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Services - 2EM Nail Place
Manicure
Manicure and pedicure
Nail fill-in
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Recommended Reviews - 2EM Nail Place
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Reviews With Photos
Kaylee does perfection every time. This is exactly what I asked for. She is so talented and I really come back to just get my nails done by her. The staff is always friendly and compliments my nail sets because Kaylee does amazing overall, the vibe was calm and I was able to watch my show on my phone using their phone stand while getting them done.
Can we take a moment to appreciate how beautiful this design is? Helly absolutely nailed it--her work is amazing, and the attention to detail is incredible. I'm obsessed!
First time getting my nails done in Irvine, and I know how hard it can be to find a place that actually does good mani-pedi work. I found this spot on Instagram and thought, why not give it a try--especially since I needed my birthday nails done. So glad I did! I was paired with two amazing nail techs. Jane absolutely killed it with my pedicure, and Cindy did such a great job on my manicure. Both were super sweet and really took their time. The place itself is really nice, clean, and very spacious. They do get busy, but the front desk handled everything so well and made sure everyone who walked in was checked in and taken care of. Check-in was easy, and paying was even easier--just Zelle and you're good to go. Super convenient. Overall, great experience! Thank you 2EM Nails for making my birthday nails perfect You'll definitely be seeing more of me soon!
I don't get my nails done that often because I usually have short nails for my job, but I have a special occasion upcoming and someone recommended 2EM Nails for Gel-X and builder gel. My nail tech, Kay, was so patient and explained the differences between the 2 styles. I ended up doing Gel-X because I wanted extra length and let me tell you, they were NOTHING like when I tried acrylic nails way back when. She fit and shaped them so perfectly and I couldn't even tell they weren't my natural nails. I was also impressed with how well the design came out. I prefer minimalist designs in general and Kay perfectly combined the multiple inspo pics I showed her. The salon is also v nice, no loud TVs playing random daytime talk shows and very clean. Would highly recommend.
Got a classic pedicure and a clean up for my nails. They are so clean and super fast service. I especially love how clear the air was. Even with a classic pedicure they gave me a wonderful massage. They have super strong hands and it's so relaxing! My hands were dryer than a dessert and they were able to miraculously revitalize them. Totally recommend!
Amazing amazing place! Will come back ALWAYS!! loved all the technicians! Thank you ladies for your time and careful attention to detail!
2EM is located on the second floor of a smaller Irvine plaza, but I love coming here as often as I can to get mani/pedis. I usually bounce around different salons, but the past two times I've come here and Jasmine has done an amazing job! She's thorough and clean with her designs, she makes sure she doesn't go too deep with cuticles or filing. Aesthetic & Ambiance: 9.5/10 aesthetic is modern with marble, greens, and all new equipment. Ambiance 8/10: very quiet, and laid back. Service: 9.5/10 friendly and prompt, open to talking while you get services. Can make reservations online. They use new tools with each client. Classic Mani: $29 - 8.5/10 a really good deal for a full service clean up & color (not gel). Takes a little extra time to dry so make sure you wait! 2EM Mani: $49 - 8/10 same as above but with a little extra treatment such as 10 minute massage, and additional hand care treatments. They use great products for the treatments, and take their time with each step.
I've previously rated this salon 5 stars because I've been coming here almost every month for gel nails and have always had great experiences. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was really disappointing. I originally had an appointment for strengthen gel like I usually do, but this time I decided to just get my current gel removed so my nails could have a two-week break from constant polish. I had an appointment and was seated after about a 10-15 minute wait. It was clear the salon was understaffed that day, which I completely understand - that's not the issue. The problem was the lack of communication and the way my service was handled. The front desk woman (who I assume may be the owner) started removing my gel with a drill, then soaked my nails and left me sitting there for quite a while. When she came back, she would work on my nails for a short time, then leave again to manage the front desk, ask other nail techs repeatedly if they were done yet, and continue taking in walk-ins even though it seemed like there weren't enough staff to handle the current clients. This resulted in my appointment turning into a cycle of her starting to remove my nails, leaving midway, coming back briefly, and leaving again. I was repeatedly left sitting there with partially removed gel. I'm not writing this because they were understaffed (I understand things happen), but better communication would have gone a long way. I would have happily waited longer for someone to properly help me rather than having my service constantly interrupted every few minutes. She did try to be nice and offered to put a top coat on my nails, but halfway through she left again. At that point I just asked to pay and leave. I've never had an experience like this here before, which is disappointing because I've been a regular customer. I hope this was just an off day, but experiences like this are unfortunately how businesses lose loyal customers. Note: I've attached a photo of what my nails looked like after. I also asked if they could be cut to the shape of my nails and she cut them square.
2EM is my new nail place! I love Lanie, she is an absolute tour de force of a nail artist. My second time seeing her and she took my inspo pic and just leveled the hell out of it. Little bit of trust and a lot of skill and these are my favorite nails I have EVER had! I wish the pics did them justice they are so vibrant and have a depth to them that is otherworldly. The staff there is so sweet and nice and so encouraging of their nail techs, it's nice to see coworkers being kind to each other, especially when the holidays have everyone stressed.
Edit: This is in response to the salon's reply to my initial review. I did reach out about my experience, but I never received a response. I did not return to this salon to have my nails removed because of how poorly they removed my gel during my original appointment. I do not wish to come in and have the salon evaluate my nails because: (1) they are already damaged. It will take months for them to recover and even to stop hurting while at rest; and (2) I would like to avoid a situation where I feel pressured to minimize or justify my negative experience. The condition of my nails is not in dispute. It is the reason I left my original review in the first place. I have uploaded photos to show the condition of my nails now (this is after lathering my nails in jojoba oil multiple times a day for over a week). Original Review: I would give this place zero stars if I could. I went in with strong, healthy, natural nails for a builder gel application and removal. My technician over-filed and over-buffed every nail, leaving them with absolutely no structural integrity. Instead of applying builder gel, they painted on a single thin coat of what they called a "strengthening gel." Even with this so-called strengthening gel, my nails were bending and felt extremely sore. Prior to this appointment, my nails were healthy, strong, and pain-free. After the service, multiple nails became red, sore, and extremely sensitive. I had to have the product removed just two days later because of the pain and discomfort. Once it was removed, I finally saw the extent of the damage. My nail plates are lifting in multiple spots, and my nails remain constantly red and sore. The damage has made everyday tasks painful and difficult. I can no longer comfortably pinch, grip, or grab objects, including simple things like pulling up a zipper, opening a soda can, or using my hands normally. I am now left to deal with months of nail growth and recovery because of the excessive filing and buffing performed during what should have been a routine service. To make matters worse, my nails were not even shaped properly. The shaping was uneven from nail to nail, which was apparent immediately after the service. Between the poor shaping and the significant damage to my natural nails, the quality of work was far below professional standards. I am extremely disappointed with the quality of work and the condition in which my nails were left. I would not recommend this salon to anyone seeking healthy nail care.
was so excited to finally try this place but my nail tech (think it was Kay) was rude and didn't make me feel like I could explain what type of nail shape that I wanted without being passive aggressive about it. I don't want to not explain what I want and then leave dissatisfied which I still did because of the service and a bunch of spots were missed - see pictures attached. Also the price for a french pedicure with gel polish and builder french mani with chrome is not worth $168.
I've been going to a nail salon in Costa Mesa for a few years, and it was fine and wonderful, but now that I have a baby, I needed to cut some time when getting my nails done. I was recommended by my friend to try 2EM, which is about two miles from where I live, so I was hopeful. I FOUND MY NEW NAIL HOME. I booked my appointments on their website and it was so easy. The location is upstairs and there are stairs and an elevator, if needed. It is in the same plaza as Irvine Market! Lanie did my nails and Theresa did my toes, and I rested the entire time. I put my full trust in them and they DELIVERED. They were both quick without rushing me, and their attention to detail and what I wanted, was excellent. I already made my next builder gel fill appointment!
4 years ago
First time coming here and super satisfied!! I made an online appointment with Jill and she did amazing!!!! Mine were a bit pricey but thats because its my birthday set and I didn't mind all the add ons. A full set starts at $55 but mine ended up being $108 because I did Gel-X and added a design. I showed jil the first pic and she recreated it basically identical. she was super attentive and told me prices before starting something instead of just doing it and making me pay later. 10/10 recommend!!! read more
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Brian L.
Thank you Pawn for trying out our salon. I'm glad that you loved…
4 years ago
I come here cuz it's super close to my house but also cuz this nail place is fantastic!! All the ladies here (I've tried a couple now) are very skilled, capable, and careful. They don't talk sh!t in Vietnamese which is hard to come by, cuz most nail salons will have miserable ladies that say ugly terrible things about their customers... and yes I can understand. But no, these women are all very sweet and kind and just do their work. So blessed to live close to this place. Teenie does an impeccable job when I ask for long, pointy, almond nails and most importantly, she does not cut or nick me!! (I've been to salons where they've cut every single one of my nails so I have trauma lolol). Thank you so much 2em and extra props to Teenie :o) read more
3 years ago
I got a French gel nail manicure done by Kevin for my wedding and honeymoon. It looked great for both! The gel held up pretty well for two weeks, but then again I am rough on my hands and nails as I teach elementary school. Kevin is amazingly talented, 11/10 recommend! read more
3 years ago
Nice place and vibe and the techs are helpful and do good work. I did have a nail break and they graciously had me back for a repair. Tiny was soooo nice I am a regular somewhere else but I'd go back if not!! read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Alex D.…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Kat N.…
2 years ago
They are great, I highly recommend this place. Myra did a great job.they are so clean very detail oriented and kind. read more
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Kelly C.
Hi Haleh M.…
4 years ago
Well... $82 for the upgraded gel pedicure. Was it worth it? YES! Foot soak, foot mask, paraffin wax, and a solid massage. And not one of those wimpy 2 minute massages, but a solid 10 minutes. You'll awake from relaxed slumber to the buzz of a timer, which I appreciate! 2EM is newer- it opened July 2022. Everything is immaculate. The space is beautiful. And even the towels have a scent of lux cleanliness. Those details are not overlooked! Is it the cheapest place in town? No. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you'd like a pedicure that isn't rushed and is truly relaxing, I'd recommend the 2EM upgraded pedicure. I saw DIANE, and she gave a solid massage! Note: Cash tip only read more
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Brian L.
Hi Kimberly,…
2 years ago
2em was the first nail salon I've ever been to and has been the only one I ever want to return to for the past year! Everyone is so friendly and professional, especially Tam who always does such a stellar job when it comes to bringing my nail dreams to life!! I love how he takes the designs I bring to him and adds his own touch. Here's the latest design he did for me that were done special for my Japan trip, cảm ơn Tam! read more
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Kelly C.
Hi Kathy D.…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Elly R.…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Kimberly V.…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Melinda M.…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Lisa S.…
4 years ago
I've been wanting gel x cat eye French nails for a while and Tiny did me so good!!! She made sure my French tips were PERFECT !!! And made sure I got the right shine! I called around 2 for an appt an hour later and they were able to take me in!! Loved chatting with Tiny and it was a great clean environment, can't wait to go back for my fill!! read more
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Brian L.
Thank you so much Megan for your comments! I'm glad that you have a…
2 years ago
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Shellie B.…
I had the dip powder nails and a pedicure. This was the second time I visited the place. Everything is clean, and the staff is charming. Candy did my powder dip. She was on point in getting my nails the way I liked the nail shape. The nail dip was not bulky. It was a perfect texture. The reason for the four stars is that I waited 20 mins while my feet were soaking. I understood they were busy. The service was excellent. read more
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Brian L.
Hi Jessie,…
2 years ago
VY ATE DOWNNNN!!! so happy with my nails! she was so kind and accommodating and happy to change anything if it wasn't what i wanted. would definitely recommend. i got a gel x set, and the price is worth the quality and design! read more
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Brian L.
Hi Alianni.…
2 years ago
Amazing amazing nail salon! My mom and I drove 30 minutes just for this place and we don't plan on stopping. Great environment, very clean, and has all of the trendy stuff you could possibly want. Jenny was super sweet along with the rest of the staff. Highly recommend! read more
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Brian L.
Hi Court,…
3 years ago
I came in after work to relax and get my toes and nails done. After picking my nail color I picked a light green color and wanted French tip on my toes a very different choice but that's what I wanted. Once it was time to color my toes the first color looked a little off and I said it looks odd huh she said yes walked off and got the darker green I liked but I could tell the woman doing my toes was bothered by MY choice of color she was talking to the girl doing my manicure & some other woman moving her hands around talking about my color and was visibly bothered by my choice. I don't have to speak the language to understand she was speaking poorly of me but I ignored it and tried to enjoy my services until I got home and noticed she completely missed my pinky toe on my right foot that is so extremely disappointing and I am shocked. She continued to purposely miss my toe multiple times and let me leave there without finishing my full service. I have never had something like this happened to me before she was a mean lady and she should be ashamed of herself to act that way and allow me to pay full price for a service that did not get completed. I was there last night around 6:00 ish and I sat on the end by the door. Whoever that lady is I don't ever want her to do my nails again. She made me feel so uncomfortable the entire time. Said I looked tired & literally didn't paint my pinky toe on purpose who does something like that ? I still tipped both of my ladies even after I could tell they were gossiping & talking about me. Like I said prior I don't have to understand the language to understand body language and feel the negativity. I go there to relax but all I could hear is them talking about others and it's not professional. This place is so beautiful and the front desk girl was so sweet and nice I love the the atmosphere but I truly had a poor experience because of the women who performed my services yesterday, Friday the 13th I would honestly give the place 5 stars for location and the view I had while getting my nails done but those woman were mean girls and they should really work on themselves. I was just trying to relax for my crazy work week & im honestly tired of getting bullied and picked on by woman. read more
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Brian L.
Hi Carisa,…
2 years ago
best nail salon ever! i am a recurrent customer since i found the salon by my house & i come in when i need my nails done for a special event. i wanted to do a personal shout out to Tam! he has done majority of my sets & he is very helpful! i am still new to having sets but anything i ask for he does his best! super friendly staff & management. if you're new to having nails, please try this place! they have the best service & willing to do anything to make you feel comfortable. read more
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Brian L.
Hi Jocelyn.…
I was browsing the Irvine area for a manicure and decided to try this place out since they offered gel-x extensions. Their interior is very clean and gives off a comfortable setting to be in. Emily was my manicurist and she was very gently & sweet :) As you can see, she did a beautiful job with my nails! I look forward to coming back here! read more
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Brian L.
HI Celine,…
4 years ago
First time trying GelX and wow!! I love how my nails came out! Jil is amazing, I will definitely come back here & tell my friends and sisters to come as well. A bit pricey but worth it! read more
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Brian L.
Thank you Tania for writing us your review! We really appreciate you…
2 years ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Jamie B.…
4 years ago
I came here based upon the reviews I saw on Yelp. The salon itself is very clean and beautiful. Unfortunately I had to dock 2 stars for two separate reasons. 1. The lady who did my pedicure was very sweet, but she had filed my large toenail to the skin and I was bleeding and flinching. She didn't stop until I pulled my toe away because it stung so much! She apologized but said "it wasn't too big of a cut and it's okay".. I guess? And so we continue on. When the pedicure was done my large left toenail was cut slanted but at that point I was just wanting to leave. I go to pay and ask for a bandaid for the cut and the girl at the front apologized and told I believe someone who was the owner. That person apologized and offered me a 10% discount for next time.... I paid around $75 I've never paid that much for a pedicure let alone had someone cut my toe and tell me to come back next time for a discount. If she had attempted to fix the situation right at that moment, I might have come back again but because I felt like they were trying to have me return, it left a sour taste in my mouth. read more
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Brian L.
Hi Jeannie,…
2 years ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Niousha F.…
1 year ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Shannon H…
2 years ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Brittney B.…
2 years ago
Best nail salon! Been coming here for a while after having to change nail techs. Ann and Cindy are my favorites! read more
2 years ago
Can always get a last minute appointment all of the staff are super sweet and of course my nails are always left stunning read more
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Kelly C.
Hi Adonahi G.…
1 year ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Allynson N.…
4 years ago
Book your trip to this nail salon yall Place is on the second floor and it's spacious, clean, organized and updated. There are so many color options to choose from and they make sure to keep up with nail trends. I asked for gel X, sheer base with metallic drop designs, and honestly I couldn't have asked for better because Chloe did a PERFECT JOB I love my nails and can't stop looking at them or waving my hands around. Pricing is reasonable too!! read more
Business owner information
Brian L.
Thank you so much Hien for your kind review! I'm so glad to hear that…
4 years ago
1st visit: I made an appt with Candy, but she was still working on her client so I was assigned with Tiny. She wasn't super meticulous, but I loved her personality! Also, my Apres Gel-X Short ($65) stayed on really well for 3 weeks. 2nd visit: **Online appointment is not reliable!** I made an appt with Candy again but when I got to the salon, the front desk lady told me Candy didn't come in/doesn't work that day. The salon didn't notify me ahead of time! :( I requested for Gel-X removal ($10), gel polish ($30) with cat eye polish (extra $15). This was also reflected on the online appt in their system. I chose Teresa because she had a lot of reviews, but wish I had gone back to Tiny. Teresa was hard to communicate with. I said no to manicure, but she did it anyway so I was charged extra $10, totaling $65. Their manicure wasn't worth the extra price either. My cuticles were already clean, hand massage wasn't even a massage, and their lotion scent gave me a headache. She also did square shape instead of round. Teresa and the front desk lady also kept trying to make me do other services, which started getting annoying. Overall, not a bad salon but I don't think I'll be coming back. The second visit really threw me off. read more
3 years ago
First time here today, was recommended by a friend! Very nice owner and clean space, which we appreciated a lot. Stella worked on my sister's nails (pink) while Ana (I believe) worked on mine (French). Stella was very meticulous and thorough, which left my sister happy. Ana was nice, but she made a few mistakes, seemed unconfident, and also did not tell me that cuticle care was an extra $8 until the end; Stella provided cuticle care without cost for my sister. I thought that was pretty ridiculous to be charging $8 for basic cuticle care/prep before going into a gel-x set - a service that has always been provided by my previous nail salon appointments. Prices are a bit steep here, but we highly recommend Stella and her services. read more
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Brian L.
Joanne,…
2 years ago
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Kelly C.
Hi MH, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I am…
1 year ago
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Kelly C.
Hi Catherine C.…
2 years ago
Got my gel x nails done for graduation and they turned out amazing. I highly recommend Ann! She was so sweet and was very articulate! The place is very beautiful! Definitely will come here again :) read more
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Brian L.
Hi Samiksha,…
2 years ago
Accept walk ins and usually quick w service. I get my nails done here when i want a simple n cute but classy design; vy is rlly good. They have quality nail supplies n cute charms. The place is clean n professional. Rlly recommend this place if u need a last min manicure read more
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Kelly C.
Hi Mia V…
2 years ago
Zoe did my gel x nails today and she did such an amazing job! She was very professional and took her time to make sure the final outcome was exactly the way I wanted. I never do girly nails but I'm glad I tried it out and she made them look great! 10/10 read more
Business owner information
Kelly C.
Hi Ashley L.…
More info about 2EM Nail Place
5321 University Dr
Ste D
Irvine, CA 92612
Turtle Rock
Directions
(949) 932-0839
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http://2emnailplace.com
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Ask the Community - 2EM Nail Place
How much would it be to get GelX nails taken off? GelX nails from a different salon?
Hello, gelx taken off without service will be $15
Looking for a basic older man's manicure and pedicure. What are my options? Thank you, Larry
Request Signature Pedicure and Manicure! The 2 Em Team will take great care of you!
How much for regular gel mani and pedi?
Hi Isabelle, Reg gel mani is $40 and reg gel pedi is $52
Hello, is your nail salon LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely Stephen. Everyone should be treated equally. We look forward to seeing you soon.
How much for short full set acrylic or short full set gel x?
Hi Katherine, gel x is $65. Please feel free to visit our website to view our full menu.
Is your salon "dad friendly" as I would love to bring him along for his own pedicure?
Absolutely. Please give us a call for an appointment or feel free to book an appointment online with us. We look forward to seeing you.
Hi! Is regular gel mani ($40) includes cuticle care (cut, etc) and shaping the nail?
Hi Emily, Yes, the gel manicure includes cuticle trimming and shaping.
Hi do you guys do gel x nails?
Please give us a call to go over the details. Thank you,
It says the nail art is $5+. Is this per color or total cost?
Hi, Nail art starts at $5+ depends on the design and how long it will take to finish. Please feel free to bring in a design for a quote.
How much is a regular gel mani? French gel mani? Regular pedi?
Hi Anu, Our gel mani is $40. Please Visit our website to view our full menu at 2emnailplace.com
Hi, do you have full body massage? How much for one hour full body massage ? Thanks
Hi, Yes we do. It’s $90/hour
Review Highlights - 2EM Nail Place
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67 reviews that are not currently recommended
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