Dashing Diva

I found this place by accident and when I discovered Virtual Nails, my years-long acrylic nails nightmare ended. Virtual Nails allowed my badly damaged natural nail beds to heal and now my real nails are strong are healthy, but I can't resist the pretty Virtual Nails--
The great thing is if I just want natural nails for awhile, it's no problem, cause when I take them off, my own nails aren't ruined. It's no more expensive than getting fills for acrylics and you don't have to do it if you don't want to...
and, I had a pedi, too, and it was heavenly...
This place is clean, pretty and everyone is nice, professional and knows what they're doing...
I'm telling everyone about Dashing Diva...

Pros: Best solution to acrylic nails

Cons: none

Posted 04/02/09

I was excited to get a mani and a pedi with a friend of mine who had gone to this salon. It was early on a Saturday, and we walked in they didn't seem too busy maybe about 6 women getting serviced. So we walk in and a woman greeted us, then went to answer the phone. We stood there and since I had never been there I looked at the marketing and also the "menu." We probably waited 10 mins before someone asked if we needed help.There was a gentleman standing at the counter but was distracted. Anyways, they told us they couldn't take us because they were "busy," and that we would have to come back 3 hours later! Unbelievable, because we didn't have an appointment. I find it interesting to turn away paying customers, and at that a NEW customer when there were salon technicians who were not even busy. Instead we went somewhere else, and I was way more satisfied and I got more for my money in the end.

Pros: Colorful and inviting

Cons: Staff, customer service

Posted 01/26/09

I can't believe I just happened to walk into this place last week. I've never had a more enjoyable experience at a nail salon. Seriously, most of the times, getting your nails done is usually a drag and most of us women treat it as a chore we just have to get done. But this place just rocks. I had some much fun talking to my technician as well as the lady getting a pedicure next to me. The vibe is absolutely perfect and there is no place that will be more sanitary. I don't live in this area but I am sure it will just be a matter of time before they start popping up everywhere!

Pros: Vibe, Free drinks on Thurs and Fri nights, location!

Cons: Too far from my house!

Posted 09/03/08

When I first walked in I was dazzled by the decor, the advertisements, and the creative marketing. I was impressed by the "cleanliness" info on the brochure. I was given two girls for my manicure and pedicure. They talked to each other in another language. I tried to join in and they laughed because I misunderstood their comments. The pedicure was painful. My skin was filed instead of my nail. I had to ask her twice to stop hurting me. She also poked to hard with the under the nail instrument. Minimal massage for both feet and hands. I ordered tea and it never came. I asked for it again when my nails were drying. The tea was too hot to drink until after my manicure was complete. They didn't charge me for the drink. The concept and marketing is spot on but the same experience of painful torture and foreign language have me wondering if the goal is not what I thought I was buying. I will try other venues but I would try it one more time but ask ahead of time for someone more experienced. I thought I was training someone how to manicure painlessly.

Posted 03/29/08

The gift cerfiticate I bought for my pregnant wife was wonderful! She really enjoyed her time and can't wait to go back. Thank you Dashin gDiva!

Pros: Service, VIP Room

Posted 02/24/08

After reading mixed reviews, I decided to give it try in my desperation to find a place I like since moving to LA. I called ahead and asked if they were able to accomodate me and was asked to come two hours from then. I specifically asked if I needed an appointment and if they did designs and was given the answer no and yes, respectively. Upon arrival, I was told they were not able to accomodate me for at least 45 min for not having an appointment; the guy behind the counter was not friendly and quite cold. I returned to give it a fair shake and admit that it was quite clean. However, the lady who help me, though nice, barely spoke English (a pet peeve of mine). She also was able to inform me that they rarely do designs because they are so busy with large parties. When my pedicure got messed up, they simply put more coats on to cover up the problem! 4 hours later, I was hungry, tired, and my meter for my car had been up for hours. I left paying an extraordinary amount for mediocre service. If cleanliness is important and you're willing to pay, by all means. If a good pedicure in addition to that is important, this is not a place you will be satisfied at.

Pros: Clean

Cons: Service

Posted 12/26/07

I am finally getting around to reviewing this great new nail salon I found a couple of weeks ago. It's absolutely, the cutest place you'll find in LA and when I was there last, my niece was going berserk because she saw Ashley Tisdale and her sister getting their nails done! I got the Spoiled Diva Pedicure and it was by far the best pedicure I have ever gotten. No exaggeration. There are so many steps to it and the end result is a flawless pair of great-looking feet! Can't wait for my next visit!

Pros: Celebrites, Color Selection, Pedicures

Posted 09/17/07

Finally made it into my mom's new nail place. The place was super cute but I shied away til now due to their prices. But since it was my mom's treat I was off to my first experience at Dashing Diva. I admit the place was very clean compared to any other nail salon I've visited and the pedicure was actually not that bad. I got the "spoiled" pedicure and the treatment your feet get is really worth the $45 or so. Since they have pedicure packages, you aren't pressured by their upselling and we got to sit in their "VIP Room." I hope I'll be back very soon. I'm just trying to convince my mom to make this our "mother and daughter" outing so I won't have to pay for it.

Pros: VIP ROOM; color selection

Posted 08/05/07

I didn't know what exactly to expect after reading some of the mixed reviews. I decided to try them anyways because a friend and I was in the area and for their cleaniness. An hour later, my friend and I left with pristine nails and very satisfied. The nail ladies were very skilled and I guess we happened to make it in during happy hour. We were served pink cosmos and they were super delicious! I already booked a bridal party for my cousin and we can't wait!

Pros: Super cute setup, free cosmos!

Cons: Came on Friday night and parking was a bit hard to find.

Posted 08/05/07

i was excited to try this place based on all the hype about cleanliness on the company website. i went with some friends and our pedicure person shared all our tools, which was pretty gross. the service was bad too, they were just rude and didnt want to be there.

Pros: good polish colors

Cons: everything else!

Posted 08/04/07

My husband and I have been regulars since they opened last year and we have always left satisfied. If you have appointments they are pretty prompt with their service and everyone I have had there thus far have been wonderful. One of the many things we like about this place is that one nail technician does both your manicure and pedicure. This way, you have consistently filed nails and you don't get the sense of two people rushing through to get you out of there. I don't live in Pasadena and it is a hassle to get over here from Glendale but I must say it is totally worth the drive.

Pros: Great location. Parking is now validated.

Cons: Not in my city!

Posted 08/02/07

After reading about the hip new franchise from New York, I was excited that a Dashing Diva was coming to Pasadena. After reading some good reviews, and ignoring the bad ones (big mistake) I booked an appointment for a Spoiled Diva Mani. I did not mind the higher price since this was supposed to be a classy and clean nail shop. When I arrived, I was not offered any drink, water, or "how are you today." Simply "pick your color." Then I sat at the manicure stations that are quite run down and dirty already (didnt they just open?). I tried to ask the manicurist a question about my service only to find that she did not understand any English. She went on to exfoliate my arm as she texted on her cell phone with her free arm. Then came time for the massage and I mean literally "time." She brought out a timer and set it for "six minutes." and aimlessly rubbed my arms and hands with no intent except to do so until the timer went off. How tacky and most not a Spoiled Diva experience!

Pros: They tried

Cons: They only tried

Posted 08/01/07

I was tentative at first because I was scared off by their prices. However, I decided to give them a try this week and I was very pleased. Their basic mani/pedi combo was only $36 which is very reasonable for what you actually get. The basic pedicure included a sugar scrub, callus removal, hot towel, and massage. Keeping in mind that they "go the extra mile" with their sanitation practices I have already recommended this place to all my friends and family.

Pros: Same technician does both your manicure and pedicure.

Cons: Hard to find parking sometimes.

Posted 07/26/07

I had the day off today and I wanted to treat myself to a great mani. So I called dashing divas and I thought humm the receptionist must being having a bad day because he was not friendly. When I arrived to dashing divas I was not greeted I was just told to pick my color. OK it's got to get better than this! Well it didn't I couldn't wait to leave this place. As I was waiting for nails to dry I saw a employee using her cell phone as she was working on a client . I guess if you want a below average service then this would be the place for you.

Posted 07/25/07

I finally got to use the gift certificate I received for Mother's Day this year. And wow was I impressed. The mani/pedi was top-notch and my nail lady was just too cute. I will definitely be back. Hopefully for one of their Girls Night Outs!

Pros: Near my place.

Cons: I wish I could get a pedicure on a daily basis!

Posted 07/25/07

I was a first time, and certainly not last time customer at this salon last week. I had my 5 year old daughter with me so I didn't expect it to be the most relaxing experience. To my surprise, the great staff kept my little one occupied with coloring books and by letting her watch tv to allow me to fully enjoy my manicure and pedicure. The music is very relaxing and to be honest, it felt like a spa treatment minus the "hotel spa" prices which are ridiculous. Yes the prices are higher than your average chop shop but $36 for a nice mani/pedi isn't something to complain about.

Pros: Great Staff

Posted 06/17/07

After some researching, I decided to treat my mom to a manicure pedicure at this establishment because that is just what she loves to do. I was a bit nervous because I had never tried them out myself but the place looked nice and clean so I just gave it a try. First of all, my mom left the place feeling like a true DIVA! They served her complimentary cosmos during her service and even complimentary wax dip for her hands! The staff was amazing at accomodating us and we had so much fun in their "VIP Room". I hope my mom returns the favor for my birthday but I have a feeling I'll be making it in before that day!

Pros: Staff, VIP Room!, Cosmos were delicious

Cons: It's not my birthday yet!

Posted 06/17/07

This weekend I made the trip all the way from Paramount to Pasadena. I usually don't make it out there too often but since I was given a gift certificate to this salon I didn't want it to go to waste. I thought the place was pretty cute (modern with pink and white accents). I had a lunch date with some girlfriends so I asked for my manicure and pedicure to be done at the same time and they were totally accommodating. I was out of there in about 40 minutes including drying time and I must admit it was worth the trip. Of course, it won't be a weekly thing but it'll definitely be something I'll try to fit in if I'm in the area.

Pros: Service & Cleanliness

Cons: Didn't realize they validated for the lot behind them.

Posted 06/17/07

I went to Dashing Diva after walking by several times and with a recomendation from a friend. After deciding to just get the "basic" manicure and pedicure, I realized very early that I was going to be upset and annoyed. the stiff seating for the pedicure not only did NOT relax me, but made me more tense. The pedicurist was below par and didn't feel the higher price i paid for the pedicure was worth it at all. The whole time, i kept thinking why don't they do the manicure and pedicure at the same time so i don't waste so much time sitting here!??! in the end, my nails didn't look that great but i was so irritated that i left without saying anything because i just wanted to get OUTTA there! the atmosphere, although cool at first ,gets old after 5 minutes of everything pink and red. the tools the lady used was albeit sanitary, but, so old and used it was creaking! never again will i set foot there again. it was a complete waste of time and money and don't think it was anything better than the less fancier nail places in pasadena. i DO NOT recommend coming here unless you just want to waste some time and chat with the non friendly staff. (i don't think the lady said one word to me besides "what color"). unfriendly, overpriced, stiff, and uncomfortable. no thanks!

Listen- i am the first to pay a lot more than average if the quality of service is a little above expectation, but, this place was really poor in the nail department. isnt' that the only thing they claim to do ?

Pros: pink & red- way girly

Cons: unfriendly,overpriced, qualtiy is below par, too hard to find parking

Posted 06/16/07

TOTAL waste of money! 40 dollars for the basic mani/pedi would tell you that you will walk out with the best mani/pedi ever right? WRONG! not only is this pepto bismal decorated place a total hoax, but a totally horribly waste of money. My nails didn't look much better than the 15 dollar mani/pedi down the street! i even watched them NOT sanitize the foot sink which they claim they do! what a hoax. AND- if you call using rusty tools "sanitary" than i don't know what their standards are! if your looking to pay for an overpriced mani/pedi, this is the place for you. also, don't try and take advantage of the 90 mins free parking because it took 2 hours for this horrible experience. 40 dollars and you have to pay for parking?!??! BLASPHEMOUS!!!!!

Pros: atmosphere is nice

Cons: total hoax and waste of money

Posted 06/16/07

My mom and I heard about Dashing Diva opening their first west coast location so we trekked over to Pasadena from the westside and it was totally worth the trip. The salon was spotless and the services were just plain awesome. They have their own brand of polishes and I was told they were from the same manufacturer as Chanel! Color selection was great and you can really tell the quality difference from OPI and the other brands you can find everywhere else. We made it in on a Tuesday and we got the Off Peak special so the prices were surprisingly fair for what you get.

Pros: Service, Selection of Polishes, Parking

Cons: Too far from where I live!

Posted 06/15/07

So I was taken to Dashing Diva by my girlfriend who demanded I get some work done on my feet. I was a bit reluctant seeing all of the pink and the fact that the name of the place had "diva" in it. However, having made it through a Girls' Night Out, the experience was not bad at all. It was my first pedicure experience and I quite enjoyed it to be honest. Also, I was relieved to see other couples there that night. The cosmos were nice and my poor nail lady worked wonders on my feet. I can't see myself doing this every time my girlfriend comes (and believe me, she finds any excuse to come here), it's definitely something I'll return for periodically.

Posted 05/15/07

I don't normally do these review type things but after getting my toes done up at Dashing Diva I had to make an exception. Their pedicure is setup like a circular bench and it's just adorable. There is just no other way to explain. I'm planning to have my birthday party here and next time their Virtual Nails are going to be must try. A lady who was sitting next to me at the "dry bar" had them done and they look so natural!!

Pros: Environment, Music, Great Staff & Customer Service

Posted 05/03/07

I came here for a pedicure and a under arm wax. BIG...no wait...HUGE mistake. The wax, not nor was it done properly. "Kelly" didn't use gloves, she double dipped into the wax each time. I caught her too late to stop the wax. Then she used the oh, so painful and wrong, rip-towards-the-ceiling technique. She never applied pressure to my skin after ripping. Then she put baby powder on my wax covered pits. I asked her for some oil and she said "powder, much better". I was horrified. The whole time I was screaming and yelping. I told her i didn't want my other done and she told me I was "sensitive like baby" and my hair was "deep like middle easterner hair". When I got home I saw that I had a huge purple bruise under my pits and skin is missing.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: seemingly unskilled staff

Posted 05/01/07

I finally made it to Dashing Diva's weekly Girls' Night Out event and just had a blast! The music was fun and the cosmos were fantastic. The nail technician, can't remember the name (must be the cosmos), was awesome and the service was perfect from start to finish. Things got a bit busy that night but I didn't feel rushed at all and since the massages are timed, I knew exactly what I got. The polishes from other salons usually chip the next day however it's been 4 days and they look shiny and good as if I just stepped out of the salon. I just can't wait to go back for another Girls' Night Out!!

Pros: Validated Parking in Pasadena which is unheard of.

Cons: Cosmos get addicting!

Posted 04/29/07

I've been a regular at this place since they opened a couple of months back and everyone there are just geniune sweethearts. I've heard their weekends tend to get a bit busy so I've opted to make it in on weekdays. They truly know the meaning of great service and do everything they can to pamper your every needs. (I once needed some honey for my tea and they went next door to buy some for me!) Their staff is grows everytime I go back and now they even validate at the parking structure behind them! Plus, you won't find a manicure or pedicure for their prices for what their services include!

Pros: Parking, Service, Great Ambience

Posted 04/24/07

I live by the area so I decided to finally try them out after seeing them through their construction phase. The prices are a bit higher than other places however you get what you pay for. The place was spotless and you can't find another place that is more sanitary. I chose to go with the Spoiled Pedicure which was $45 dollars and the technician did a fabolous job! Plus the polish has stayed for over 2 weeks!

Pros: Great Pedicures, Polish Selection

Posted 04/24/07

I was introduced to Dashing Diva's Virtual Nails during a bridal shower my friend had at the salon and I have been addicted to them since. I've had acrylics for well over 20 years and all you ladies know my pain. My nails are paper thin so I have hopelessly been wearing acyrlics to protect them. I was turned onto the Virtual Nails because I was told they wouldn't damage my natural nails. Even more, they would help my natural nails grow out underneath. Well, it's been 3 cycles of Virtual Nails now for me and you can clearly see my natural nails growing out heathy. I think another 3 or 4 more times and I'll be able to get manicures!

Pros: Virtual Nails, Great Service, Getting back my healthy natural nails!

Cons: I wish they had a location in Huntington Beach!

Posted 04/24/07

This place was a huge disappointment, I'm sorry to say. The decor is very cool and it seems very clean, but the service was terrible. First of all, they don't validate parking, there is no street parking nearby, and the nearest parking lot charged us $3 for just over an hour. There are many well-priced parking lots in Old Town Pasadena, but not near this salon. My friend and I had reservations but we still had to wait almost half an hour for our pedis to begin, even though the place wasn't very busy. We really wanted a relaxing, fun experience but it's hard to relax when you're kept waiting that long. They supposedly have "every color" but I think the OPI selection at any typical place is better. As it was Thursday, the night they say they have free martinis, we asked for one but had to wait over 20 minutes to get one. The "bartender" asked if we wanted alcoholic or none. We asked for alcohol but detected none. Tasted quite good, though. I paid $35 for the second-level pedicure, so I expected a better-than-average experience, but it was worse than average. The total pedi lasted just 25 minutes (I've never had such a brief pedi - no time to relax), the foot massage lasted only a minute, and the pedicurist kept taking calls on her cell phone! I felt she put little effort into her work. Also, the weird seating in the pedi area, an assembly-line sofa with a hard, straight back, was extremely uncomfortable and unrelaxing. The polish job was average, but I don't want to pay to sit on a hard sofa and get shoddy service. This was the most unrelaxing pedi experience I've ever had. I'll go back to my old salon, where for $20 I can get a much nicer relaxing pedi and for $30, get a 15-minute foot massage on top of that. Also, a review below said that everyone gets an individual kit to take home but we didn't.

Pros: Pretty space

Cons: Parking, Long waits, high prices, negligent service, pedicurist spent more time on phone than massaging my feet

Posted 04/21/07

If you're expecting a classy nail spa experience look elsewhere. Yes, the salon looks sophisticated and is very hygenic, but that's all there is to it. During my visit, I believe there were more small children running around than there were customers. My pedicure would have been unexceptional except that the technician paid more attention to her own two tots than my toes. This was not the indulgence I expected.

Pros: Slick atmosphere.

Cons: Unsupervised children running amok.

Posted 04/20/07

The posh atmosphere, and the very nice display of nail polish is deceiving. I got a "Divarama Pedicure" and it was a very basic pedicure. It makes me wonder what Dashing Diva's basic pedicure consists of (maybe a soak in the foot tub for a minute, and polish). The free cocktail was very delicious, but i suspect there was maybe a drop of alcohol in it....not that I expected much from a free cocktail. I definitely did not feel like a "Diva" after walking out of this place. I felt like a schmuck who paid too much for a basic pedicure.

Pros: Very Sanitary

Cons: uncomfortable seats, OVERPRICED manicures and pedicures

Posted 03/28/07

I happened to randomly walk by this great salon and it was a blessing I decided to try them out. Once you walk in you realize there is nothing like this in LA. They have a tea bar and the decor of the place is amazing!! From the looks of the salon, I thought it was going to be too expensive for me, however I was pleasantly surprised to find the prices to be very affordable for everything they do. You don't get pressured while you are trying to enjoy your pedicure because all of their services come in packages! I decided to try their Spoiled Diva Pedicure and I must say it was the best pedicure I've ever had. You get your own manicure kit with a new buffer and file and all of the other tools are cleaned in a sterilization oven. The entire place is white so you know the place has to be squeaky clean!! The owner explained how they are different from every other nail salon in LA and there is no way I will EVER, EVER step foot in another "chop shop." Thanks Dashing Diva!!

Pros: Location, Decor, Great Staff

Posted 01/31/07

I've been to this great salon a couple of times since they opened and they have blown me away each time. My girlfriends and I recently held a party at the salon and thanks to the entire staff the party went as smooth as possible. We all got great mani/pedis and to top it all off, got complimentary cosmos and hot teas!!!! It was a total blast! We just can't wait to find another reason to throw a party here!

Pros: Staff, Free Cosmos, Huge Polish Selection, Cleaniness!!

Posted 01/30/07

FINALLY - a salon with great service, design and ambiance. Not only is this place designed like its straight out of Dwell Magazine, but they offer top of the line services - without breaking the bank. The topper of it all, they have a full Tea bar, flat screen TVs and the most amazing drying station. You no longer have to suffer with sub par salons with questionable cleanliness, tacky decor and dim / gloomy light. Dashing Diva is here to save the day (and your nails!)

Pros: Service, Ambiance, Full Tea Bar, VIP room, Large airy space

Posted 01/25/07

Just tried out this new salon this weekend and had the best experience! It's the cutest and cleaniest place you will find in LA and most importantly they AUTOCLAVE! You also get individual manicure kits you get to take home! Service was great and you will melt in your chair during your Spoiled Diva Pedicure! It's a must try for everyone in LA.

Pros: Ambience, Staff, Service

Posted 01/23/07

I absolutely loved this place. It opened not long ago? maybe 2 months or so, and I heard about it from daily candy. So my girlfriends and I just checked it out one day, and it was one of the best nail salons I?ve ever been to. First of all, the place is incredibly CLEAN. Secondly, they have every possible shade of color in the rainbow. I?m extremely picky at getting the ?right? shade of red, and they had far more selections than any other nail salons I?ve been to. Thirdly, they have a pretty trendy vibe going on (fun ambiance, free martini on Fridays!!), but not too trendy that it makes you sick in the face. I think they got it right. Fourthly, we got the special diva pedicures/manicures that were amazing? it?s like getting a spa-like treatment without emptying your wallet. SOO worth it. The only thing that I would warn any future dashing diva-seekers is to make an appointment. We were lucky that there was no crowd when we were there, but it definitely got busier as it reached peak hours.

Posted 01/22/07