Tommy is the best! It's always good service. I have never waited to get a manicure here with my daughter. The technicians are all respectful and kind and do a great job. read more

I had an amazing experience at Golden Nails! The salon is clean, welcoming, and everyone is very friendly and professional. I especially want to give a huge shoutout to Tommy! He is incredibly talented, patient, and detail-oriented. He always takes his time to make sure everything is perfect, from the shape and color to the final design. Tommy is also very kind and friendly, and he always makes you feel comfortable and well taken care of. You can tell that he truly cares about his customers and takes great pride in his work. My nails always come out beautiful and last a long time. I highly recommend Golden Nails, especially Tommy! If you're looking for someone who is skilled, professional, and truly cares about making your nails look amazing, definitely ask for Tommy. He is one of the best nail technicians I've ever had. I will definitely be coming back! read more

I am going to give insight on my experiences: 4x's #1 forget calling to have a understanding Usually the person that answers has a hard time communicating. He talks over you and doesn't communicate well. Do this instead: Ask directly for name and give time and be done with it forget asking for another tech if the choice one is not there. Just walk in. #2 Tommy is very good with nails and can create everything I ask him to create short, stiletto, design 10/10. #3 Feet, gel pedicure and ingrown are focus for me. Cathy does well trying to assist with ingrown. #4 HOLLY, for the win for French tip and accuracy When it comes to a French tip pedicure. Even fixed the previous issue. Color, cut, a little bit more on the sides. #5 Parking or no parking if you get the 2 spots in the small parking lot great if not you have to park at the gas station or take a lap around the block. #6 Can be pricey. I came in for a fill and I asked within a week I'd like to change the color to be fresh prior to vacation. I was told it would be Less $25 to my surprise it was the same price so I doubled my bill with misinformation within a week. #7 Unfortunately ish' happens while I was getting my nails done that turned out super cute and as I wanted I was NICKED. Skin became a mini blister because of the buffing tool grazing my skin. One would think immediate discount. I had to remind at payout to apply a discount with the same person. Granted $5. #8 Please be mindful as a tech if you are not confident in a certain paint request save my time and yours and have another tech assist I had returned to redo with a different tech. Note I paid for full service and tip in the 18-20% Services are not cheap. We pay to come and leave feeling good about this investment in ourselves. It's okay not to be great at something just a tip be mindful to ask for help. Other than that I would recommend this place Good hours and in most cases good service. Onsite parking and clean restrooms and environment. Most the time polite it may just be me but they communicate a lot in language I try not to it personal just be mindful read more

I'm so disappointed in my first time experience of this place. I feel like I'm being generous with the 3 stars honestly. I called ahead of time to ask what time they close, in which the guy told me 10pm. I told them I'd be there at 6:45pm, and when I did get there, I patiently waited 45 mins to be seated in a chair. I asked if they could do a 3D design on my nails (which I had asked over the phone), and they said they could, but by the time I was seated, and I showed one of the techs what I wanted, she said they stop doing designs at 7pm. I was very frustrated because I could have gone somewhere else if I knew I couldn't get the birthday nails I wanted, but at that point it was too late. So I found a more simple look, in which they agreed they would do. Holly did amazing on my pedicure, but by the time they got to my manicure, I could tell they were rushing. I'm a very understanding and kind person. I honestly wish I had just canceled the manicure. They didn't even prep my nails (i.e. remove my cuticles). The cherry on top was how expensive it was for such a poor job -- $150 . I feel so taken advantage of honestly, and it's a really bad start to my birthday now. She even forgot to put a top coat on my left hand and I can tell the difference. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - The picture I showed as inspo - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

*Update (this is the next day5/12) I wanted to hear him out after seeing his response that he wanted to make things right. He did apologized and explained I can go back without charge to get my nails redone by Helen who has better experience. In the middle of my response, he cut me off and said "I don't have time, you can come back or book. Have a good day". The customer service here is so bad. The comment was just to make them look better on Yelp. Please look at other people's reviews before deciding to come here! This is the first time I'm giving 1star review. I don't normally give reviews lower than 4 stars, but I'm really disappointed since I paid $120 for a manicure and pedicure that I didn't like. The pedicure was fine since it was just plain white polish. The reason I'm upset is because the lady who worked on my manicure seemed to have an attitude after I asked her to trim the acrylic shorter. I understand misunderstandings can happen, possibly due to a language barrier, but I clearly explained at the beginning that I wanted short almond nails. As a customer, I didn't appreciate feeling like my request was an inconvenience. She even said it's harder to work on short nails. It's frustrating to pay $70 for nails that I'm planning to remove the next day and pay another salon to redo. I still tipped her though I wasn't happy. I also blame myself for not reading the reviews beforehand since there are already a good amount of negative reviews. I'm getting married on Sunday, so things have been hectic, and this was one of the only salons near me that was open late. I really wanted to like this place because the late hours are convenient. * Some nails are crooked read more

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Horrible service, first time customer and will be the last. Came in friendly vibe sat on the chair told them what I wanted then instantly became very demanding trying to force me to get more service services , after declining they kept insisting over and over again. Final straw was when I noticed the shape was different in every toenail and I simply ask if they can fix my toe to even with the other one Karen started to argue with me instead of listening to what I was telling her. I come to the nail salon to relax not to argue with them. Even after I paid and tipped her, she still proceeded to argue with me. Poor customer service!!!! read more

Booked a appt for acrylic nails online and as I arrived, they said i would have to come back the following day to get my nails done unless I get a pedicure done with my acrylic nails. I told them I didn't have time for both, told them I can next time. Johnny said I need to leave because two workers need to work on one client at a time, not just one worker on one client. The guy said I was very difficult cause I wouldn't get a pedi with my nails lol. Don't bother to come here. Deserved zero stars. I should have read the bad reviews then I would have saved myself time. But the owner did me a favor by not getting my nails ruined by them!! look how the new owner responds back to the negative reviews....very unprofessional in person and online... read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Location - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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They continue to be the kindest, and best vibes nail salon in Castro Valley. I am always greeted, services come out great, and the clientele are also friendly. read more

I came here to Golden Nails the second time only because my friend wanted this place and we walked in without an appointment and we were seated at the pedi chairs right away to start service. No wait time is good. I like they offer beverages like coffee and wine while they work on the feet. Both times we did mani and pedi and both times I was disappointed and I don't think I would come back again. The first time I spent nearly $150 for both mani and pedi and they started to chip at around day 4 which was terrible. I had gels the first time. They looked so ugly after chipping away so I had to put on nail polish at home myself to cover it up, then why am I spending $150 again to last a few days?! What a waste. Second time I had the ombré pink and white for my manicure (tried something else for longer lasting since the gel from the first time didn't work well) and black gel polish on my toes. When Tommy said my nails were done, I looked at the backside of my nails and they are dirty, rough, and absolutely need more filing. So I had to ask him to continue working on them. My fingers still had the dead skin and apparently one hand is poorly polished and the powder-turn-into-hard-gel nails has large gaps as if they have grown out after days, and it is the first day!! My toes are not smoothly filed so the color looks like rough edges. The quality is just not there after spending another $130 the second time. Such poor quality and lack of details is really bothering me. I expect professional results when I pay for service, otherwise I might as well just DIY at home. read more

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Updated (after owner responded)LOL It baffles be that after reading other reviews with 1 star and similar complaints, the owner still has the audacity to respond "the coin has two sides"- if there are other people saying the exact same thing- poor customer service and rude employees- there are no two sides only a true reflection of your business practices and the people behind it. To the future customers- beware and please read through other people's experiences before deciding to go here. The sad part too is they only accept cash so if there's an issue and you need it fixed- the only option you have is to go back and get it redone or lose your money entirely since it's a cash transaction and no other way to dispute. Don't waste your time here. People are rude and make excuses to not help you. I came 2 weeks ago and did an appointment online for Lena- The guy did my nails instead saying no one by the name of Lena worked there- she was in fact there two weeks prior when I had my mani and pedi done- and her name is on their website. So he carried on and did my nails and rushed the whole thing. He started filing the shape without asking if the shape was ok. By the time it was done- I couldnt do anything else- it was too short and the shape are all uneven. I called right after I left and he said to come back so I kept coming back to get it re-done as per their policy you can get it redone if it's not what you wanted within 5days. It was never a good time. Eventually the next time I went he wasn't there and Helen helped me. She was probably the only nice one who knew what she was doing out of everyone else. Two weeks later I wanted to give it another try and I came back today asking to get a gel x and asked for Helen. She was with another customer so I thought someone else was going to help but instead they kept making excuses that they were busy- the guy obviously recognized me and told the other girl to tell me that they were fully booked. It was 7pm- there were 4 or 5 employees and one guy getting a pedicure- how are they fully booked but I had a feeling they blocked my number cause when I tried to call the phone was off the hook and I tried to call a few times that same day before deciding to go in. If you don't want my business- there is no need to be rude about it. What's not right is when customers pay hard earned money and expect the quality they deserve and ask you to make it right by redoing it - you get defensive and act surprised and all of a sudden turn them away. It's so unprofessional and tactless. It's a shame. I would've gone back to Helen but the guy who seems to be the manager can't own up to his mistakes- ego gets in the way. read more

I have been going to golden nails for the past year, I got builder gel for the first time and politely asked a question about their pricing and details of service, the owner was extremely rude to me. He threatened to block me because I wasted three minutes of his time with my questions and then turned around and said he'd send me $10 off my next visit. I paid $75 for a gel fill. I simply was asking the details of this pricing as he said it was $55 for fill & $10 for chrome. The math didn't math. He said "you learned a life lesson for not asking beforehand" not sure why the owner feels like he needs to teach his customers life lessons. I stated over again that I'm being very polite and was just seeking information - there is no reason to be rude. He then offered me $20 on my next service and then turned around and said he refuses my service, bc just bc I paid doesn't mean I get to ask questions. I'm genuinely confused at what was so triggering to him but certainly no excuse to blow up on a customer. He sent me $5 back on Venmo, but that doesn't start to make up for how rude he was. The techs here are great at what they do, I feel bad that they have to deal with an owner that doesn't hold himself up to a higher standard of customer service, or just simply doesn't display basic human kindness. Update: after talking to others, this owner is new and other customers in addition to his own nail techs have expressed distaste in his mannerisms. This was a phone conversation politely and calmly seeking information on services. I even thanked Helen again for the nails over the phone bc I was very happy with her service. He initially told me $55 + $10 for my nails (fill + chrome), I'm happy to pay more for nails I like, however, misplaced rudeness to a customer will not be excused especially one that has been loyally returning. 2/28: The business owner keeps changing his response to this review, and now is providing lies to deflect from his very poor customer service. I would pay Helen $75+ again to do my nails, but not at a salon that has such a vile owner. Sir - a simple apology goes further than the lies you keep updating on here. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - $75 (now $70 with his $5 back) gel fill. Not worth the experience of being talked down to. Stay away! - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Great salon. Always friendly and professional. Good nail design artists. Been coming here since they opened. read more

This is an overdue review, but I feel it's important to share my experience. I saw Tan several times for dip powder on my natural long nails. Each visit was for the same service -- one color dip on the same nail length -- yet the pricing was inconsistent every time. Although he never directly said it, he often seemed frustrated working on long natural nails and would cut corners during the service. He frequently suggested I switch to acrylic because it was "faster" and would make backhanded or snide comments that made the experience uncomfortable. I prefer dip on my natural nails and came in specifically for that service. He attempted to "fill" my dip powder a couple of times instead of properly removing and reapplying it. This is not proper technique for dip and can trap moisture. The last time he did this was my final visit. After that appointment, moisture became trapped and a few of my nails unfortunately developed green discoloration, which I later learned can happen when dip is not removed and reapplied correctly. There was also an uncomfortable moment where he believed I was taking a photo or video and raised his voice saying "no photo," becoming very defensive. I have taken photos of my own nails many times before without issue -- and there is nothing wrong with documenting your own service. I was not recording him, and even if I were taking a photo, it would have only been of my own nails. I have photo proof of both the service and the resulting nail discoloration. I value professionalism, consistency in pricing, respectful communication, and proper nail health practices. Unfortunately my experiences here did not reflect that, so I did not return. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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"The coin has two sides" my nails are all unevenly shaped, when applying the green then the orange every time there was nail dust and towel strands in it. You told me "don't worry we'll take care of you" and then I had to leave with clear polish because I was overpromised and under delivered. I had to ask for the lotion and wax pieces to be wiped off before I left. Not sure what other side of the coin is being missed, but okay :) I do not recommend this place. Manicure: still has remnant of my gel-x on some of nails, the nails have different shapes and lengths and not smooth. My nails were not cleaned multiple times before polish was added and you could see pieces of towel strands and nail dust in the polish. They couldn't add any color without it looking blotchy but I was told "they'd take care of it" and even after I still had to leave with clear polish. Pedicure: The massage was okay (which let's be honest, thats most of the reason for leveling up to a more expensive pedicure) and by the end of it, there was still pieces of wax and lotion on my legs and that I had to ask before I left to be taken care of. My feet don't feel "deluxe" smooth. Parking: limited availability but free. Just make sure to read the signs. Service: the services provided weren't worth it, but the lack of care when something became an issue (one person provided a "solution" without any follow up) I wouldn't want to come back to. I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

First visit to Golden Nails Salon. Customer service A1 amazing, water offered, and my service requested outstanding. The vibe was chill comfortable and relaxing. I will be back.. read more

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Right when I walked in I felt so good/ relaxed very happy with the way I was treated and respected my request on my nail shape ! Very important! Ty will come again & again read more

I decided to to this nail salon after being disappointed by my previous experiences. I was surprised by the Professional, kind and clean shop. Tommy was really good. I was pleasantly surprised by his work. I will definitely make this shop my only nail spa that I patronize. read more

Was a loyal customers since I found them a few years ago. Had my favorite people who I always book manicures and pedicures with. Since the new ownership a few months ago, my go-to people have left (or they got rid of them), payments are not efficient, and the breaking straw was during my last appointment. I requested a gel manicure (which is what I always get) and the younger, heavier set male who said he's new from Philadelphia electronically filed down all the gel and my natural nails leaving me with extremely soft, sensitive, red near-flesh fingers. It was so painful I opted to not do the gel polish. On top of that, he kept on staring at me trying to get my eye contact. Creepy! Paid and left. That's the last time they'll see me! Now I'm stuck with having to use builder gel at another nail salon to make up for the lack of nail strength I have while waiting and hoping my nails grow out strongly. read more

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My favorite nail shop!!! Every nail tech is good And it's clean and friendly! I go to Tommy & Kathy but would trust anyone here. They have tons of options for colors and styles and I'm never disappointed! read more

Don't even want to give one star of ranking if I can. Very disappointing experience. The technician who did my gel pedicure clearly lacked basic nail skills. The white polish was applied unevenly, several nails were not fully covered, some polish was painted outside the nail edges, and the nail shapes were not properly filed. The final result looked sloppy and unprofessional. When I pointed out that the polish was uneven and not covering the entire nail, he repeatedly asked whether I didn't like the color, completely missing the issue I was trying to explain. Instead of removing the polish and fixing the underlying problem, he simply added another thick coat on top, which did not solve the issue. In addition, I paid for a gel pedicure service that clearly included a "5-minute massage." However, there was no actual massage at all. He only applied a small amount of oil briefly, and the entire process lasted less than two minutes. This was not the service that was advertised and paid for. As the second day of my pedicure done, my right little toes nail polish already peeled off. For a professional nail salon, this level of workmanship and service is unacceptable. I am extremely disappointed with both the quality of the pedicure and the lack of professionalism. 200% I will not be returning. read more

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Long time customer of this nail salon but I won't be returning after new management took over a few months ago. This is unfortunate for this business since I liked most of the nail techs. I visited this salon in Feb this year and presented an advertised yelp discount for "20% off your next service". Midway through my service, the manager claimed that it is only for new customers even though it was clearly not advertised that way. Then, he said that the advertised offer was due to "software system errors and administrator mistakes." At the end of the day, the manager made no effort to honor the advertised offer or to keep a once loyal customer. read more

I had a great first experience here, but my second visit was really disappointing. I got my nails done last Wednesday, and it's barely Monday -- not even a week later -- and several of my nails have already chipped or broken. I take good care of my nails, so this was really frustrating, especially considering how nice they looked the first time. I'm not happy with the quality this time around and hope it was just an off day, but it definitely makes me think twice about coming back. read more

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EDIT: Downgrading from 2 stars to 1 after seeing the owner's speedy response to my review. This confirms the lack of professionalism and poor communication I described below. I had a really weird experience trying to book an appointment here. I called to ask if they offer dipping powder, and the owner initially said yes. He tried to convince me to get builder gel, but I mentioned that I prefer dipping powder because I've had better experiences with it. At that point, he started backtracking. First, he said they may refuse to remove dipping powder and that they don't do dip after 6pm because it takes too long. Then he changed his answer again and said they don't do dipping powder at all, only gel. He kept saying "have a nice day" and abruptly ended the conversation right after that. This all happened in the course of a 3-min phone call. Oh also, this spot is cash only. The inconsistent information and sudden shift in what services they offer was confusing, and the way the call was handled felt dismissive and unprofessional. If you have a specific service preference, I'd recommend confirming details carefully or considering other salons that are more transparent and accommodating. It's too bad, because I wanted to try this spot. But based on the bait and switch over the phone, I will take my business elsewhere. read more

Tommy good customer service beautiful nails Nice and patient did my nail how I like.Happy Customer Thank you read more

Great service! I found them on TikTok. The reviews were great location looked beautiful when I came in. I was treated kindly taken right away. Great service very happy. I recommend 100%. read more

I have been a loyal customer of Golden since day one. The staff has always been amazing and consistently goes the extra mile. The shop is clean, and they offer a wide variety of colors and services. Between my family and me, we spend a few hundred dollars there every few weeks. That said, I am highly disappointed in the new owners who took over two months ago. While the shop remains clean and still offers an abundance of colors, the personal touch is significantly lacking. They no longer accept debit or credit cards as a form of payment. I rarely carry cash, and having to go to an ATM is both inconvenient and costly. When I raised this concern, they allowed me to use my debit card but charged a $3 fee. Additionally, they are no longer using their POS system, which means they do not check appointments or track customer information for rewards points. I made an appointment online, but when I arrived, I was told everyone was busy and that I would need to return in half an hour. The shop, which was once beautifully decorated, now has several posters explaining new policies and maps showing where to get cash taped to the walls with packing tape. It gives the space a cluttered, unprofessional appearance. I understand that changes often come with new ownership, and I am willing to be flexible. However, not accepting card payments and failing to honor appointments may ultimately be dealbreakers for me. read more

Kent did an amazing job on my daughter's nails for graduation! I also received a pedicure from him last week, and he provided one of the best foot massages ever! read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

So I have been coming here most recently and its only been a few times. But I love the service. I am making this my local spot. I love the pedicures. The massage is great. My legs and feet always feel revitalized afterward. The massage chairs are comfy. They offer complimentary beverages at the beginning of each service. Parking can be a challenge as the lot is really small and there are other businesses. But they do designate spaces which makes your odds of getting a spot much better. read more

i've been wanting to get my nails done for the longest time after transitioning out from working in healthcare (as the past 2 1/2 to 3 years so my opportunity to actually get nails done were a few to none) I wanted something simple and long lasting.wasn't really looking for a gel or regular polish - considered maybe acrylic but also worried about the harshness of the actual acrylic. so i was so stoked to find that golden nails offered gel x extensions which fits exactly what i wanted! I would say that this place is very clean and had very great attentive service. they've also provided complementary drinks or snacks available. parking is somewhat limited, but you could probably find a spot/they'll help you too. would def recommend for yall to check out their place! read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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Helen did an amazing job for my nails!!! I loved the design and everyone here was super nice too!! read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Cherry Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I've been coming to Tommy for a few times and I always leave loving my nails! This place is clean, and I never have to wait too long. Their pricing is fair, and they offer a lot of different stuff! I've been here early morning and late nights, I can always count on coming here for my nail services! read more

Tommy is fantastic- does acrylic/gel/chrome finish. Great customer service and the salon is very clean.

This is my second time coming back to golden nails and they'll see me as a returning customer! The place was quiet and the workers were very accommodating! Vicky and Helen did my nails and they're very experienced, so call in to book with them! I also recommend calling in for an appointment but they're very accommodating to walk ins as well! If you're looking for a relaxing place while wanting to treat yourself, consider golden nails! I will say the parking is very limited but there is a parking area behind the liquor store and there's plenty of parking there. If you're unsure on where to park, I would ask the managers or the workers there. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Full set, almond shaped - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

No more cuticle care if you ask for builder gel? Crazy pricing if they don't care for the basics of a manicure. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - $65 for builder gel manicure with no cuticle care. Just the removal of my old gel nails and new builder gel. - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

This is the best salon for late night appointments and even walks in, especially during the work week. Tommy has done all my favorite nail designs, I would book with him for his skill read more

We have great nails set by Helen & Kent here. Highly recommended Golden nails Castro valley . read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Beautiful nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Friendly staff and clean place! They seem to have all the latest trendy gels, powders, and polish. Easy to get an appointment. I basically walked in the first time going here. You check in upon arriving on their tablet. They offer drinks as soon as you get seated. They have a huge tv to entertain customers. Usually some reality tv show off Netflix. They also offer a discount when paying with cash. Today I went to Kimly. She did an amazing job! She takes her time filing the shape and does it better than you expect. I showed her a design and she easily did it. read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Done by Kimly - Almond pointed yellow French tip with gems - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Thy was especially amazing with my graduation nails! Quality was perfect, every detail done perfectly! read more

Golden Nails Castro Valley - Nail Salons Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I had this old lady who did the best nails ever. she was so sweet and I can't wait to come back.

I had a regular nail polish manicure and pedicure done on Friday 8/29 evening (which was my time visiting the nail salon) and today is Sunday 8/31 and the nail polish is already chipping off my nails. I normally get regular nail polish and have experienced the nail polished from other nail salon staying on my nails for 5-7 days. Customer service was great but I noticed that they don't disinfect their tools which is not good. read more

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