I have had at least one service from every person at Hillcrest and they are all great! The leg massages during your pedicure are so lovely I just love my nails every time I leave read more

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06.24.2025 - My Go-To Spot for a Long-Lasting Gel Mani This review is overdue. After trying several nail salons around town, I'm thrilled to have finally found my spot--Hillcrest Nail Salon. Tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this unassuming gem has quickly become my go-to for gel manicures that actually last. I'm talking nearly a month with minimal chipping! My nail tech, Thao, deserves a shoutout of her own. She's consistently precise, incredibly detail-oriented, and remarkably efficient. Somehow, she balances speed with meticulous care--my nails always look clean, even, and expertly shaped. She's the kind of tech who makes you feel like your hands are in the best hands. The pricing is very fair, especially considering the durability of the gel. And yes, the quality is there: no rushed jobs or cut corners. The salon itself is cozy, but clean and well-kept, and I've never had trouble booking a last-minute appointment thanks to their flexible scheduling. A few pro tips for first-timers: Ask for Thao if you want consistent, top-tier results. Bring cash to avoid the 3% card fee. Sign in for the rewards program--you'll rack up points pretty quickly if you're a regular. Parking can be tricky. There's a tiny lot around the corner, but it fills up fast. Street parking is your best bet, but be prepared to circle a bit, especially during peak hours. Why only 4 stars? Mostly due to the parking situation and occasionally long wait times even with an appointment. Still, the service keeps me coming back. If you're in the Hillcrest area and tired of gel manicures that lift after a week, give this place a try. It might just become your new favorite, too. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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I'm so disappointed. Although the staff was friendly and we were serviced quickly, my nail design suffered BADLY. My best friend and I looked for a nail spa that was closer to where I dropped off my son so we could quickly have some girly time. The appt started off nicely and I even had the best laughs I've had in a while with my nail tech. Loved her for that. However once she started doing the design (my nail inspo was a very thin-lined double French tips), it was done with lines that weren't precise, some areas thicker than others. She even almost put the top coat without finishing up the design on one of my nails. When it was done, I wanted to say I didn't like it and to do it again, but one, I felt bad and two, I was on a time crunch having to pickup my toddler asap. The nails look good from a distance but once you get closer, it doesn't look good. I attached my nail inspo vs a few pics of my actual nails. read more

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i've come 4x so far, once for a gel pedicure almost a year ago, once for brows, and twice for my last two gel x sets. my retention last a long time, almost 5 weeks! im pretty heavy handed and impressed how well my nails have stayed intact. i've loved all my services so far and will keep coming back! read more

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This review is for Thao and the entire staff! I've had my manicure and pedicure done twice here and it lasted me longer than anywhere I've ever gotten them done. Their massage and attention to detail is everything! They know are so meticulous with their work and gentle. They even did my daughter's nails and were so sweet to her! Call for an appointment bc it does get busy. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Kids manicure! - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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I've been to this nail salon about three times now, mainly because it's just a block away from where I live. While the location is convenient, the payment experience has been frustrating every single time. Each visit, they push you to use the ATM inside the salon, even if you come prepared to pay with a credit card. The first and second time, I went along with it, but today was different. I told them upfront that I planned to use my credit card. One of the staff even asked if I had cash, and when I said no, I overheard them talking to each other about making me use the ATM instead. Then, the person helping me took my card and claimed the credit card machine "wasn't working," asking me to pay in cash instead. When I said I didn't have any, she asked if I could take cash out of my credit card--at that point, I was honestly shocked. If they only want to accept cash, they should clearly state that at the front of the salon or on Yelp, rather than putting customers in an uncomfortable position. Despite the salon being nearby, I won't be coming back. The service itself isn't worth the constant hassle over how to pay. read more

This is the first time I was hesitant to post a review because I want to gatekeep this place but they deserve recognition, specifically Thao! I only see Thao for my gel x because she's meticulous and gentle. I've been pretty traumatized with past experiences at other salons: examples include the techs drilling too hard, not paying attention and filing my skin and drawing blood, the uv lamp burning my nail, etc. I literally thought getting my nails done would always be painful and wouldn't be able to relax my hands. But Thao is different! I don't know how to explain it - she works fast but is considerate, deliberate and a perfectionist. She makes sure I'm comfortable and satisfied. Andddddd my nails never lift (crazy I can wash my hair in peace)!! I think one time I accidentally waited 4 weeks for my fill but they still looked good :,) Also great location for me since it's close to my house and easy to find parking! read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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My friend and I went here and it wasn't very clean. They kept burning my feet. When my friend got hers done after getting the dirty bacteria out of her nails the worker put it on top of her foot. It just really wasn't professional and they didn't make our feet physically comfortable. She kept telling me to keep my foot up. Usually they do that. It was the worst pedicure ever! We won't be back. I don't recommend. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Today was my first time at this nail salon and I wanted to check it out since it's walking distance from my house. Prior to coming to the salon, I made an appointment on their website which is really easy to use. What drew me in was that they offer gel-x and I came here with the intention of pampering myself for my upcoming birthday. I first got a gel pedicure deluxe and ended up getting the hot stones and wax as well (always recommend this). Loan welcomed me with hot tea and a hot neck compress which made me feel super taken care of. I like my toes specifically square with the sides not cut and she listened to my wants which made me appreciate the service more. She took her time cleaning my cuticles which also reassured me because I've had encounters at other salons where I they would rush and not do a great job. For the deluxe pedicure, a steamer was also used throughout my pedicure which is a nice and simple addition for the experience! Once my pedicure was done, I moved to my gel x manicure which was done by Cindy. I haven't gotten my nails done in about 2 years and usually get them done around my birthday. I showed her what I wanted which was a simple almond/stiletto French tip. During the shaping of the first nail, she asked if everything looked good and always asked after every step (if the pink was ok, sizing, how I want my French and comparing every finger before painting all in one go to make sure they were all the same) which is something I greatly appreciated! In addition to my visit, they gave me 30% my services because my birthday was in a couple of days. Because of the thoroughness and consideration of my overall experience, this will be my new go to place without a doubt. Overall, I recommend this nail salon as they make you feel valued, take their time, clean, and super friendly. read more

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I'm disappointed with my recent experience, especially after being a loyal customer at this salon for some time. During my pedicure, I was cut, something I understand can happen occasionally. However, the cut would not stop bleeding, and instead of handling it with care, the technician continued to pick at the area while it was actively bleeding. The tool was visibly covered in blood, and she continued to work on my pedicure with a bloody tool! Even after rinsing my foot 3-4 times, the bleeding persisted. I have photos that show the extent of it and this is after several rinses. What made the situation worse was the complete lack of acknowledgment or apology. No one said anything not even a simple "I'm sorry." Instead, the staff laughed and made comments about me, assuming I couldn't understand. That level of unprofessionalism was shocking. When I declined the mystery oil the technician pulled from her pocket (it was not the usual green antiseptic they use), another technician stepped in with a white powder she said was an antibiotic. They applied it, but my toe continued to bleed, and at that point, I was just done. I no longer felt safe or comfortable, and I didn't even want to finish the rest of my service. As my pedicure continued, she continued to rinse my feet off with the bloody water. At this point I no longer wanted to complete the pedicure and chose to stop. To top it off, when I went to pay and chose not to tip(because of the whole experience) I could hear them laughing again, with who I believe is the co-owner. I also had to stand there 15 minutes for her to fix the machine for me to pay. I left feeling unsafe, and completely disrespected. This was an incredibly unprofessional and disappointing experience, and I will not be returning. Edit: Upon leaving, I noticed my other foot was bleeding as well, not as much but picture has been inserted. read more

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On top of booking an appointment, you still probably have to wait. What's the point? I usually don't even leave reviews but this was BY FAR the WORST manicure I had ever received and a bummer because I had been a loyal customer since they opened. Had book for acrylic they insisted on Gel x and knew what they were doing. Didn't even ask for a special design or anything. My first time getting Gel X. No prep or anything. Paid the same if not more as acrylic, complete rip off. Could've done this by myself blind for free. Fingers burned days after. 0/10. They also try to raise prices slickly. Save your time and money and go elsewhere. read more

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Great service and prices, staff takes their time and handles with care. I'll be back!

I was excited to see Hillcrest Nail Spa open near my house because it's so hard to find a good nail salon in Daly City. Usually, I have to drive a minimum of 15 minutes to get my nails done. I scheduled a gel mani and gel pedi appointment online and was greeted by Tammy when I walked in. She is the owner of the shop and she is super sweet! Tammy did my mani and pedi, and my nails turned out nice! I left the shop feeling happy because my new go-to nail salon is less than a 5 minutes drive from me :) While I was there, I ran into Wendy, who has done my sister's, my mom's, and my nails at the salon we were previously going to. Glad I was able to check this place out to find out she works there, too! I'm very picky when it comes to nail salons, but I look forward to seeing Tammy and Wendy soon at Hillcrest Nail Spa! read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Gel Mani by Tammy - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Quiet atmosphere, professional, consistent & quality matches price. I like that they take walk ins but it's also very easy to make an appointment and they're able to accommodate either way. read more

I would avoid Wendy if you can. She painted dust and towel lint into my nails, cut them short before I could I specify what I wanted, and I had to file my nails after I left. Her personality is a little abrasive (rude commentary) and we ended on a weird note because the Apple Pay wasn't going through at first. She didn't seem to know how to work it that well and I didn't exactly know where to scan, so maybe that was a fail on both our parts. I still tipped her, but definitely won't be back. read more

I have been here for mani pedis and for eyebrow waxing, all services are equally amazing and very affordable. I went today to get my nails done, and my fingernails were done by an older gentleman - he did such a fantastic job that I will request him again! The salon is small, with a few rooms in the back for storage and waxing. Friendly and nice service, one of the ladies told me I could even make myself a green tea which was free of charge (I assume they're for employees but I saw it on my way out of the waxing room when I got my eyebrows done). Will be back for sure! read more

They never disappoint! I've been going here about 3-4 times now, and with how flexible they are with nail designs are super neat. These girls always meet the expectations and they're super friendly, as well as cooperative. The vibes in the salon is super comfy and calm, though I love listening to music or watch a video as they do my nails. Obviously, I'm coming back for more :) read more

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Thao slayed my nail set yet again!! I asked for jelly French tips and she brought my vision to life. I love how elegant these are. She is always open to my ideas and finds a way to make it happen. She is very detail oriented and patient. I have never been complimented more on my nails than when she does them EVERY TIME. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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Everyone working there was very kind and helpful. My nail tech did a great job, everything looks pretty and neat- thank you read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - gel x - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

To begin, I'd like to say that everyone in the store is super sweet, including the lady that did my nails. However, I've had to go into the store 4 times in the span of a week and two days. At first, I got a gel x set even after I specified I wanted acrylic, but the tech who did my nails suggested gel x and i trusted her recommendation. 6 days in, a nail lifts and breaks off. I go back in and get it fixed. The next day, another one breaks, which I go get fixed again. During this time, they offered to do a removal and full acrylic set for no charge. However, when I called to schedule the appointment, the lady who originally did my nails said they would charge me for the price difference between the gel x and acrylic set. I went back in, and they have the lady who originally did my gel x set to do my nails again. Unfortunately, this process took two hours and I was running late for work so I did not pay much attention to my nails. However, once getting into my car, I noticed they were uneven, lumpy, thick, and especially curved in. It is so frustrating because I have paid and tipped twice already. I have always been super understanding, because I know things like this happen, but it is completely not okay for both sets to get messed up. read more

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Tao always does an amazing job bringing my crazy ideas to life! Her attention to detail is top tier, I always leave there happy. Also had an amazing deluxe pedicure with their CBD add on and it was so wonderful! Thank you again ladies read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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My friend told me about Hillcrest Nail Spa and I just went there today to get my nail done for my wedding photo sho I made appointment with Thao which I were happy I did that. I showed her the picture I like then She helped me pick the colors so I can choose, also gave me some advise about the design. She was really patient always made sure I liked every detail. I'm very happy with the result. All staff are friendly. Really recommend this place. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Very disappointed my nails are popping off after a week. The gel on my toes is ruined after one week. On top of making an appointment I had to wait. I don't know how they have all these good reviews I'm very disappointed. I have never had nails pop off in one week unacceptable. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Pooh done nails. My nails didn't even last one week. - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Exceptional service. This is a very cute shop and the ambiance is welcoming. The prices are very reasonable and much more affordable than other places. They really take care of you and have great customer service. I had Gel-X with Thao and she did an amazing job. She was very patient and meticulous with the design and specifics I wanted. Thao did not disappoint because my nails came out beautiful! Also, Wendy gives great quality pedicures. I've been having some pain in my toes and she was very nice enough to remove whatever it was to relieve them without any pain. My toes feel so much better and they look great! Would highly recommend this place. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Gel-X by Thao - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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It sucks that my first review has to be a not so positive experience. This was my first time coming to this location and I saw they had good reviews. Made my appointment for GelX with design and a regular pedicure. All the ladies were nice and they asked questions of what I wanted. To make this review short the lady doing my feet cut me and I was bleeding and kept painting near the cut to not make it noticeable. The lady working on my hands put a thick layer of gel and I told her why it looked like that and she said that's how it was. The way she shaped my nails made my fingers looked crooked which she tried to fix it. I was going to get a design but after I saw how she started on the first nail and to save both of our times I told her to remove it and leave the nails how they work. I got charged $110 and left a tip, my hands and toes took 3 hrs . After really looking at my nails I wanted to cry because it looked horrible! I been getting my nails done for years and have not gotten a job done like this before. I went to a different place to get them removed and even the lady removing my nails was shocked of how thick the gel was. I had to soak my nails in acetone for half a hour to remove the nail. My nails are soo fragile now because of that. I think more training is needed to do gel x or just nails in general because some people would have not paid at all. read more

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Called for a last minute appointment. Asked for a tortoise shell french tips. Nails look identical to reference picture! read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Thank you Thao! - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Hillcrest Nail Spa is absolutely the best! I went here to get my eyebrows done and the staff took care of me very nicely. The lady who did my eyebrows took her time to map out the shape and consistently asked for my feedback, she made sure that I liked the shape and everything! I'm very satisfied with the result and how my brows came out. A couple weeks later, the brows started to fade very nicely and I'm completely in love with them. They make my face look so balanced and lifted! Highly recommended this place, they do other beauty services as well! read more

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This review is specifically for Cindy. She does absolutely incredible work, the best manicures I've ever had. Because of her I've been able to grow my nails the longest I've ever had. She has a super gentle hand and listens to exactly what you want and makes sure you like it. Today I'm completely blown away by the beautiful cat eye gel manicure she gave me. I'm never going anywhere else. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Gel Manicure with Cat eye polish - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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I love this place especially Thao and Cindy they have soo much talent very clean place lovely ladies why 4 stars and not 5 well the downside is that once you become a regular client they always tell you come back comeback im busy now however brand new clients are taken in right away read more

I love coming here to get pampered! Thao and Wendy always do such a great job on my Gel X and Pedicure. The vibe is very relaxing with calming music and they make the experience fell like i'm on vacation. They also offer waxing! i highly recommend going. they are always able to recreate any design i've shown them. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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i came in super excited to get a pedicure done because it's been over a year since my last one. for some reason the woman helping me cut my nail down from the sides, all the way down the bottom. i don't ever have issues with ingrown nails.. so i was kind of confused and it really hurt. anyways, it's the next day and now i am developing an infection where she cut me :(( i would say... book with caution i unfortunately will not be back :/ read more

I've been going to this place for a few months. Service is always amazing. Tammy is very gentle and meticulous. She always checks in making sure everything is to your liking. Thank you tammy! read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - acrylic fill - color funny bunny - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Cindy did a great job on my nails. I'm always a little nervous trying new nail techs because I've been cut in the past, but she was so gentle and careful. The place is clean and the prices are reasonable. I also like that they have seasonal and chrome colors. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Gel polish with chrome - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

Highly recommend Hillcrest Nail Spa! I had an amazing gel pedicure and manicure. Very sweet ladies and very nice place. Definitely coming back! read more

I had the most amazingly self indulgent experience lastweek, and it's something I treat myself to regularly. I loved this nail spa with a cozy comfortable atmosphere. Tammy, Wendy and Cindy are very skilled professionals with a great hospitable personality. My nails are "lookiing good", lots of compliments too. I am extremely happy to have found this place. I highly recommend Tammy who did my gel-x mani, Cindy for my lash lift and tint and also Wendy for my deluxe pedi. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Gel-X nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

If you haven't booked with Wendy, what are you waiting for? This was my first time getting a gel pedicure by her, and she brought my feet back to life! She really takes pride in her work and will make you feel right at home. I genuinely felt as if my long lost cousin was doing my nails. I already love Hillcrest Nail Spa but Wendy's professionalism, hospitality, and honesty is second to none. read more

Love them! Been going here since they opened and the other day was my first "bad" set. My hard gel set was too thick and shaped weird, I didn't notice until I was gone and tried to like them but just couldn't! Long story short I called to try to get them fixed, fully expecting to pay a bit, and they refused to let me pay anything! Not many nail shops in the world have the type of customer first service that they do and I really appreciated them owning a mistake and fitting me in asap to fix it. It's also cool that they're a one stop shop for basically every beauty need outside of hair. read more

Wendy gives the best pedicures, hands down! Since I discovered her, I won't let anyone else touch my feet. Her attention to detail is incredible, and she really knows how to clean cuticles the right way. read more

Wow! Tammy (owner) and her team are amazing! I have ROCKED with Tammy and her professional team for over 10+ years and I will follow Tammy and her team wherever they go! She started in SF (Bayview) where I first met her and her phenomenal husband and team. They are PROS. Hillcrest Nail and Spa in Daly City is the real deal and let us not forget Generation Nails in SF. Tammy does superb waxing and lashes and much much more! She is humanitarian wiz! She is thorough as well as a beauty conscious professional nail and spa tech. She appreciates her staff and all her businesses. She is a people person and it shows through her caring, being precise in giving beauty and business satisfaction at the same time. Her nail tech Thang is brilliantly AWESOME with the way she makes your nails POP! I just can't say enough because Tammy and her staff are the BEST N THE WEST! I appreciate, admire and adore both businesses and TAMMY YOU ROCK! Keep up the great work! Luv, MsRoRo read more

These ladies aren't just nail techs, they are artists. I actually got stopped on the street a couple days after going for the 2nd time because they wanted to know where I got my nails done. CBD pedicure = BEST. I've tried their dip, gel x, and now I'm trying hard gel to see which I like better, all on Tammy's recommendation. My gel x didn't budge for two weeks. I'm hard on my hands, this was impressive. Go here, tip well, and marvel at your beautiful nails. read more

Hillcrest Nail Spa - Same manicure, the color changes based on how warm I am. Obsessed. - Nail Salons Near Me - Daly City, California

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