I recently moved to Pasadena and have been going here every 2Weeks for the past 4Months. I love that this place is very clean and very nicely put together. John & Helen are the adorable couple who run this place and they are equally talented manicurists. They seem to have high standards considering the fact that their employees are also wonderful and attentive. I've gone to Helen and John for my Stiletto Gel Nails and enjoy them both. Anna has done my pedicure and my guy friends manicure and she's great too. when you visit they have lots of colors to choose from (Gel, Shellac, Quick Dry, etc.) but if you want the OPI you must ask for it. Its locked in a case due to the fact that people keep stealing it. They are extremely friendly and personable. You'll love them! Update: I obviously loved this place and was a customer for about two years. I found John and Helen to be wonderful (The managers). I stopped going here suddenly, in spite of it being a two minute walk from my apartment on Roosevelt. I use to walk by, heading to Vons or Walgreens, several days a week and would often wave. All that stopped and they never asked why. I introduced my close friend and neighbor to this place and was very offended when she shared a conversation she had with John and Helen's daughter Sophia (also a nail technician). In this conversation, Sophia, felt so comfortable as to ask my friend to confirm my gender identity in a room full of people. I am 27 and my neighbor is 75. Why would you ask this woman whether or not I am male or female and think it wouldn't get back to me? I am a transgender woman of color, but what does this have to do with the green money I spend with dead white men's faces on it? She is transphobic, ignorant and rude. LGBT folks and allies. Don't come here. read more

California Nails - I My Stiletto Nails! I've been going here since moving to Pasadena and everyone does a great job. - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is the ABSOLUTE WORST nail place that I have ever been to. I came here just to get my gel nails and pedicure removed. That was it, just removal and cleaning. I ended up paying $40 plus tip and my nails weren't even cleaned and shaped properly. My toenails were cut really square and my cuticles were not taken care of. The dead skin all around my nails were still crusty AF when I left the nail salon. The gel on my hands were removed but they did not even bother cleaning my nails. Imagine taking off your polish with acetone and being done with it.. THAT'S how bad my nails looked! And after a few days the edges of my nails were chipping because I guess they removed too much nail structure on top with their portable grinder machine. I am extremely angry that I was charged so much for such HORRIBLE service. Never coming back. read more

California Nails - After removal of gel nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

John does a great set love my nails every time I go Super clean and so many colors to choose from! read more

This is the worst place I have ever been to. My cousin brought me here while I was visiting. If I read the Yelp reviews beforehand, I would never have stayed. The smell of chemicals hit you immediately upon entry. The chairs are all cracked, but at least most of them still work. I was seated in a chair to soak in water, but waited for over 40 minutes before anyone started my pedicure. I had texted my cousin that if no one came to do my nails within the next 15 minutes, I was walking out in wet feet. While I was sitting there, I saw one client getting her nails done very, very slowly. The lady doing her nails got up at least 3 times to deal with incoming clients. She then went and finished some other guy's pedicure and left her waiting....and it wasn't to dry her nails. TERRIBLE. Unfortunately, I proceeded with my pedicure bc they came within 10 minutes of my text to my cousin, who was also waiting for a pedicure.I decided against a manicure as I just wanted out after the pedicure started. read more

Great customer service and affordable. Really enjoyed my spa pedicure and gel nail design. read more

California Nails - Gel nail art - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

Absolutely recommend this place, they are amazing and my girl Sophia does an amazing job. My feet have never felt so clean and so soft, ever. If you're looking for a good mail shop this is the spot! read more

Strongly do not recommend. I agree with Man D's review. When I asked for gel nails she shaved my nail bed with a nail file drill that wasn't sanitized. I had no nail polish on my nails at all. As a result it's been 2 months and my nails are still brittle. Tools are not sanitized and it is reused on each customer. It makes me sad to write these reviews because I like to support local business but for your health & safety, I strongly do not recommend. read more

I continue to go here because it's close to home, but the customer service is mediocre and the craftsmanship in my experience is average. I've seen them be very enthusiastic with some customers but perhaps I don't frequent their business often enough or ? read more

I have been going to Helen for services 20 plus years...her waxing is the best, always corrected my eyebrows for me!

LOVEEEE CALIFORNIA NAILS! I love coming here to get my nails done gel mani/ pedi, I'm always happy with the end results ! This place is super clean and friendly! Love the environment always happy to help their clients ! My girl is Sophia ask for her if you want a really beautiful madi / pedi gel. The color range to chose is so nice and beautiful colors to chose from. Thank you California nails . read more

Things I didn't love about this place. 1. It's dirty, cheap & run down. 2. They use very cheap polish. No Orly, OPI or Essie. 3. No one smiles. 4. The lady cut my toenails way too far back, the filing hurt, the scrubbing was 2 seconds on each foot, the massage was about 10 seconds. 5. My friend and I went in together at the same time and I was started on while my friend waited in the tub next to me for 10 minutes. Mehhhh. I've experienced better. read more

I used to come here all the time to get my eyebrows waxed. Back then it was $10 but I'm not too sure if they raised their prices because I started getting my eyebrows threaded which was cheaper and cleaner in my opinion. The waxing lady is super nice and friendly and she makes you feel comfortable no matter what body part you want waxed. I stopped getting my eyebrows waxed because she started making them sort of uneven and too thin for my liking. The pedicures here are pretty average. They last a long time even though they don't always have the best brands of nail polish. The prices are still really good for the quality of work. read more

I was very disappointed in my experience at California nails. My review is on the eyebrow waxing and customer service. First, off I left with one patchy eyebrow and the other with stray hair. What really turned me off about California nails was that I went with a friend who is developmentally disabled and the staff were speaking about her in a very disgusting manner. I am very saddened by my experience here and will never return because all they like to do is bring people down by saying nasty, negative comments in a different language assuming we don't understand and guess what.....my friend understood everything that was said. read more

I literally just walked out. My pedicure came out pretty horrible. Toes nails are crooked, didn't cut my skin very well, & nail polish not applied well at all. Wasted my lunch break for this! Have to get another pedicure tonight. read more

California Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've come here about three times so far. Was referred by a friend. It's fairly close to my house and the pricing is really nice. A simple concept of design and really nice spa chairs. Only down side of this place is the wait. Which is something to expect at a nail salon especially without an appointment, but waiting in the spa chair with my feet in the water for 15mins really isn't fun especially when I'm one of those people that hate getting all pruned up. I must say they make up for it with giving fabulous pedicures and dealing with my severely ticklish feet. Everyone is super friendly and they like to actually communicate with you which is also great because some other places I have gone to in the past have been very absent when it comes to conversation. I like it when someone asks you more about your day other than, "Hello, how are you?" Or "What color do you want?" The polish selection isn't to vast but it is still pretty good. I usually stick to the O.P.I brand. All and all I would recommend this place, if you have an open day and don't mind waiting a bit and want a clean pedicure then this place is the place to go. read more

I've been going to this place for years! Helen is the best! She does my nails and my waxing and is amazing! Yes, sometimes I have to wait, but the end result is worth the wait. I always leave there feeling like a million bucks. I now live in Altadena and pass about 50 nail shops on my way to CN but I've cheated before, and I know the consequences. The waxing never comes out as clean and my nails bulky. As long as I can, I will go to Helen and have my friends and family go there too. Everyone that I've referred always comes out happy and becomes a loyal customer. And by the way, as others posted on their reviews that the nail polish chips. When you have natural nails, it will ALWAYS chip quicker, especially a french manicure, no matter what products you use. read more

I was introduced to this place by a friend who I use to work with. I think they do a fairly good job. I come her most for waxing now a days. I think that Helen's does a good job at the brows. I don't know know about other areas. I heard John and Helen does a good job at the manicures (acrylic). I for one actually come here for pedicure because I like their rough scrubbing so my feet can be smooth as a baby's bottom. I believe that at any salons, byonp - bring your own nail polish - for best results. read more

If you come to california nails, see Sophia for gel manicures, Helen for eyebrows, and Mary for pedicures! They're the best! I've been going for about a year now & I've been happy every time. I'm there probably every 2 or 3 weeks. Sophia does a great job on my nails every time. She gets the WHOLE nail(even the sides). Helen shapes my eyebrows and my boyfriend's too:) she's very very thorough and gets every little hair. I've learned not too wait too long to go back, otherwise the waxing hurts! Lol Mary is very accommodating with my pedicures. I've had surgery for ingrown on my toes and I'm very picky with how I want them and Mary always does it exactly perfect! Don't be cheap when you go, their prices are reasonable, especially for the amazing job they do. & tip well! They deserve it! Oh, & take cash or you'll end up paying $2 extra dollars for using your card. read more

Omg! It is the first time I tried California Nails and I love it. I didn'tknow a spa pedi and mani included a shoulder and back massage! Definitely worth it. A little pricey but worth every penny. Ask for Amy and Mimi to do the job. Good luck! Oh one more thing, if you use a credit card it's an addt'l $2.00. read more

At first, I kinda liked this place because the people there are pretty nice even though they laughed at me when I tried to use my crappy Vietnamese. Most of the time, they don't say anything and just smile at you. The wait isn't very long either. Shortly after, I realized they use really cheap polish, the $1 stuff that chips after 2 days. I'd recommend bringing in your own polish if you want to try out the place. Also, I've heard stories from two different people who told me that some of the ladies are really rough with your nails, especially when cutting the cuticles. Ouch. I didn't experience it myself because I usually just have them push it back. Before, I always wondered why the shop was empty, especially since it's cheaper and the wait is shorter than the place across the street. Now I know. read more

I've been coming here for a while, and I always recommend my friends here because, they love the way my nails look I always go to Helen she's always available I call her before I show up, she's professional and loyal to her clients..I highly recommend this place. read more

California Nails - Nails done by Helen - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

Started coming, in the beginning of the year ago as a walk in. I have sensitive hands. Due to that, I notice the last 3 times I try to get in. They started to give me a Shady attitude. Owner John said they're always slow in the afternoon. That's when I'll walk in. But he sent me away saying he has a client coming in. In 5 min. He said if i made an appointment. I said no. Shit u this. They are all sitting around. Next attempt I made an appt at 2pm. The wife Helen ask if I can come later cuz her client was waiting 2 hours for her nails. I said but I made an appointment. She end up doing my nails. So if u don't have an appointment for not. I still feel they try to send me away. My last attempt was for a fill. Due to the John again. I walked in. He sent me away again cuz he said he had a client coming in in 5 mins. But shit u again. He was sitting around again after. For every lady's out there that has sensitive hands. Please avoid this place. They will give u a unwanted attitude. They think ur picky. When ur only concern about ur hands having a break out. read more

First time with this nail salon, and I am VERY happy the way my nails came out. I will definitely come here again when I am on this side of town! Get Sophia! She's young, speaks english well, and does nails just the way you want it! $25 for manicure pedicure. $10 more for gel. read more

California Nails - My awesome gel manicure done by Sophia ! - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

This place was terrible. I had a spa pedicure and a french manicure two days ago and my nails are already chipping. They use really awful nail polish here. It was $27 and for $5 more you could get a decent mani/pedi at Forum spa nearby which includes Opi products. Oh, and the manicurist was using the filing board on the surface of my nail!!! read more

There isn't a great variety of nail colors, and they use a really cheap brand. I don't normally get my nails done, so I don't have much experience to compare it to, but I can definitely say I've had better. Nice people, though. read more

Worst nail job ever...i could have done much better job..i did full set arctic and pedicure.. read more

California Nails - This is the full set I got...SERIOUSLY???? This is same day...it's awful... - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This was my first time here. I was driving around looking for a nail salon that was not crowded. Pricing is reasonable. Sophia did my mani and I am happy with her work. She has a gentle and steady hand. I will be going back. read more

California Nails - Love my mani! - Nail Salons Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here on a whim for a mani/pedi. Horrible decision. The owner I believe was asleep on the massage chair. The lady who did my pedi cut my nail so short it bled ( not just a little, a lot) I told her to stop & she continued on...she didn't seem to understand English so I had to tell another lady who translated( perhaps she didn't). My manicure was also rushed. It's been 2 days since and my toe where the nail was cut too short is now infected. Taking antibiotics now to treat it. The doctor at the urgent care mentioned that this place probably didn't sterilize their tools like they're supposed to. This salon deserves less than one star. They were so unprofessional and I can't believe I paid money to get an infected toe. read more

I love coming here to get waxed by the infamous Helen. She's great and super friendly. Yeah, the place isn't that clean, but for the price you pay it's expected. $10 for an eyebrow wax. You would probably cough up much more for the same results at a high scale place so why not come to california nails? +$2 if you pay with credit card so bring some cash! read more

I have been here twice and both times were great. As you can see, most of the reviews are old and in my case everyone was very nice, the place is quiet and everything is clean and sterile. They even worked late past their closing time just to do a nice job on my nails. read more

Went today for a full set by John and got a spa pedicure by Jasmine. It's nice since there are a limited amount of people allowed inside. Both did a fantastic job! I feel like a girl again! Thank you so much! read more

Have not done a yelp review in a zillion years! I found this place like many do, driving down the street and spotting it. The salon itself is clean and neat - what I liked is that the interaction between the owners seems pleasant, I have been in other salons where owners seem "pissed off". I have gone to Sophia twice now and think she is a lovely young lady (I am old so I can say that) and good at what she does, my nails just look better after I leave here versus other salons. Granted I am just getting a manicure, we may try gels next time. Prices are reasonable. I notice that there are references to polish brands, granted I bring my own (I am an Essie fan) but for base and top coat she used Orly so I believe they use good brands read more

I usually don't care and don't rate place. But I want people to be aware of this place. I would give this place 0 star if I could. This nail shop is now going down the drain because of the bad owners. The people here rush with their works. I witnessed how they were trying to kick the customers out to attend another customer. How rude of them. There's no customer service here. They are not customer pleasing, just money hurry. With $20 for a spa pedicure, I expect to have a better customer service. They let me in the chair for over 30 minutes with my feet wet while no one said anything to me. Plus, they talk about people in their language. I have to say that John the male owner should learn more about how to run bussiness. The female owner who named Helen is the worst here. She sucks at painting nails, does cut the customers' skin & very dishonest about the price. Watch out for Helen guys, especially when it comes to paying. Also, this woman uses electric nail file to take off gel manicure. It's unacceptable because it destroys & breaks your nails. It showed that Helen doesn't care about her customers. She just wants to finish her work as quick as possible. If you're in a hurry, ask for Sophia or the new one, I think her name is Anna who is really bad at English & I don't understand her at all. It takes them about 10 to 15 minutes to do a Manicure / pedicure, but they might cut your skin and don't take time to groom your cuticles. The price here is high compared to other nail shops nearby. It's not a luxury nail salon, and the pedicure chairs are old & dirty. This place is not sterile, nor is it clean. It's summer and this place is too cheap for not giving out free water bottles for their customers. Besides, I heard that the owners take few dollars off everything their employees do before giving them 60% of the amount. It's pretty sad for the employees. I've been coming here multiple times out of convience, cuz it's near my workplace, but now there's no reason for me to go back to this place, because the service isn't worth the money & time saved. I feel like I was throwing my money out the window for coming here. If you ever come to this place, ask for Pauline who's the only one that does a great job & good massage here. Otherwise, just go to other nail shops if you want good service & reasonable price. Don't wate your time with shitty customer service here. read more

I'm giving this place a 3 star. Only because i came here with my cousin and he charged me $30 for a fill set of acrylics, but i didn't know he was going to end up charging me an extra $10 to take off the acrylics i already had on which made no sense because the full set is $25 when i could go somewhere else and they charge $25 for a full set.. but says nothing about an extra $10. I think he rushed in doing my nails and i didn't know they have different people painting nails because he went to someone else and didn't finish till someone came and paint them. And you can't just walk in there not like other places.. but it's okay they just charge extra for the littlest thing. read more

No more! I have been coming for about 5 years off and on but mostly on. They only have one person there who does an amazing job on my nails but mostly the work has been fair to mediocre. I didn't mind because it was convenient, has easy parking and it was reasonably priced. If I wanted a luxury relaxing spa-like experience and or wanted to treat myself this place was certainly not it. But again, their prices were traditionally fair to below the norm which if you are on a tight budget but still wanted a manicure on a regular basis that didn't look too bad, this place was acceptable. Let me start by saying that I get gel nails and regular pedicures. I go to many places depending on where I am working and I have noticed that my gel manicure from them lasts the least amount of time but they were always the cheapest in terms of price so I kept going. WERE is the operative word here. Today unfortunately I had a very a unpleasant experience and felt that the price was outrageous for what I got therefore I will not be returning. The lady who did my pedicure is the newest person they have hired and I think she does a fine job. She is very eager to get it just right and she is pleasant and sweet. Even though i cannot understand her English, we point and smile and it all works out. This review is not about her but about the business, the price and the lack of concern for making it an experience worth the nearly 50 dollars I spent today. The lady who did my gel manicure didn't want to bother to do them while I was getting my pedicure in the SPA chair. She therefore started to shout orders to the pedicure lady and tell her to have me move to the regular manicure table for the gels. Apparently she was not in the mood to carry the little light machine over to the SPA chair. I was only about half way done with the pedicure so they moved me off the chair with wet feet to the manicure table. I have been to many many places and I have never had to get out of the SPA chair to have a gel manicure and pedicure done at the same time. The lady who proceeded to do my manicure was poking, pulling and prodding and being extremely rough on my nails. She ultimately ended up cutting my skin and then proceeded to pour alcohol on the cut and yes, it was very painful. Lastly, because I was facing out and away from the table so that the pedicure lady could finish up, I was in an awkward position to have my manicure. I had to swing one arm all the way across my body in a awkward position so that the manicurist could reach it and do what she needed to do. The manicurist kept yanking my arm towards her so she could work on my hand better. It was an uncomfortable position which strained and hurt my arm. . Today there were only 3 other customers while I was there so it should have been fairly quiet and relaxing but the manicurist kept speaking loudly, basically shouting, to the pedicurist. I think she was just having a really bad day or was really pissed off about something but the issue is that she took it out on me and my nails. The massage on my hands was a total joke. She basically just pulled my fingers with little to no cream on her hands. Seriously if you don't want to do it, just take it off if the routine. And when all was said and done the price for a "spa" pedicure (which basically just means you sit in the chair) without callous removal and the gel manicure was 48 dollars without tip. With tip it was 60 dollars. When I asked what the cost was based on they said, removal of old gel and SPA chair but also said I got free scrub which was worth 8 dollars. They didn't use to charge for removal of old gel and I spent half of the pedicure off the SPA chair. Maybe I am old school but 60 dollars is still a lot of money to me and I certainly don't think that this establishment merits that kind of money. They have been raising their prices little by little so now they match the prices of everyone else. I have no reason to go here now if for the same amount elsewhere I can get a gel mani that lasts longer, and a little more of a feeling of being papered. It's pretty hard now to find a budget nail salon as they have all started to charge the same prices. If these are going to be the prices then I want to feel like I did something special for myself, regardless if I do it every week or once a month and this certainly was NOT special. Also, turn off the feaking news! Watching the news is NOT relaxing. I am sorry if you are bored and you want to watch it but then put a TV in the back for the bored employees. Unfortunately I am old enough to have been getting manicures for probably 30 years and back then, often it felt like a sanctuary where they would hand you wine and have soft dreamy music in the background. Callous removal was part of the charge and the massages were always amazing. In today's settings we just shell out the money for crappy service and so-so manicures. read more

Totally love this place. I'm new too California (from NY) and was on a hunt for a great place. Coming from NY I had a plethora of amazing nail places that I've been too. I went to CA Nails because my mom went and said I must see Andy! His daughter gave me a mani and Andy put my fresh set of acrylic tips on! So very very pleased. I went away on vacation and have had my nails done untouched a month because I didn't want any one else to touch my nails. No lifting or budging. So so pleased. Other than the amazing work, they are very clean and respectful. I feel like home when I'm there. Thanks guys see you soon! read more

I have been going to California Nails for over 15 years. John, Helen, Sophia, Pauline are the best. The best service and not to mention they do a perfect job everytime. I will never go anywhere else. I love California Nails! :) read more

I have been going to California Nails for years. I am very pleased with their services! The gel mani/pedi and the waxing services are my favorites. It is very easy to get an appointment and I absolutely love the relaxing atmosphere. I would highly recommend California Nails to my friends and family! read more

DONE with this place. Save your money and go elsewhere. I've been a customer here for 10+ years and got fed up with how they treat me each time. Even when they give you an "appointment" you wait another 20-30min in addition. They barely have employees and the shop is basically family run. Each time I've had to wait until my turn and multiple times have even had John walk away to help another customer as I've sat there and waited "just 5 minutes". Getting a biweekly mani/pedi is a privilege and deserves proper pampering, not people who are going to rush me in and out because they don't know how to help the other 5 people sitting around waiting to be helped. Business only gets worse and worse here. Not ever coming back. Idc how desperate I may be for beauty services. Congratulations. You lost another long time customer who treated you very well and tipped properly for each service. read more

Fabulous service! Could be a teeny bit cleaner but the service is so great that you hardly notice the shabbiness. And even now, four days later, my manicure polish is still holding up perfectly! read more