This is the best nail salon I've ever been to. I get dip because it's organic, doesn't harm my skin w/ the UV light, and is the only thing that's ever made my nails grow long while lasting 3-5 weeks. Here's the thing, everywhere else I've ever been the technicians have lied to me and used gel on top of the dip or just not known how to do dip well. Every single person who's ever done my nails here has been a true master at the craft. Everyone is also very kind and I've never had trouble with availability or getting an appointment. They have also never, ever hustled me. There are salons nearby that may seem a little more glamorous, but they will nickle and dime you for everything, hustle you, rush you, and do not know their craft. This place does. I've cheated on them once with a local place like that and I hugely regretted it. If you come here, it will be your new spot. I LOVE 18K and I know you will too. read more

bruh, I'm only doing this review because i spent almost $300 here for my nail to lift after one day. Yesterday was nightmare -- I hate my nails & I even gave them a chance to fix them before I left their business. I just received attitudes, it was insane. i was streaming the whole time as well so whatever, if that's how they want to conduct their business so be it' !!He also said he didn't break my toe nail in half but that's very hard to believe for me because he hurt me and then my toe was broken in half. I was so livid, I gave them so many chances an still tipped. come on santa monica ?? read more

See all

Bf found this place and booked me a wonderful spa day and it was great! The inside was clean and service was excellent. Tom was my nail tech and he was amazing and very talented. He made sure to understand my reference photo and match it. It was around $50-60 for a gel manicure + $15 for French tips. You can call to make an appointment or walk-in! I got a cat-eye pink underneath and it came out superrr cute. They did a really great pedicure as well with a light massage and scrub. Definitely recommend stopping by for quality nails that last- this set lasted me almost 4 weeks! read more

See all

This salon recently remodeled and it looks amazing! Brand-new massage pedicure chairs, new tables, and a very clean, modern atmosphere. The staff is friendly, and the salon is spotless. Highly recommend! read more

Needed a quick mani and removal since my extensions were lifting--service was super fast, I was seated and helped within 5 minutes. Typical setup for an Asian-run salon: big chairs, techs on stools, clean space with no strong odors. Located right on the road, so parking can be a hassle. Pricing wasn't clearly explained over the phone--ended up paying $60 for gel removal and a solid color gel mani, which was ok, but unclear. Application was okay; they missed some edges until I pointed it out. Picture shows they intentionally left space between my nail and nail bed. Overall efficient and reasonably skilled, but they do casually suggest add-ons, so watch for upselling. Overall, just okay. I might come back only if I needed something urgently and was nearby. Other similar salons offer a better atmosphere, quality, and value. read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

my experience with Ken at 18K Nail is always amazing the staff is friendly and curious i love there and they do a fantastic job on my nails glad they are in the neighborhood I rate them !!!!! read more

Did same day appointment on sunday and was able to book a slot. This is an overdue review, but the nail salon is nice, clean and comfortable. I wanted to do regular gel polish, and picked the cat eye style since it was a popular style at that time. I was happy with the results and it turned out really cute. However, only lasts like 18 days retention time. Have pics of when I first had it done,+18d later. I don't do a lot of manual hand labor/ anth so quality of the polish/manicure was mid. Service was great & quick, you get complimentary drinks. Price was around $90 (+tip). Prob can get better quality & price in east LA but for santa monica area that range is about right. This nail salon is located near santa monica place, parking will be street. read more

18K Nail Boutique - +18 days after manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

They are very meticulous and did the design I wanted perfectly. They are also all very nice and welcoming read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nails long gelx - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Very nice place. Surprisingly good massage chairs! I will be back to try the wine another time.

I have not gotten my nails done with the dip powder since I moved her because it's hard to find this service under $100. I went to 18K, got my nails dipped + they were perfect. I just went back for my second time. prices are great + they do any amazing job. it lasted 5 weeks. highly recommend. read more

Wow! What a wonderful experience. I needed a new nail tech. Randomly picked 18k cause it seems so clean. And was I right! This establishment is not only super clean, smell amazing and is luxurious feeling. But the customer service is superb. They make you feel so welcomed. Most importantly the work that is created here is top tier!!!!! My nails are so beautiful. Kristen is an absolutely doll. What a cutie with so much talent and love for her craft! New regular!!!!! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Western Ceder (x3 coats) - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Love this place! I've been a few times and have been super happy with it. It's clean, quiet, and the staff is so nice. My nails always look great. And btw, they don't incentivize for 5 star reviews which I've found so misleading with other places. read more

I've been to this salon a few times now, and I generally have had a great experience. There's been ample street parking nearby during the times I've gone, and the appointment process is easy. However, there is a noticeable skill gap between certain people, which has led to some of my manicures being amazing and some being subpar. For example, during my last visit, I was charged $75 for my cat eye gel mani with removal, and I see on the website that a gel mani with removal is $50. So I am guessing the cat eye is an additional $25. The first time I got cat eye, I was very happy with the results (silver). The second time, I don't think it was done properly (purple). It is a gorgeous color and sparkly, but it is not cat eye. And in my opinion, it was not worth the $25 premium. My recommendation would be to make your appointment with specific people (instead of taking your chance with the next available). read more

18K Nail Boutique - Cat eye gel mani - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kenny was amazing! First time here and will definitely be coming back! Clean salon, friendly staff and my nails turned out beautiful! Thank you so much! read more

Definitely will recommend this place. Always have been. They re literally the best. I can't express how happy I am with their service. read more

Jenny was my technician, and she was thorough, gentle, and committed to quality! I got a gel-x manicure with a unique french detail, and she did a wonderful job!! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So nice toes look great! They were very helpful amd nice! Accommodating a last minute appointment.

Booking an appointment was super easy. I called and they had a lot of availability, which was great. I came based on the good reviews from others, but I probably wouldn't come back. I called last week asking for an appointment to do GelX nails, and they told me it was $65. When I went, the person who did my nails explained that what I wanted was actually called hot gel and not GelX, since I didn't want fake nails put on my nail. I wanted the paint to be done directly on my own nail. I asked him what the price difference was, and he said it was the same for GelX, so I thought it would also be $65. When I was checking out, the lady told me it was $70 for the nails. And then, they ask you very loudly how much tip you want to leave, which pressures you to leave a big tip. It would be better if they just had a screen where you could leave whatever you wanted. I also saw other reviewers say that they received a discount for being first time customers. I was a little surprised that they didn't mention or offer it, them knowing it was my first time ever getting my nails done. That's totally fine, but people will get upset when people read about a discount and people are disappointed with the inconsistent customer service. I also didn't appreciate how rude the nail tech was. I told him about my concerns because the nail tool hurt my nail. It started burning when he was filing the top of the nail. He basically told me I was imagining things because I'm nervous as it's my first time and to suck it up. It wasn't very kind of professional, and it certainly wouldn't wanna make someone come back. Lastly, I saw many reviewers say that the place was very clean, which I don't really agree with. The place smelled like food, which was a little nauseating. And the nail tech used dirty nail filers and tools that had other peoples nail residue on it. He also used a towel that looked very dirty. Not sure if that's standard at nail places, but it didn't seem very clean. I gave it two stars because my nails came out cute, but the experience was very offputting and I don't think I would try this place again. EDIT: removed a star because they said the nails should at least last for 2 weeks, and they're already chilling after 2 days. Definitely wouldn't recommend read more

Just okay. The nails don't cover my entire nail bed. The gel x BURNED so bad. I do gel x every month and I've never been burned by someone like that. It usually happens when the tech applies too much of the gel, which is what looks like he did. I wouldn't go back. The pedicure was great. read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Linda gave me a wonderful CBD Pedicure. It relaxed my whole body. I'll be back. And I'll try a mani too. Great selection of polish. Place is clean with good music. read more

This was my first time at 18K Nails and I can't recommend them enough! The service was exceptional, and my nails turned out beautifully. Their attention to detail was great, too. read more

18k is a great spot right in the heart of Santa Monica. Kenny and Tom did an amazing job with my dip/gel mani pedi in a little over one hour. Super talented, very fast, and detail oriented. Highly recommend!!! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Dip mani with cat eye gel - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

18k is the only place I trust to do my nails. The staff is so friendly and always accommodating. Not only do they do a great job EVERY time I get a manicure they give color compliments too! Kenny and Kristin are a must to see in Santa Monica. Thank you to them! Tell your friends! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

KENNY IS THE BEST! My 2 roommates and I all go to 18k to get our manicures. We love getting dip. The best part is for removal (if you have existing dip) they have you soak it off rather than drill it off which I find protects my overall nail health. Plus, my nails NEVER chip - always last 3-4 weeks. Kenny handles my nails with much precision and am happy to have been a consistent customer for almost a year! Love 18k! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Dip manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Aware that it was an hour before closing, I walked in greeted the staff and asked if they had time for a gel manicure. The guy at the front asked if I had an appointment, which I did not. He seemed rushed but still said yes. He had me sit at a station that wasn't prepared, but I figured it was due to the time of the day and maybe they were getting ready to close. This was my 1st time at this salon (and last) I had to ask to see their color selection while he was at the register, at what seemed like prepping my bill based on what I had asked. No, problem, I get that it was a Friday and he probably wanted to leave work asap. However, he started prepping my nails to remove the color I had on, and then decided to take out the trash and prep other things for closing. I'm not sure if he washed his hands before he came back to the station, but he only wore one glove to work on my nails. He was aggressively filing off the color on my nails, and at some point he cut me on my pinky finger (not the cuticle area); when I told him he chuckled like 'oopsie Daisy'. He had asked if I wanted to cut my nails and I said "file them to even them out to the shortest nail", which he ignored and trimmed down my nails anyway, even the shortest one. I noticed there were some nail flakes lifted from the filling, but figured he would smooth them out. Well he didn't. He peeled some off with the cuticle remover (cringe). I still told myself "trust the process...he's a professional"...I shouldn't have! He didn't use alcohol to remove the oils and clean the nail beds...didn't even buff out my nails before he started adding the base coat. He was rushing and cutting corners throughout the process. He was finishing when I notices a big bump on my thumb nail. I told him and he seemed bothered, as if it was my fault. The bump was a nail flake he missed, not me smearing the gel. He tried removing it and noticed how bad it was, so he filed it out and added color again. I could feel him rushing me out the door, so didn't pay much attention to the other nails at that point, but I should have; so many air bubbles and messy bumpy edges! He finishes fixing my thumb nail and goes to the register. I go to meet him, definitely not happy with the experience, but at this point I just want to leave. He tells me my total and then loudly asks HOW I want to tip; Venmo or cash? I didn't want to tip at all given the service I had received, but I told him "on the card" he then asks loudly "how much?" Why was I the one feeling embarrassed in this situation when I received terrible service?! Anyway, I proceeded to tip him $5 on a $50 bill, which is not much, but that was the point. The entitlement of pressuring customers to commit to tipping is outrageous. Tips are a bonus which is earned by the quality of service provided, it's NOT an obligation! I felt very awkward throughout the whole experience; if he spoke to me more than 3times while he worked on my nails it was a lot. When he was done he rubbed an exaggerated amount of lotion on my hands, which still had the dust from the filing (big cringe). He looked annoyed when I asked if he had something for me to remove the dust; he simply pointed to the sink and said you can wash your hands there. There was a lot of chatter and goofing around between the employees and little to no interaction with the customers, which showed a lack of professionalism on the establishment overall. At some point one of the other employees put her hand on the guys's leg while they laughed. Other employees were sweeping around me while the tech was still working on my nails...not very hygienic. Definitely the place to go to if you want to feel invisible and have a messy poor quality experience. As for me, I will definitely not be going back. read more

See all

Kristen is amazing. Read a yelp review who said she is detail oriented and takes her time which is true. I have a few friends who go here and really like it. I was in search of a new salon and had experienced 2 disappointing salons before this so I was of course worried. Appointment booking online was so easy and Kristen and the owner were ready for me when I walked in. The owner came over to inquire about the past salons I've been to and how I heard about 18k. Kristen offered me water right off the bat. As you can see from my picture she did phenomenal. I will definitely be back! read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nails by Kristen - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Although the service was nice, there were some inexperienced techs that took a bit longer than expected. I am also disappointed that my gel nails which I got on Saturday have already started chipping today, only 2 days later. They also tried to charge me for gel removal even though I came in with regular polish and had to ask about the $5 upcharge which was later removed. I initially came for the good reviews, but will not be returning. read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

BEST NAIL SALON IN SANTA MONICA‼ I have visited numerous ones in the area that lack consistency and are often only friendly to you upon first visit... but 18k nails has premium, QUALITY, consistency and excellent source of communication! They provide a clean, enjoyable atmosphere with clean facilities and make you feel like royalty the moment you sit down. Kenny (receptionist) was so inviting, accomodating and informative. On my first visit he was gracious enough to give me a first time client discount! Henry (Manicurist) VERY thorough, attention to detail and understood my vision with my french tip nails. ( I am very picky) Christine (Pedicurist) Very sweet, thorough, attention to detail and ALSO understood what I wanted for my gel toe french tip. She patiently provided me with several options of gel base coat and swatched them for me to see before choosing. The staff goes above and beyond for you. 10/10 recommend from an Avid Nail Salon client. This place is top notch ‼ read more

See all

literally the best nail lady I've ever been to whenever I give her any picture shes like bet i got u boo. yall better get yo appointments wit her cuz she is amazing read more

18K Nail Boutique - nails by kristin ‍ - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The BEST nail salon. I recently discovered 18K Nails in the last couple months thanks to my friend who has been coming since the opened, and I am so glad because they are AMAZING! First off, the salon itself is so beautiful. Like, stunning and you just feel so relaxed and at ease while you're there. It's so clean and well kept - they're really do such a good job crating a beautiful environment for their customers. And the service is AMAZING. I've had different nail technicians every time I've gone and every single one has been amazing. They are so detailed and take such good care of your nails, and take their time to make sure it's perfect. I will say - they absolutely take their time, in a good way, but know that for a manicure (dip, at least) it will be at least an hour. I personally have no problem with that, because I hate to feel like I'm being rushed at a nail salon, but if you're trying to come in for a quick mani, make sure it's just a regular! Gel and dip will take longer but you won't regret it! It's so relaxing, pampering, and the best experience. Prices are incredibly reasonable, which is super nice! AND they offer beverages - including wine - which is so fun! 10/10 recommend coming here. Don't sleep on 18K nails!!! read more

See all

We were in the area and my daughter wanted to get her nails done (it was her 12th birthday that day). So I began calling nearby nail salons if they take walk ins, and only 18k did take us in! When we got there, my daughter got seated immediately and was taken care of. She loved the outcome of the gel manicure, service was awesome. This salon is very clean, professional and is highly recommended. read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Booking online and changing services in person was the most excruciating process. In the midst of being overbooked, I was told my total services were $20 more than what I originally booked. When I questioned, the manager/owner raised his voice at me and proceeded to talk down at me. Exasperated, I just agreed to pay the total and he checked me out and i felt like he expected me not to tip (I did, via venmo) and went back to the client that he was working on, and said very loudly to the other workers, in Vietnamese, that I thought I was being overcharged and said that he wasn't. To be clear, I was confused on the difference in price, but was given no time to validate the difference and expected to trust what I was being charged without explanation. Overall, the ending experience soured the whole day as I was being spoken down to (in a rather booming voice) on my last interaction in this salon. I would not go back just to never experience this again. There's similarly quality salon (average) where you don't get spoken down to for asking about a price breakdown on $180 (not including tip) of services. read more

This is the best nail salon I've ever been to. It's super clean, folks are super friendly and the quality of work they do is top notch. It is pricey, but worth every penny. The set I had done 4 weeks ago looks as perfect it did the day I got them, minus the grow out of course - and I'm rough on my nails since I work with my hands and are constantly washing them. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

18K Nail Boutique - Nail Salons Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Totally heartbroken that my 25 year plus nail salon in the Palisades burned down and I had to find a new place. I was thrilled to find Linda at 18k. The place is clean, cheerful and efficient. I think Linda is great. My only complaint is that it is difficult to make an appt for a regular mani/pedi (no gel etc) online. I end up calling to do so. Overall highly recommend! read more

Nice experience. Reasonable prices. Friendly staff. Sunday is good because the street meters are free.

Great customer service and the products used are good quality. My dip nails lasted 3weeks.

18K Nails is THE BEST. I have been going here for about 2+ years and am a big fan of all of their services. I also love the glow-up remodel that they gave to the space prior to their opening; previously it was a lot darker and dated. All the services are beautiful and, IMO, well-priced, and the ability to book online is A+. The owner Kenny, is also friendly and considerate, and has created a team of techs that are some of the best in West Los Angeles. read more

Reasonably priced high-quality super nice, friendly staff. I definitely recommend If you're in a hurry. read more

The pictures do all the talking. Kristen is my gal and is an artist with her designs. Prior to coming here my nails would crack and break, but 18k does a great job with gentle powder dip and removal. I refuse to go anywhere else. read more

See all

Living in LA for 5 years and I have finally found the perfect nail boutique. The quality and care that is given in every session is profound. The customer service provided is one of a kind. Hanh and Anne is amazing. I literally feel like I am on a cloud when they take care of my hands and feet. I feel refreshed and recharged every time I leave 18K Nail Boutique Thank you 18K for always going above and beyond for me and every customer who comes in and out of your establishment. You forever have me as a client read more

See all