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Hoa Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Beauty and Spas Hair Removal Nail Salons, Hair Removal [Edit]
2900 E Madison StSeattle, WA 98112
Neighborhood: Madison Park
(206) 322-3546
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
If there's anything we've learned from fashion magazines and reality TV, it's that everyone loves a makeover. But trade Photoshop for everyday lighting… read more »
61 reviews for Hoa Salon
61 reviews in English
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Review from Sandie L.
Updated - 1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came back here on a whim one weekend afternoon because my "go to shop" was all booked up!
I'm glad I had the opportunity to have another experience at Hoa. Despite the bustling inside, I was quickly greeted and taken back to another hidden area of this old quaint house... viola!... a whole private room equipped with a few more pedi chairs with a private bath! How fun, hmmmm.... a great private spot to have a party with your friends =D
The hostess or receptionist greeted me kindly, offered me a beverage, and checked in one me during my session. Really felt like a hostess more than a receptionist. I like that kind of service!
A plus, 15% off of my service due to the Asian Lunar New Year special!Listed in: Maintenance requires a work,…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2009
I found the eyebrow waxing a pleasant experience (as pleasant as waxing can be!). The staff were… Read more »
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Review from Clover A.
2/1/2012
I've had my hands and tootsies done here a few times.
For me, I agree that it's very nice and the difference in price ($25 downtown at my favorite place, $42 here) for a mani pedi is clearly in atmosphere.
But again, for me, the atmosphere isn't $18 nicer. For some folks who wish for a bit more upscale experience than those other shops, some of which are clearly closer in price, I'd say absolutely, go there.
It's a great place for a meet up, you can chat and have your services done, and you won't feel overwhelmed by the TV or lots of loud side conversations by the staff.
But, I sometimes measure things in cocktails, that's 2 decent drinks. So it's not my go-to place, but if I want to take someone like my boss or someone I know who's a bit more 'posh' than I, this is a good alternative to a spendier place that won't be any better in atmosphere or service. -
Review from Aly M.
Seattle, WA
1/28/2012
I'm really disappointed by the experience I had today at Hoa. It was my first time in, and I had really high hopes.
I called and made an appointment for a Shellac manicure and regular pedicure. My experience started off really nicely. The guy at the reception desk was helpful and courteous, and made sure I was set up with everything I needed. The gal who did my pedicure was talented and efficient. She did a great job, and quickly!
Then it was time for my Shellac manicure. For those of you who haven't had Shellac done before - it's a lengthy process. I'd say the manicure in total takes a little over 1 hr 15 minutes (that's with removal of the old Shellac polish). I liked that Hoa had OPI Gel colors available, and was excited to try my new color (You Don't Know Jaques).
Everything was fine until the last step when they wipe your cured nails down with alcohol. The polish came right off with the alcohol. Without even checking in with me, the manicurist began wrapping my nails with alcohol and foil, to take everything off and start over. I asked her, "Are we starting over?" And she nodded, yes. I was a little perturbed, as I had been in that chair for a long time and had other things to do with my day, but oh well.
So then she asks if she can use "the machine" on my nails, which I learned meant she was going to use the acrylic buffer to sand down my nails. I wasn't thrilled about this, but honestly just wanted the experience to be over.
Finally she finishes with the manicure and begins the final alcohol step again. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the polish was coming off again. She called the receptionist guy over and he was like "Oh, sorry about that. We won't charge you for the gel."
Did they offer to fix it? No. Did the offer to take off the Shellac and just give me a normal manicure? No. Did they send me on my merry way with jacked up nails? YES.
The receptionist acted like he was being overly generous by "only" charging me for a normal manicure and pedicure. So while I didn't pay what I would have, had the manicure turned out nicely, I was still out $50. And now I'm going to have to pay for someone else (definitely NOT Hoa) to remove the crappy-ass Shellac job they did.
So disappointing. If it weren't for my pleasant pedicure experience, this place would get a solid 1 in my book. I really thought Hoa was going to be a winner. I was wrong. -
Review from Heather H.
Washington D.C., DC
12/28/2011
I emailed the salon in advance to set up mani/pedi appointments for me and my sisters for my oldest sisters 50th birthday. They were so gracious and told me we could bring in our own snacks and drinks to help set our spa party atmosphere. I appreciate their kindness and friendliness. The salon is clean and the technicians were quick. Everyone in my party had either nails or toes done. I was the only one to get full Shellac and the price was reasonably what I expected to pay. It's now been one week since I visited (12/22/2011) and my shellac manicure still looks great. Since I don't live in Seattle, I probably would return to this salon on my next trip for another great manicure.
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Review from Mona J.
Seattle, WA
10/1/2011
Hoa do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
Let's face it, you can go anywhere for a quick mani/pedi, and likely at (slightly) lower prices than Hoa. But in this case, you truly get what you pay for. (This applies to the Roosevelt Hoa as well, which was started by the Madison Park owner's daughter.)
The women who work there are polite, solicitous, and professional EVERY single time I'm there. If I call at the last minute to make an appt and they can't take me, they are HONEST about it. (Sorry, but I've sat for 45 minutes elsewhere waiting for my "instant" appt.) Their customer service is unrivaled, and their equipment is sterile and top of the line.
But then comes the actual mani/pedi. Unrivaled. Quite seriously, I have yet to find another place that can match their ability to 1) make your nails look incredible and 2) have that look last longer than a week. They are meticulous and detailed, and make sure every single cuticle is clipped. I usually go once a month, and it's worth every penny.
Go there, try it... you'll never want to go elsewhere. I almost feel bad telling people about it because it really is such an amazing bargain for what you receive! -
Review from Mary M.
Seattle, WA
8/28/2011
I've been coming to Hoa for over a year and I love this place.
The staff is friendly and the prices are pretty awesome considering the experience you get. I'm often there for pedicures and they have great ones for $30. Good selection of polish, comfy spa massage chairs and great leg massages. 45 minutes well spent.
I just checked out their waxing services and was impressed there as well. Cheaper than other wax-speciality spas, less painful and faster. These ladies know their stuff. They care about their clients and it shows. -
Review from Darcy H.
Seattle, WA
3/11/2011
Solid 3-star establishment.
I count on Hoa for spiffy, no fuss leg waxes.
The fourth star is for providing the option for walk-in service, which is a HUGE convenience. -
Review from Maria P.
Roseville, CA
1/20/2011
I came to Seattle to celebrate NYE with friends and my friend thoughtfully made us appointments at HOA ahead of time. When we arrived they promptly took care of us, it was so nice to not have to sit around and wait. I had a mani-pedi, which cost around $45 which wasn't too bad. The place was cute, clean and they even had some yummy tea available which I drank as I waited for my nails to dry. My pedi even lasted for 2 weeks before it started chipping a little.
What I loved about this place is that all of the instruments they use are autoclaved, or one time use which is sooooo important to me. I do not want to contract some weird nail disease! I liked this place, I hope you do too! -
Review from Marina D.
Seattle, WA
5/10/2010
My main gripe is that I was overcharged at the Madison location and then when I called back twice to talk about it. I was just told I needed to talk to the owner.This was never resolved. I was charged $97.00 when I should have been charged around $62.00 (going by the pricing on their website) I gave up, it was too late to dispute the charge and I wasn't given an itemized receipt.
I had been here once before getting my mani/pedi for my wedding, and my pedi was great. My MOH made us appts, her for a pedi and me for gel nails and a pedi for 2 days before the wedding. For the toes I had brought both shoes that I was going to wear but really couldn't find a champagne or off-white pearl color that would complement my shoes. I picked out a couple and asked if this polish over that one would give me a "pearly effect", she didn't understand. I think it was the owner who saw my dissapointment with the outcome of my toes and she came and did another coat of something else to get more of the pearlyness I wanted.
Meanwhile I asked for Gel nails, had an appt for gel nails but it was getting pretty busy and the girl said she didn't do them, which meant she didn't want to do them (I was in a tisy, 2 days till my wedding mind you) Again the owner tried to calm my nerves, "we'll do them (acrylics) nice and thin" They were thick, they looked strange because the white tips did not match the natural form of my nail bed. Instead of having white tips it looked like I had half clear half white nails. I wanted thin pretty gels for my wedding and I didn't get them. One was not securely glued to my real nail and you could see the real nail hanging down underneath.They didn't last till the first fill, I have had acrylics from other places last much longer.
I think the overcharge may have come from them lumping in my MOHs services with mine, but she paid for her own with cash on a separate ticket. This is a $30.00 overcharge! The first time I called the person pretended to not understand what I was talking about. The second I told I had my transaction number and the receipt, but she told me I needed to talk to the owner and then could not tell me when she would be in. This was never resolved. -
Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
I'm all about value (me and most local car dealers whilst advertising in booming voices on TV) and Hoa Salon delivers on value.
When you want something a bit more elevated than the $35 manicure pedicure combo at your local nail shop but don't want to be spending $100+ at the spa (which just seems ludicrous unless you are J-Lo) head down to Madison Park (ooohhh did I just say that?) and soak your feet in the pedicure tubs at this charming little salon.
Yes, often times the conversations you overhear are banal (I overheard a mother-daughter combo whining about the unsightliness of flip flop tan lines from their time in Costa Rica) but you can just rev up the massage chair until they are drowned out.
You're going to be spending about $7 more than you're normal $35 manicure/pedicure but the results are about twice as good and the atmosphere doesn't have a bunch of Nagel-esque paintings all over the place.
C'mon it's getting towards flip flop season and the only thing worse than tan lines is chipped nail polish! Right? There is nothing worse? Just pretend that there are not troops in Iraq or injustice in the world and you'll realize the severity of chipped polish and get yourself down to HAO STAT! -
Review from Me H.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2008 4 photos
I really hate to review this place but it's for selfish reasons, I don't want others to invade it and make it impossible for me to get my toes done.
Hoa Salon provides great nail services. It's a cute little salon in Madison Park that gives pretty pedicures at inexpensive prices. A full spa pedicure in a massaging spa chair with a calf massage is only $30. And the chairs are awesome the first one ever that massaged my ass, yes I said ass, at first it was a little odd feeling but after a few circles around it no longer felt odd, not only do you get a back and neck massage in their chairs but you get a nice butt rub too. Oh and how could I forget about the hot towels they used on me after my calf massage, such a wonderful thing.
Everyone who work here is super sweet and nice and the hot tea they serve is delicious with hits of ginger which helps in the relaxing process of getting the pedicure. So if you're ever looking for a good but inexpensive pedicure go to Hoa!Listed in: I feel pretty oh so pretty!!!
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Review from Amy B.
Updated - 6/22/2008
For the past two years, Hoa has been my spot. The pedicures were great, the service prompt, the price was right, and the appointments easy to come by.
Things have changed. Changed enough for me to start investigating other establishments.
Yesterday my appointment was ... misplaced. I was allowed to come back two hours later, but they were not ready for me at that time and my appointment was pushed an additional fifteen minutes. During my appointment, my cuticle was cut to the point that it bleed a bit profusely and there wasn't an apology or even an acknowledgment that pain had been caused. Then, mid-pedicure, I was asked to move chairs so that two customers could sit next to each other. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem and I really wouldn't mind, but on top over everything else it seemed ... a bit much.
Upon inspection of my toes - it looks like the area that was cut is red and a little infected. Eeew. The polish is uneven and several toes have jagged edges.
Perhaps they grew to quickly to be able to control quality. Maybe the systems needed to managed the business haven't clicked. Perhaps they decided that business is good that they don't need to keep the regulars happy. I'm not sure.
I do know that I'm tired of leaving, feeling a little disappointed by an experience that should leave me feeling relaxed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/25/2007
I really like the Hoa Salon. I found it after it was listed as a top Seattle Pedicure for under… Read more »
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Review from Eileen D.
Seattle, WA
6/25/2007
Hoa rocks. Serene, beautiful and without the blaring TV stuck eternally on CNN and endless stories about Paris Hilton. Their pedicures are amazing and they use Tiger Balm for the massage, which is a nice added touch. It just makes me want to crawl into a ball and take a nap.
As Avitania said, Hoa is in Madison Valley. Which means lots of soccer moms and well-coiffed types that probably had something with caviar in it as a mid-afternoon snack. But don't let that deter you. Last time I was there I shared a bag of Cheetos with the woman next too me. It's all good... -
Review from Kaitlyn M.
Venice, CA
6/29/2007
It was an enjoyable experience. I got a manicure and pedicure and had two women working on me at the same time. At most places this would have been a kind of awkward arrangement and a little uncomfortable... but the leather chairs with built in massage were heavenly and allowed me to kick back and relax (life is hard).
Reasonable prices as well, 42 dollars for a manicure and pedicure and it's one of the nicest I have had in a while. Very comfortable atmosphere, busy but not chaotic, clean and friendly. Looking around I think just about every other woman in the place looked pregnant enough to burst right on the spot.... but this comes with the territory. Madison Park... nails.... young hip moms.... you know how it goes. -
Review from Jen R.
Seattle, WA
2/19/2009
I've gone here twice and both times they cut me! I've had maybe 5 manicures in my life, so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about and it's common to get cut?
I went back a second time after my first injury because the staff was really nice and the environment was mellow, but the cutting well...it hurt. It still hurts, in fact. It's been a week and the side of my right ring finger nail is still red and ouchy and now I'm kind of worried that I've got someone else's nail fungus. Aren't they supposed to do something special with their cutting implements, like sterilize them? My cutting instruments came from the side of the table and I've no idea if they were clean.
I shouldn't have written this review because now I'm fairly certain I'm going to die from this manicure. -
Review from Gail R.
Seattle, WA
9/14/2011
I had a gift card to Hoa and had several pedicures over the summer. I just removed the polish from the last one and discovered that my big toenails have white splotches....a nail fungus! I am totally grossed out and will never go back there!
Comment from Huyen N. of Hoa Salon 9/15/2011
Dear Gail, We are very sorry to hear about the white spots… More » -
Review from Carly L.
1/5/2008
Yeah! I have pretty painted toes now! Color: Malaga wine by Opi. This place was clean, friendly, relaxed and affordable. My feet look dazzling and my wallet isn't screaming at me.
Holla for Hoa! -
Review from Christina M.
Seattle, WA
6/5/2011
I Love Hoa! The women are super nice, I always get a good pedi/mani with great massages, and the price is right!
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Review from Becka L.
Seattle, WA
8/21/2007
I was looking for a clean, inexpensive place to go to get a decent pedicure with my 11-year old cousin, who was visiting from Boston. I took a look at a few places like Julep and Ummelina, but they were way overpriced (and the reviews weren't too good). My friend sent me an article about best pedicures under $35, and Hoa was on the list, so I went ahead and made a Friday morning appointment.
In we walked at about 9:50am, and the door was open, but they weren't quite open yet (we could see them in the back chattering away and preparing for the day). A woman soon came out and checked us in, we chose our polish from a wall of colors, our pedicurists came over and led us to our chairs, and we were on our way.
The massage chairs are huge and comfy, and give strong, relaxing massages up your back while you get pampered. The water is warm and the jets lovely on your bare feet, and they can adjust the temperature if it's too cool or warm.
The leg massage was invigorating - first they used a fruity lotion (I think the brand was OPI), and then a small jar of minty something that left my legs feeling, well, glowing! You know that feeling when you eat a mint with eucalyptus, and it has that glowy cooling feeling in your mouth, kind of icy flavored? Well, that's what my legs felt like!
The pedicure itself was very well done - the trimming was not severe at all - no nicks or cuts, and the cleaning and preparation of the nailbeds themselves was very thorough. It's been a week and a half and my polish still looks good as new, just as gleaming as when it was first applied - and this is after a weekend of camping and playing football in flipflops.
Our pedicures cost $30 each, the decor is minimal and classy, and most importantly, they clean their footbaths thoroughly after every use. The only thing that made things slightly awkward was the fact that our pedicurists almost constantly chattered away to each other in Vietnamese. They did a great job on our feet, but didn't really talk to us. I suppose it's human nature to think that they might have been talking about us, although this probably wasn't true. But frankly, it made things a little uncomfortable. -
Review from Hanna L.
Edmonds, WA
8/8/2010
BOO. $45 for a mani/pedi. yuck. The massage was alright, the people there were great.
HOWEVER. the reason why it only gets two stars, is when they did my mani, little specks of dust/rocks got into my nail polish, and they didn't even try to take it out. They just painted over it, causing lumpy, bubbly nails. My toes look fantastic though, but not worth the money i forked over. -
Review from Theresa R.
Seattle, WA
4/8/2008
My Hoa Salon story...
20 minutes after I got my first pedicure at Hoa, I was walking around the farmer's market in flip flops and a lady stopped me...not to ask where i got my lovely summer peaches but to tell me that my toes looked amazing and where did i get such a fabulous pedicure?!
Need I say more?
Well yeah actually I will say more. I think Hoa's pedicure is the best value in Seattle for a pretty great experience. I love the massage chairs, the silly entertainment magazines, and the nice staff who always do a wonderful and thorough job. Another huge plus: no nasty fumes, so you don't have to hold your breath the whole time and you know that the salon employees are working in a relatively safe environment. -
Review from Charity S.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2011
I've been here several times for pedicures and have been very pleased with the service. The girls and smiley and attentive. I went with a girlfriend after going to cafe Flora for brunch -- this combination is definitely a "Do"! This time however, I paid $30 and I believe in the past I paid 25. So I think a little pricey. If the price comes down, I will change my rating to a 5!
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Review from Kristin S.
Palo Alto, CA
4/3/2007
Hoa Salon is GREAT! I can't believe it doesn't get more reviews! The manicures are wonderful and are only 15 dollars! Everyone is really friendly and they will squeeze you in with your friends so you can line up while getting a mani or pedi. The pedi's are a bit more pricey but you can also sit around with your feet in a lovely bubble bath. This place is wonderfully situated in this little house in Madison Valley, and is so cute- it feels so relaxing to step in and the ladies here are super friendly so they make you feel right at home. I'm not going to lie the 15 dollar price tag works out well for me. My number one pet peeve is a dirty place. This place feels more spa than nail salon if you know what I mean which makes you really enjoy it even more. There is absolutely NOTHING dirty about it. Plus they massage your hands and all that. You really can't do better.
Seattle's best kept nail secret! -
Review from Nicole K.
Seattle, WA
9/19/2007
I love these ladies! Good service, clean place, and nice color selection for nails. They also offering waxing, which is nice if you feel like treating yourself to a fuller salon experience.
Also, they will often take walk-ins. -
Review from Cinnimin A.
Seattle, WA
6/3/2009
I love pedicures. Soak, paraffin dip, rub, oil, buff and polish my feet all you want. I love it all, but it gets pricey. So when my feet need a treat, but my wallet is saying "Slow Down Sista", I go to Hoa.
The only negative thing I have to say, is that when Hoa gets really busy, you feel like you're in a cattle call. So I always go when it's slow, during the week. Problem solved.
The positives are numerous. The staff are friendly and accommodating. They have a great color selection and the massage chairs give you that extra bit of pampering without the extra price. Best of all, the pedicures last a really long time. I'm on week 4 of my last pedicure and not a chip in site.
If your group is larger than 3 people, you could get broken up into two different rooms. When that happens to us, we ask to wait and the wait and then switch out.
Now Hoa is my regular place and pricey spas are reserved for birthdays and special occasions. -
Review from Megan B.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2008
I've been here twice and both times I've had great experiences. The atmosphere is nice (no ridiculous nail pictures from the 80s in cheap gold frames) and not stark white walls either. That plus the clean look, makes it easy to relax in those crazy massage chairs. Crazy in a good way. Like Mitzie said, most people don't realize the benefits of a nice ass massage while you get your tootsies pampered.
I've also been able to get in right away both times. I call, and they say come down now if you want. So I do, because I'm totally impatient. The only thing I don't like is that nasty tea they gave me, although that's merely a personal preference as spicy tea makes me retch. But it was pretty cool that they offered me tea at all, since this is not commonplace among places of this price range.
Overall, this place rocks. -
Review from Shelby H.
Seattle, WA
9/18/2009
First off, I think the one star reviews are probably all of the customers that gave me the side-eye as I walked in... what a bunch of cranky, stuck up snobs. I wanted to cut each one of them as I walked in for my absolutely wonderful mani/pedi. (You're REALLY going to give one star because someone doesn't speak English? Were you going to Hoa for an English lesson? IT IS A SALON)
I had called ahead and was greeted on the other end of the line by whom I imagine to be the manager. She was a little ray of sunshine and said she would hold a chair for me. When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see how pretty the place was with its honey wood floors soaked by the Sunday sun. I was also surprised to find a row of three hater Mad Park women who apparently have nothing better to do than deliver menacing once-overs and look disgusted. Was my Banana Republic yellow silk dress out of season? Oh, the shame!
After I picked out a color and slid into my chair, I was really happy to see that I was simultaneously getting a mani/pedi - I wanted to get the hell out of that place ASAP, as the back room found me sitting face to face with another non-friendly scowler.
$40 later and 20 nails painted perfectly pink, I was out of there and pleased with my new find. Everyone on the staff was very sweet and I had no problems with chipping several days later. I would recommend going... gosh, when do stay at home moms stay home... on a weekday if you can. Sunday will find you in the trenches of Judgement Day.
At the very least, be sure to wear something in season, you unfashionable heathens! -
Review from Tani S.
8/23/2009
I love their pedicures and have been going for a couple of years thanks to a Seattle magazine article that had rated their salon as best for inexpensive spa pedicures.
I've never been disappointed! My dry heels are always silky smooth after the pedicure, the atmosphere is spa like with it's wooden floors and light interior, the service is good, and the price is affordable. -
Review from Jody N.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2009
One of my friends arranged an impromptu visit to HOA to escape the dreaded monotonous seattle spring rain. The salon was a wonderful escape with its bright interior, fast service, wonderful massage chairs and attention to detail. The woman who was taming to my toes gave one of the best massages of my life, melting me into a state of pure relaxation.
My friends informed me that they were having a bridal party at HOA and renting out the entire space. Such a wonderful idea - and a good thing to know if anyone is looking for a space to rent for a birthday party or celebration!
The cost was just right for the amount of attention and relaxation they delivered. -
Review from Kate J.
4/29/2010
I have been meaning to write a review of Hoa for a long time, because it's pretty much the only place I go to get my nails done.
Besides the great value ($42 for a mani-pedi, and they have the special massage chairs with footbaths), the staff is always friendly and helpful, and they give the most amazing leg, foot, hand, arm, and shoulder massages! I only get mani-pedis maybe once a month or less, but I always book with Hoa.
Highly recommended - I have never had a bad experience! -
Review from Heidi D.
WA
1/1/2009
I have resisted visiting this salon after they "lost" my friends appointment for her wedding mani/pedi party. You don't want a crying bride and 6 attendants!
I figured enough time has passed and I'd give them a try. I've had 1 pedi and 3 acrylic fills in the last few months.
The pedi was boring, the water cold to tepid, the lady doing the work going through the motions, not really into it. I tried to loose myself in a trashy magazine, but they were all out of date. The color selection is limited, which I think is inexcusable... this is your business, I want to see every color available in the free world! So the pedi was OK but nothing like Spa Jolie.
The fills went fine with Lisa. She made needed repairs and seemed competent enough. She's so into ventilation that she opens every window and turns on a massive fan to clear fumes. OK, but it is SNOWING out and I am turning BLUE. I would recommend her if your regular girl is on vacation, but not as your every-other-week manicurist. I have never seen Lisa use any sterilized implement. Everything comes out of the drawer covered in someone else's nail dust.
1 star on sanitation, 4 stars on friendliness, 3 stars on quality.
Really, if you want better go to Spa Jolie or Madison Ave. Nails. -
Review from Cecilie H.
Seattle, WA
6/17/2009
I have never had neither a manicure nor a pedicure before so maybe my expectations were just wrong. But before I went, I had checked out you other yelpers' reviews for pedicures, and this sounded like a good place. The owner does seem very nice, but that doesn't solve my problem: I came primarily to have 2 corns and some callous removed, nice side-effect, I hoped, would be the rest of the treatment. Unfortunately I left w my 2 corns and most of my callous - and a big toe nails with the nail polish damaged by my shoe :-( So the whole nail polish job is wasted. I have to remove it and make my own as I've always done. Again, maybe it's just my expectations that are wrong: maybe you don't go for a pedicure to have callous and corns removed, and maybe you can't expect the nail polish to survive a closed shoe - or what?
Mitzie H and Danielle D write that they were served tea. That would indeed have been nice when you sit there for an hour total. And some magazines - old or new - would have been great too. Maybe even some soothening classic or meditative music on the stereo would have been great. It was silent while I was there - which is much better than noicy pop/rock and ads, of course! -
Review from Melissa S.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2010
It was my birthday. And I wanted to get my nails done. Yelp reviewers led me here....
I got an appointment quickly after I called, for acrylic mani and spa pedi - they said $47. They greeted me immediatly and were very nice.
The woman who started out my nails was very quiet but started doing a lovely job on my nails. She started filing my nails (weird) and asked how they looked. I said they look fine, but I'm getting acrylics - oh ya. She continued my nails. Cuticals. Buff. Shine. "Fine?" - yeah they look great, but I'm getting acrylics - oh ya. Takes out polish. "But what about acrylics?" - Huh? oh. The woman didn't speak english and didn't know "acrylic" (which is fine if she didn't know english, but they can at least properly tell her the service I asked for, and maybe simple knowledge of "acrylic" or "fake nail" would be understandable).
So I sat in the chair for about half an hour already all for nothing. I asked how much more would it be for my acrylics? They said none its fine we wont charge for manicure! SWEET :)
The other lady who did my nails was really sweet, efficient, and the nails look awesome. I've had people ask where I get them done.
My pedicure also looks wonderful and they have the best massage chairs EVER! They could have massaged my ankles more tho, instead of going over and over on my feet.
So - why do I give this place three stars? When it finally came time to pay (after about 2 hours of sitting in a chair - seriously) I'm thinking about $40/50 because they said themselves "no pay for manicure".
$67 is what they said I owed. Any other time I would feel ok with paying this, but they wasted my time (hello - it's my birthday - I have to get ready for the party!) DAMB! Even after I tried to correct her she charged full price.
I would recommend this place if you don't have anywhere to go afterwords - because who knows what they'll start and how long it will take to correct it! -
Review from Chad Y.
1/27/2009
I decided to go and get a manicure and a pedicure at Hoa after a friend recommended it and I have to say it was a pretty decent experience. Their prices are prety competitive with other nail salons and the experience was average.
I just got a simple trim and buff and they did it fairly quickly and it came out rather well...The massage chairs are nice and the water baths were comfortable. The staff made it a decent experience and I ended up fairly relaxed considering it was only 45 minutes long.
The salon is bright, clean, and roomy. Overall a pleasant place to visit atmosphere wise.
All in all, nothing wow-ing about the place, but it certainly was worth the money and a place I'd go check out again. -
Review from Amanda K.
Kirkland, WA
3/26/2008
I tagged along with a few girlfriends for a pedicure yesterday, and what a treat it was! The salon was spotless and sunny.
There are three pedicure stations, each with a glorious massaging chair. I think there are about twice as many manicure stations.
The staff was extremely nice. The manager accommodated our group of five and even turned walk-in clients away while we were enjoying ourselves...and this was our first (but not last) time there.
I can't imagine a more relaxing atmosphere. If only they had a full spa... -
Review from Lisa B.
Seattle, WA
3/23/2010
Speaking in terms of value, I'm afraid this salon doesn't have it. I've had really great mani/pedi's from great little holes in the wall to full service salons, but there are some key things I look for that this location of Hoa falls short on.
One, is durability. My polish began to peal after a few days and I've had manicures easily last a week without a chip. Two, is service. The women were sooo nice and excited about my pregnancy (I was 9 months pregnant)... until I asked one to only push the cuticles rather than cut. From then on, she could care less about chit chat. She left a lot of polish on my cuticles to boot, which the woman doing my pedicure offered to clean up, seeming a little embarrassed by it. She was very nice, and I considered asking her name for the next time I was in, but then I paid. Which brings me to three: price. Considering that it was about 15 dollars more than other places I've been to in the "inexpensive" category with excellent results, I just don't see rolling the dice on service and quality.
In Seattle, Sally's on University gave great service and a perfect mani/pedi that lasted two weeks without a blemish. If you can handle that the interior is not a pretty-salon feel like Hoa, then I would instead recommend you go there for the quick, biweekly mani/pedi and hit up a real spa for the occasional feel-good, full spa treatment. -
Review from Liza R.
Hillsboro, OR
9/19/2010
I had had a rough day so I went in to pamper myself a bit... Decided to use one of their waxing services and left a very happy costumer. Pricing is good for underarm :) waxing and staff was friendly and helpful!
-
Review from Jill B.
Edmonds, WA
6/28/2008
Really a hit or miss place depending on who you get. I had a great manicure here. Great attention to detail and my nails and hands felt great.
I returned a couple weeks later as a walk-in hoping for a mani/pedi, but could only get squeezed in for a pedi - no prob, time to relax! Unfortunately, the gal assigned to me could barely be bothered to service my toes and made fun of the 2 days of hair growth on my legs. The nerve. When applying lotion to my legs, she put it on with one hand while staring off into space.
Hmm . . . I'm not quite ready to give up on this place. It is cute, clean and in my hood. The jury is still out - it is worth one more try. -
Review from Madison G.
Seattle, WA
12/17/2008
I have been a fan of Hoa as long as I've lived in the area but it was always a drag to have to brave icky Montlake traffic to get to Madison Park from the U-District! Now that they've opened a brand-new location right on Roosevelt (3 blocks from my house--SCORE!!!) I can walk (walk!!!!) to my favorite nail spot--yes!
The women who run Hoa are always so friendly and make sure I am happy and comfortable during my entire experience. They greet me warmly at the door, take my coat, and bring me a bottle of water--five star treatment for an unbelievably good price!!!
I've read a few yelp complaints about their acrylics but mine turned out beautifully! I went in last night for a full set and a pedicure and I couldnt be more pleased with my results. I am a lifelong nail-biter and I have always been ashamed of my hands, and I always thought that acrylic french nails looked tacky on short nails--but walking out of Hoa I couldn't stop staring at my beautiful nails! They turned out looking natural and clean, but also perfectly polished! LOVE IT! I am so excited to have a gorgeous manicure for the holidays.
My pedicure turned out no less amazing.I am pretty hard on my feet (walking around on a pool deck most days) and the girl who did my pedicure had me strolling out feeling like I was walking on air. I would have been satisfied with just the gorgeous polish job ("La Paz-itively Hot" by O.P.I. is my favorite!!!) but the ahhh-mazing Tiger Balm leg/foot massage and the ubercomfy brand-new massaging pedicure chairs were icing on the cake!
Their new location also has a cool private room that you can rent out for groups, where they let you serve food and wine--also, the birthday girl/bride-to-be/guest of honor gets her services for free if you bring seven people or more! After my experience, I will definitely be back for my birthday in March :)
If it's not completely obvious, I totally am in love with this place and the women that work there--can't beat the service for the price--perfect for a student's budget! Love it!
EDIT: Here I am, 13 days later, and my gorgeous pedi is still going strong! Hoa rocks my world :) -
Review from Sindi L.
Seattle, WA
2/10/2011
If you want to feel like a princess, then visit HOA salon on Madison! These ladies are the best and the you will receive great value for the price.
