Love getting my pedicures here! She is incredible and always has great conversation! Highly recommend!

When I moved to San Diego, I visited a few nail salons to find my go to gel manicure spot and truthfully wasn't satisfied by the service and how my nails looked. I came across Emily's Nails here on yelp and I'm so glad I did. This is now my go to spot and I've visited three times and will continue to return. This nail studio is woman owned and Phouvone is the best. She is kind, friendly, and listens to what you are requesting. She's efficient and does a great job. The quality of the work is great. Unlike most salons, she takes and honors your reservation. You can call her or text her to book an appointment and she's quick to respond. It's so convenient! I've only gotten gel manicures and while the color selection may not be as big as some other nail salons, she primarily uses OPI which is obviously good quality so she cares about your nails. I've picked colors during my appointments and then they don't look like I want them to look or the color just looks different on me and she's so kind and quick to suggest others and make the switch. I encourage you book an appointment here next time you need/want your nails done. Given that her primary business comes from appointments, keep that in mind when you book so that you don't cancel on her since that affects her business. *insert heart emoji* and don't forget to tip! read more

Emily Nails - Gel nail polish with a pointier almond shape. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I loved Emily Nails! She was so sweet and we had great conversation the whole time. She did a great job, I'll be back!

Awesome place! Great customer service and cute shop. If you're looking for a quaint and cozy neighborhood feel, this is the spot. Super friendly and makes you feel at home. I got a pedi & gel mani for a great price and the quality is on point Right next to Dark Horse Coffee so get you a cup of joe before or after your session :) read more

Emily Nails - #40 gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I got a gel manicure from Phouvone (the owner) today and she did an amazing job! It was a very clean, comfortable environment and she only takes one customer at a time so it was very safe during COVID-19 times. It was super affordable and she was so friendly and sweet. My nails look great and I'm so happy with the service, especially because i am a chronic nail-biter with very dry cuticles and she managed to make them look moisturized and beautiful. I'm just visiting town, but I wish I lived here so I could come see her all the time! I will definitely be coming back next time I'm in the area. I'd highly recommend her! read more

Emily Nails - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Emily is very sweet and thorough! I really loved the nail design she did for my nails before a wedding to Tennessee, spot on!

Came in for an emergency appointment since my usual guy was out of town My nails looked great other then a few teeny details she didn't fully take off the dark polish underneath so it showed through the gel polish But her price is unbeatable Sadly my gel peeled within a week but she was very accommodating with my last minute appointment and a very convenient location Do yourself a favor and prepare to pay cash her page said cards accepted but she prefers cash read more

This place was amazing 100% recommended. Emily took me in last minute and she was so nice. I hardly ever talk to the nail tech(I'm shy..). But I talked the whole time I was there. She made my night. Thank you so much!! read more

Emily Nails - They look so clean, I wish I had a before. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

My first time at Emily Nails... she's great! Nails are wonderful (gel manicure and pedicure). Will definitely be going back!

Amazing first experience! I just move down the road and was looking for a new go-to nail salon. I called in the morning for a same day appointment for gel manicure and pedicure. Space was clean, there was a good selection of colors and prices are fantastic. The salon was small with a great breeze from outside. I got my nails done by Phouvone and she was SO friendly. I can't wait to come back. read more

Emily was so sweet and friendly. She made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in, to the moment I walked out. I explained to her my concerns with my extremely thin nails (from a previous technician filing them down) and my what I was looking to do with them. Emily showed me some different colors, but was able to pin point exactly what I wanted (Translucent pink with a little gold at the bottom lining). I appreciated how attentive and patient she was during my appointment! Speaking of "appointment," I messaged through Yelp, and she got back to me so quickly! I was pleasantly surprised! She cares about her business and her clients, that is apparent. While I don't live close by, I would definitely drive up to have my bails done by her again! read more

Emily Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Terrible job, these women do not know what they are doing. My mother in law and I went in for a manicure and pedicure. I got gel and she got her acrylic filled. They nipped both of us during the pedicure and left our feet looking like a 9 year old painted them. My gels were just ok, but the paint is uneven and globed towards the ends. My mother in laws nails were atrocious! Smudged and lined and dented, soooo bad! I could hardly believe it. I went to this place because of the great reviews, but I also saw that there was a change of ownership. It's too bad! They might as well have little kids doing nails here for the quality you get. read more

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Their pink and whites SUCK! I just got mine done there for the first time on Saturday and they are already lifting......HUH??!!!!!!!!!! What the hell??!!! Not good at all and it took the girl an hour AND a half! I went back the same day with my concerns (more than just the lifting) and she tried to tell me she did a good job and she couldn't fix them. My advice...."You've been warned!" P.S. I didn't want to give any stars but this site made me :( read more

Great pedicure!!!!! Reasonably priced!!! Will be making this my new regular spot. Not the most eye catching place but the pedicure is great and very professional. All new sanitized tools for each person and good level of cleanliness! read more

I walked in to make an appointment and was fit in right away. I had a great experience, this is 100% my regular spot from now on! Great location, lovely conversation, and my nails are very happy! read more

Emily Nails is my favorite spot to have a gel manicure and pedicure. Emily is a wonderful esthetician, who takes pride in her work and extreme attention to detail. Her prices are extremely reasonable and I always call to make an appointment, because she is always busy. We are so lucky to have Emily Nails here in Normal Hts! read more

Ok... Tina is great at doing my nails I get the pink white gels and I'm very picky hahah.. the reasons I like the place . 1.she is alone . I don't have to smell all the chemicals 2. She speaks English and I don't have to wonder what everyone around me is saying "haha come on we all think they are talking about our funky feet hha" 3. the price is right 4.right next to the best little coffee shop 5.freeway accessible I just moved away from the area bummer but I still travel to see her 6 last but not least she is so sweet! funny thing... for the longest time I thought her name was Emily hahaha read more

Such an awesome first time visit! I've always wanted to come in but was too shy to try. I am definitely glad she is in the neighborhood that I live, it's convenient, affordable and great quality! and I will recommend this salon for a long long time to come! Tina has such a good, sweet, caring energy about her and it makes all the difference. Another very unique thing is that she is the owner and sole operator of this business. Support local, support small business forever! Well as much as possible anyway! She told me she's been here for about twelve years and, I hope, at least twelve more. ...thank you for the lovely, gentle visit, Tina! !! read more

Emily Nails - this was my first pedicure here. it included the best foot and calf massage AND the back rub built into the seat! So happy - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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A hidden gem in Normal Heights!!! I have been trying to find someone who can deliver when it comes to my nails and I have found that person. I was so happy coming out of that appointment. If you want a no frills, hard working and knowledgable nail salon this is where you need to be. I will always go here until I either move or my fingers fall off. :) read more

It's a convenient nail salon in my neighborhood.Great price.Service is good. The owner is nice and very friendly. $20 for a gel which last you 3weeks or more than that. I recommended my friend here and Emily found out something suspicious in her nails instead of putting acrylic nails which is more she recommended her a regular polish and told her to take care of her nails first, put some vinegar before she can put acrylic again.My friend listens to her and her nails is back to normal. I will definitely recommend this place. Owner is not too pushy like other salon which wants you to keep upgrading so you will pay more. Whatever you like she do it for you to the best of her skills. read more

Emily Nails - Love it.Thanks Emily! - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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One show lady, small little tiny place, but great great work. Plus quick and affordable. read more

Emily Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

$12 for mani, $20 for pedi. Best job I've ever had on a French! Place may not look the best but well worth it. read more

Emily Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

i LOVED Tina..She is the nicest lady.. and works alone..so i don't feel like i am left out when hearing another language all around me. I got acrylic with a gel top coat the BEST i have had so far.. she did a GREAT design just how i ask and i am definately going back.. read more

This is my first time going to Emilys nails and I'm really glad I did . Even though I was late i was still seen for my appointment Phouvone is so nice and she did a great job on my nails read more

Went here for the first time today when the place down the street had a 2 hour wait. Emily was phenomenal! Pedi, foot massage and hot towel wrap. This is my new go to place. read more

My first time...soft music playing, clean only one person salon...NICE! :-) read more

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Best mani/pedi I've had in a long time! Just found my new go-to spot. Tina is a sweetheart. Nails looks great and super relaxed from her amazing massage. Call to book because she's a one lady show! read more

Emily Nails - BEST place. $20 for shellac; lots of colors. Mani/Pedis & massage are AMAZING. Its a 1 woman show, call & book. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Emily is a sweetheart. She took me last minute and did an excellent job. Gel mani $20! Very pleased. read more

Emily Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Emily's Nails is the best!!! I went here exactly 4 weeks ago for a gel mani and pedi before a trip. My friend comes here regularly and recommended that I come here, and it was the right choice! Emily owns and runs this shop, mostly by herself (sometimes on weekends she will have a second staff person helping her). She is really, really sweet, and the entire time I was there we chatted and talked about life. Because I had called her at the last minute for an appointment she came in early to meet me (which was so nice of her!). I highly recommend that you do not show up at her salon without an appointment, because since she works alone, she usually books up pretty fast. She did a GREAT job on both my gel mani and pedi, to the point where only a month out are my nails now are starting to have problems (and this is after a week long trip and moving to a new house)! Def a great salon and good way to support local small business in Normal Heights! read more

First time here, she did a great job! My feet look and feel good. She's fast, too. My pedicure was done in about a 1/2 hour. Will definitely be coming back! read more

What a shame - this place USED to be one of the best hidden gems in San Diego. $20 for a really great shellac manicure! I started going here over a year ago and just loved this place. About a month ago, the former owner moved to Arizona and now it's under new management by 2 women. I should have taken heed to the most recent reviews and how very negative they are, but gave it a shot. The lady who did my nails was very nice at first, chatty, asking questions, making conversation. She told me she couldn't square my nails much because of their length. Ok - that's fine, just do what you can. After the first coat of color on one hand, I examined my nails as she did the other. The thumbnail was significantly uneven at both the nail and cuticle. I pointed it out and that's where the battle began. She argued with me that I wanted it that way and my cuticle line was uneven because my cuticles are uneven. No one would ever say they want uneven nails (it was uneven because you didn't file it well) and it's her job to even out my cuticles. It's never good business to get defensive and blame the customer. I had to argue with her to get it fixed and not everyone is comfortable with speaking up, so I feel bad for anyone who gets that same bad service and doesn't do anything about it. After that there was absolutely no more chatting or questions. We were dead silent. I paid the $20 and, for the first time in a very long, left no tip at all. This place gets 2 stars because the end result isn't terrible. Not the best but not the worst, so some might say it's a good enough job for $20. But only if you're willing to argue your way to it. The previous owner had a following of clients and these new owners might be hoping to keep those, but it seems extremely unlikely that they will. And in a small neighborhood like Normal Heights, good luck getting a lot of walk-ins. I won't be back. read more

I have been a client of Tina, owner and solo nail tech, at Emily nails for about 5 years. Tina is really really good and I have sent many clients her way. He little nail salon is modest but comfy. She is attentive, sweet, and a hghly skilled nail tech that never ever hurts! I get mani/pedi's every 3 weeks and I look forward to every second that I am in Tina's spa chair. She gives a great hand and foot massage! Check her out. read more

Went there Wednesday to get a gel manicure and the next day my nails were chipping off. You can just tell the nail polish and gel is very cheap! Never going there again. Definitely don't think it was worth $20 read more

Emily Nails - Horrible! - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Tina is AMAZING!!! I got a pink and white fill then gel black polish and nails are perfect!!!! I know where I'm going for all my future pedi's and fills. read more

The best price and Emily is great!! She is gonna take a good care about your nails!

A really good quality mani/pedi for $25. Hard to beat! The massage included was second to none, I felt relaxed and pampered. She didn't do as good of a job on my calluses as I'm used to in a "spa pedicure" but for the price I can afford to go a lot more often. Definitely call ahead if you want a Saturday appt. read more

Tina is my GO TO nail girl. She is so so sweet, kind and affordable. I always call to make an appointment and she gets me in right away! I am never going anywhere else. I adore her and her little shop! She does tips, with gel and its only 25 for a fill and 30 for the initial tip application. UM.... that is amazing! Go here!! read more

When I moved to the neighborhood a few months ago I hunted for a good nail salon. Phouvone is super-attentive and works hard to give you the best she can offer. Her prices are better than reasonable and her customer service is exceptional -- it more than makes up for the fact that she works alone and is constantly busy. read more

It is very unfortunate that this establishment has undergone an ownership change. Tina, the original owner was awesome, and what a treat it was to find her - my gel manicures and spa pedicures together were $40 and she always did an amazing job and the gels lasted sometimes into 3 weeks. They also have children answering the phone and making appointments and I am uncomfortable with that. I have twice given the new owners a try and am very disappointed. They seem very inexperienced, and it appears they cut corners to try and save a couple of bucks. Both times my gel polish started to peel in less than a week, I think they are not priming the nails properly. The polish is always uneven and gloppy, 3 nails cracked and the second time I went they had to remove all the new polish on my toes and start over. One tech is always overseeing the another tech and I have also had both of them working on my pedicure at the same time, which is rather chaotic as opposed to relaxing. I loved having a shop in my neighborhood that I could walk too, but I will be finding a new shop close to my office. I realize I will be paying more, but than again, you usually do get what you pay for...hopefully they will get it together soon. If I start seeing more positive reviews, I would consider going back. read more

Went here as a recommendation from a friend and absolutely will be returning! Made my next appt before I left. Tina is very sweet. Does a great job. Puts a lot of care into her work and takes her time with the client. I never felt rushed to get out to make room for someone else like I do at other salons. She does a great foot and calf massage and has lots of gel colors to choose from. In fact, I'm going on 2 weeks already and not one chip on my hands nor feet. Great pricing too! All in all best value mani/pedi I've ever had. read more