Salon Ciao Bella

I waited months to get my nails done after moving to Round Rock because I wanted to be sure that I was going to the right place and to me that meant clean, sanitary, and healthy. After 4 weeks of having the acrylic nails on, I had fungus under 2 nails. At my fill, I noticed some brown spots under those two nails and was told it was «gunk» and that it «was absolutely nothing to worry about» when I asked the nail technician if I needed to be concerned about those spots. A week later I had fungus under two more nails. Needless to say, the nails had to be soaked off and I now have green stains on 4 nails.
The owner who would not speak to me did issue a refund for the nails but when I went to pick up the money, the girl at the desk tried to blame the fungus on me. She said that because I had chosen to have long nails, they must have lifted and let water in. I explained to her that one nail peeled away from the tip and instead of removing the nail and redoing it, the nail tech chose to just put glue on it without even pushing my natural nail against the tip. When I asked her if that gap could have caused fungus, she said no and that if I had it, she’d already know. Less than a week later, I had a huge black and green spot under that nail!!! The other three on the left hand had never lifted nor had they been damaged at all so there is only one other way to get fungus! I’ve had nails many times before and longer than those were and never in my life have I had this kind of problem. I know how to properly care for my nails and to try to blame me is outrageous. If it had only been the nail that peeled away, I would have been angry that it was not fixed properly but I wouldn’t have been overly shocked. There is no excuse for the other three other than flat out unsanitary conditions.
I cannot speak for the rest of the salon but do not go here for acrylics! They are expensive and it is not worth the risk of getting a fungus.

Ciao Bella is much larger than it appears from the outside and not difficult to find if you remember that it is in the Big Lots parking lot, just behind Pluckers. There are multiple rooms and corridors leading to more rooms where you can get every service from massage to facials to hair styling and manis/​pedis. The décor is eclectic and not what you expect from a day spa: bold wall colors, elegant chandeliers and crushed velvet couches and animal print chairs. I think this would be a fun place for a girls’ spa day.
I was there to see Erin, my friend who recently graduated from a local beauty school (see my review for Avenue Five) and is working on becoming certified in Ciao Bella services by perfecting her craft on anyone who is willing to be a «model.» She offered to do my highlights for a nominal product fee (much less than I normally pay for full highlights), so being the good friend I am, I was happy to oblige. The place seemed a little empty for a Saturday afternoon, but I think it’s because of its sheer, or should I say «shear», size. As usual, Erin did a great job on my highlights and gave me a phenomenal shampoo that included a scalp and neck massage (thank you!). By the way, she still needs a few models to practice on, but not every service. If you’re interested, she needs guys who want a haircut or body waxing (chest and back) and a couple more highlights and leg waxes. You’ll want to call first to confirm and make an appointment.
According to the flyer I picked up on my way out, there are also a lot of specials going on for the holiday season including product discounts (they seem to prefer Bumble and Bumble); a $ 20 30-​minute Swedish massage on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; a holiday up-​do/​nail polish change/​make-​up session for $ 95 (I paid $ 70 at another salon for my last updo alone); there is also a Spa Night for women on January 5^th for $ 175.

well, had a massage there and was pretty disappointed. Marissa was nice enough but as for being able to give a good massage, I’d rate a solid C. Nice people and a cute place, though the location is a little «retail-​like» once you got inside it seemed comfy. I’d tell the owners to be sure and clean the pillows in the waiting area often. Maybe they just need some time to improve, hope so.

I moved to Texas in 2006 and went through 4 stylists and different salons in Round Rock before going to Ciao Bella. I have wavy/​curly thick hair which seems to be a challenge for hair stylists. My friend recommended Amanda who has been great. She really takes the time to ask questions and listen. Each time I go in she wants to know how the last cut and color worked out etc. I’ve never left disappointed. I would definitely recommend Ciao Bella vs. the other salons in RR. Nice atmosphere with very friendly and helpful staff.

I didn’t love this salon, but I think the staff was just way too quiet for me. They seemed very reserved and I was looking for a place with a little more fun and out-​goingness. I also paid a lot of money for a color/​highlight and what they used on me was semi-​permanent. While I understand they didn’t want to use a color I hated, my color lasted weeks and looked flat. For that price I expected better. Not to mention when I booked, I told them what I needed and when I had to be out to pick up kids and due to time on the stylists side, I missed out getting a haircut. The stylist I used also does not come in before 11 or 12 and I need to be out by 2:00. Needless to say there was no connection and I won’t be going back.

I really tried to give this place a chance! I went to 3 different stylists (one of them was one of the owners) and as not impressed. The cut was below average and the color was not what I wanted. The best thing about this place is the head&neck massage when they shampoo your hair.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I have been doing here for over a year now and I have never been disappointed. Due to my weird schedule I have pretty much had my hair done by most of the staff. And they were all great. I recently had my hair go from brown to blonde and it came out AWESOME! Thanks Nicole!
The salon is beautiful and inviting. Their prices are reasonable and they do fantastic scalp massages while washing your hair… HEAVEN.
Their eyebrow waxes are great but a little pricey.
I suggest getting their online newsletter to receive special offers each month.

This salon has a nice and relaxing atmosphere. Everyone is friendly from the ladies at the front offering you something to drink to everyone saying goodbye when you leave.
Amanda cuts and colors my hair and does a great job. They use wonderful products (Pureology) and the services are affordable.
I also had a massage here which was wonderful, but I would have liked more privacy in the individual rooms. I believe they are moving to a bigger location soon, so this may solve that problem.