
U1st nails
Quick info
About U1st nails
U1st nails is a family-run beauty salon on High Street in Birmingham, working by appointment rather than walk-in. Several nail technicians work on the floor, so clients can book with the one they prefer. Services include BIAB nails, and shapes and colours are settled at the start of the appointment, with custom designs put together for anyone who arrives without a look in mind. A drink is part of the visit, and a cup of tea comes as standard while the work is done. The salon runs Monday to Saturday and closes on Sundays, so appointments are best planned across the working week and Saturday. Booking ahead secures both the slot and the technician.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention biab nails, custom nail designs, offered a drink or tea and nail shape exactly as asked.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention biab nails, custom nail designs, offered a drink or tea and nail shape exactly as asked.
Customer Review Summary
Regulars return above all for nail work that matches what they asked for on arrival, with the shape, colour and design coming out exactly as requested. BIAB comes up repeatedly, one reviewer describing nails in horrible shape reshaped and finished quickly, and several credit the same long-serving technicians with inventing a design for them when they arrive with no idea what they want, including a recent set with real flowers set into the nails. Loyalty runs long here, with customers citing years of visits and a family business feel, alongside comments on cleanliness and welcoming staff. Against that, one detailed account describes a very different third visit, with questions about BIAB and French styles met dismissively and a man at the back of the salon shouting across the room that they should go somewhere else, an incident that reviewer calls embarrassing and unprofessional and which ended their custom. Others simply mention being offered a cup of tea while they sat.
Customer Review Summary
Regulars return above all for nail work that matches what they asked for on arrival, with the shape, colour and design coming out exactly as requested. BIAB comes up repeatedly, one reviewer describing nails in horrible shape reshaped and finished quickly, and several credit the same long-serving technicians with inventing a design for them when they arrive with no idea what they want, including a recent set with real flowers set into the nails. Loyalty runs long here, with customers citing years of visits and a family business feel, alongside comments on cleanliness and welcoming staff. Against that, one detailed account describes a very different third visit, with questions about BIAB and French styles met dismissively and a man at the back of the salon shouting across the room that they should go somewhere else, an incident that reviewer calls embarrassing and unprofessional and which ended their custom. Others simply mention being offered a cup of tea while they sat.
Featured reviews
- Jada
“I’ve visited this salon three times, and the contrast between my experiences is honestly shocking. My first visit was based on the high reviews, and it absolutely lived up to them. Kitty did my nails and she was fantastic warm, attentive, offered a drink, made conversation and created a genuine sense of comfort. It felt like I had finally found a nail salon that understood customer experience, which is exactly why I came back. My second visit was slightly different. The experience wasn’t as warm, and I did start to feel a shift in attitude. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely didn’t match my first visit, I notice little things and mannerisms, but I gave the benefit of the doubt. I asked for a simple design, something slightly outside of my comfort zone, and was made to feel like it was a problem. I understand there can sometimes be a language barrier, but there is a clear difference between that and being made to feel like an inconvenience. The attitude came across as impatient and dismissive rather than helpful. I had previously shared that I can sometimes feel anxious in nail salons due to past experiences, especially when asking questions or trying to understand options. On my first visit here, I felt like I had finally found somewhere different. That clearly wasn’t the case. After attending twice and having mixed feelings, I decided to give it another go and brought my mom with me so we could enjoy the experience together. This third visit completely changed everything. When my mom asked simple questions about BIAB and French styles, something completely normal when you are paying for a service, it was clear it was being received as an issue. Instead of being guided, she was briefly shown products and then pointed across the room with no real effort to help her understand. At that point, the entire atmosphere shifted. Staff and clients began looking over, and you could feel the tension in the room. One client looked visibly uncomfortable. I then noticed a man at the back shaking his head and speaking while watching us. A few minutes later, he shouted across the salon telling us to “go somewhere else” and that there were other nail shops down the road. That moment was completely unacceptable. Me and my mom just stood there looking at each other while the entire salon went quiet and people were watching. It was embarrassing, uncomfortable and honestly quite shocking. It ruined our afternoon and I was left in complete disbelief. We are paying clients. It is completely reasonable to ask questions about products, services or styles especially when spending money. There is no justification for being spoken to like that. What makes it worse is the complete lack of professionalism. If there was an issue, it should have been handled properly face to face, respectfully not shouted across a room. For me, it’s not just about the nails, it’s about how you make people feel. This is supposed to be a self-care experience, something enjoyable. Instead, it felt uncomfortable, dismissive and completely disrespectful. If you are someone who already feels anxious in these environments or doesn’t like confrontation, I would strongly advise against coming here. I will not be returning. As a business owner myself in Aesthetics, this was a real eye opener. Customer experience, basic respect and communication are non-negotiable in any service industry. Based on this experience, I will no longer be recommending or referring clients to this salon.”
- Charlotte Louise
“Absoloutely love my new nails. The lady was so polite, welcoming, and offered me a cup of tea which is a bonus! The shape of my nails is exactly how I asked, colour looks amazing. Really pleased! Definitely will be returning ☺️”
- M H
“My other half has been going here for 20 years and wouldn't go anywhere else. It's a lovely welcoming family business that listen to what you want and always deliver an excellent service. She can't recommend them enough and looks forward to treating herself as much as she can.”
- Nicola Chare
“Best nail salon in Birmingham, jack always does amazing job with my nails, always welcoming and friendly. Wouldn't go anywhere else. The other nail techs are also brilliant as family and friends also use the other staff there. Love all my amazing designs they do there for me, my latest nails are with real flowers in”
- Katie Molloy
“Thought I’d try this nail shop for the first time today and I would 100% recommend and I will definitely be coming back. I had my nails done by leon who was so friendly and did my nails to perfection!. Thank you for the excellent service.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Closed
Good to know
- ParkingFree multi-storey car park · Free of charge street parking
Amenities
- Free of charge street parking
- On-site services
- Beverages
- Free multi-storey car park
- Appointment required
Location
Beauty salons near U1st nails
- Beauty Within4.8590.4 mi
lip filler, nail treatments, combination brows
- 0.9 mi
eyebrow threading, full body waxing, one-to-one personal salon
- The Embellish Beauty5.0692.3 mi
eyebrow threading, lash lift, gel nails
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| U1st nails | 4.9109 | — | biab nails, custom nail designs, offered a drink or tea |
| Beauty Within | 4.859 | 0.4 mi | lip filler, nail treatments, combination brows |
| Aarc Beauty & Hair Lounge | 5.0178 | 0.9 mi | eyebrow threading, full body waxing, one-to-one personal salon |
| The Embellish Beauty | 5.069 | 2.3 mi | eyebrow threading, lash lift, gel nails |
The 3 nearest beauty salons by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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