The Emerald Door

Great service. Latoya applies the best shellac manicure on earth. I am rough with my hands, but her manicure NEVER chips. Joan is great at waxing with great conversation that I forget about the pain. Dana is so professional that she deserves employee of the month.
They are a bit pricey, but they are clean and use top products. Some places don’t clean the soak tub after every person. Some places re-​dip wax sticks in the wax. Some places don’t sterilize the tools, but just pull them out of a drawer. None of that happens at The Emerald Door.
Scheduling has been a bit disappointing as of recently. They have called to reschedule every appointment I have had since the weather improved.
They need a better scheduling system and more space

I booked a shellac manicure and was very pleasantly surprised. My manicurist was professional, friendly and made sure that I felt like a princess. I was offered water and tea. The atmosphere was relaxing and inviting. I got excellent service and my nails are still shiny and pretty. I will definitely come back. Also, I was deeply appreciative of the hygiene and cleanliness processes that I saw my manicurist use. YAY, I AM A FAN!

$ 25 for a basic mani that didn’t last 2 days. Nail tech was running at least 20 minutes behind so my sister tech started mine. Wish she was the one to finish it. It’s been two days, and all of my tips are peeling off. My nail techs hands were shaking the whole paint job, there are thin areas, the polish is touching my skin at the cuticle on some fingers, and the top coat is only covering the center 80% of the nail. No attention to detail.

I had a wonderful experience here. The owner is very warm and friendly. I highly recommend the jelly pedicure! The place is decorated beautifully! They carry my favorite line of nail polish — Zoya. My recommendation would be to put a light over the nail polish wall as they’re in a dark corner. Cash only for tips which isn’t convenient. They have Saturday morning specials.

I came here about two weeks ago, from this review date. Came here on my bday to spoil myself. I’d like to thank Dana, and Janee (I think that’s how you spell it? :P) for taking care of me during my experience. I try out many manicure places, but the staff left me so happy, had to give them some credit and review them.
Emerald Door, though small, felt cozy. I’ve been in a lot of bigger manicure places, but I enjoyed the small spaced area of Emerald Door. It made the atmosphere feel more intimate and comforting to me. I came here to try out the Japanese Jelly pedicure experience. The jelly gel beads are so velvety and feel like you’re immersing your feet in a hot-​warm cloud that warms you up. It was a lot of fun dipping my feet into a tub of jelly beads and the pedicure was spot on. I saw a picture from the Unilocal gallery and saw the panda-​french manicure design, and asked for that to be done to my nails. It came out really cute and clean cut. I got a gel manicure done, and regular polish done on my feet. I have to say that after two weeks from my appointment, the polish on either my nails and toes have YET to chip or crack. My gel nails are still pretty shiny too. On my way out, the receptionist gave me a sample bottle of polish that’s meant to re-​shine my nails when it begins to dull.
I read reviews before going in a shop/​service place, but try to keep an un-​bias opinion until I’ve experienced the service myself. And I would like to say, that to each their own, but try not to let reviews affect your impression when walking inside here. During my experience, the staff were all so friendly and kind to me. Although there are a few reviews that left a bad impression on Sandra, I want to come to her defense and say unto others that not everyone is perfect, and when I met Sandra, she was a kind and generous person, who helped celebrate my birthday. When they had found out it was my birthday, they treated me and spoiled me good! Wine and Mimosas were usually only given out on Sundays, but they apparently made a special exception for me because Sandra went out and bought a bottle and made me a delicious Mimosa to celebrate my birthday. She also offered me multiple walnut-​chip cookies (which were sooooooo good!!) just to make my day even more special. I was so touched by how they treated me that day. Her and the other staff members made my day really special! Thanks to you all!

Nothing special about the pedicure for the price you paid. I came in 10min late because i could not find a parking so i understand pedicure will be cut short. Well i timed my pedicure was done within 30min + 5min soaking 35min total. My callus was so dry after the pedicure. I can felt it against my sheet. I didnt have much to start with. I been here once before and pedicure wasnt an hr long. My nails shape is weird looking too. I went home and filed my nails again. After second time i wont be back. Price are high for what you get.

I booked a Brazillian wax by phone the same day with Candy. The total was $ 65 + $ 20 ($ 85) tip. Candy was a total professional.
⁵⁄₅ for convenience, ambiance, and online booking /​availability.
³⁄₅ for price.
Silver Spring and Rockville have a few places that offer $ 37 + $ 10 ($ 47) tip Brazillian waxing. With the $ 40 price difference, the Emerald door price will get you attention to detail, a very comfortable table, and will wax your backside. No single hair was missed. With that said, I wasn’t a fan of the wax… particularly when strips weren’t used, which results in 3 – 4 pulls rather than 1−2…ouch. But overall, I just didn’t feel that the experience was really one that I preferred that much more. I appreciate that the $ 37 waxes are finished in lightening speed, whereas the Emerald Door will drag it out. At least there are soothing ocean sounds!
I agree with Samantha K’s 2011 review, the prices are about 20−30% too high for the service they offer. It’s unfortunate they are inflated or I’d be a regular customer.

I went to Emerald Door for the first time today with my boyfriend, and I would have to say it was the best facial I ever had and most affordable.$ 85 for deep cleansing, granular exfoliation, steam treatment, extractions, facial/​neck/​shoulder massage, custom mixed mask and moisturizer. Candy was gentle through the whole process. I’ve had good and bad experiences getting facials because I have acne prone skin. I enjoyed the products she used, they all smelled very good and weren’t harsh. Plus I loved the fact that even though all my pimples and blackhead were removed, I didn’t leave with a beet red face. For my boyfriend it was his first time receiving a facial, and he said he enjoyed it, and would get another. I would definitely recommend the emerald door for facials!

REVISED: Wow. All is forgiven, Emerald Door. I called back and spoke w the owner, Sondra. She explained that different kinds of «shellac» and gel take more or less effort and time to remove. Hence the extra charge. I suggested they say it’s extra for anything other than CND. So I made the appointment and so so glad I did.
Very sleek and stylish, immaculately clean. Big relaxing chairs. Had a shellac (CND) pedi and eyebrows done. Eyebrows are perfect w no redness or irritation. And the pedicure one of the most thorough and relaxing ever!
Products are all natural, too. According to Sondra, that have an advisory board that includes a physician and pharmacist to screen the products before she’ll use them. Actually a tad preachy on that point, but I can live w that.
One drawback is it’s very expensive… but was completely worth it.

Great nail salon! Relaxing experience but if your going for a mani pedi give yourself 2 hours! Also, no matter what you do if you value your appearance at all, do NOT and I repeat DO NOT get your eyebrows done here. I lost half a eyebrow and it cost $ 20.

I just had a facial here a few weeks ago and LOVED IT! Far less expensive than my usual place PLUS they have a la carte services you can add on (like organic microdermabrasion) for a small fee. They also do an amazing Jelly Pedi that you have to experience to believe. You feet are submerged in a pool of Jelly that softens even the roughest feet. The place is beautifully decorated and smells divine thanks to an aromatherapy diffuser. The prices for the shellac mani/​pedi are high, BUT I’ve found that it lasts longer here than any other salon in the area I have visited and to me that’s worth it.

That moment when you draft an awesome review on your iPhone, and when you go to publish online it’s suddenly MIA –_–
I love this place. While tiny, it’s gorgeous on the inside, very clean, and you can tell that the owner cares about the details. I agree with other Unilocalers that the nail service prices are pretty high (even the midweek-​midday special), which is why I’ve never had a mani or pedi and why the spa overall gets a 4.5. However the skin services are very reasonable price wise.
I discovered it via LivingSocial and this is one of a couple of times that a deal site has created a new regular customer for a local business. (It pays to treat your Grouponers right!) I’ve had a facial and waxing services with Shari (sp?) and I have never had a more proficient esthetician in my life. Everyone has noticed how much my skin has improved, so much so that I no longer need the prescription my dermatologist recommended. She is meticulous, and got my Brazilian just as I requested (no leaning towers of Pisa!) This is also one in a handful of times I haven’t had skin problems after a wax. I dunno what kind of magic pixie dust she’s sprinkling down there, but whatever it is works! Shari is also really good at answering questions about skin, her experience, life, or anything you might feel inclined to ask. I would recommend her to anyone looking for skin or waxing services in the area.

I just went to The Emerald Door for the first time after having purchased the Living Social deal. The shop is really nice and I like the uniqueness of the manicure bar. As many others said, there was no awful chemical smell. The place actually smelled really good, like pineapples. I think it’s something they soak the hot towels in.
Kevin was doing my nails. He was running late but that’s not a big deal. The manicure he gave me was wonderful. It’s only been 3 days but I’m impressed anyway: I’ve never had a manicure that wasn’t chipping by Day 3. And I didn’t pay for anything special: no gel, no shellac. My nails are still perfect right to the very tips. Maybe Kevin used the shellac top coat?
I have one more manicure on my Living Social deal. After that, even though this manicure is amazing (at least at Day 3), I’m not sure I’ll go back. They are VERY expensive. You do get an awesome outcome, but still… in this economy?

I really enjoy the emerald city package. I’ve used Kevin both times and he is great. My only gripe with the place is that it always seems to be confusion at the reception desk when checking in. I had to show them the special twice and tell them the details.

I would not recommend this place. It is way too expensive for what it is. A regular pedicure is $ 50 alone, and both times I went, it was ruined before I got home. Sure, it doesn’t smell like chemicals in there, but the polish they use is so low quality that it generally doesn’t last even a full day before chipping, which they are well aware of, so they try to convince you to get a shellac manicure for even more money. Save your money and go to Tenly Nails in the Lennox Park bldg, where you can get a mani/​pedi and tip for less than the cost of just a pedicure at this subpar salon.

Working in a hair salon, I get all kinds of crap on my nails. Dyes, bleach, miscellaneous caustic chemicals, and tons of water. I get my hair done for free, so I save that investment for my nails, and I can say that the Emerald Door is as good as it gets.
BACK STORY TIME!
I was using OPI Axium for about a year and getting my nails done at the factory-​esque place in Wheaton mall. There were times when I’d have to suck it up and give my nails a rest for about a week because the gel treatment was so damaging to my nails. A client recommended I try the CND shellac, and that was how I found Emerald Door.
This is a truly lovely and unique place. I love that a.) you’re not completely clotheslined by the smell of acetone when you walk in b.) the bar-​style setup is so cool and modern, and c.) the products used are non-​toxic (the combat-​ready balm is also locally made! I’m in love with it.)
I get the CND shellac once a month from Annie. Not only is she an absolute doll that has the ability to transform my nasty hairdresser hands into those of a jewelry model, but the manicure really does look perfect for two weeks (see the photo that I added). I can even stretch it out to three usually just by clipping the ends. At first I was a little hesitant about the price ($ 50 vs the $ 30 I was paying for OPI) but after getting it, I have absolutely no qualms about it.

I give it 4 stars because of the exceptional manicure I received from the guy who did my nails the second time around. This was better than the first because he included a hand scrub and warm towels… it felt great!
HOWEVER — -I just can’t see myself shelling out the $ 50 dollars for the Shellac manicure (which is actually cheaper in other salons). or $ 50 dollars for a pedicure only. If they would lower their prices just a bit then I would be a devoted customer. I just can’t see myself justifying the cost!

Wish I could give them a zero. Let’s start at the beginning when I called to make an appointment for a manicure. Sandra said she had no slots for a mani but only mani/​pedi. What a hard line upsell. I had the Living Social coupon for 2 manis and she said she would credit me for a mani/​pedi so why not. In the next two days I received THREE phone calls and several emails confirming my appointment but each one was for a different time, 6:30, 6:15, then 6 pushing for 5:45. I guess they had timeslots open after all.
When I arrived I stood there for a full minute while I listened to an Asian male worker complain about his client who didn’t show at 5:45. I suppose he meant me because he turned out to be my assigned technician. Finally I said, «Have you worked this out?» and they tried to turn me over to him.
During this wait I was almost knocked over by the awful smell of salon chemicals. I would not note this except they claim to be an «eco-​salon» but I smelled overpowering stench of big fake nails. The seating area was messy with pillows and towels scattered around.
To clarify, I said my LS was for a value of $ 50 (2 $ 25 manis) and wanted to confirm I would only pay the difference. No, I was instructed. They would only credit me for my out-​of-​pocket $ 20 that I paid to LS for 2 manicures. They would not honor the value of the coupon. I said in that case, I would just use it for the two manicures after all but that wasn’t acceptable. She actually called LS — she had the phone number handy earlier that day from trying to screw another customer — and lied to them right in front of me saying I wanted cash back for the coupon. I stood there for several minutes listening to Sandra’s bald-​faced lies until I said in a loud voice, «Can I PLEASE explain myself what I want?»
LS asked her to turn the phone over to me and I explained that I was asking the salon to honor the value of the LS certificate, nothing more. LS gave me my money back and I walked out, leaving them with yet another open slot.

What a relaxing experience this was on a Friday afternoon! I live in DC proper, but didn’t mind driving to Silver Spring for some quality nail care.
I received the standard mani/​pedi for $ 70. Pricey? YES. Worth it once a month? YES. I was greeted with some sparkling water and a pleasant receptionist. I loved the massage, and hot towels. the «Zoya» polish on my toes has lasted 3+ weeks without chipping. I will definitely be back. :)

I had a CND Shellac manicure and it was fabulous! I’d had them done before in the DMV area and they were very good, but this one included a fabulous hand scrub and a quickie hand massage that left my hands ready to rock.
Ambiance is nice — the people are friendly — the palce is very clean and modern!
I’ll deifnitely go back!