Don't Let Long Wait Times Ruin Your Manicure

Image credit: Photo by Kris Atomic on Unsplash

Getting a manicure is a great way to pamper yourself and relax – unless you’re waiting over an hour to get your nails done.

With classes back in session, the nail salons in and around College Park have been experiencing longer wait times, sometimes up to two hours. Nail salons around the country usually prefer appointments over walk-ins so customers don’t have to wait long.

Revo Nail Salon on Route 1 is popular among University of Maryland students because of its proximity to campus and 10% student discount offered.

“Revo always has a wait time unless you go in the morning,” Rachel Rosenfield, a senior finance major, said. “Revo doesn’t really respect appointment times.”

When reached out to, Revo refused to comment.

Another popular nail salon, and a new favorite among students, is Bella Lifestyle Nail Salon and Spa in Riverdale Park, which is about a 10-minute drive from campus.

“One time I went with no appointment, and I waited like an hour, but with an appointment or during the day hours they’ve taken me right away,” Morgan Lowrey, a freshman community health and Spanish double major, said.

Bella Lifestyle Nail Salon and Spa’s website has an option to book an appointment online, which makes it easy for students to schedule appointments, whereas Revo requires students to call.

Bella Lifestyle Nail Salon and Spa offers a student discount of 10% on any price. In contrast, Revo only offers the discount if the purchase is over $35, according to Katie Unkle, a sophomore finance major.

“Bella is more expensive than Revo by like $5 for what I get, but they have a better atmosphere and better nail technicians, so it’s worth it to me,” Rosenfield said.

Revo is about a five-minute walk from the edge of South Campus, whereas a student would have to drive to get to Bella Lifestyle Nail Salon and Spa. The 133 bus stops on Baltimore Avenue and Amherst Road, however, which is stop number 20 on the list. The bus would drop you off near the shopping center, and from there it would be about a five-minute walk to Bella Lifestyle Nail Salon and Spa.

To avoid waiting at any nail salon in the area, try to check the UMD calendar to see if any significant campus-wide events are going on that might prompt an influx of customers, such as formals or banquets. Always call to make an appointment or ask about wait times before walking or driving to the location.

No one wants their day of relaxation and pampering to be ruined by long wait times, so make sure to use your resources before a day of treating yourself.