Nails by Chobe

The studio is in a private studio space in Capitol Hill, a few steps from Eastern Market. The Eastern Market Metro station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines is nearby, with bus access close by, and metered street parking is available around the area. Hours are Tuesday 9 AM to 7 PM, Wednesday 9 AM to 8:30 PM, and Thursday through Saturday 10 AM to 9:30 PM. The studio is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Custom nail art is the focus. Mood board freestyle sets are translated from a client's mood board, reference pictures or concept, and are booked for about 170 minutes or more. Art is grouped into four levels, from simple at Level 1 to artistic at Level 4, with Level 4 pricing depending on overall complexity. Other services include Apres GelX extensions, about 120 minutes or more; gel overlays that add builder gel for structure and strength to natural nails; gel overlay maintenance for returning clients, which includes a fill and fresh builder gel; and classic gel manicures using gel polish only, with no added structure.

Clients booking art levels 3 and 4 are asked to send inspiration photos at least 3 days before the appointment. New clients pay a $20 non-refundable deposit that goes toward the total, and a card is kept on file to hold appointments. Rescheduling is possible with the same deposit at least 25 hours ahead. Cancellations within 25 hours, and no-call no-shows, are charged 50% of the service total, and no-call no-shows cannot book again.

Nail fixes related to application, lifting, chipping or topcoat issues are free within 7 days of the appointment. Later fixes, or fixes needed because of other damage, cost up to $10 per nail depending on the art, and cover only the affected nails rather than a redesign. Late arrivals have a 10-minute grace period, after which the service may be adjusted, the design modified or the appointment cancelled. Appointments are for the booked client only, and guests, including children, need approval beforehand.

New clients should arrive with bare natural nails; a $25 fee applies if another technician's product is still on. Removal of foreign products, such as Gel-X or gel polish applied elsewhere, is no longer offered. The studio accepts tap payments, cash (exact change only) and split payments such as Afterpay and Klarna, and Buy Now, Pay Later is available in person for bookings from $50 to $4,000. Gift cards are sold for $50, $75, $100, $200 or a custom amount, and gift card sales are final.

Each set is treated as its own custom piece of art, with art priced by the level of detail involved.