Top Reviews about 16 Nail Salons in Santa Monica, CA (Part 2)

makani nalu This couple is so sweet. Its hard for me to find nail salons open after my work hours. I called and they super kindly offered to stay open very close to their closing hours just for me. They gave me their card and told me to text ahead of time if I want to come after hours -that they live close and will try to accommodate me! I plan to continue supporting this couple & local business

Alexandra Archival Tried a new spot based off reviews but I don’t recommend took an hour and a half for a basic manicure and it came out uneven and splotchy. They were really nice but quality of service wasn’t there.

Jessica McLin A GEM IN PLAIN SIGHT. Great location with parking and soo many nail options (gel-x, hard gel, amazing color selections, etc.). I’m a recovered nail biter thanks to Cece. You can call or text to make an appointment. 10/5 stars.

Barbara Warner Toolbox has all the right tools. Best kept secret best nail salon in Santa Monica. Chairs are so comfortable you melt. Products are all green and home made scrubs. They even carry their own label of polishes which actually last . Foot massages amazing. Loving the design inside. Drinks. So relaxing not your usual place you go to . This is the ultimate relaxing spa man cure . You can also bring your ladies for a mani pedi polish. Enjoy thank you for the best day ever. Owners are so welcoming and kind and friendly. Time to go to the toolbox and get your nails fixed . Thank you

Belinda Tepper For Fathers Day I took my husband for his first ever pedicure. (Saul reassured me, "We get a lot of those.") It was perfect: great ambience, fabulous staff, sugar scrub included. Parking off alley in back. My husband said he will return on his own--from him that is highest praise.

Daniel Dedina Such a nice spot and a great vibe, was my first pedicure and I’ll definitely be coming back. Also noted the high quality reclining chairs.

soniya bastola My fifth time visiting this place! I got gel-x extensions. Sara was my nail tech, and she did a fabulous job. I asked for short, almond-shaped nails with a cat eye and gold design, and I got exactly what I wanted. I usually call them to check if they have same-day appointments, and they are super accommodating. I would 100% recommend this place!

Kate West I visited this salon today for the third time. When the technician applied the gel before the color, I asked her to make it thinner because it felt too thick for me. I’m pregnant and was trying to relax, so I didn’t have the opportunity to check every step. In the end, I told the technician that I didn’t like the result, but before finishing, she assured me that she would correct everything I didn’t like after applying the top coat. She called the administrator, and when I explained what I didn’t like, the administrator told me that my nails were just naturally thick…. :))))In the end, she gave me a $20 discount, but also asked me to tip the technician who did this. I didn’t have the strength to argue, as this is my last month of pregnancy, so I paid what was due. Here are the photos I took after the visit. On the positive side, for my pedicure, I had the perfect technician. Thanks to Zura for the great experience!

Anne Devine The best place on the west side to get your nails done!! I have come here for a year and have never had anything less than a perfect experience. They are amazing at nail designs and everyone is so kind and so fun. I recommend it to everyone I know.

Gwen Phillips I have been to many nail salons for nail care and this is the nail salon I feel very satisfied with. I always like the way the staff here takes care of my nails, very gentle and delicate. I always feel comfortable during the manicure process.

Sierra Matthews I’m so happy to have found this place! Leo is a gem and does Gel X like a pro. Always takes the time to match my inspo photos and they slay each and every time. (For those looking for chrome or unicorn type finishes, they have a handful of options!) They also have a rewards program to rack up points as you visit which is pretty cool! The staff is friendly, place is clean, and the experience is enjoyable.

Talia Halevy Super bummed by this place’s consistency :( I went once for a gel set and it was perfect, lasted 4 weeks with no weirdness! Then I went back some time later and got another set done, within 5 days 4 nails had popped off. They were sweet when I went back to get them fixed but then two days later another two fell off. I’m not rough on my nails and this never happens with other places so I won’t be returning sadly.

Meredith Chau I got a gel mani here a few months ago and it didn’t even last a week. I went to a different place in San Diego and my nails haven’t chipped after 3 weeks. I wanted to like this place because it’s really close by to me but I’ve never had a gel mani peel off in less than three weeks, while theirs peeled off in a week :( the technicians were really sweet though.

Ashley Sundquist You gotta just laugh when something is this bad - ha! I had a gel manicure removed and this “manicure” put in its place. I knew things were going south from the start, which is why I didn’t request color polish or continue with the full gel manicure I had hoped for. All of the tools had been used before me and not cleaned. The technician wasn’t being careful or detail-oriented. When things started looking pretty bleak, I asked the technician if she was going to make all my nails even and she said, “yes.” See photo for reference. They all have their own cute little personality but tbh not how I usually like my nails did. But like I said, that’s how my hands left the salon and you gotta just laugh sometimes! No harm done, all nice people, but not my greatest use of time and $27 plus tip.

Kelly Meza Came here for an underarm wax and regular mani. It was a 0/5 service. The only positive experience here was a man who works there. He has good people skills. The lady who did my wax did not remove the previous liner and it was used. She did not want me to wash my hands. It was rushed and she turned off the lights and rushed out while I was still in there shirtless. My nails were done by someone else and my nails came out clumpy. Overall bad experience. Would not recommend. .

taylor C Just walked in and got a basic mani/pedi with no polish or anything (took 30 min), and my experience was great. Excellent hospitality, extremely clean, very tranquil ambience, friendly staff, comfy massage chairs, competent service. Would definitely come back.

Isabelle Bianchi Great salon, rude owner. It’s best nail salon on Main Street, SM. It’s clean and has a calming environment. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars and taking the time to review is because of the way the owner speaks to customers. I think he’s trying to be professional but it comes off very bossy and rude. I’m hoping this along with the other reviews can help improve his customers service skills because everything else is great.

Stephanie Britt I was a loyal client for many years but finally realized they did not value me as a client or my time. I always booked my appointments to secure my time slot. Edmund & Amanda always prioritized walk-ins & would move my appointments or leave me there hanging way past my scheduled time. The work is subpar - I continued going here out of convenience and I wanted to support this business. After being ignored, not valued & recently a badly done pedicure - I’ve decided to never return. My nail polish is already raised & peeling off 2 days after…. Forget trying to tell Edmund if you had a bad experience, he will tell you how he reviewed CCTV footage & use it as a way to blame you. Honestly hysterical & completely creepy. After reading other reviews, all the negative are completely true. Much better service elsewhere in the area.

SOFIE SAFEYEH Soltani I had such a great experience with May for my lashes and Ryan for my nails! Both were incredibly attentive and professional, making sure every detail was perfect. The quality of their work is outstanding, and their friendly, positive attitudes made the whole visit so enjoyable. I’m thrilled with the results and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!

Destiny La Princess Best salon Ive ever been to. They are not at all aggressive to your nails and get the job done well. Their steps are many and detailed yet they finish much quicker than other salons that have less steps, as well as the powdered acrylic nails do not become yellow like Ive had with another place. Ive come to them about many different designs, some quite complicated, yet they succeed in making them come out beautiful every time. Even if I moved a long distance away I would still come here. My Mom and I don’t go anywhere else. Highly recommended.

Rathmann Seryn (Serendipity) I absolutely love this place. Every time I have been here I have had a good experience. Everyone who works here is so kind, patient, and experienced. The technician who did my nails this past time was Kim and she is amazing, very gentle. I get acrylics done and they are sturdy but not thick. I will attach a video of my latest acrylic manicure. Could not recommend this place more very reasonably priced too!

Michelle T Really great service! Pedicure was very fairly priced and the technician did a wonderful job. $2 fee for credit card use so bring cash if you want to avoid.

Lindsay Love the ladies at this salon. Very reasonable prices, fast and efficient and allow me to come in for a redo paint touch up for something as little as a chipped nail. I have gone to every place all throughout Santa Monica but this is always the place I found to be the best. They have a new product for gel manicures which is an easy dipping powder versus using electric light. Its way better for your health too. I highly recommend. Great colors and lots of OPI and Essey

Tiffany Frances I’ve been dedicated to this salon for years. Love all the sweet staff, and have enjoyed watching the remodel happen. All brand-new equipment! Updated gel colors and so many to choose from. Prices are very fair and cheaper compared to others in the area.

Delaney Widen Quitzia (owner and manicurist) is the best of the best of the best. Her cuticle work is pristine, her line work is insane, her prices are beyond fair, and her personality is simply the best. There’s nothing Quitzia won’t try. AND THE MANICURES LAST ME SIX. WEEKS. From online booking to endless nail accessories to the most polish colors you’ve ever seen in your life, Ege’s Nail Art is THE spot for creative, clean, and cute as hell nails.

Ruby Montes I loved the place went to get my nails and eyelash extensions the place was clean nice and the customer service was amazing

Briana S A review will never do these ladies justice. I have been going to Ege’s for almost a year now and every time I leave the salon I am blown away with my manicure and pedicure. This is hands down the best salon in LA. I get a consistent manicure every 3 weeks and until I met Quitzia and Kita I tried all the top rated salons from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills even our to Glendale and nothing compare to the work they do here. Selfishly wanted to keep this place a secret but I just can’t. If you are looking for an amazing mani/pedi and the worlds sweetest people this is your hidden gem. I think their work speaks for itself.

Pamela Cohen I recently went to Nail Spa Lane to have a mani and pedi. I love Dazzle Dry polish because it lasts much longer. I almost always do the callus remover and would do it every time if it weren’t extra. The neck and foot massage is always a bonus and leaves you feeling relaxed. I definitely recommend Nail Spa Lane!

g o Three days after my manicure and I haven’t been doing manual labor, but you can see the polish is chipping and flaking off greatly. So, it’s a little pricey for the results. I guess they didn’t really advertise no chip, so.... My pedicure is holding up no problem, though.

Yamit Florentin The day I walked in to get my pedicure, the lady told me their credit card machine was broken so they take only cash. I asked her if thats their policy, she said not just today. $28 for a regular pedicure, I was happy with the result, but the lady could have been gentler when working on my toes. Dont hesitate to have asked them to be gentle with your nails. They have a wide selection of colors which is nice, also wide selection of dip powder, if youre into it. Loved the pedicure chairs, really comfortable. Clean restrooms in the back and also there is ATM machine inside. I was able to walk-in and get my toes done with an appointment, they werent busy at that time.

Rebecca Ruiz Celine is extraordinarily! She is not a technician but an artist!! I’ve been to many places for a gel manicure and they have been fine however they also destroyed my nails. Not the case with Celine! Not sure how that is possible but it is and she is meticulous! Cannot recommend her enough ❤️

mary lee Celine does the most beautiful nails! I am very picky and she always makes sure they look absolutely perfect every time. I get the gel-x with a French manicure. And she’s always willing to accommodate my busy schedule.

Skylar Cronenweth Celine has done my nails and nano bladed my eyebrows. Her work is always meticulous and amazing! She’s very professional and very sweet. I absolutely love her work and her!

Alina King Gel Mani with Chrome- Huey Perfect gel pedi with the amazing Helen! This place is the best!! I Ive tried other spots and Im always disappointed. I can alway count on the fabulous crew here. They are the best. Clean, professional and fun!

Brittany May I don’t know how you could give Heathers anything less than 5 stars! The most lovely group of women, so accommodating, and all masters in their craft. They have it all - I will never go anywhere else!

Abby B I had high hopes for this place based on previous reviews, but this was one of the worse pedicures I have ever gotten. The woman doing my nails did not clean my feet well in general, she gave a very poor “massage”, she made me bleed which took several minutes to stop, and the paint job itself - for lack of better words- looked awful. I do not suggest going here, and I will sadly never be back.

Brittany Alana Michelle and her team do a great job. Probably the best manicure in the city. They take their time, pay attention to detail, and I always leave a happy customer. The nail design work is awesome too -- I get tons of compliments on my nails after theyve been done at nailthoughts!

Stacy McClendon I love getting my mani/pedi with Amy. She is very creative & has Great attentional to detail. The space is very relaxing! I look forward to this appointment.

Elana Dweck I have been having my nails done by Amy for the last 10 years! I first met her when she was managing an organic nail salon on Main Street in Santa Monica I went to. She does the best mani/pedi and only uses organic products. She is meticulous and also very tidy, professional and kind. Since the pandemic she’s been coming to my house to do mani/pedi/massage, the best treat! She is always timely and efficient, and what a great way to get a few friends together for a nail party too. She even does my kids nails sometimes! Recommend her services x1000.

Calla Rose Ostrander I found Amy and her wonderful treatments and no toxins nail studio! She moved from Main Street and now how her own place, just for you or you and a friend. It is relaxing, her massage is so good and I can breath deeply in her place because there are no nasty fumes :)

Jac Medeiros Jack gave me the best callus removal I’ve had. He also did an acupressure-based massage on me and it felt great! Very impressed and will be coming back

Eliana Kandel Did not have a good experience here. They left hangnails on my toes which have now become painful. Generally the mani and pedi both look like I did them at home - super messy. The gel quality in particular is terrible. It’s a little hard to tell in the photos I posted but including for additional context. This was done yesterday btw. There were small things too that overall contributed to a bad experience. For my mani they didn’t moisturize or do the included hand massage. Not the end of the world, I know, but the mani felt unfinished, my hands were left dry and yes I missed having the relaxation piece with the arm rub. It’s the part of the experience I actually look forward to. Also, I asked for a color (brown) and when I mentioned the one they used wasn’t right, they tried to convince me that it actually is the one I asked for, just not as old looking (?). As you can see, the color on my hands is not even remotely brown. I don’t have a job right now and I allow myself 1 mani pedi every 2-3 months. I’m so upset I wasted $75 on this.

Joe Aniston They are super misleading, they made me drive and walk a couple miles after I called and asked for basic pedicure prices and they play you into coming to surprise you with different prices. They are very tricky and just looking for the up-sale, hungry lil Chinese nail piranhas. I had to get my pedicure done somewhere else they werent good enough to cut my nail toes properly. Minus 5 stars.

Sarah Craft When I got my done 4 months ago, I got a nail infection. It has progressed and I am going to have to continue to spend money to take care of this issue via the doctors. It’s painful and uncomfortable and this is due to their lack of cleanliness and due diligence when push pushing my cuticle back too far. The place is pretty dirty, they rush you and the nail colors are extremely disorganized and they do not give you the time to choose a color.

Jerica Burgette Schedule your mani-pedi here! The people who work here are so fun, kind, friendly, and funny. They work together amazingly, as well. I had two different women working on my pedi and mani at the same time, and then another woman came and gave me a neck/shoulder/back massage (for as long as you desire, $1 per minute)-her spirit was so energetic and fantastic.They were also so gentle (I haven’t had a mani-pedi in forever), and my nails are flawless. The massage chair was definitely a plus, too. What a beautiful atmosphere with people who genuinely love making customers happy. They even stayed late for me (so maybe schedule late in the day, so you can also get this unmatched pampering). I’m just visiting the LA area, but I will definitely always come here when I visit again in the future.

Karem Cucumides M. Everyone is very friendly, and my nails look and feel amazing. Nina is extremely good and nice. My last mani lasted 4 weeks.