Thank you, Ember for always making me a happy customer! I wish I still lived here so I could come to you every month! Even though I only visit twice I year she still remembers my name and my family. We love this salon. I just came back to visit for vacation and got a full set and pedicure done. I had previously gotten this at another salon (in Iowa) that really messed my nails up. I showed Ember my nails and she knew exactly what to do. She is kind and does a damn good job! Can't wait to come back in December for the holidays! read more

It clearly says walk in's welcome on there window and I got there right when they opened and I was turned away. The lady that was there said they were booked for the first hr. I happen to be sitting in the parking lot waiting for an event at my daughter's daycare and they had no customers walking in. I've never had a nail place turn me away. I was nice. They lost a customer and a generous tipper! Oh well! read more

They did a fine job. My fill and pedicure look great. BUT, they were painfully slow. My pedicure was at the same time. My fill took 90 minutes. I broke a nail the next day ( my fault ) I didn't go get it fixed. I haven't got that kind of time. I'm read more

Brought my mother in law for a pedicure. The place was dead for a Saturday. That should have been our first sign the place was not good. Staff is extremely rude. Will never come back. read more

Update: Just 12 hours after posting this review and giving five stars to Embers nails, I received a text from her that said that because of my eczema I cannot return to her store. She said that multiple customers asked her about MY skin and that she doesn't want to risk losing any business and as the owner she needs to protect herself from losing business. Because of this, I am dropping my review down to a one star. In my 25 years I have always had eczema and never been discriminated against because of it. I have been to many different nail shops across the United States and never been told I cannot come back because of my eczema. The original review post is down below, it was originally 5 stars: This place is a little hole in the wall on the northwest shopping mall corner of Chase and Jamacha. When searching for a shop that was open on Sunday afternoon. Ember was welcoming and inviting. The first time my mom and I came we were greeted and we introduced ourselves and Ember and her mom Nancy remember our names! It feels so cozy and personal in this little shop. The gel manicure runs about $31 and the spa pedicure is $21. It's a little more expensive than some shops but it is worth it. Everytime that Ember does my nails I enjoy every second I spend on her shop as well as my nails afterwards. The shop is clean and they do nails, waxings, facials, and massages. This is the one stop shop for a spa day with the girls. If you're looking for a shop the get your nails done any day of the week. This is the shop. Give her a call and book an appointment today! read more

Ember's Nails - I always get Mani/Pedis with a gel manicure. Ember did an amazing job making my French tip gel manicure this time! - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

I decided to try this salon again even after having an unpleasant experience with them several years ago. I needed a polish change on my toes because I had received a pedicure the same day at a different location and the nail tech used regular polish that wound up looking nothing like the sample. I was in a rush and by the time I realized he had not used gel it was too late to start over. I went to Ember's because it is so close to my house. Right down the hill. I walked in and there was one customer getting a mani/pedi and two nail techs. I asked for a polish change on my feet using gel. Initially the lady said they could do it and to pick out a color. She did not offer any books or point any out so I asked if one of the displays was their gel selection. She said yes and I started to walk towards it when she proceeded to say they only do gel polish if you get a pedicure. As I had just had a pedicure I decided this option wasn't for me and turned towards the door. As I did the lady said, "You want to walk away? You can leave. You seem like you don't want to talk." I wanted to make sure I understood her and said I have to purchase a pedicure to get a gel polish change correct? She said yes and I left. Wow! The employees are just as unpleasant as I remember from all those years ago and even though this place is so close to my house I will NEVER return. Zero start. How is this place still in business? read more

I love this place so so much. Ember is such an Angel and treats all her customers well. She cares so much for everyone and wants you to leave satisfied. Do NOT listen to anyone else's opinion about her, she's incredible. read more

Ember's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

I was getting some car work done and it was still early on a Saturday. I walked into the salon and the nail technician asked "Can I help you?" I replied to her I was looking to get a Mani/Pedi. Now, she was working on one customer and no one else was in the shop. She then tells me that she is booked solid until 11:30. She Did not offer me another appointment, nor did she share with me that being so reserved the shop was empty. If anyone ever asks me about this place I will have no opinion about, it but myself, I will never go back. read more

So I decided to try a different nail salon since my normal salon is always extremely busy. I found Ember's and decided to give it a try despite the low star rating. When I entered the salon it was very clean. There was only one more spa seat left when I arrived and they seated me in it right away. The service was great from beginning to end and I was very happy with the way my nails came out. I will go back again. Yay! read more

Ember's Nails - French tip. Nice Job Ember. - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

I love Ember! The salon isn't fancy, but her nails are the best I have ever had. She is quick, constistant, and does an amazing job. My nails never chip and always look like a million bucks! She is so sweet and a hard worker. You can tell she loves her customers and takes pride in what she does. I love going to see her! read more

I have been to this place like 3 times and I am always satisfied with their service, and I live very close to it. It is very satisfying to see one of the ladies doing the nails mom helping, she is a very sweet lady. I really recommend this place , excellent service! read more

During my visit to Ember's Nails this week, I witnessed a horrible act. As a long-time customer of this salon, I was completely alarmed to watch Ember ask another regular customer not to return again and said that she was no longer welcome because of the way she looks. Who does that?!? When one witnesses this kind of blatant arrogance and ignorance, it feels so shocking to watch a business owner behave so equally cruel and feeble toward someone who is clearly dealing with a tough condition {the client looked like she could have a type of cancer}. Whether it was her idea, that of her staff or customers, it is totally inappropriate to treat a person like this. Why would a business owner turn away their existing client instead of be grateful they returned and show them compassion? While I had experienced my share of mediocre services there and should have upgraded to a finer establishment sooner, this was all of the impetus I needed. There are hundreds of more desirable options in San Diego's East County than her "salon". Given that it is located in a gas station strip mall and rarely even has air conditioning on during El Cajon's endless summer temperatures, there are only better experiences to be had elsewhere. Not only is there a bit of a negative atmosphere as other reviewers noted too, most services do not include the basics such as lotion, leg massage, exfoliation and hand/arm massage (over the years, Ember's salon has charged for these services on top of a basic mani/pedi). In general, Ember's prices are more expensive in comparison to what customers receive at competitive salons. After 10 years of following her from each of her previous salon locations (RSD, Main Street, Jamacha), I am disappointed she has not learned how to treat her existing customers. I learned from her that if you go through treatment for a serious disease/condition and you don't look "nice enough", you will be asked to leave. Shame on Ember, her staff and arrogant clients for their prejudice toward loyal, paying, decent customers who are no longer welcome based on the way they look. I know that this review counts for several women who will no longer patronize her business and hope others will realize there are better places to go where they will be treated with class, as they well deserve. read more

I've been going to Ember's for a long time, but I'm not sure about going back. Ember is usually nice and has a great memory for names. I've been getting gel polish and I ask for Sabrina. She does a good job and they last a long time. She does cut them shorter than I ask, but she tells me it's so they won't break. I can deal with it, so I let it go. They'll grow. I wish they gave hand and arm massages when you get gel polish, but they won't even give you hand lotion unless you ask for it. The last time I went in, I only wanted a pedicure. Ember told me that Holly would do it. I don't think Holly knows much English. She did a good job, but she doesn't say a thing and never smiles. I asked for a design on my big toes. Holly left me without a word or a look. No thank you,goodbye, nothing. Sabrina sat down and did the design I asked for. I thought it was ok, but she didn't like it and took it off before I could say anything and tried again. She took that off and told me to pick a different design. I picked another one, and she said she didn't do flowers like that. I picked another one and Ember said something to her in Vietnamese. The vibe I got was- just do it and be done. It didn't look like the sample, but I was ready to get out of there. Sabrina walked off without saying thank you or goodbye, also. Maybe it's a cultural thing, but a little common courtesy would be nice.Their skills are good, but I'm tired of the apparently grouchy and impolite attitudes. I go to be pampered and treated with respect. I am very respectful to them and I tip well. I am friendly to them, is it to much to ask for a paying customer to be addressed cordially? read more

Having been sick for a week I was in desperate need of a fill. I was in the area and decided to give this place a try. Ember is the name of the owner and she was a sweetheart. I told them how pick I was about my nails and she did them perfect! $23 for a fill with 2 broken nails was a steal. I will go back for a pedi before I go on Vacation next week and see how my feet feel. Please be aware that all extras for your nails are not disclosed until after the fact. I was turned off after I had a fill for the second time they told me $5 extra for longs nails; not before or when I made the appointment. Double fill is $35 which is extremley high in my book plus $5 for my option keep my nails long. I was not pleased on how my nails turned out. I will not be returning anytime soon. read more

Ember is so sweet and really gets to know you as a customer. She does my nails well, talks to me, and remembers my name every time I come in. Isn't much of a" looker " but price is good, great customer service, and great nails. read more

Really nice small place. Nice location. They do a good job but omg they take forever to do a simple manicure and pedicure. I got missed my next appointment that I had enough time. I showed up at 2:30pm and left at 4:33pm and my appointment was at 4pm. read more

Well when i started going there they messed up my nails but i still went after that. But the place is dirty and they have bad customer service and they messed up on my toes and nails multiple times. Will i ever go again? Most likely not but that just my opinion. And she yells at the customers and I'm muslim so she treated me differently than others and not in a good way. Doesn't respect people, and she kicked me out for telling her she messed up my nails. read more

I went in yesterday evening with my mother in law. Ember did a great job on my nails, I let her know that my nails ALWAYS lift. She assured me that my nails will not lift after her doing them. She just did the power over my real nails. So we will see, the location is very convenient and she want really nice. My french on my pedi was meh... the lady did an ok job but over all it was a good experience. read more

Ember's Nails - Pretty nails... it's acrylic over my real nails.. no tip on my nails. - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

I have been going to Ember's since high school and Ember & her staff never disappoint. She remembers each customers name & always greets you when you come in. Great colors to choose from and they get you in and out on time. I always recommend people to Ember read more

This place is awesome the customer service is amazing . First off they really take care of there customers, when it comes to service par none they are amazing. They take there time , no need to make an appointment they will find a way to get you in right away. The place is very clean and sanitary which is a big deal to me, give it a shot there's no let downs here. read more

Decided to try out this place because I was looking for a spot nearby that opened early while my kids were at school ... my sister and I walk in and i believe it was Ember who greeted us ... I took a peek at the pamphlet next to the entrance and it said that the basic pedi was $19 (doubt the callus remover was included) but when we sat on a spa chair we were handed a different price selection that started at $25 (which included the callus remover) so we both went with that one ... my sister was told that she didn't have callus (lucky her ) so she suggested for her to go with the sea salt option which was I believe $30 ... something I didn't like about the place was that they don't use plastic liners and I noticed that the tub had some visible rust ... they actually start you off with a foot massage which is different than other places I've gone to that normally do it towards the end before applying polish (which was nice because you immediately feel relaxed) Holly was working on me and I absolutely loved that she took her time ... the callus removing part idk if they all do it the way she did mine but Holly actually payed attention to where my callus areas are other places just go through my whole foot and don't actually work on where I mainly have it ... She even got an ingrown out I didn't even know I had! ... my sister also mentioned that she loved the sea salt pedicure and that she was definitely going to get it again next time so now that makes me want to try it too ... point is we both left super happy and will definitely be back soon read more

Ember's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

Ember does awesome! I go to Ember to get shellac and my pedicures. Her price is cheaper than what most nail salons charge, and the quality is superb! They always last me more than 2 weeks! Sometimes I get busy and forget to get my nails done, and then I'll receive a text from Ember reminding me to make an appt. In addition, doesn't matter if she's met you only once, she'll get your name down like nothing! I remember after my first time coming, I came back and she remembered me and what we last talked about. She's super great with names! Makes you feel special. Ember is super nice! Everyone else is nice in the shop too, quiet, but for the most part really nice. read more

Love Ember and have to say I've not met someone who works so hard to take care of all of her customers! Ember has opened her shop early to accommodate me when timing gets tight and she remembers details even to the exact type of French manicure I like. She also knows that I prefer the room quiet and will even turn off the TV so o can enjoy my treatment. Ember is not nosey and always remembers my family and friends I have brought in the past. I'm always surprised at how she remembers all of her customers and greets them by name! read more

Staff is very friendly and Ember wants to make sure every customer is happy! Sabrina does my fills. She is the absolute best! She takes her time to shape and clean my nails as best as she can. I love nail places who take their time and do things the right way. The place is super clean and they just got a TV inside! read more

Ember is the best!!! No lifting!! Love Ember!!! My for sure nail tech!! She is soo personable! Calling clients by name talking about life and she is honest about the wait time which is everything!! I would for sure make an appointment she is sooo busy! But same day appointments work! read more

We have been getting our nails done by Ember for about five years and we love it. Ember and everyone who works there is amazing. Every time I try a new style, Ember (and the other ladies) never fail me. read more

Ember's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - El Cajon, California

Unfortunately after being a client at Embers Nails for 5 years, I will NEVER RETURN. I'm not somebody that ever complains. My mother of 83 years drove in from Arizona for my daughter's wedding, I made her appointment several weeks in advance, Ember knew of the importance of this appointment. My mom arrived at the salon and it was full, she yelled at my mom out of stress, and told her she could not do her nails, I thought you were here for a pedicure. I made the appointment I confirmed the appointment I called and told her it was for her nails, she yelled at my mom and sent her out by saying "you're here for pedicure only" NO she wasn't. She was there for her nails. I would never allow one person to yell at my mom, and I will never go back. Nor will either one of my daughters or my husband so that makes five of us that will never go back. read more

This place is not a fancy nail salon but Amber goes above and beyond when it comes to her customers. She makes sure you leave the place happy. I highly recommend it read more

It's no frills salon, but it is the best quality nails I have ever had! My gel manicure will last over a month without any cracking or chipping. They still look perfect, just grown out, by the time I go back again for more. Ember is also so sweet and great at what she does. This is the only salon I recommend to my friends. read more

I have been coming here for about 2 years, and I am always happy with my mani/pedis. I was taken to another salon in Jan as a Christmas present from my daughter, and they did such an awful job that my nails were cracking and breaking after only a few weeks. Ember repaired the damage and redid them, and 3 weeks later, my nails still look great. Highly recommend read more

First time going to this nail shop, since it was a Sunday and past 5 my 2 regular nail shops were closed. I needed a fill and a pedi asap and decided to go to Ember's. I got there at 6 and was done by 710, I was the only person there and had my pedi and fill done at the same time which was great. I got the third pedicure option which came with a callus remover and exfoliation and I got a fill with color gel and no designs. When I was done and Ember said my basic fill with gel was $41. I asked her how much her full set gel was and she said 36 and I asked why is the fill more than the full set. She said filing it down is extra, which doesn't make any sense, filing it down to make it shorter/shape is ALWAYS done when you get a fill but I wasn't going to argue with the price. My fill cost me more than a new set would have! Never heard of I gave them both a tip and paid but I won't be returning. The work on my nails and pedicure were great but make sure u ask how much your nails will be so your not overcharged! read more

Very bad costumer service , they didn't make my nail the way i want and they just make it as they like, more over they were too Rude and they refuse to correct my nails, they told me ok if u don't like it then don't come again!!!!!!!!!! And Amber was too offensive !!!!!!!! read more

Most disgusting nail place I've ever been to. From the bathroom to everything in the salon! Dirty! I thought id try to just suck it up and do the pedicure sense i had brought my mom with me..until I noticed they don't even use clean files or tools! I had to request it. After her half ass job and cutting me with the cuticle cutters followed with my leg burning from the callus remover that was only suppose to be on the bottom of my foot I decided to get up and leave. And then she charged my mom for my pedicure! That I did not get! read more

No need to make an appointment.. They won't keep it!! Sat waiting every time.. Not a friendly staff! Okay nails.. Sabrina is very inexperienced. Ember is very moody & often snaps at customers.. I have been coming here for the past 6 months & can say today will be the last time. With a nail shop on every corner you would expect better customer service! read more

My wife and daughter see Ember for their mani-pedi treatments. They are 100% satisfied so as a cosmetic Physician I thought I'd put them to the test. I was a walk-in and waited maybe 10 minutes. I was amazed at their attention to each customer and the personal attention they rendered. I felt completely at home and will always go back there. The facilities were air conditioned (many nail spas are not), clean and up to date. Great place as a M.D. With a medical spa. read more

Hi, sadly, my friend and I have been going here for years and it's gone down hill. For example, last week for my appointment it took me two hours just for a fill and pedi...Why? you ask...there was a gaggle of girls that came in for various nail services and Ember took them all...in between me. Don't get me wrong, the ladies here do the best nails in east county...however, when I have to ask if I'm done yet (because whoever was doing my toes just walks away, or I have to ask why Ember charged me more this time around for the same service...it's time to move on...don't bother making an appointment...you'll never get the time you wanted in the first place... read more

This is the closest nail salon to me, and I'm really picky about cleanliness. Ember's is immaculate, and the tools and machines are always clean. The staff, especially Ember, are super friendly and accommodating and knowledgeable. I get glitter toes, gel nails and a mani and pedi. If Ember does the gel nails, they last for up to four weeks, and the glitter toes last even longer. The massages with the manis and pedis are awesome. read more

I have been going to Ember for years. Always happy and love the prices. Her team works hard and does a good job. No they don't always smile or talk, but that's cultural. I don't go there for the conversation. I go there for the quality and price. Her place is very clean which I also appreciate. I come back often and this is my go to nail salon. read more

I don't know why this place gets low reviews! I walked at 8:30pm and was kindly taken by ember herself, and I must say my nails looked amazing ! I will be coming back due to quality of work and cleanliness. read more

My 1st time trying out the place yesterday while waiting on Evans Tires to do my oil change. It was busy at 1st but I was greeted immediately. When told that the wait for 2 pedicures was not long me & my 11 yr old daughter decided to wait. I was seated fairly quickly. The lady who did my pedi was great. Very detailed & spent time on my feet. After a week camping, they needed it. Towards the end it slowed down & Ember ended up doing my daughter's pedi. She took the time to talk to us & asked our names. Great customer service, great product. I'll definitely be back to try other services. read more