Came to Brilliant Nail and Spa on a whim just to get my Gel-X nails removed. I was told upfront it would be $15, which was fine. Unfortunately, the experience was awful. The woman removing my nails had a very nasty attitude the entire time and kept mumbling under her breath. She drilled the nails off with way too much pressure and it genuinely hurt. I politely told her multiple times to please be more gentle because it was painful, and she still continued using excessive force on other nails. She said she would file my nails after removal, but they were still sharp and uneven, so I asked if she could trim and file them more so my natural nails wouldn't snag. I even asked ahead of time if that would cost extra, and she said it was still only $15. After doing it, she became visibly irritated and kept giving me attitude, saying I should've told her from the beginning, and that I was asking for too much, while continuing to complain under her breath. Now my nail beds are extremely sensitive and sore. On top of that, she acted like she expected a tip after treating me that way, absolutely not. read more

Kay & her staff HANDS DOWN never disappoint!!!You bring them a design/idea, they will make it happen. The salon/spa is super clean and relaxing. Their massage chairs can literally put me to sleep. My daughter and I look forward to coming back for mommy & me time, every 3-4 weeks. YES..our gel nails last that long! IYKYK. read more

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This place sucks. They finally cleaned it up so it doesn't smell like elderly urine anymore but the service is still barely sub par, the techs aggressively try to upsell you, and actually talked my hearing impaired mother into a nail treatment that was three times what she came in for and it looks crappy. Even a polish change is not worth the price. I literally just got my toes done and had to ask them to take the green polish off my toes and feet that they just smeared all over the place when they removed it. Maybe I just keep striking out because they have loyal clientele but my experiences have been negative. Bummer too because it's convenient when I'm down in OC. read more

ASK FOR LAM! She does the best nail art around! My teenage daughter brings detailed inspiration photos of what she'd like, and Lam always does a beautiful job. Lam is current with nail styles and does stunning work. Look at the photos of the stiletto nails Lam did for Halloween. They're one of a kind! There's a great vibe in this shop. Everyone is genuine and kind. They do all sorts of techniques at Brilliant Nails -- acrylic, gel, dip, Gel X, etc. My daughters and I won't go anywhere else to get our nails done. The staff here is the best! read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Stiletto nails with Halloween art. Work done by Lam - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

During the No King's rally on 10/18, the owner of the establishment showed her true colors. While there were plenty of open spots for her patrons to use, she came outside her shop and screamed obscenities at anyone who parked in the lot, including those who were paying customers of other businesses besides her own (such as us). She also illegally blocked spots with chairs and, when we attempted to move them so people could legally park, she came outside again and screamed at us even though she was the one breaking the rules. She even yelled at a woman with a disabled placard who legally used an ADA spot. I would recommend supporting a business that understands freedom of assembly and respects the rights of others and all viewpoints. read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Business owner illegally blocking spots outside her shop, even though there were at least two other spots available out of frame. - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

Don't waste your money or time coming here. I asked for a polish change and she started doing whatever she wanted and said I thought you said pedicure. She filed my toenails crooked and when it came to polishing my toes she's missing all around the cuticles. I told her to remove the whole thing and to start over, she starts talking crap and looking at me weird because she doesn't want to do their job correctly. Terrible service and attitude. read more

I don't usually leave reviews, but I left this salon feeling so uncomfortable I had to share. I showed my nail tech that I Zelled $70 (which is already a lot for a basic set of short French tips), and her first reaction was to tell me to scan and tip again! The worst part is that I asked for them short, twice and she still made them too long. She even admitted the first time was a mistake, and still got the length wrong. I didn't tip because I wasn't happy with the service, and instead of accepting that, she made it super awkward, basically implying I had to tip and pressuring me right after payment. I'm literally trying to get through job interviews right now and didn't come here for luxury, I came to get clean, professional nails for interviews. To then be guilt tripped after paying full price for nails I didn't love was just ridiculous. If you can't afford to tip, don't come here? That's the vibe they give. Not cool. There are plenty of other salons that know how to treat people with respect. read more

My experience at Brilliant Nails & Spa was very pleasant. Lynn did a great job on my gel manicure. Lam did a great job on my gel pedicure. I went right before Halloween and Lynn did a cute pumpkin design on my ring fingers that I absolutely loved! The spa itself was clean and a nice place to be. I will definitely go back. read more

This salon is the best!! Kay does amazing eyelash work, quick and inexpensive. The crew that does nails are excellent. I was there while protesters were taking every parking space and the hair salon and nail salon clients couldn't find a space to park. When asked to leave a space open they were rude and violent. I highly recommend this salon. read more

They were on time. Did an excellent job in taking care of there customers. They were in reason of what I wanted pay. I will return for sure.

owner had a very short attitude with me and kept scoffing at me everytime i asked for something to be changed with my nails which made me feel as if I was the issue. After paying I was also followed out of the salon stating i didnt tip which made me feel extremely uncomfortable and scared knowing for a fact that i had left a cash tip. read more

If you are in the need of a great pedicure or you need your ingrown toenails taken care I recommend you see the ladies at Brilliant Nails & Spa. They very affordable, quality service and they take walk in's. I will definitely be going back and I hope to see you there. Thanks Thi. read more

Do not get your pedicures done here. I told Trisha to stop picking my cuticles multiple times and she continued and cut my toe really bad. The manager Kay did not apologize or say anything she just looked at me. I do not recommended this place at all. The service is here is horrible. read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Horrible pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

Kay and her staff are the best. I have soft brittle nails and she makes them look beautiful. I call Kay my Nail doctor. They also do eyelashes, eyebrows, facials and massage. Even a regular pedicure includes a little massage that makes your feet feel great. And easy to park read more

I have been getting my lashes done with Kay for a very long time. Each time she listens to my needs and makes sure to do my lashes exactly like I asked. She's a very sweet person and we always have a great time chatting as she does my lashes. She's very quick and they last for 3 weeks without any problems. I highly recommend this place. read more

I can't say enough wonderful things about Kay and her team at Brillant Nail Spa. I have been coming here for over 10 years and won't go anywhere else for my mani/pedi! The staff is friendly and professional; their commitment to cleanliness is outstanding and they offer the best prices any where!!! So happy to support a small business! read more

Horrible. They don't clean equipment and made my toe bleed excessively. No one apologized. My toe was actively bleeding up until I left and they still charged me $45 for a pedicure. It looked like it hasn't been cleaned in years. I will never go back read more

Love T at this salon. She is sweet and does and excellent manicure and pedicure. The Manager is wonderful as well and very welcoming. Best pedicure anywhere from Laguna Woods to Laguna Beach. They are kind and not pushy. I have been at least 4 times now and will continue! Thank you for being open and accomodating. read more

I just spent nearly 1.5 hours with LAM giving me the BEST Pedicure Ever... she is beyond gentle and caring when taking care of your toesies, feet and her massages are AMAZING...I had a color change on my nails also (from one of her coworkers), the massage chairs are Incredible, music is good and the fans kept me cool (I run hot ) the VIBE is chill and relaxing read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Luxury Pedicure with Lam at Brilliant Nails in Laguna Woods, CA - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

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Horrible services . I won 30 to manicure and a pedicure and I was rushed the moment that I sat down what should've taken an hour ended up taking like 30 minutes. My pedicure wasn't even fully done. The girl didn't let the base coat dry and put on the top coat so quickly that when I thought it was done and left the salon an hour later I looked down, and my pedicure was all ruined because the topcoat was dry, but the base layers weren't so it smudged and moved around. A lot my manicure was also very rushed as she had other clients coming in and she would keep saying oh I'm gonna be done in a second. I'll be with you soon. When it came time to pay I feel like I left a generous Tip for the service I received. As I had been paid tipped and was leaving, I was chased by the girl that rang me up. She didn't proceeded to say that she didn't see me tip and that I needed to tip and I said I did tip I tipped the lady who did my pedicure for her and my nail artist to split and then she said well how much did you tip and asked me for the amount of money that I tipped. And I thought that was very rude because you shouldn't have to say the amount you tip for a service like that let alone be chased after after you've walked out as I believe today is a courtesy and something very nice you can do for someone read more

No feet jacuzzi jets for pedicure. Water cold. Won't be back. Not sure how clean there utensils are for nails. Manicure lasted 1 day nail polish is peeling off. Not good read more

It is only 5 mins drive from my home. They are friendly and the price is most reasonable

Gel manicure for $20?! Doesn't get better than that! This place is awesome if you're looking for a quick manicure / pedicure. Kay is always incredibly sweet and Kim does a fantastic job. Pedicures are $15 and an additional dollar to line the tub. They do a solid job all around, though I do wish the tubs were always lined by default. My sister loves Na. All the techs here are solid, it's just a matter of whether or not they are busy. Definitely call before to check in and see how long the wait is. Highly recommended. read more

I have been a very long time patron of this place but I'm choosing to no longer go here for the following reasons: 1. It's filthy. They never clean anything. Instruments aren't sanitized properly, the bowl you soak your fingers in is just rinsed with water, and during the last visit, the tech dropped the file on the floor and picked it up and began using it again. Gross. 2. You wait. A lot. Even with an appointment it's not uncommon to wait up to 30 minutes. 3. It's rushed. They used to have such quality work but now with COVID they always rush because they are low in staff. Forget about having nail art done. I was flat out refused because they didn't have time. 4. I made an appointment with a particular person and wound up having someone else do my nails because they were busy with someone else. Bottom line. I'm not going here anymore mainly because it's just downright dirty . Nothing gets regularly deep cleaned. read more

I just got a Gel Manicure this afternoon. They did a wonderful job. They did a great job preparing my nails and listening to my requests. It was very clean and reasonably priced. I will return for a pedicure soon. read more

Apparently new ownership and new name. Much better at customer service. They must have had people complain about them speaking Korean because I dont hear it anymore. Much better when we all understand one another. read more

I used to come here years ago, but haven't been able to come in about five years because I had some surgeries on my ankle and leg so I'm finally recovered. I also came back because I still had gift certificates from friends for my birthday. The owner Kay refused my gift certificates because she said they were too old. The gift certificates were only $20 worth. At first she said, "I'll accept them because I want you to come back." But then in the same breath she said no they're too old, I'm not taking them. So I said OK and gave her an additional $20 cash. My total cost was $43 just for a pedicure and an extra massage because my doctor says it's beneficial. I gave my pedicurist a 30% tip because I've always over tipped here. Needless to say, I'll never come here again. The owner had attitude and that's extremely poor service to refuse a gift certificate that she already received cash for! So she basically stole $20 from a disabled person that had surgeries and couldn't come back until my recovery was over. read more

Went here on a slow afternoon. Thought that I would get a clean and thorough dip manicure. Not the case. Worker rushed and skipped trimming my cuticles because they were "good enough" as they were. AND THEN she cut my skin with the nail tool. I told her I was bleeding and she said "oh, did I cut you?" and then carried on like nothing happened. I will NEVER return and I recommend others to stay away as well. The place did not have a pleasant atmosphere and all other workers were just chatting and staring. Stay away! Also, pricing on website is not current/accurate. The website advertises complimentary beverages and snacks. I was offered neither of these things. read more

I made an appointment the day before, they were very quick to answer the phone. I did a gel polish and regular spa pedicure. They were able to find a regular polish to match my gel for me. They did an amazing job. Great shape to the nails and very clean work! The prices are really great as well! read more

Get your nails done by Lam! Lam is hip and knows what's up. My gel nails last so much longer than any other place that does them. They don't chip and look gorgeous! read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

Yesterday I wrote a review and was way to kind. If you look at the picture of my foot it is literally burnt from the callous gel the tech put on my foot..all over my foot. The lines are where she held my foot while she done my heels. As i was telling her my foot was "burning ". Im really upset and hope I don't get an infection. Think twice before going there. read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Burn to my foot caused by nail tech putting callous gel all over my foot line marks from where she held my foot while doing my heels. - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

Been going here for over 10 years! Best hidden gem of a nail salon (and lash extensions too!). No frills, really nice people, and great prices. The owner Kay is so hardworking and welcoming to everyone! Trong, Van, and Lam are all great! Love my nails every time. Much love to ALL the staff at Brilliant Nails xo read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Colorful French tip nails by Lam! - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

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Oh how I missed Brilliant Nail Spa! They never disappoint! Thank you Chi and Trung, most especially to Lam who did my manicure today! She can do any design and a perfectionist too! I should come more often :) read more

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I love the people that work here because of the attention they have given my callous and it's not pretty. My feet can be so disgusting! They do pamper me here. All of their nail technician do work hard to make sure you are happy and that really matters. I know that there's been times I've been here and the baby is just crying so much that it wasn't so relaxing. I've been back despite that because the chemicals being used here is not aggressive. The baby is not a baby anymore. He is all grown up and cute. I love kids don't get me wrong. I have 3 of them at home. The price here meets my budget. It's not the fanciest place in town but definitely a small business family owned place with caring nail technician. They are all kind. Recently, I have seen a huge upgrade done with their chairs. I will continue to support them and tip each nail technician well because they have to deal with my feet about once a month or so. Definitely a busy place. There's a reason why people come back here. They have always been kind and affordable. read more

It was been a while ago but I'll still want to review it I actually send the picture of the nails design I want to have and tell them the shape I want, and they done a super good job for my winter formal nails last time, that Vietnamese lady was super nice but I forgot her name. They doesn't charge for shaping and their price is actually the most reasonable in these area I did acrylic nails with marble design and it turned out good I'll still have my nails done there after they open read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - How it's turned out - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

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VERY DISAPPOINTED DO NOT COME HERE FOR ACRYLIC REMOVAL or if you do, do NOT let them use the electric drill on your natural nail beds. I have been coming in and out of this place for two years now and I have loved ALL the work they've done. Affordable, well done, clean, wide range of services (I hear they also do lashes and waxing!) So my experience with their services was mostly positive. The techs are kind and careful in applying their products but when it comes to REMOVAL... The lack of care and attention to detail has left me feeling really on the fence. A few weeks ago, I had called in (maybe my mistake) to see if they could take my nails off. At that point they were a mix of acrylic and dip powder. I'm not an expert (first time with anything other than gel) so I wanted to get them done safely by people I trusted ...otherwise I would have just done it myself... For one, you should never use an electric drill on the nail bed. The pressure it puts if done incorrectly could permanently damage the nail. I think I lucked out on this one. The nail tech left me with hot spots, bald spots, and severely overshaved nail beds. Search "nail bed ring of fire" for more information. I would pull my hand away any time the drill sent sharp pain up my hand...that should have been clear indication that the drilling was ENOUGH. Two, she charged me ten dollars for the removal which I wouldn't have had any issues paying....however, a different nail tech from the same place, told me it was 7.50 a previous time so I ended up paying more (plus tip........) for a beyond mediocre job. This is malpractice and I don't want to go so far as to revoke any licenses but I would consider training/retraining your team on how to properly remove acrylic or dip powder. This is unacceptable. I left that night feeling confused and unsure how to act. If you continue receiving services from Brilliant Nails, let them know that you do NOT want the electric drill to be used. It's gonna take a few months for the damage on my nail to grow out. read more

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I liked this place! Hiroki does an amazing stiletto nail. He spent a lot of time making sure they were perfectly even and shaped to my liking. I got color 179 which is a pearlescent light blue. So gorgeous! I didn't make an appointment because I went in on a whim, only had to wait half an hour. Priced reasonably, full long acrylic stiletto set for $50. Full pVery nice people. I will be going again! Really recommend this place. Thanks for the awesome nails and being friendly! read more

Please do yourself a favor and don't go to this place. I've been a loyal customer for a few years because they have a great $20 deal for a gel manicure. PLEASE don't go there just because it's cheap. Your nails will thank you. This is my last manicure there that I got last Saturday. On Monday I had to redo 2 nails because the nail polish chipped off. And today I woke up and realized that one of my fingers is INFECTED. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to drain it and hopefully fix it. I'm angry beyond belief. They DONT sanitize their instruments during the day. All clippers, spatulas, etc simply get wiped off. Please, go somewhere else. read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

NIGHTMARE PEDICURE. Very bad experience Terrible painting job. My pedicure after 2 hours . read more

Brilliant Nails & Spa - 2 hours after - Nail Salons Near Me - Laguna Woods, California

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My review is for pedicures only... i've now been here twice for a pedicure. I'm always happy with my experience. Each time I had a different girl do my feet and I was happy each time. It is pretty clean, and everyone is friendly. They offer you the different packages for the pedicure but don't push to upsell you. I got the basic pedicure package each time which was $20. You cannot beat that deal in the area. The massage chairs are comfortable. Each time I just walked in without an appointment and they accommodated me which was great. I've never done my hands there, as I do dip on my nails and I'm very particular. But I will try them next time. I highly recommend them for pedicures though! read more