I have been going for gel nails for a little over a year. It's important to me that they use…read moreminimal products which means less chemicals. If you have problem nails, soft gel is a great solution. You can't safely fix everything but you can safely have beautiful nails. I enjoy my beautiful nails. If you just want a beautiful manicure with minimal chemicals The Gel Lab is the place to go.

I recently moved to Foster City and was looking for a good nail salon in the area. This place had…read morehigh ratings, so I decided to try it for a Gel-X removal ($30). Martin assisted me. He was polite, quiet, and gentle with my nails, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the removal technique was not a great experience. My fingers were placed in a tub of acetone and I was told it would be about 5 minutes, but it ended up being about 10. My fingertips became very dry and pruney. In my past experiences, other nail techs typically use acetone-soaked cotton applied directly to my nail and wrapped with foil, which better protects the skin. After the removal, I was asked to wash my hands and was told the service was done. However, I noticed gel residue left on my skin and some still on my nails. When I mentioned it, I was told "no worries, it'll come off in the shower". Well it felt uncomfortable for me! The remaining gel was only wiped after I requested it, and there is still visible residue. For the hour that he spent removing it off, it definitely was not worth the price at all. I've had many Gel-X removals before and they were usually much cleaner and more efficient and cheaper priced ($15) and took only 30 mins. Giving 2 stars because Martin was kind, but I wasn't satisfied with the overall result.

I take my elderly mom to get her nails done occasionally and we have always gone to La Bella spa in…read moreFoster City. Well, I tried to go there last week and they had apparently closed or moved. So I looked them up on Yelp and it turns out they moved right near my mom's house and I was so happy about that. We walked in no appointment needed. Got her a manicure and pedicure and they treated her wonderfully. I love Vivian and the whole team.

I have been there many years doing the pedicure. They are very kind to me and the price is…read morereasonable.

I made an appointment with Okkie for a mani/pedi. She was ready for me when I arrived. She did a…read morevery careful and meticulous job on my hands and nails. The gel mani and regualr pedi lasted well over 3 weeks with no chipping! Okkie was very gentle. I've been to other nail salons on Foster City and have had very negative experiences. Highly recommend Okkie for this service. Price was very reasonable too.

Both Susie and Okie give great haircuts and Okie does wonder job…read morewith Pedi's. Robert

Moving back to the Bay Area from Utah meant I had to leave behind my nail girl of 4 years so…read morefinding someone new for my Gel X era honestly gave me anxiety lol. I found Linda on Yelp, loved her work, called the salon, and she just happened to be available that same day -- which already felt like fate. And of COURSE... before driving there, I tried swatting a fly on my porch (don't ask ) and somehow broke my thumbnail literally in half. By the time I arrived, I was anxious, embarrassed, and fully preparing myself for pain and disappointment. But Linda immediately made me feel comfortable. If you're someone who gets nervous walking into a new establishment -- whether it's a salon, restaurant, or even a medical office -- you know how important energy and kindness are. Linda greeted me so warmly, reassured me instantly, and handled my broken nail SO carefully that I barely felt discomfort. I genuinely thought my nail was doomed, but she saved it beautifully. The whole appointment honestly felt like hanging out with a friend while getting your nails done. We spent the visit talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. She shared stories about her salon and her team, and you can genuinely tell these are hardworking, humble people who truly care about what they do. That part especially stuck with me. I've always been a neutral nail girlie, but Linda started showing me different styles and ideas that actually got me excited to branch out and try new things again. That's the kind of nail tech you want -- someone who not only does beautiful work, but inspires confidence and makes the experience feel fun and safe. Finding a new nail tech after years with the same person can honestly feel weirdly emotional lol, but I left feeling SO relieved and happy that I found her. Safe to say... I found my Bay Area nail girl

There are so many nail salons in this area, and I used to come here regularly 2-3 years ago. Since…read moremy usual manicurist in Burlingame is currently on vacation, I decided to give this place another try. Unfortunately, this visit reminded me exactly why I chose to find a new salon. I got a gel manicure and regular pedicure, but the quality of service was disappointing. The technician repeatedly bumped my freshly done nails into towels, then blamed me by saying, "Don't touch the towel!" Overall, the experience felt frustrating and unprofessional. With so many better options nearby, I won't be returning.

This place is consistently wonderful. So professional, calm and has luxury level quality. I have…read morehad great pedicures from Ha and Celine. I highly recommend them. It's a rare calm gem of a place without the drama or gossip of some places I've unfortunately encountered in the past. Prices are a little bit higher than I am used to compared to South Bay but I always regret when I gamble and stray to another subpar nail salon on the peninsula to try to save money. Good nail color selection (could use a slight update to the trendier pearl colors but very big selection). Love their massage chairs too. Glad they have an easy option available to tip via Venmo for each employee. They've always accommodated my short notice phone calls to essentially do a walk in. Perfect spot for a date with a friend!

First, I want to say that Karen is amazing. She's kind, professional, and gave me some of the best…read moreservice I've received in the five years I've been coming here. This review is not about her, it's about the business. I've been a customer for about five years because it's convenient, the salon is beautiful, and I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Over the years, however, I've had several uncomfortable experiences that I overlooked because of the convenience. For example, I was once pressured by a receptionist to tip in cash, and another time I brought a group in for pedicures and everyone received a drink and snack except me. Today was the final straw. I came in for a pedicure after an exhausting week. Although I arrived about 30 minutes before closing, I was never asked which pedicure package I wanted or which scent I preferred, questions they normally ask every visit. The service lasted about 30 minutes and felt like a very basic pedicure. There was no mask, extended massage, or any of the upgraded amenities typically associated with their higher-priced services. I initially requested regular polish but later switched to gel after seeing a sparkly red color that matched a dress I plan to wear to a wedding. When it came time to pay, my total was $80. I was shocked. Nothing about the service I received justified that price. It felt like I was charged for a premium pedicure despite receiving a standard one. After multiple questionable experiences over the years, I no longer feel comfortable giving this business my money. The salon may be beautiful, but the repeated issues and lack of transparency have outweighed the convenience. As a long-time customer, I'm disappointed to say I won't be returning.

Deciding last minute to get a pedicure on a weekday, I messaged Bliss & Blade Salon on Yelp and…read morereceived a response within 30 mins. I was happy that they were able to accommodate me for a pedicure later that afternoon. Things I loved about them: 1) Quick response and scheduling 2) Transparent pricing on their site - be aware there is a card fee if you use your credit card 3) Friendly welcome 4) On-time service: I arrived on the dot for my service and was promptly directed to the nails area for my pedicure 5) Helen did a wonderful job with the pedicure, she even helped me pick out the color! The salon is located in a plaza with plenty of complimentary parking. Located along the waterways of Foster City with plenty of natural light, the vibe is relaxing and pleasant. I'll be back!

Just left the salon with a disappointing experience…read more I originally scheduled my appointment to be on a Saturday at 215PM with a specific stylist and on Thursday, Bliss & Blade called me to inform that he was busy at that time and I asked if anyone else was available at the time to accommodate. They said yes no problem, and even sent a confirmation email to me on Friday with who I'd be seeing. Great, no problem. I arrive minutes before 215PM and they informed me that it'll be just a few minutes until I get seated. This is a 3 day weekend on a Saturday so I knew it was going to be already busy. Again, no problem. 15 minutes passes by, still waiting as my stylist is busy with another client, no problem. 30 minutes passes, still waiting. During this time, I do get asked was "please show us a picture of what highlights you'd like to get". Keep in mind that this is the only acknowledgement I get during while waiting, nothing like "thank you for waiting, appreciate your patience". As 45 minutes passes by, I can see that my stylist is still working on his client and probably won't be done for god knows how long at this point. so I thought it is not worth it and just asked the front desk to reschedule my appointment. It is only then I get an apology. Needless to say, this was a very disappointing experience, given the amount of great service I have received here numerous times previously and just cancelled when I got hime. I'm not so sure if I want to return.

I have been coming here for all of my beauty needs for the past 6 months. Everyone I have met with…read moreand have had work done by has been excellent. They have worked with me to accommodate my schedule, they are always professional, polite, speedy and painless!!! The prices are the best I've encountered so far. Highly highly recommend. My most common services are face & body waxing, eyebrow ​threading and lip/chin threading. ​

I've been coming here for 12 years, and I truly can't imagine going anywhere else for eyebrow and…read morelip threading. The consistency, attention to detail, and quality of work are unmatched. Every visit, I leave feeling confident and well taken care of. Shilpi, the owner, is excellent--knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly reliable. She really takes the time to make sure everything is done just right, and it shows in the results. It's rare to find someone who maintains such high standards for so many years. Highly recommend to anyone looking for expert threading and a place they can trust long-term.

Love coming here! Excellent work and fast! Very reasonable prices, clean, and efficient.read more

We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and…read moreFunny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful! We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful!

Wi is so sweet & amazing! Her place is clean and spacious. She is very gentle and meticulous with…read moreher work. My nails always get noticed and the frequent comment is "your nails are so pretty! They are so clean!" She does an amazing job with the Russian manicure and gel overlay. Check her out! You won't regret it

I had a wonderful experience getting a Russian manicure and pedicure. The attention to detail was…read moreamazing, and my nails and feet have never looked or felt better. Wi is incredibly nice and accommodating throughout the whole process is so warm, gentle, and professional. She really made me feel comfortable and took her time to ensure everything was perfect. Highly recommend if you're looking for top quality care and a relaxing experience! So glad Wi is local. She's my go-to girl.

I go to Tranquil atleast 1 a month. They are the best nail place in San Mateo I have ever found! I…read morealways go to Bella, she makes sure my nails are always perfect when I leave. The costumer service at Tranquil is also the best ever, they have a calming experience and always make sure you have a snack, or a beverage to ensure you are content for your entire appointment. I could not recommend this place enough!

Really good experience here! I called around and this was the only nail salon open in San Mateo at…read morethe time, and they happily took me in. When I arrived, everyone was so friendly and nice--it honestly made the experience even better. I ended up being the last client there and they still took their time and were so kind about it. I'm super thankful they were able to fit me in before my flight the next day. Will be back.