Samantha’s Mini Spa in Minneapolis, MN

I have been to this salon 3 times and they still have not done right by me!
Visit #1
I got a gel mani and pedi which I am pretty sure I was over charged for. I cannot figure out how it could have added up to $120. The mani was $40 + $10 extra for the metallic I chose, which means the pedicure was $70?
The pedicure was fine and still looks good weeks later.
However
The mani looked great for a few hours, but the topcoat and metallic started to chip and peel the next day. I left early that morning for a trip so I was unable to go back right away to have it fixed. I took pictures with time stamps. When I got back to town a week later I called and explained that I needed it redone and would like them to fix it or at least give me a discount.
Visit #2
When I got there I showed the boss my nails and tried to show her pix but she didn’t want to see them. She said I should have come back right away. I explained (again) that I had been out of the country and she told me I should have called. The boss told the chick who changed out my color to charge me the full price. By the time I got home and put on my glasses 8 of my nails were bubbling up underneath. I call immediately and requested an appointment to have them redone. The next day two of the bubbles popped open in the center of my nails revealing a goopy mess.
Visit #3
Everyone acted annoyed at me, like I was a big inconvenience. The boss did the prep and was only going to redo 2 of the nails. I kept pushing her to do the others but only ended up convincing her to redo 5 of them. The lady that did the painting this time was clearly more skilled than the first two, but the job was rushed and unpleasant.
In summary:
Pricey
Low quality
Bad customer service

I started going to Samantha’s for pedi’s a few years ago, and most recently I have been getting gel fills and polish since last summer. I have yet to leave disappointed with their services no matter who does does my nails. Special S/o to the nail tech who has done the last 3(+?) fills. Not only has she not made me feel the least bit insecure about my extra dry working hands I experience during this time of the year, she takes great care of me and she applies a little extra cuticle oil at the end. Also, no matter what your preference, they have an extensive selection of colors. Go check them out!!

Unless you’re just getting your nails painted, I wouldn’t go here. I paid $65 (before the tip, yes I tipped) for a gel manicure with an extension and you can clearly see my nail underneath where the extension is. The polish isn’t even, my pointer finger extension was adhered crooked, and the dip powder is uneven all over my nails. I’ve gotten a manicure twice here and was unhappy both times. The pedicures are good until you get polish. The work done is just over priced. This is a $30-40 manicure. I came for a walk in and ASKED if they had time for a walk in. They said yes and proceeded with the manicure. I had to ask for her to acknowledge my cuticle beds and she didn’t even put lotion on my hands. I didn’t want to sit and complain or critique her every move. It could be worse and she was really nice, but I will just buy my own equipment to do my nails myself next time.

I’m not big on reviews but after coming to Samantha’s Mini Spa a few times now over the last year I can say they have consistently given me the BEST overall experience, nails, and service.

They don’t do acrylic with powder (as the space is small and the chemicals smell strongly) but have dip/gel and would add a nail tip to your dip for 10$ extra ($55 + tip).

As a Black woman, there’s definitely anxiety at nail salons, especially when I don’t know if I’ll be treated like a suspicious stranger and as a paying customer and human.

Na and her staff have always been kind and knowing this makes me feel way less anxious!

Today Lynn did my nails, which I LOVE. I could tell she tried her best and mistakes were made (I’m very stiff), she fixed them before I could say anything. I did a simple manicure with a sparkly black/gold color and almond shaped.

First time coming here and so happy I did! The salon is bright, clean, and friendly! I saw Nga and she was so gentle removing my acrylics and did an amazing job with my dip! I’ll definitely be coming back!