The future of natural nail care is here. We've elevated the nail salon experience with innovative, soakless manicures and pedicures in a safe and clean, acrylic-free environment. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will work with you to improve and maintain your natural nail health. We invite you to experience a better way to care for your nails.
Visit one of our two convenient Certified Safe Salon locations in Austin, TX. LACQUER is woman-owned and a proud member of the Female Founder Collective, a network of businesses led by women, supporting women in positively impacting our communities, both socially and economically. We are a Certified Safe Salon and Ethical Beauty provider.
Visit one of our two convenient Certified Safe Salon locations in Austin, TX. LACQUER is woman-owned and a proud member of the Female Founder Collective, a network of businesses led by women, supporting women in positively impacting our communities, both socially and economically. We are a Certified Safe Salon and Ethical Beauty provider.
Services
The idea for LACQUER started in 2012 when founder, and University of Texas alumna, Carla Hatler moved back to Austin from Los Angeles and couldn't find the perfect nail salon. I had trouble finding a great nail salon that I didn't have to book out weeks in advance, and I couldn't find a place that offered mani-pedis at the same time.
When you choose to come see us for your nail care needs, you are choosing to support an ethical beauty business, filled with a highly trained, well-paid professional staff in a beautiful environment with the highest quality products. We provide extensive training and follow safety standards that are above and beyond State regulations.
Reviews (20)
Claire Hammons
Jan 19, 2022
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I was disappointed with my experience here a couple of months ago. The price for a pedicure is way too much for what you get. They don’t have a foot spa, and seemed rush to finish my toes. They didn’t exfoliate, just painted my toes and the job was mediocre. Also, I couldn’t bring my coffee in due to Covid, which I thought was a little much considering everyone was masked and at a good distance.
Allison Wright
Nov 26, 2021
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My husband booked manicures for me and two friends for my birthday. I was excited to try a new, nice place downtown! I showed up exactly 10 minutes past our scheduled appointment time and was instantly (and unkindly) informed that I could not get the service that I booked but instead would be "downgraded" to "just a touch up." Getting a "touch up" manicure with polish was $35.00 and was just not worth the price. I will definitely not be returning.
Kelsey M.
Nov 20, 2021
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Wish I could rate 0 stars. My friends and I booked essential pedicures for a birthday, heard really good things about this place so had pretty high expectations. Walked in 10 min after our appointment time (didn't think it would be a big deal?) and they "greeted" us with letting us know our services would be downgraded to only a touch up, no questions asked. Pretty ridiculously awful customer service and not worth any hype. Go somewhere else if you want your money's worth.
Angela Avogaro
Oct 05, 2021
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I was treated to a pedicure at this salon today with a group of work associates. VERY cute and clean space. Fell in love with the vibe. All the staff were very welcoming and friendly throughout my visit.
The pedicure itself was ok. It is different than the soak pedis most people are used to but my skin felt nice and my feet were clean. Minimal attention to my cuticles, and the outcome was varying shape nails (some square, some rounded and a couple literally at an angle) and a very very mediocre polish job. I received 2 VERY thin coats of my polish color and this evening upon really looking at
The pedicure itself was ok. It is different than the soak pedis most people are used to but my skin felt nice and my feet were clean. Minimal attention to my cuticles, and the outcome was varying shape nails (some square, some rounded and a couple literally at an angle) and a very very mediocre polish job. I received 2 VERY thin coats of my polish color and this evening upon really looking at
Chera Johnson
Sep 22, 2021
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After researching top nail salons in Austin, I decided to use a LACQUER for five of my top clients for an afternoon at the spa to enjoy pedicures. The owners concept I fell in love with. Very clean, posh chairs and cute decor. The happy mottos on the wall art, I fell in love with.
However, the staff & the quality of the pedicures I was very surprised at. I get my nails and toes done every two weeks like clockwork. I was surprised by their no soak concept, which we have become accustomed to with a nice long massage. The quality of their nail paint job was very Mediocre. The receptionist has not
However, the staff & the quality of the pedicures I was very surprised at. I get my nails and toes done every two weeks like clockwork. I was surprised by their no soak concept, which we have become accustomed to with a nice long massage. The quality of their nail paint job was very Mediocre. The receptionist has not
Chelsea Arnold
Sep 14, 2021
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Booked my appt online, put the notes French tip, told the tech, thought we understood each other.. But she painted the entire nail. Had to leave with unpolished ugly toes. Didn't even discount the service paided for a signature pedi.. Not the first time this has occurred here.. I'll be sticking to my other nail salon.
Service: Pedicures
Service: Pedicures
Maria Marcelo
Sep 11, 2021
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This place was a great find. My manicure turned out better than the inspo pictures, and Erica was the coolest nail technician. She was warm and welcoming, very knowledgeable, and she was so funny, she made the whole experience!
Make sure to make an appointment for every service you get and confirm with them before hand.
Make sure to make an appointment for every service you get and confirm with them before hand.
Chandler C.
Sep 07, 2021
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Was in Austin just overnight for work and desperately needed a pedicure. This place caught my attention via Yelp because of the cute, simplistic decor and when I saw the prices I was a little skeptical but once I read WHY they're so expensive I was onboard. I will pay more for ethical business practices and businesses that support women. I had a essential pedicure done, they had a good variety of gel colors, and I loved the heating pads on the chairs and foot stool. However I will say I felt a little awkward and uncomfortable in the chairs with the way my feet were being placed but maybe I
Dorothy Chau
Jun 19, 2021
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I'm in town visiting for the weekend and booked a day in advance. The receptionist was very accommodating and flexible considering the tight schedule. Yun was quick and efficient. I was in and out in an hour which is mind blowing to me considering the quality of her work. She's precise and the tools she used were clean. I can't wait to visit the area again and schedule some art in the future!
Emily K.
Jun 01, 2020
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I will admit, I was a little leery about giving up the soak part of my pedicure. I took a chance based on the amazing reviews I have seen and it was worth it! The nail techs are so skilled at making you feel relaxed and performing every essential pedicure step to perfection without soaking. Yay sustainability!! The hot towels are everything I could hope for. My feet haven't felt or looked this good since I moved to town in December. My new go-to for pedicures!
Laurene A.
Jan 24, 2020
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I went back and gave Lacquer a second chance and I am extremely happy!! My manicure lasted well past 2 weeks and the foil they used did not change color this time. The salon was so peaceful and quiet, and the lady at the front made sure I always had a glass of champagne next to me! My only suggestion would be that the techs could be just a tad bit friendlier, but I'll definitely go back again!
Sarah S.
Aug 21, 2019
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I'm extremely saddened by my last trip to Lacquer. I do want to make it clear that the technician was extremely friendly and tried her absolute best and I do not think she was the direct problem here. I went to get a gel manicure after having repeated gel mani's from a different salon named Coated. They also do not use drills or harsh chemicals/regimens on your nails. I had my removal done and the tech mentioned my nails were thin because of the removal and I understood but I also thought that after the mani they would have a hard top coat and that was the point of getting gel (?) so your natural
Susan Palombo
Jul 14, 2019
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I have been a regular customer since this salon opened. I have had manicures and pedicures by almost every nail tech. The salon is clean and safe. The nail techs are well trained, they listen and work hard to meet the objectives of the client. I love the water-less pedicures. They have found a relaxing, soothing and impactful way to provide a high quality pedicure experience while saving our planet’s water resources. They are usually ahead of the curve in knowledge, techniques, and information about safe and hygienic solutions for nails. And they have beautiful polishes and provide great service
M. S.
May 29, 2019
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This was my first visit to a salon that uses the hot towel technique and avoids traditional soaking tubs for pedicures. This method is better for the environment and my skin! I am a true convert.
My sisters and I especially loved chatting with our beauticians and felt welcomed and not rushed. My sister told her stylist, "this is sort of my bachelorette weekend." I was like "girrrrrllll, I flew to Texas for you! This better be your actual for real bachelorette weekend!"
Truth be told, I wish I lived in Austin so I could go more frequently.
My sisters and I especially loved chatting with our beauticians and felt welcomed and not rushed. My sister told her stylist, "this is sort of my bachelorette weekend." I was like "girrrrrllll, I flew to Texas for you! This better be your actual for real bachelorette weekend!"
Truth be told, I wish I lived in Austin so I could go more frequently.
Jenny T.
May 08, 2019
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My low star rating is based primarily on the cost to value ratio. It's nice to have freshly painted nails, but I honestly go for the experience, relaxation and pampering. Unfortunately, Lacquer misses the mark here.
They are waterless and use hot towels in lieu of warm foot baths. Instead you sit on comfortable, but too high chairs and "rest" your feet on a foot rest that the technician sits on. It's not a natural position, so I had to sit in a tensed position the entire time - the opposite of relaxation.
They did the mani pedi at the same time with the mani tech sitting
They are waterless and use hot towels in lieu of warm foot baths. Instead you sit on comfortable, but too high chairs and "rest" your feet on a foot rest that the technician sits on. It's not a natural position, so I had to sit in a tensed position the entire time - the opposite of relaxation.
They did the mani pedi at the same time with the mani tech sitting
Cassandra T.
Feb 10, 2019
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Service is a 5, the girl that did my nails was educated on nail health.
But as for the nails themselves, it's only been 7 days and my nail polish is chipped ($50 gel manicure).
I get a gel manicure once a month from various places and they always last 3 weeks and the service is usually $30. I'm really disappointed that they didn't last. It's not about the money but one would think if you are paying higher for quality then you would have a gel Manicure that would last longer than 6 days.
I predominantly go to boutique nail salons that are ethically driven with knowledgeable
But as for the nails themselves, it's only been 7 days and my nail polish is chipped ($50 gel manicure).
I get a gel manicure once a month from various places and they always last 3 weeks and the service is usually $30. I'm really disappointed that they didn't last. It's not about the money but one would think if you are paying higher for quality then you would have a gel Manicure that would last longer than 6 days.
I predominantly go to boutique nail salons that are ethically driven with knowledgeable
Cassandra C.
Jun 22, 2018
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Professional, quick, great work. The staff was nice, the salon beautiful, and the manicure was flawless. From first booking to the appointment timing, this was a very well run salon.
My only complaint was the cost- I was surprised for a very basic gel mani with soak off and 20% tip it cost $66. 2 second lotion massage and no scrub or thrills. Still walked away with a perfect mani but for that price I'd expect a little more... for someone that does gel manis every two weeks, I'm hesitant to make this my go-to.
My only complaint was the cost- I was surprised for a very basic gel mani with soak off and 20% tip it cost $66. 2 second lotion massage and no scrub or thrills. Still walked away with a perfect mani but for that price I'd expect a little more... for someone that does gel manis every two weeks, I'm hesitant to make this my go-to.
Addy G.
Mar 17, 2018
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I found Lacquer on Yelp (of course) :)
I was staying at JW Marriott for SXSW. My nails were really beat up and I had been on the road for weeks and needed some serious self care and attention. I called Lacquer the Sunday I came in. They were completely booked that day and I asked if they could schedule me on Tuesday afternoon. We went back-and-forth a few times with times that might work out for the both of us and we decided for 3:45 pm on Tuesday. Unlike most nail salons, you have to give all of your information including your credit card to them upon making the appointment. If you cancel within
I was staying at JW Marriott for SXSW. My nails were really beat up and I had been on the road for weeks and needed some serious self care and attention. I called Lacquer the Sunday I came in. They were completely booked that day and I asked if they could schedule me on Tuesday afternoon. We went back-and-forth a few times with times that might work out for the both of us and we decided for 3:45 pm on Tuesday. Unlike most nail salons, you have to give all of your information including your credit card to them upon making the appointment. If you cancel within
Ann P.
Sep 18, 2017
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This review is based on my two experiences here.
I was recommended this place by a friend who lives walking distance from this location. I booked an appointment with Leslie for my organic manicure and my pedicure. I loved that you filled out a form with your personal preference and that she really paid attention to it. She did an amazing job and really paid attention to my cuticles and shape. I could not say enough sweet things about her. The only problem I had during this visit was that I was never offered a water, tea or mimosa. I will include a picture. I will give this experience 5/5 stars
I was recommended this place by a friend who lives walking distance from this location. I booked an appointment with Leslie for my organic manicure and my pedicure. I loved that you filled out a form with your personal preference and that she really paid attention to it. She did an amazing job and really paid attention to my cuticles and shape. I could not say enough sweet things about her. The only problem I had during this visit was that I was never offered a water, tea or mimosa. I will include a picture. I will give this experience 5/5 stars
Catherine B.
Jun 11, 2016
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Yikes. What a sad, expensive experience.
Don't get me wrong - I've shelled out some dolla dolla bills at other downtown salons for massage services, manicures, pedicures and fell for the guise of spending more for that free glass of Costco sparking wine and darling décor, but this certainly was the utmost disappointment.
Made an appointment.
Got seen right away, which was nice.
My nail tech was quiet.
Nice, but quiet.
I had a fine time chatting with her, but I got a bad feeling the moment my bare, non-manicured hands started getting scraped and hacked, without even a quick soak
Don't get me wrong - I've shelled out some dolla dolla bills at other downtown salons for massage services, manicures, pedicures and fell for the guise of spending more for that free glass of Costco sparking wine and darling décor, but this certainly was the utmost disappointment.
Made an appointment.
Got seen right away, which was nice.
My nail tech was quiet.
Nice, but quiet.
I had a fine time chatting with her, but I got a bad feeling the moment my bare, non-manicured hands started getting scraped and hacked, without even a quick soak
