My tennis captain and friend wanted to get pedicures after we played tennis nearby, and it was either Elaine's or another place. I checked Yelp and the reviews for Elaine's were amazing, so there we went! I appreciated that they had many windows and doors open for better airflow and ventilation. I trusted that they were very COVID-safe. They had a lot of colors to choose from and they were very attentive and fun, doing a great job on our pedicures and cleaning up my toenail shape. It was a great afternoon of self-care and I loved the massage chairs and foot baths as well. I hadn't gotten a pedicure in over 7 years and now I'm like what was I doing? I have been missing out! My feet look so much better when I wear flip flops, I feel embarrassed to have worn sandals when I didn't have a pedicure on. I loved the other customers who came in for appointments (we were walk-ins) because they knew Elaine, and one had come there with her daughter years ago. (The other customer was a big, buff White man and I just love that he was a regular!) You can pay via Venmo so it's touchless. I would recommend Elaine's Nails to anyone in Orinda or the East Bay! read more

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Excellent, efficient service and very reasonable prices. My nails and toes come out beautifullly!

The paint job was fine but the overall vibe of the salon was dingy and dirty. You can totally tell that they do not sanitize their tools and that they reuse buffers on clients. read more

2nd chance and failed again. poor quality of work and product. I could easily done it at home and make a mess of my nails. Took them 2 hours to waste my time and money read more

Elaine's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Orinda, California

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Just had mani&pedi today and it was a teribble experience. She was just pretending like she was doing something...and she wasnt friendly at all. The salon is too small and cheap looking. It was my first time and gonna be the last. Good luck. read more

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A go to for the past 15 years! My mom and I come in for pedis about every three week and love the bride team at Elaine's! They do an amazing job every time! Great color polish selection, lots of OPI- they do gel beautifully as well! My go to spot! Never too crowded always nice inside! Elaine's the best read more

Elaine's Nails - Just a quick stop for a simple mani! - Nail Salons Near Me - Orinda, California

I love Elaine's in Orinda! May gave me great a pedicure. My eight-year-old daughter got a manicure and pedicure from Kim. She offered flower nail art on her toes. My daughter requested palm tree designs on her thumb nails and May happily helped. Still cash only! read more

Elaine's Nails - Flowers on my daughter's toes. Kim's design. - Nail Salons Near Me - Orinda, California

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Elaine is OPEN!!! This place is such a treasure--close to our home and Elaine is always willing to accommodate those of us who are less organized with appts. Excellent service, relaxing massages, clean, meticulous mani/pedi--all while you sit in a nice massage chair. I've been coming here since we moved to Orinda 6 years ago. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of some fancier saloons--but you always get a great mani pedi! Highly recommend it! P.s. They are also great with my 10 years old daughter! read more

Never again. I went to Elaine's because my regular nail salon was closed. The manicurist used the tool to, I thought, rough up my gel polish before wrapping my nails. She used it so vigorously that my nails are now extremely thin and I am unable to use gel until they heal. Their salon is dingy as well. Lesson learned. Go to someone who knows what they are doing. read more

Shop woman-owned! Elaine's is perfection--fast, efficient, professional, COVID-safe (doors open, nail techs and clients masked), accepts Venmo for easy no-touch payment. Light and airy salon near Orinda Safeway, with plentiful street parking. Icing on the cake? Elaine is a whip smart local mom, always so interesting to talk with. read more

So, I just left Elaine's. I have had far better experiences in my hometown. First, I made an appointment. I walked in and was selecting a color. They told me twice to choose my color within a minute, but obviously I hadn't seen one I liked. That made me mad... The awkward part- Silent, submissive, nail tech. I like to chat. But all the employees were somber and quiet and bored. I was the only client. THERE WAS NO RADIO OR ANY MUSIC. Dead silence. I didn't like that. The wall paint job is crap. Next, my pedicure went ok. I got a little leg massage. But they didn't have hot towels to wipe off the lotion, I'm accustomed to hot towels. She did my French pedicure. That was done. I got down and they have a plastic mat, it was slippery since the dry towel didnt get all the lotion off! I waddled to the manicure station. Manicure went ok. The lady was patient and tested a few colors. My hands soaked on boring soap water. But she forgot to test the color I originally liked. Anyway, then my nails were drying as the ladies cleaned up. That was annoying. Sitting there for 20 mins, the fan going, stating at the corner wall while they cleaned. They don't do designs. Lame! I love nail art. Plus the shellac is pricy at $30. Psh. It was a cheap experience. My nails are ok so far but Im definitely never coming back. I can get a better experience elsewhere for the same price.* the nails didnt last 6 days without severe chipping read more

Elaine's Nails - Got my nails did for $35 - Nail Salons Near Me - Orinda, California

Elaine's has been the go-to for me and my mom forever! We LOVE Elaine's and always get perfect service from the wonderful ladies who work there and high-quality manicures. You never have to wonder if you'll get a good manicure. Loved the shellac manicure I got there yesterday. Thanks for always providing a fantastic experience, Elaine's! read more

I didn't not get service here. I walked in just to check it out. They have a plexiglass guard for the person getting their pedi and nails done. However, I did not see them using a liner in the pedi sink. They were very nice and said hi when I walked up to the door read more

I had a gift certificate for this place for 4 years in my wallet and finally decided to try it out! I should've tried it years ago because this place is great. Prices are extremely reasonable ($40 for a regular mani/pedi) and the manicurist assigned to me did a wonderful job with massage. This is my new spot when I need some pampering. Also, service was very quick on a Friday afternoon which I appreciated as a busy WFH millennial! Clean and friendly too. Thank you! read more

For being in such a nice area this place is pretty rundown and dirty. My friend and I came in here to get a mani/pedi, the pedicure was great! The manicure, done by the same lady, was unfortunately not as great. Being that my engagement shoot was the next day I needed my nails to look flawless, but they didn't. I had to ask the lady to fix a couple of nails a few times, my friend did as well with her nail lady. After letting my nails dry, my friend and I look at them and there were so many things that needed to be fixed. Thankfully the owner, Elaine, was there and had them fixed immediately, but still they weren't as flawless as I would've liked. This was yesterday that I got my nails done and my toes are already chipping read more

Elaine's Nails - 3 days. That's what my nails look like after 3 days. Not worth the money, AT ALL. - Nail Salons Near Me - Orinda, California

Elaine's Nails is a great salon in Orinda. Call First for an appointment to avoid waiting. Note they take only cash and check - no credit cards. read more

Ok. I get a manicure several times a month. Had never been here before. The squeezed me in and a girl maybe late 20s sis my nails. She was sullen and rude! I have not been treated this poorly before. She must not like working there but frankly, I was insulted. I tipped her anyway but I will never go again. BOO Elaines Nails!! read more

When I walked in I didn't feel welcomed off the bat. When they asked what service I wanted I said a pedicure and I asked if they had a menu available. But the lady (didn't get her name) that helped me laughed and said they don't have one. I was a bit thrown off the fact that she laughed at my question, because it is common for nail salons to have a menu to pick from. Any who, the pedicure itself was mediocre, just a regular clean, cut & color. Nothing too special.. the lady helping my was not friendly and wasn't making conversation so I just sat in silence.. upon paying I tried to use my card but another lady said they don't accept card, cash only. Thankfully I had cash. But mind you there's no sign stating its cash only. The lady said "everyone here knows me & knows"... Customer service: poor Quality of service: mediocre Cleanliness of place: mediocre read more

This place gets 5 stars and here is why: #1 They got me in on my lunch hour and I only called an hour before. #2 I got a french manicure for $13 (posted as $15!) #3 They didn't freak when I didn't have enough cash and were completely cool with me running to the atm before returning to pay. #4 My frenchie lasted for about a week. :D Note: As I learned the hard way, they don't take credit. Cash or check only. read more

You can get a good manicure & pedicure when they are not busy. Minus: customers so busy & important that they spend their time in there on the cell phone, loudly annoying others who are trying to enjoy a spa experience. Very rude, there should be no cell phones allowed in this tiny space. cleanliness has improved. read more

I'm not your usual "pedicure type of gal" so this review is quite different than many that you may have read. I am a complete novice in this regard, only having experienced one (horrible!) pedicure. You can imagine that my self-serviced feet aren't the nicest on the block. With surgery scheduled, I knew that I wasn't going to be reaching the old digits for quite some time and should get a pedicure. After the last horrid one in Lafayette, I was filled with trepidation. The Yelp reviews lured me to Elaine's and I couldn't be more pleased. What delightful staff members! Seeing that was in the hobble mode, the ladies were so helpful, from the moment I entered to that when I walked out the door. And the treatment; be still my heart! I'm a hardcore gardener and didn't think it possible to have nice looking feet without a great deal of angst and pain. Wrong. From the slow and systematic reshaping of my nails and cuticles to the incredible leg and foot massage, I couldn't have been more pleased. The pedicurist was incredibly sensitive to my injured leg, always gentle and slow with her movement of it. And the ladies even encouraged me to try a bit of pretty color on those now-attractive nails. I'll be back. In addition, my husband will be going the next time with me for his own personal pedicure. Thank you, Elaine and staff. read more

I came to get my nails done on my 1 hour lunch, I asked how long it would take for a manicure and she said 30 mins. I was in and out in that time. I didn't feel like she rushed, and she made light conversation with me. Wendy was great! read more

I don't get my nails done often but when I do, I get them done at Elaine's Nails. I really only get the spa pedi ($23) and the reason I keep coming back is because they always give a long foot and leg massage. I started coming here when I was hugely pregnant, because I live about 2 minutes from the shop, and they were always very sweet and gave me extra long leg massages. Now I come when I can (about 1x a month) and I always enjoy it. For me it's more about the massage than the nail color. I just get my toes done and always keep my fingers unpainted. HOwever I sometimes get a broken nail from gardening and Elaine will fix it for me herself (with what seems like a magical process involving silk and powder and glue). It takes her about 5 minutes and she does it for free, and the fix lasts until my nail grows out. Call in advance, I almost always get in when I want to but it's good to check. read more

Great service and great prices !!! The yelp app has incorrect business hours The hours are also open Sundays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm YELP GET YOUR STUFF RIGHT !!! read more

i went to the nail salon to get my acrylics nails taken off, the lady who helped me was very rude and asked me how much they cost and where I got them done. also she ripped them off with some tool. my nails hurt really bad now and I am very displeased. read more

Elaine the owner of the salon has become "surly", at best, towards her long time clients. It is such a shame, as I have been going to the nail salon for years, but will go NO MORE! I truly believe that she is spread too thin, managing a nail salon, working 6 days a week with 3 of her own kids, and as we her clients are not getting the service we pay for! Currently, She has been hiring "sub-standard", underpaid Vietnam citizens to work at her salon that speak very little English at her place of business! They have a sigh on the wall stating that everyone must speak English, but that is for "show". I have always tipped her manicurist and pedicurist very well, however Elaines attitude and the quality of the work of her staff has reached such a new low, I need to find another salon that not only appreciates my business, BUT DOES NOT TREAT ME AS IF THEY ARE DOING ME A FAVOR! I regret having to post this BUT IT IS TRUE! Stop treating like YOU ARE DOING ME A FAVOR ELAINE!!!! read more

New nail shops pop up all over Lamorinda and you may be drawn in by glistening facades and polished marble, but I 've been a faithful costumer for over a decade and it's the kindness and professionalism of Elaine and the other ladies that keeps me coming back. It's a clean, convenient spot right next to Starbucks and I love the massage chairs. Great color selection and options for silk, gel, acrylic and anything else you can think of. read more

I live in San Diego but whenever I come home for a few days my mother books my an appointment with Elaine. She goes there on a regular basis and I love going when I'm in town. Elaine is a fantastic manicurist. The first time I went to her I couldn't stop marveling at how PERFECT my nails looked. I mean, I could not find a single flaw. She's the best. Elaine always keeps her magazine collection updated, there is a wide selection of colors and the pedicure chairs are comfortable. The place is small but it never gets ridiculously busy so it's not a problem. I also like the dual nails and toes ultra-light drying station. I'm never been to a place with that kind of setup before. If you're looking to switch nail salons or find a new one, definitely give Elaine's a shot. read more

During an impulsive moment at 4:30 on Saturday afternoon I decided to get a full set of acryllics. I am not really partial to them and prefer short natural looking nails- but mine are awful. After searching yelp, I found Elaines. She took me right away. I told her I wanted nails that looked as real as possible, short and as thin as possible. She did a GREAT job-making sure to check in with me every step of the way. So far I've seen her three times and I'm hooked. Fills, at least for me, take a while, but it's because Elaine is a perfectionist and she cares about quality of her work. She never seems to rush and works past her business hours. I've been to places in the past that are like assembly lines-you never know who will work on your nails from one minute to the next and it's very rushed. The shop is modest and generally clean, but Elaine is a gem! read more

First time trying out this place because I got tired of driving to Lavande Spa in Lafayette, which was super pricey for a French pedicure and manicure ($59 after tip). My manicure cost me $18 today. Definitely will be coming here more often since it's only 2 minutes away from home. Good price and friendly service. What more can a girl ask for? read more

They do a wonderful job every time! Elaine and staff are kind, professional and do a great job. Highly recommend!!

I needed an emergency fill on Monday and Elaine called me back and set up an appointment for me even though she was off. Now that is customer service. She is professional and friendly and most of all my nails look great. Thanks Elaine. read more

Came here for a pedicure. Called in advance to check the wait, and immediately received a call back with the following message: "Do NOT come now. Come in an hour and we can take you." Walked in on time. At first glance, the place looked a bit bare. No music, no frills. Unfortunately all the chairs were full, so despite my making an appointment, I had to wait 15ish minutes. That was kind of a bummer, since they didn't ask anyone entering the door whether they had an appointment. I think it's first come, first serve. Anyway, no biggie since I had lots o' time to spare. Took the time to pick out my color and catch up on trashy celeb gossip! The pedicure itself took longer than I thought, and the toes turned out excellent. I think the $23 cost (cash/check only, plus tip) was well worth it. I will be back and try to beat the afternoon momma rush. read more

I really had a nice experience with a drop in manicure. The owner was nice and didn't charge me for removing nail polish off my toes, I gladly offered to pay...but she declined. My mani was only 12, a great price for the area. I left a 8 dollar tip. I would gladly return to this salon. The person did a very good job with my cuticles. read more

Elaine's is always busy but this is surprising to me as I find the services to be average in quality and the establishment to need a serious facelift. Shellac didn't last more then 6 days but I guess that's what you get for that price. The only upside is the Starbucks next read more

Absolutely amazing!! I'm a first time customer, got a mani/pedi and ready to go back(only problem is my toes are still perfect) Pedicure: relaxing, pleasant conversation with the woman doing my toes(which I find rare as most of the time the people doing my nails only ever talk to co workers) it's only been a week but they still look great. Manicure was perfect until I walked next door to starbucks and messed up a nail. I ran back very quickly and not only did she fix my nail at no charge but she checked to make sure I hadn't messed up any others. I'll be back :) read more

Bummer all the way around. Wanted to love this place as was recommended by a friend but my pedicure just didn't meet the mark. My nail technician began with doing a very poor job of sanitizing the chair I was to sit in and it is worth noting that the utensils she used did not appear to be sanitized either. Instruments did not come in sealed package and technician sanitized only one of instruments she used by squeezing some rubbing alcohol on the item before use. Ugh. Additionally, cuticle service lasted about a minute what was done to one foot was not done to the other foot - things like cleaning under the nails and so forth. The massage was dull and too light to do anything good for legs or feet and there was no rinsing of oil/lotion off after massage was over. I am used to hot rags after massage and a fresh towel to dry legs and feet when massage is complete. In fact when I put my flip flops on when it was all over my feet still had oil on them and I almost slipped out of the flip flops on my way to the car. The salon seemed busy and I wonder if current customers know how much better a pedicure can really be. read more

I found Elaine about a year ago. She is on time and the best nail lady I have ever gone to. I get a mani/pedi weekly/or biweekly and my color does not chip. I especially love Elaine because she "doesn't talk", and provides a quiet, calming experience. She spends a good deal of the pedicure on massage, which is always appreciated. She places her regular customers ahead of drop-ins, which is not always the case with salons. read more

There's not many nail shops in the Orinda area and this is not the one for me. It's been a while since I've been treated so poorly. Any request made at this shop is responded with an absurd attitude. I requested a simple design and I was shocked to hear that a nail tech owner of 15 years doesn't have any design skills. Apparently they only do basic paint. She said she would try but had absolutely no confidence and even speaking in Vietnamese how impossible it is. She doesn't even have any tools to make the design. A simple tape job could have done the trick. I can't understand the lack of professionalism in this long standing establishment. Elaine had a customer waiting and she blatantly said she didn't know I wanted a design but I told her when I walked in. Yet she didn't do anything out of the norm except for painting two white coats before painting one coat of blue and finishing off with top coat. She also had to fix the overlay done on one of my toes because the extremely rude woman who did my pedicure yesterday didn 't even care about her work. When you can feel how uneven nail and paint is, that is unacceptable. Overall the shop is less than relaxing. Maybe because I'm asian I'm treated poorly. I was never greeted pleasantly or offered water and being a repeat customer from the day before for an appointment with the owner is utterly disappointing. I would definitely not go here again even with an appointment. My money is the same color as everyone else's who walks into that nail shop, I shouldn't be treated less. read more

This is a ZERO star review. I dropped off my teenager to meet some friends and get their nails done. I was somewhat concerned by the significant chemical fumes in the store. Perhaps that is normal but I have never experienced that in a nail salon before. My daughter was visibly upset by her experience at Elaine's Nails. She smudged her fingernail after it was done but not dry. She made the serious mistake of telling her friend who told a staff member. The response was entirely unacceptable and happened because, I think, there were no adults present: the nail ladies began to speak to each other assuming my daughter only spoke English and could not understand them. They were insulting and shamed her as they discussed my daughter between themselves, clearly angry at her for smudging her nail. My daughter's friends did not understand the words but they also clearly understood the insulting attitude. My daughter was NOT ALLOWED to leave until they re-did the nail. Nice, perhaps, but totally uncool to refuse to let a child leave your premises. My daughter said she was insulted and actually scared by their behavior. She left as soon as she possibly could and we will never go back. read more