Arete Beauty Spa-Nail De Vue: Flushing, Queens, NY

Mermaid dream on dali

design by: Arete

technician: the guy

price: $$$

Studios are rated in a 1-3 star system. To learn more see our studio list.

OVERALL:★★★

I found Arete on the good-old inter-webs and ever since it’s become one of our go-to salons. I knew I wanted to get mermaid nails for the summer, so I was looking on Pinterest for a design and nothing was really sticking out to me. Finally, it came to that time of the month where I had to get my nails done, so I just started looking for places close by. Arete was the #1 rated salon in Flushing, and as I was looking through their photos I saw this design and nearly dropped dead.

It took over three hours but the results were amazing. They are the most involved nails I have gotten to date and I never wanted to take them off.

STUDIO: ★★★

The studio is located in this kind of ratchet building that was once cited for prostitution, however once you make it up the flight of narrow, kind of dingy stairs to the second floor, you’ll find a hidden gem. Their studio sign outside is kind of small, it’s basically unmarked, so as you are walking keep a sharp eye out for the building numbers and a small paper sign on a glass door. As I said, they are on the second floor so you also have to ring up (2F) to enter the building. Inside, the studio is stunning. They almost require you to make an appointment ahead of time, and they often require a pre-paid deposit made via chase quickpay or venmo if you are getting a gel nail design. If you come 15 min late you will lose your spot and your deposit! :( Also parking is limited, I mean it’s downtown Flushing, but there is a garage down the street (cash only). Why the salon has essentially two names we still do not know.

NAIL CARE: ★★★

They are extremely obsessed with making you nails the perfect shape, and perfectly even with the other hand. They will hold the nails on each had next to each other, like how hairdressers pull together the sides of your hair, to make sure the length and shape are the same. Filling will probably take twice as long as you expect. Gel removal and nail prep will be about 50% of your time there, which in total will be about three hours minimum. They take their time but they are meticulous and thoughtful.

ART: ★★★

The skill of the top artist at this salon is among the best we’ve seen. I mean just look at this design! They have endless collections of gems, nail decor and polishes. They get super creative; Nabi once got nails with a marble stone that they made by hand painting onto a plain white gem. The only problem you may encounter is that some of the newer technicians are not as experienced, so make sure to ask for one of their veteran designers if you want some pretty complicated. They will often ask you to send a picture of the design you would like when you make your appointment.

LONGEVITY: ★★

The mermaid nails lasted forever (3 plus weeks) with no gem loss. However the design below that was also by Arete did not hold up as well. They always say when you leave that you can come back if any stones fall off and they will fix it for you for free, so if you live in the area this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. For the design quality, it is well worth it!