Frequently Asked Questions

Darlings Beauty Lab is located at 42 West 28th Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 10001, in NoMad, Manhattan.

Our salon is conveniently located near Flatiron, Koreatown, Chelsea, Midtown, and several subway and PATH stations.

We are open seven days a week.

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 9:30 AM–8:00 PM

Hours may change on holidays, so we recommend checking our booking page or contacting the salon before your visit.

You can book online through Vagaro, call or text the salon, contact us through Instagram, or schedule your appointment in person.

Online booking shows current availability and allows you to select a service, appointment time, and available specialist.

Yes. Darlings Beauty Lab can assist you by phone, text message, Instagram, or online booking.

Call us at (646) 612-8501 if you need help selecting the correct service or finding a suitable appointment time.

Walk-ins are welcome whenever a specialist is available. However, availability may be limited, especially during evenings and weekends.

We recommend calling the salon shortly before your visit to confirm whether a specialist is available for a manicure or pedicure. During the call, you can also ask about the estimated duration of the service, current pricing, and any other important details before arriving.

Booking in advance remains the best way to secure your preferred appointment time and specialist.

Yes. A $50 deposit is required to confirm each booked service.

An appointment is not considered fully confirmed until the required deposit has been received.

Deposits may be paid through Vagaro or Zelle. You may also pay the deposit in cash by visiting the salon in person.

Our administrator will provide the necessary payment instructions and confirm your appointment after the deposit has been received.

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, cash, and Zelle.

No. Gratuity is not included in the service price and is completely optional.

Clients may leave any amount they consider appropriate. When paying, simply ask the administrator to add your preferred gratuity amount to the final payment.

Yes. An appointment reminder is generally sent one day before your visit using the contact information provided during booking.

Please make sure your phone number and other booking details are correct.

Yes. Our 4 Hands service allows two specialists to perform a manicure and pedicure simultaneously.

This option is ideal for clients who want the detail of a Russian manicure and SMART Pedicure in a shorter overall appointment.

Appointment duration depends on the service, nail condition, removal, nail length, repairs, design, and selected add-ons.

Approximate service times are displayed on our service and booking pages. Detailed manicures, nail extensions, corrective work, or removal may require additional time.

Contact our administrator when you are unsure whether to book gel polish, builder gel, hard gel, nail extensions, Japanese Manicure, SMART Pedicure, or a particular type of massage.

We can explain the differences before your appointment, but the final recommendation may be made after the specialist examines your nails, skin, or treatment area in person.

Please call or text the salon as soon as you know that you may be late.

Arriving three to five minutes late is generally manageable. However, a longer delay may make it difficult for the specialist to provide the complete service, particularly when other clients are scheduled immediately after your appointment.

We cannot extend your appointment into another client’s reserved time. Depending on how late you arrive, the service may need to be shortened, adjusted, or rescheduled.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled start time, your appointment may be shortened.

Depending on the remaining time, the specialist may be unable to complete the full service, removal, nail design, or other requested additions.

The salon may be unable to provide the service, retain the deposit, and classify the appointment as a no-show.

The salon may also require payment for the full cost of the missed appointment before accepting a new booking.

These situations are uncommon, but occasionally an appointment may begin up to approximately 10 minutes after its scheduled start time.

We always make every effort to complete services on time so that each client feels comfortable and can plan the rest of their day with confidence.

While waiting, clients may use our Wi-Fi and restroom, enjoy complimentary water, coffee, or tea, or request a phone charger from the front desk.

Yes. You may reschedule without an additional charge when the salon receives at least 24 hours’ notice.

Please contact us as early as possible so that the appointment time can be offered to another client.

The original deposit will be retained by the salon.

Depending on the circumstances and the amount of time reserved for your service, the salon may also charge the remaining cost of the appointment.

An appointment missed without proper cancellation or rescheduling may be classified as a no-show.

The full cost of the missed service may become due. Any outstanding balance must be paid before another appointment can be scheduled.

If you become ill or feel unwell before your appointment, please call the salon and reschedule. We ask that you do not put our team or other clients at risk of exposure to a contagious illness.

If you begin feeling unwell, you may notify the administrator at least 24 hours before your appointment. The administrator can remain in contact with you and help determine whether the appointment should proceed or be rescheduled.

If you notify us less than 24 hours before the appointment because you are sick and unable to attend, the salon may make a one-time courtesy exception and cancel the appointment without applying the standard late-cancellation policy.

This courtesy exception may only be used once.

Yes. Eligible manicure and pedicure services include a limited four-day guarantee for qualifying technical defects.

The guarantee begins on the date of the original service.

A complimentary repair may be available for premature lifting, peeling, chipping, or another coating defect caused by the product or its application.

Every request is reviewed by the salon to determine whether the problem qualifies.

Contact the salon within four days of your original service and send clear photographs showing the affected nail or service area.

The repair must be scheduled and completed within the applicable guarantee period. Repair appointments are subject to specialist availability.

A repair means correcting the damaged nail or affected service area. It is not a complete repeat of the original manicure or pedicure.

A repair may include restoring the damaged nail and reapplying product only where the qualifying issue occurred.

Complimentary repairs do not include:

• Complete cuticle care
• Reshaping all nails
• Filing or leveling unaffected nails
• Changing the original color
• Changing or adding a design
• Repeating the entire manicure or pedicure

The guarantee does not cover normal wear, accidental impact, picking, biting, chemical exposure, failure to follow aftercare instructions, self-filing, self-removal, or work changed by another salon or technician.

Natural nail growth and ordinary product wear over time are also not considered technical defects.

Repairs requested outside the guarantee period are charged according to our current Extras menu.

Standard pricing may also apply when the damage does not qualify as a technical defect.

Current standard pricing includes:

Fix one nail: $15
Extend one nail: $20

Pricing may vary when additional removal, nail design, or corrective work is required.

Our manicure menu includes Russian manicure with gel polish, hard gel or builder gel, regular polish, ECO manicure without polish, Japanese Manicure, nail extensions, Gel-X, and refill services.

Available services and current pricing can be reviewed on our manicure and booking pages.

A Russian manicure is a detailed dry manicure technique that uses professional e-file tools to clean and refine the cuticle area.

The technique creates a precise nail contour and allows the coating to be applied close to the cuticle for a cleaner and more polished appearance.

A Russian manicure is performed without soaking and places greater emphasis on detailed e-file cuticle preparation, nail structure, and precise product application.

A traditional manicure generally uses a simpler preparation process and may include soaking before cuticle work.

Russian manicure can be performed safely when it is completed by a trained and licensed professional using appropriate techniques and properly processed instruments.

The service may need to be modified or postponed when the skin is inflamed, injured, infected, or unusually sensitive.

Wear time depends on nail growth, nail condition, product choice, daily activity, and aftercare.

Some clients may retain a polished appearance for several weeks, but we recommend refreshing the manicure approximately every two to three weeks rather than wearing an overgrown coating for an extended period.

Gel polish is primarily used to add long-lasting color and shine over the natural nail.

Builder gel creates additional structure and reinforcement. It may be recommended for nails that are thin, flexible, uneven, or prone to breaking.

Both materials can add structure, but their flexibility, strength, removal process, and suitability vary.

The best choice depends on your natural nail condition, desired length, lifestyle, and previous product. Your nail technician can recommend the most appropriate material after examining your nails.

Yes. Small repairs or extensions may be added when appropriate.

Please include repairs when booking or inform the salon in advance, since additional work requires more time and may affect the final price.

Yes. We can remove gel polish, builder gel, hard gel, Gel-X, or extensions applied elsewhere.

Please select the appropriate removal option when booking. Removal time and pricing depend on the material and condition of the existing product.

Not always. When the existing material is stable and properly attached, the technician may safely reduce and rebalance it rather than filing all the way down to the natural nail.

Leaving a controlled protective layer can reduce unnecessary filing of the natural nail plate. Any lifted, damaged, or compromised material will be removed.

Please contact the salon before your appointment if you need to use a particular product.

Outside products cannot automatically be accepted because the salon must be able to evaluate their condition, compatibility, curing requirements, and safety.

Japanese Manicure is a natural nail treatment performed without gel color. A specialized paste and powder are worked into the natural nail to create a smooth, polished, pearl-like shine.

It is designed for clients who prefer a refined no-polish appearance or want to transition toward natural nail care.

The visible shine generally lasts approximately two to three weeks and gradually softens rather than chipping like a traditional coating.

Results depend on nail condition, previous products, and daily activity.

No. Japanese Manicure must be performed directly on the natural nail.

Gel polish, builder gel, acrylic, Gel-X, and other coatings must be removed before the treatment.

It is usually better to wait approximately 10 to 15 days after gel or acrylic removal.

Freshly exposed nails and cuticles may be sensitive, especially after hard gel or extension removal. We may recommend gel removal with an ECO manicure first and schedule the Japanese Manicure after the nail plate has recovered.

We do not recommend applying regular polish immediately after Japanese Manicure.

Preparing the nail for polish may remove or interfere with the treatment’s polished protective finish. Choose Japanese Manicure for a natural finish or book a separate regular-polish manicure.

An ECO manicure is a detailed Russian-style manicure without gel, regular polish, or another color coating.

It includes nail shaping and precise cuticle care and is suitable for clients who prefer clean, professionally maintained natural nails.

Our pedicure menu includes SMART Pedicure with gel polish, regular polish, or no polish, men’s pedicure, heel cleaning, and 4 Hands manicure and pedicure appointments.

SMART Pedicure is a dry, waterless pedicure performed with professional tools and disposable abrasive materials.

It allows the technician to work precisely on the nails, dry skin, rough heels, and callused areas without relying on a traditional soaking process.

SMART Pedicure focuses on controlled dry treatment, detailed nail preparation, and targeted work on rough skin using professional equipment.

A traditional pedicure typically relies more heavily on soaking and basic surface exfoliation.

It may be suitable for many clients with dry skin, rough heels, or callused areas.

However, active infections, severe inflammation, open wounds, deeply cracked skin, or significant ingrown-nail problems may require evaluation by a medical professional before a cosmetic pedicure.

Results vary according to nail growth, footwear, skin condition, home care, and daily activity.

For regular maintenance and comfortable grow-out, many clients schedule a pedicure approximately every two to four weeks.

Our massage menu includes deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, sculptural, anti-cellulite, sports, classic, hot stone, head, and foot massage.

Available appointment lengths and current pricing are displayed on our massage and booking pages.

Choose based on your primary goal.

Deep tissue or sports massage may be appropriate for muscular tension and stiffness. Lymphatic drainage uses lighter, rhythmic movements and is commonly selected by clients concerned about puffiness or a heavy feeling. Sculptural and anti-cellulite massage focus more on contour-oriented body work and skin appearance.

Our team can help you select a service, but massage is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.

Deep tissue massage uses firmer, more focused pressure to work on muscular tension and tightness.

Lymphatic drainage is generally lighter and more rhythmic. It is intended to support gentle fluid movement and is not performed with the same deep pressure used during deep tissue work.

Lymphatic drainage is a gentler treatment focused on rhythmic movement and fluid circulation.

Anti-cellulite massage is usually more intensive and targets specific body areas with techniques intended to support circulation and improve the temporary appearance of skin texture.

Head and foot massage are listed as separate services.

Ask the salon when booking if you would like to combine treatments or request additional focus on a specific area.

Yes. You may book one massage whenever you need it.

A series of appointments may be discussed when you have a longer-term body-care goal, but purchasing a package is not required for a single session.

First-time massage clients must complete a short health intake and consent form.

The information allows the therapist to review relevant medical conditions, injuries, medications, recent procedures, and possible contraindications before beginning the service.

Tell the salon about medical conditions, pregnancy, injuries, recent procedures, medications, or other relevant concerns before your appointment.

Depending on the circumstances, the therapist may modify the treatment, request medical clearance, or decline the service when massage could present a health risk.

Reusable metal instruments follow a multi-stage process that includes disinfection, ultrasonic cleaning, drying, sealed packaging, autoclave sterilization, and protected storage.

Sterile pouches remain sealed until the instruments are prepared for the client’s service.

Yes. Files, buffers, wooden sticks, gloves, wipes, disposable abrasives, table coverings, and other service-specific supplies are used once when required and discarded after the appointment.

Yes. Inform us before your appointment about allergies, sensitivities, medical conditions, medications, injuries, infections, pregnancy, or recent procedures.

This information helps the specialist determine whether the service should proceed normally, be modified, or be postponed.

Yes. A service may be modified, postponed, or declined when the specialist believes that proceeding could create a health or safety risk.

This may include visible infection, open wounds, significant inflammation, severe irritation, or another contraindication.

The salon may require identification and written consent from a parent or legal guardian for a client under 18.

Certain services may be restricted or declined depending on the client’s age, the requested treatment, and safety considerations. Please contact the salon before booking an appointment for a minor.

Please contact us before your appointment and describe any assistance or accommodation you may need.

We will review the request and make reasonable efforts to provide a safe and comfortable visit whenever possible.

You may purchase a gift card for a specific manicure, pedicure, or body massage service or choose a custom dollar amount.

Yes. Submit the gift card request form on our website, and our team will contact you to confirm the details and payment.

Yes. Available preset amounts include $100, $250, and $500, or you may request a different custom amount.

A gift card issued for a dollar amount may be applied toward any service currently available at Darlings Beauty Lab.

A gift card issued for a specific service is intended for that service. Any pricing difference caused by a service change or later price adjustment may be due at the appointment.

Yes. A digital gift card may be sent electronically after payment is confirmed.

A physical gift card can also be prepared in an elegant black envelope.

Yes. Your gift card request may include the giver’s name, recipient’s name, selected service or amount, and a personal message.

Darlings Beauty Lab gift cards are valid for six months from the purchase date.

Appointments are subject to availability, so recipients should book before the expiration date.

Yes. Refer a new client to Darlings Beauty Lab and receive 10% off.

When you visit together, the discount may be applied to your service that day. When your friend visits separately, you may receive 10% off your next appointment.

Your friend must give your full name to the salon administrator before making payment.

The referral cannot be properly recorded after checkout if the administrator was not informed.

Promotions may have separate eligibility rules and may not always be combined.

Please confirm the applicable terms with the administrator before payment.

Complimentary water, coffee, and tea are available for clients during their visit.

Yes. Clients may use the salon Wi-Fi while waiting or receiving an appropriate service.

Phone chargers may be available through the front desk. Ask the administrator when you arrive.

Yes. Pets are welcome provided they remain quiet, supervised, and do not disturb other clients or salon services.

Pets must remain under their owner’s supervision at all times. Darlings Beauty Lab cannot supervise, clean up after, or care for pets left unattended.

Pets are not permitted inside private treatment rooms or on salon sofas, chairs, or other furniture.

Yes. Darlings Beauty Lab is a perfect venue for events ranging from small gatherings with friends to launch parties, corporate events, content productions, and exclusive multi-day private hire.

Contact us in advance by phone or email and tell us about your preferred date, number of guests, requested services, schedule, and event concept. We will be happy to discuss the possibilities and develop an appropriate arrangement.

Please note that private events and exclusive salon use are commercial collaborations. Pricing, minimum spend, staffing, service packages, and other financial terms will be discussed individually before the event is confirmed.

For press, editorial requests, influencer collaborations, brand partnerships, content production, and other business inquiries, contact us by email at darlingsnycmarketing@gmail.com.

Darlings Beauty Lab is always interested in meeting talented manicure and pedicure specialists.

For employment opportunities, you may contact us by phone or email or send us a direct message on Instagram.

Please include information about your professional experience, licensing, availability, and a portfolio of your work when possible.

Phone: (646) 612-8501
Email: darlingsnycmarketing@gmail.com
Instagram: @darlings_nyc

Phone: (646) 612-8501
Email: darlingsnycmarketing@gmail.com
Instagram: @darlings_nyc
Address: 42 West 28th Street, Floor 3, New York, NY 10001

Our team is available during salon business hours.