this place is the best!!. only place I come to do my and daughters nail. Leo and Ryan ROCK

The most fun women. Beautiful new surroundings! Love their services. Highly recommend! read more

I've been to Kensington Nails and Spa twice and actually liked it which makes this even more disappointing. I just called to book a mani and pedi separately and this is something I've done before and was met with attitude. I understand Fridays are busy but the tone was rude and dismissive. When I agreed to just a manicure the response was a sarcastic "thank you." First impressions are the reveal and this one said everything. If this is how repeat customers are treated over the phone it's clear long term business isn't a priority. They've lost a customer and I won't be recommending this place to anyone. read more

This was a great experience and unexpected. Normally, I don't go out of my neighborhood to get my nails or toes done, but I was meeting girlfriends to celebrate a birthday. It was outright the best leg and foot massage I've ever had for a pedicure. They also used some sort of soft Dremel machine for the callus remover. It was like a well oiled machine and they offered beverages so I had two Vietnamese coffees. If I lived closer, I would always visit this location, but I did tell my friends if we ever wanted more Girlfriend dates I would join them. Sam did my pedicure and did a fantastic job. read more

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Came in as a walk in and only waited a few minutes. They were very friendly and I'm so happy with my nails! They came out amazing. Sam kept checking to see if they were coming along as I wanted. Highly recommend this place. read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been shopping around for a new nail salon and I think I got the one finally! Apple was the one who did my pedicure and she was so good I didn't feel like leaving the chair. Loved how she works and the detail that she put on my nails and how she perfected them for me. This place has a good vibe and has good music playing. I will definitely be back and will recommend this place. read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I absolutely love this place and it's one of my favorite nail places in San Diego. The owner is amazing. They are consistent, kind, friendly! They are open basically 7 days a week and try their best to squeeze you in when you're in a pinch. They offer you a complimentary drink as well. I usually get dip nails here. They also have options such as gel and regular. They do designs (call ahead suggested) chrome nails, cat eye nails, matte nails and more. What I love about this shop is that they're always with it and updating their products and shop. It's street parking with a small private lot and some alley way parking. I've never had troubling finding parking. True hustle and bustle of a nail salon. It's not quiet, it's often extremely busy with cooking shows playing in the background. They try to get you in and out, which can be good if you're in a rush but sometimes rushing things are missed - such as nail polish stuck to my hand (photos attached). I notified the manicurist and she tried to scratch one off and left the rest. No one likes leaving that way. read more

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I have been here twice now to get my nails done. Both times I got Tammy and she is really good. I was looking for an American manicure look but still like the way they came out. She pays attention to the details and doesn't leave my nails too thick and asks how I like it so far as she works on them. Parking is a bit of a challenge but the upside is the Bleu Bohème is right across the street. This nail salon has a fresh decor with beautifully upholstered chairs and always busy so be sure to book an appointment. So far the staff have been super friendly and always offer you a drink. read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nails by Tammy - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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The 5 star Yelp reviews convinced me to try a new nail salon. I was able to walk in this morning for a pedicure. I was warmly greeted immediately. There is a small waiting area inside and also a bench outside. I only waited about two minutes and was taken to the chair. I was presented with the description of services/prices and polish colors. I chose the deluxe pedicure. The technician was kind, gentle and checked in on my comfort level. The service feels a bit rushed and I'm not sure if the chairs have a massage function as it was not activated if so. There was no waiting a few minutes for the polish to dry at the end which was new for me. Parking can also be a challenge. Overall it was fine, I'm not sure if I've found my perfect place just yet. read more

I've gone to this place for YEARS but I have never been more disappointed. I got a gel manicure and every single nail chipped well on vacation. I got back to SD a day after their "policy" and they refused to help me! Then I asked to just get them removed and they charged me $15. I asked if I could get a discount due to every nail looking so terrible and the manager only gave me $5 off. Then the tech doing my removal scrapped so hard he took off a good chunk of my nail on both hands! I went to another place after and they refused to do anything until they grow back. Very disappointed by the overall customer service will NOT be going back read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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When walk in as welcome with a greeting and smile . Definitely recommend making a appt Music is good and have tv through the place Every time service is awesome request Sophie each time Bring friends every few months as girl day they always love They come back too . Offer drinks , vibe is always read more

Reasonable and no matter who you see they are proficient. Love having an excellent neighborhood salon.

This review has been a long time coming... this is hands down my favorite nail salon in San Diego. I always call to make my appointments, which makes the whole process so much easier since appointments tend to get booked up. The salon is pretty, clean, and is always busy with clients getting manis and pedis, which says a lot. They offer a complimentary drink when you arrive and have so many polish options to choose from. Parking can be a bit tricky to find on the street, so I recommend giving yourself a little extra time. The owner is amazing and so good at remembering her customers, which really makes the experience feel personal. All of the nail techs are incredibly kind and take their time working with you to make sure you'll love your service. I usually get gel manis, and they last for weeks. They also offer a 7-day polish warranty and will fix any chips if they happen. I love going to Vinny, Apple, and Tammy, but honestly, everyone there is so talented. I can't recommend this salon enough! read more

The dip manicure was good, and it's standing pretty strong after a week (as it should). The lady who did it was very good. I liked how fast I was in and out. However, my gel pedicure I paid like 55.00 for has already peeled off on my toes despite wearing closed toed shoes all week. It started to peel the next day. I'm really disappointed because I just moved to town and wanted to find a new nail place. It looks like I haven't gotten my toes done now, and I've had to remove the gel myself so it doesn't look bad. I felt the women doing my nails were really nice, though. read more

Owner Kate (American name) runs a tight & busy & good ship, always packed with 25-45 yo mainly women, every race, lots very fit & tatted & with $$$$. A few V men workers too. All do a very good to great job. Very consistent. Clean. Free small bevs & small snacks. New parking lot attached savior, street parking NOT good. read more

They're always so packed every time I've gone in but the service has always remained top tier! The services are done efficiently and in about an hour if you're doing a quick simple design or solid color! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

First of all, never disappointed. Have been coming here for years. Calling ahead is way worth it as they are booked out especially on the weekends. Kate, the owner, is such a gem and always on her A game! You can tell she cares and keeps up with the place's presentation. Always clean, up kept, communicative, and the complimentary refreshments are on point and appreciated. What more can you expect in the adorable Kensington neighborhood? I do have my favorite nail techs (will keep those to myself :) but everyone is fabulous! I always get a mani/pedi and add callus remover to my pedi. Literally the best and worth every dime! read more

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This was my first visit here and I was seated right at my appointment time... no waiting. I had Mimi and she did a meticulous job. My daughter had her nails done at the same time and she was also awesome. I had a TAP hybrid fill and my daughter had Gel X. Toney are great at everything! read more

We absolutely love Kensington Nails and Spa! My husband and I like to get regular mani/pedis, but we had been underwhelmed by many places. He found Kensington Nails and Spa through Yelp, and it is now the only place we'll go! The owner, Kate, is friendly and funny. She greets us like regulars when we come in, and she's always doing things to upgrade the experience - complimentary drinks, new spa chairs, lighting and decor. The nail technicians do a great job. We love the pedicure package with the callus remover and paraffin wax, and they even have one that includes a hot stone massage for your calves. We'll be regulars for as long as Kate and her wonderful team are here! read more

One of the nicest nail salons I've ever been to! So clean, and I trult felt like I was at a spa. I got the European Pedicure and Classic Manicure highly recommend if you're local or even just visiting the area like I am! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Entrance - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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This salon is a well oiled machine. So efficient. Everyone I've seen has been great, I have visited this salon for regular gel manis and regular pedicures. Prices are fair for the quality you get! Will be trying hard gel soon :) read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Gel mani. Color was HD 46 I think. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Everyone was really sweet and the ladies who did my nails were sweet and did an amazing job. May and Jennifer did my nails and did an amazing job!!! read more

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Support a small business -- one with more client care and integrity than any I've ever come across. This review is long overdue, but Kensington Nails is the only place I will ever go to get my nails done. So much so that I have now referred at least 10 other people who still go and enjoy it. Kate, the owner, is so passionate about her clientele. I've never seen someone remember so many names, she truly welcomes you in with so much warmth, like she's really grateful to have you there. I have been with the salon through Covid, I have seen all the changes they've had to make, how Kate has dealt with restrictions and the increase in cost of running a salon. She has handled everything with grace and still comes to work to serve her clients with so much care. Two situations specifically stick out to me: I was too nervous to correct the nail technician for not getting the art on my nail right. After wrestling with whether I should tell Kate, fearing that she might reprimand me for not speaking up in the moment, she invited me back to get it redone, no charge. She even laughed with me about the nail art, and the situation, which made me feel way less guilty. Second, my mom is really picky and I sent her here. She brought two of her friends. Kate really took care of her and her friends, and impressed my mom with her integrity and dedication to customer service. And my mom is not easy to please :-) she even came back with my sister another time and Kate took the best care of us. I always walk out of the salon feeling like 1 million bucks. I know that when I get to go to Kensington Nails, the stress of the world will roll off my back as I get my nice massage, manicure or spa pedicure, and enjoy a nice Vietnamese iced coffee while watching a calming cooking or interior design show. Seriously, my friends and I always text each other after we leave the salon talking about how engrossed we get in the shows lol. They also serve mimosas, sparkling water, water, and yummy snacks like cookies, sour punch straws... But seriously, who else serves Vietnamese iced coffee? It's the best drink ever! The attention to detail here is what really sets them above and beyond. They offer an eight day nail polish fix policy (for gel nails and above) because they stand behind their product that much. That's true class in a world that often takes your money and runs. I also like the small details, like a phone stand so you can read or look at your phone while you're getting your nails done, and a pillow for your back if you need to rest it (if it's not there, just ask them if you'd like one). Each technician is so kind, I love hearing the joyous conversation throughout the salon with clients. Run, don't walk, to see Kate and her fleet of kind technicians. Tell her Ché sent you ;) read more

I heard the business can get very busy so I made an appointment for a pedicure and full set nails. I was seated immediately upon arrival. The staff were friendly and accommodating. They offered me a drink as I sat down. I was in and out in about 1 hour for both services. It has been 8 days and my nails still look great! read more

Leo was so friendly and very accommodating with all of my requests. He did a wonderful job with my nails. I love them! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I came to my appointment on time as I live one block from them and a frequent customer. The lady at reception let other people start the service who came later than me. When I asked about it, she lied without any hesitation, "They came before you." I told her, that is a lie. Then she changed her words and told me, "I am sending the single service one first, you have two services." Then started behaving rude, including her staffs too. They also pretended they could not understand me. Most likely they are not used to see a lot of Indian women in their place and their behavior was totally awful. I will suggest them to change few people around here and improve their communication skills until myself and other neighborhood ladies can come back. read more

Great nail spa in a cute neighborhood. This place is always busy so be warned you need to absolutely have an appointment. It can be made be made the same day of your visit but all services may not be available. All of the lady's that have done my nails or pedicures have been well skilled. They take care of your nails and don't just go straight to using the drill, they take their time and foil your gel nails with acetone as well. The atmosphere is busy with friendly chatter from both customers and staff. They have several choices of beverages available which are always offered when you sit down. They have snacks that kids like as well. I would say they are a bit pricey but worth every penny. I have to give Kudos to the ladies that work the reception desk. They run a tight but very efficient ship, bravo! read more

Overall, the best nail salon I've been to! I've been going here for a few years and I love their service. If you're not comfortable with something, they'll make sure to make it right! Everyone that's attended me has been super sweet too. Highly recommend! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail design - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been to Kensington many times now and have had a great experience each time. I've gotten gel and dip manis here. The only con is that it can get super busy at peak times so I would recommend going during the weekday morning/early afternoon if able! Otherwise I think price, service, and hospitality of Kensington is well worth it. read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love that they actually honor appointment times! I'm always in and out within an hour for gel manicures. It's a bit small so personal space is kinda limited and you can hear everyones conversation. It's always full so always make an appointment. Parking can be an issue if you go during busy hours. I make the 20 min drive because I know the nails will be great. read more

Obsessed is an understatement. A friend suggested that I add getting my nails done as part of self care and I goggled this place and it did not disappoint. If you're looking for a place that passes the vibe check, this is it. If you're looking for a nail shop where they understand what you need and is up to date on what's trending, this is it. If you're looking for outstanding customer service, this is it. The quality is top notch, they do not miss and just overall deliver excellent service. This is now my staple, holy grail nail shop and I cannot recommend them enough!! So do yourself a favor and check them out. read more

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Excellent customer service, everyone here are perfectionist, really. I asked for a classic pedicure service was around 40 minutes and costed $35 (without tip). Amazing vibe and they offer little snacks and drinks read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Classic pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Best nail salon in San Diego! Receptionist is always sweet but quick over the phone, owner is always there greeting her customers and it is very clean and hygienic! All nail techs do a wonderful job, in particularly Tammy! She is always on point and does beautiful nail designs! She is very detailed and does exactly what you ask her to do. Show her an inspo pic and she's got it! read more

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I have been with Lee since the last shop and I followed her here because she is not only absolutely talented and detailed but she is also really sweet and she is also very fast! Love her :)) Will follow her wherever she goes to get my nails done also shout out Kathleen she did my little sisters nails and they came out sooo pretty!! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is busy! And deservedly so. I got a pedicure and opted for some of the natural products. It was relaxing and thorough. Nice chairs, clean salon, but not quiet (not that it should be). Will be back for pedicures in the future. Parking in the neighborhood during the day is quite easy read more

One of the best nail salons i've ever been to! I had my first appointment here today, and upon arriving for my 11AM appointment, the front desk let me know they didn't have me on the schedule. No worries - they still had me promptly seated within 5 minutes despite nearly every chair accounted for. This is a smaller salon but there is great talent here. Something that sets this apart from other salons is the vibe is a lot friendlier, the nail techs are funny and personable! I would definitely return to get my nails done by Kim again. She did a fantastic gel french tip in about 30 minutes read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Gel french tip - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I got my nails done today by Lee! Every single Time I leave very happy. She does amazing job and is so welcoming. The salon was is one of the best salons in San Diego. Everyone looks happy to be there and is so nice. Highly recommend this salon if you want to relax! read more

I absolutely love my new set and it's all thanks to Mary ! I have been coming for years and have loved the service, they never let me leave disappointed! read more

Kensington Nails And Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Decided to treat myself to a mani/pedi & eyebrow wax as a treat for myself on my 73rd birthday. Kathleen did my mani & I think the lady who did my pedi was named Angel. I don't remember the name of the lady who did my eyebrows. Excellent service. I will be back before I am 74 (I hope!!) read more

This is our favorite go to spot! Friendly techs and they do an amazing job! No other place we go