Walk-In vs Appointment: When to Visit La Perla Nails & Spa

At La Perla Nails and Spa, located in the heart of Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, we know your time is valuable. Whether you’re looking to unwind, prep for an event, or simply maintain your nails on a busy schedule, we offer two easy options to fit your needs: walk-ins and appointments.

But which is better? The answer depends on what you need and when you need it.

In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of both walk-in and scheduled appointments, how to decide what’s best for your situation, and what to expect when you visit our salon. From quick polish changes to full gel X sets, we’ve got you covered.

Can't decide between Walk-In vs Appointment? Keep reading our blog.

Walk-In Services: Convenience, Flexibility, and Fast Results

We love spontaneous visits and we’re always happy to welcome clients who stop in for last-minute beauty care. Walk-ins are perfect for those who are nearby, have some flexibility in their day, or just want to treat themselves without the pressure of planning ahead.

Whether you're running errands on Bardstown Road, grabbing coffee in The Highlands, or simply in the mood for a quick pampering break, walking into La Perla is always an option.

Ideal walk-in services include:

• Basic manicures and pedicures

• Nail polish changes or refreshes

• Soak-off or removal services

• Simple nail repairs or reshaping

• Express buff and polish sessions

Benefits of walking in:

• No need to plan ahead — perfect for busy or spontaneous clients

• Fast turnaround times during slower hours (typically weekday mornings or early afternoons)

• Quick touch-ups or fixes that don’t require a full service session

• Solo visits when you’re not coordinating with friends or family

Walk-ins are a great option if you’re not picky about time, technician, or service duration. We do our best to keep wait times short, but please keep in mind that availability depends on our daily schedule.

Important Considerations for Walk-In Clients

While walk-ins are convenient, there are some situations where it might be best to book ahead:

• Weekends and holidays tend to fill quickly — especially Saturdays and the days before major events (like prom, Derby season, or weddings).

• Complex or customized services like nail art, full sets, or specialty pedicures require more time and preparation, which may not be available without notice.

• Specific technician requests cannot always be guaranteed if you walk in without an appointment.

If you're unsure whether your service requires an appointment, feel free to call ahead or send us a message on Instagram. We're happy to guide you.

Appointments: Guaranteed Time, Personalized Service, and Priority Booking

If you want to ensure a specific time, technician, or service — especially one that takes longer or requires detailed nail art — booking ahead is the best option.

Appointments are ideal for anyone who wants a polished, tailored experience with no waiting and full attention from their preferred technician.

Ideal appointment services include:

• Gel X or acrylic full sets

• Dip powder manicures

• Custom nail art or themed designs

• Event prep for weddings, photo shoots, or vacations

• Parent-child appointments or spa group bookings

• Add-on services like massages or foot masks

Benefits of booking an appointment:

• Your time is reserved — no waiting required

• Customization is guaranteed — we plan for your service in advance

• You can choose your technician (based on availability)

• Perfect for special occasions where timing and polish matter

• Better for groups, families, or themed appointments

We recommend booking your appointment 1 to 3 days in advance for regular services and at least 1 week in advance for special occasions or detailed design requests.

Walk-In vs Appointment: What’s Best for Your Visit?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which option works best for your specific situation.

Scenario	Best Option
Quick basic manicure on a weekday afternoon	Walk-In
Full gel X set with chrome tips and hand-painted art	Appointment
Walk-in after school with your child for a quick pedicure	Appointment
Emergency polish removal before a job interview	Walk-In
Birthday celebration with a group of three or more	Appointment
Quiet weekday morning for a polish refresh	Walk-In
Pedicure and massage before vacation	Appointment

How to Book Your Appointment at La Perla Nails & Spa

We make booking easy and flexible, so you can schedule your appointment in whatever way is most convenient for you.

Ways to book:

• Call us directly: (502) 389-3525

• Stop by the salon in person to book your next visit

We also recommend pre-booking your next visit before you leave the salon, especially if you see us regularly and want to stick to a maintenance schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in on a Saturday?

Yes, but Saturday is one of our busiest days. If you're planning to come in on a weekend — especially for anything more than a basic polish change — we strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid long wait times.

How far in advance should I book for a wedding or big event?

For weddings, formal events, or group bookings, we recommend scheduling 7 to 10 days in advance. This gives us time to prepare, block out your technician, and make any special arrangements.

What happens if I’m late for my appointment?

We understand that things happen. If you're running late, please call us as soon as possible. We offer a 10-minute grace period, but depending on the day’s schedule, we may need to adjust or reschedule your service if you arrive after that window.

Can I walk in and still request a specific technician?

You can request someone, but we cannot guarantee their availability without a scheduled appointment. To work with your favorite technician, it’s always best to book ahead.

Do appointments cost more than walk-ins?

No, our pricing is the same for walk-ins and appointments. The only difference is that appointments give you priority access and more flexibility for custom services.

Why Our Clients Love Having the Option

At La Perla, we believe that beauty should be accessible, flexible, and stress-free. Whether you’re someone who loves to plan every detail or someone who prefers to drop in when the mood strikes, our team is ready to provide an exceptional experience either way.

We proudly serve clients from The Highlands, Crescent Hill, Germantown, and all across Louisville, and we tailor each visit to meet your preferences.

Visit La Perla Your Way — Walk-In or Book Ahead

At the end of the day, there’s no wrong way to visit La Perla — but knowing when to book and when to drop by helps you get the most from your time and your service.

Stop in today for a quick refresh or schedule your appointment for something special.

Visit us at: 1556 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205

Call to book: (502) 389-3525

Walk-ins welcome. Appointments are recommended for custom services and peak hours.