here for the first time based on the other reviews. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but it is beautiful and spacious inside. The staff was incredibly pleasant, friendly, and helpful. They were always asking if everything was to my liking. The place was clean and very hygienic.
The owner is wonderful. While I was there she had a customer making some really unreasonable demands and she managed the situation like a true professional. I will definitely be back.

Had a gel manicure here twice while staying in Scarbough. Both times they did an excellent job. We travel in a motorhome and have been gone for 8 weeks so I get to try a lot of nail salons and Essence was one of the very best. Next time in the Portland area I will be sure to go back. Staff is friendly and it is very clean.

A friend and I visited for the first time today after reviewing places on Unilocal.We loved it, the pedicures were awesome! The employees doing the pedicures weren’t in a hurry and it was relaxing. They used hot stones and towel also.
We will certainly be back!

I visited Essence today for the first time. Overall I had a great experience!
They were slightly busy so the employee that greeted me did say it would be about a 15 minute wait. She was very polite and friendly and even offered me a beverage while I waited. I ended up sitting in the pedi chair within about 10 minutes.
The staff was very attentive; made sure the water temp was to my liking, making sure my nails were shaped the way I preferred, etc. My nail tech did a great job cleaning up my cuticles & gave me an AWESOME massage, and it lasted longer than the typical massage I’ve received. Stellar pedicure for sure.
I had the same nail tech do my gel manicure. I just have to reiterate how great she was. She was so meticulous with cleaning up my cuticles (which are plentiful & unruly to say the least), and with applying the polish. She made sure the edges were on point and swiped the tips with polish (which is essential in making a gel mani last). It did take a decent amount of time, but personally I prefer it taking more time and ending up with exceptional results than it being rushed and ending up with a sub-​par manicure. She gave me another great massage, too.
I should add that the salon is very very clean, and you could see the entire staff taking part in the effort of keeping it that way. Something I again find important in a nail salon. The entire time that I was there I noticed how friendly & attentive all of the staff members were with all of the clients. Most of them spoke very clear/​understandable English as well which is helpful. The ambiance was relaxing & professional overall. And finally, the location is super convenient and there’s ample parking available.
I’ll definitely be back! And would recommend bringing your business here!

I love this place. Very friendly staff, and I really enjoyed that I could have a pedi without unnecessary conversation. Great way to relax. The place is clean and the staff is professional. I will be back.

I have been to many salons up and down the East Coast over the years. I can truly say that Essence is THE TOP OF MY LIST in every way. Gorgeous, classy salon. Friendly, kind, professional staff. They offered me water or tea… gentle music playing. My acrylic fill was done «beyond~perfect». Their regular spa pedicure includes hot stones and a sugar scrub! I left there feeling relaxed and welcome, unlike other salons where I have felt rushed and disappointed. They offer incentives for repeat customers.
~~~ I would give this 10 STARS, if I could…)

I usually HATE to take the time to get my nails done. BUT, the staff is so accommodating here and the massage with the pedi is soooo nice that I actually look forward to going there. Good value.

Amazing massage chairs and cheap prices with well done manis and pedis. Hot stones and massages you cannot go wrong!

Awesome! Very friendly and excellent service. Cosy atmosphere and complementary drinks. Both my mom and I got mani pedis and they were great. Took a while but that is much better then being rushed. Nice arm and leg massages and left me feeling clean and very happy with the work done. Well priced.