The thing is...when you walk in here...you gotta know the right people to ask for, kids, or you're doing it all wrong!!!!You can't just pop in and expect perfection. You have to ask the locals who KNOW, right? Am I RIGHT?!? Especially when it comes to your nails....if your going for gel nails you don't want them lumpy and thick or strange shapes with no attention to detail now do we?!?! So if you are looking for perfection,ask for Kim. But don't do it today cause I need my nails done. She is amazing. She is gentle, she is fast and she does it right the first time, every time. And then for toes...ask for Kelly. She's the best for that. So there you go folks. The inside scoop. That's what yelp is for. You wanna know who is the best and the greatest, so you don't waste your hard earned money. Cuts out the trial and the error and provides you with cute fingies and not so gross stinkies. read more

Popular Nails - Kim is still the best ladies. And when I popped in yesterday she was the only manicurist with 7 personal requests. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Horrible! Gal kept applying THICK (old) red nail polish to my big toes. I finally said something to her about thinning the polish. Next thing I know the manager came over took the polish, then another technician ('Stop War' T-shirt was cool but a bit ironic since she was quite snotty) came over and started polishing the other toes with thinner red polish. During the entire time not a word was said to me by any of them. No explanation, no apology. The new tech worked diligently to clean up the messy bigs toes instead of removing the polish completely & redoing. Needless to say more than an hour later I look at my big toes and they are a mess because the thick polish never set. The icing on the cake? The manager asked if I wanted to "add something to the total (tip) and I said "No". The nerve to think they deserve a tip instead of comping the service for doing a crappy job! Avoid!! read more

This used to be my literal favorite place to get my nails done. I used to be a regular customer (even living about 40 minutes away) every two weeks until the recent pandemic. But my first time back in a year I can say this nail salon has lost my overall respect and I will not be returning. To start, the customer service is terrible.. The man doing my nails cut them extremely short and actually wanted to do them shorter! As I'm already uncomfortable about the length, the entire staff circles my table staring down at my nails laughing and talking eachother. It was so bad to the point even the customer next to me asked to see my nails, asking "do you actually like how these look??". Next, despite service and length, he did a terrible job! He barely covers your whole nail, making it obvious he just wants you to have to come back for a fill most likely the same week you get them done! In addition, he uses different sized nails, my thumbs are incredibly uneven now, it's embarrassing! Lastly, he charges you $2 per glitter coat! And when you ask to put more on the nail, he refuses. A 5 star salon really dropped down in quality.. I do not recommend this place to anybody in Carlsbad, anywhere else is better. They also raised their prices.. read more

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I tried this salon twice after having a bad experience only to be disappointed again and again. I made an appointment a few months back and when I arrived I was asked if I could wait 45 minutes. I was frustrated and said, No, since I had called to make an appointment. The whole point was not having to wait. I went to Colorful Nails down the street. So the next tine I went there as a walk in, I noticed some attitude and also that the male was the only one willing to talk to me. I paid it and blew it off as them having a bad day. I went back today and it was clear that these women are catty (insert bad word here) and were only wanting the male to help me--even though they were available to help. We had to wait fir them to finish one service before starting the next. It was ridiculous! People were getting manis and pedis at the same time but we had to wait for the guy to finish up so HE can do the manis, too? So petty. This was it, not going back. Rude service, by these ladies! Do yourself a favor and go to Colorful Nails, where they're honest about wait timing and appointments. read more

Unfortunately I love this salon and how they do my nails however - their customer service is terrible. I've always made appointments since I have a certain time frame every day to get stuff done. Every single time I've made an appointment - it doesn't matter. They don't go by the schedule they create, take walk ins knowing appointments are coming up or don't even show up for the appointment time they give. Today, I had an appointment for 2 manicure and pedicures. No one was at the salon, no one was answering the phone. The back door was open but no one to be found inside the salon. Left a voicemail / still no call back. read more

I go here often. They do a great job on my nails. However, I have been told by two different employees that one of my hands is smaller than the other when asking to get my nail correctly filed. You should be always polite to customers when providing a service, not commenting on their bodies or appearances. read more

This is the best nail salon in Carlsbad! Came as a walk in, they got started taking my old nails and polish off right away. Friendly and nice staff, clean nail salon and they do beautiful work! Would recommend to everyone! read more

Popular Nails - Matte Maroon nails with spiderweb accent - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Been there twice now. First time, we had an appointment for five girls; wedding nails for my daughter's bestie. We arrived on time. 40 minutes later, two of us got seated and started. 15 minutes later, one more got seated but not close to the first two. 10 minutes later, the fourth got seated and 5 minutes after that I got seated. Kind of defeats the purpose of having an appointment. My nails were beautiful though. I had the only guy nail technician. He was too rough on my feet. Second visit, I got right in (cuz it was a Tuesday) and my nails look pretty but not like the first time. I got what's called "unicorn" or "chrome" finish. The lady that did my nails this time didn't rub the finish on there enough so it just looks a little glittery. I will return to give them one more shot! read more

I've only been twice but I like this place! Great pricing and great service. I've gotten dip powder manicures both times. The first time I called ahead and they told me when to come in. When I did they seated me immediately and I was out within an hour. The second I was walking by and decided to stop. They were busy so it took about 40 minutes before I could get my nails done, but they were super friendly and apologetic about it! They had another person start working on my nails first to get me going, then Tammy (I believe that was her name but I barely caught it toward the end!) came and finished them off and I love them! She was great and detailed and pretty fast. Good shaping and so great at not getting the powder and whatnot on my skin. Will definitely go back! But will call ahead first read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Typical nail salon that I'm finding in San Diego. WTH? When did it become standard business practice to not speak english, to over charge people and "pretend" not to understand. This place has a sign for prices on the wall, but then when you're sitting down, they give you different prices. Then, they claim not to understand english. REALLY? The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because it's not the worst place I've gotten a pedi. Pretty sad when I'm giving a star for not being the worst, but for some reason I'm compelled. I wouldn't got back because I just think it's ridiculous to run a business in this manner. read more

My friend and I came here near closing time for a pedicure and full set. The gentlemen who did my full set was amazing! Regardless of the fact they closed within the hour, he took his time and made sure my nails looked natural and perfected. My friends pedicure was just as amazing. Love this place, will definitely be back! read more

This is a great place! Love my nails every time. I get gel fakes and pedicures. Tammy does awesome designs too! read more

Popular Nails - Tammy's designs! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Tammy did the most amazing job! I have never been to this salon before, it was my first time and I came in late and Tammy helped me and did the best job I think I've ever ever ever had done and I'm not even trying to brag about how amazing she was I literally have never had my nails done so well!! She did an ombre with chrome and she just blew my mind I literally live 45 minutes away but anytime I can I'm going back there!!! read more

Popular Nails - Chrome ombré by Tammy! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

They did an amazing job! Neither of us have ever had a better nail job and they were very reasonable and friendly. Had them done while on vacation and wish we lived closer. read more

Popular Nails - My daughter and I had our nails done; short set by Tina, long by Lynn. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I called on Wednesday morning to make an appointment for 5:30. The woman on the phone didn't ask for my name or any information, and hung up. I called Thursday morning because I had a feeling my appointment was screwed up, they didn't have me down. So the second woman said she put me in, again didn't ask for my name. I left work early at 5:15 and was there within 5 minutes (it's walking distance from my work) At 5:20 I wrote my name in a sheet of paper. No one greeted me No one even looked at me I sat down and waited. Two other people walked in and were taken care of...... Finally the four women who were servicing pedicures were staring at me, again no hello, no we will be right with you. NOTHING. It was nearly 5 minutes to 6. Finally I got up to leave, and one of the pedicurists said wait! I replied to her "it's fine" I wont ever go here again, nor will refer clients to go here. I believe in being a good neighbor and supporting local businesses, but I have had clients go to Popular Nails and experience the same lacking customer service. A client told me that she went in for a pedi, same situation, no name no information, she sat there for about 20 minutes, finally they got her soaking, she waited an hour! The water turned cold so she gathered her belongings and left. I tried them again, because I want to support local. I understand it gets busy at a nail salon, but this was unacceptable. read more

I waited 15 min for my appointment and the lady rushed me out within 20 min. I got a gel manicure that she sloppily applied and did not file/clean up the edges. I ended up cleaning them up at home. I will not return! read more

The absolute best nail salon in north county. I love this place! It's the best place for a little "me time"

Love love love Popular Nails, Carlsbad! Open 7 days a week on Carlsbad Village Drive near State Street. Ample street parking available. Massage pedicure chairs, friendly staff and excellent service. I have been coming here for a year for gel powder dip nails and fancy pedicures. True artistry! read more

Popular Nails - Nails fit for a Mermaid! Love Popular Nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I go come here every two weeks for my fill. And I always have them do something crazy for my nails and they always do it with an amazing job. They never rush or anything like that. And everyone has pretty much done my nails and they are all so sweet. I never make an appointment I just walk in the longest I wait is 15 minutes so I just go across the street to get a coffee. Their prices are amazing and I stay loyal to popular nails. read more

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Very very affordable! They do a great job and are super friendly. I will be returning again for sure. Nice, clean salon and very open and airy. Covid-19 rules are enforced. Good music. Nice colors to choose from. read more

Popular Nails - Dipped nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

The new owner Lena does not show respect or consideration for your time. Don't bother making an appointment because she doesn't keep it.

All of the workers here are so nice and so funny! The girl that does my nails is always making fun of me for getting dark colors. The only thing I find strange is that they don't put a base coat on for gel polish not sure if that makes a difference as to how they last. read more

Popular Nails - I wanted a crescent moon on my nail for Halloween and they went all out and added some glitter and put a star one there too! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I had a great experience. I normally drive to a nail salon in san marcos but yesterday on a whim I decided to find someplace local in the village. I walked in for a pedicure and was very pleased with the service. The chairs were comfortable and the cost was $30 which seemed very reasonable and less than what I normally pay. I paid with a credit card no problem. There was a board out front that said they offer a mani/pedi special sun-thursday for $25 or so and I think it would be a great girls day away walk-coffee-mani/pedi I would recommend LENA for a pedicure. read more

This review is for Tammy. I've gotten several French gel pedicures here. I've only had them done by her and only have had this service done here. She's super friendly and takes her time. Plus since it's a gel pedicure it lasts a long time which saves money in the long run and comes out looking great. read more

Popular Nails - Gel pedicure by Tammy. Pink color is #150. Thin white line. Two coats of each color. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Loved my experience, very nice nail tech and gave me what I wanted! Was very nice when asking for a walk in appointment. Made sure that I approved of her work ( which I did ) and overall gave me a wonderful first nail salon experience read more

Popular Nails - Very nice! Wonderful service! Very nice experience! Would recommend! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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They are horrible don't come here. It's a reason it's a walk in shop at the village. They do a sloppy and crooked job. When you ask them to fix it they are rude and unprofessional. Why be a nail tech if you can't paint them properly? They are a shady business with there money too. They pretend to have certain prices and change it based off there mood. I was a regular but after the last couple times I will not return. Go elsewhere so you can leave and be happy with your nails and toes. When you pay for a service especially one that your going to look at for a couple weeks at least, it should be done right. Angie and Lina are the main nail techs yet they don't have any basic talent. read more

The staff is very friendly but they removed my gel polish with a Dremel all the way down to my natural nail, damaging my nail beds in the process. This is 100% the wrong way to do this and very damaging. At one point the dremel file got so hot I had to pull my hand away. And the tech cut the cuticle in the side of my middle finger. They used this technique to rush me through and get my gel off quickly. I went ahead with a regular polish manicure following this removal and the polish lasted less than a week. I get longer wear from a manicure I do myself at home. Do not recommend. All gel polish should be lightly buffed without hitting the nail bed then Vaseline applied to cuticles to protect them before wrapping acetone soaked cotton balls in foil to the nails for GENTLE removal. It is a time consuming process that I'm willing to pay extra for. ASK FOR ANY SALONS ABOUTH THEIR REMOVAL PROCESS BEFORE YOU GET YOUR NAILS DONE HERE OR ANYWHERE ELSE. Gel polish applied after the nail beds are compromised creates a breeding ground for infection. read more

Love love love this place everytime I go! They are very busy which is great for business, but I definitely recommend to make an appointment rather than walking in. Did a complete different style on my nails today and LYNN did AMAZING work! I know I am very picky with my nails because who wouldn't be, but she was very patient with me which is always a plus! This is the place to go if you want to go somewhere where you would be completely happy with your nails (hands and feet)! read more

Popular Nails - Gel/manicure done by nail tech Loan - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'd give it 0 stars if possible. Nail tech didn't speak English so limiting the injury was difficult to the point where my bf has to pull his feet away to have her STOP digging at it. Nope. Never again. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'm new to the area. I tried a few local spots only to be disappointed. Not the case here. The shop is clean, friendly and thorough. Tony took his time and did a great job on my mani pedi. So happy I found you! read more

Professional staff. Courteous and thoughtful. I got the deluxe pedicure- had the best foot/toes/leg massage and the powder "gel" manicure which I'm really happy with. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

came in for just a change of polish with my mom. They obviously wanted to get us out quickly and didn't even clean around the nails well. They tried to get us to leave before they were dry and had to fix the nails 2x because of it. Asked multiple times for something to seperate the toes so they could dry and ended up grabbing a paper towel myself. I don't suggest this place. The people were very nice and the atmosphere was cute but the service was lacking. read more

Literally been to all of the nail salons in Carlsbad and this is my favorite spot. You are not getting a super boutique fancy manicure and pedicure with crazy designs. But will leave with a great gel set that will last over two weeks read more

Been here once before many years ago. Went with my daughter and mother in law recently for mani and pedi and it started out fine nail techs were friendly but it took about 20 - 30 min for them to start on my daughters nails while we were already getting ours done... not a lot of people in there at the time. The lady doing my nails didn't do a salt scrub like it said on the menu. It's always a chance you take going to a salon if it's busy or what nail tech you get but when we went to pay was really our deciding factor of not going back. We paid $136.00 they up charged for everything. up charged for Matte top coat ( regular polish no gel ) up charged for a flower design ( might be typical ? I don't usually get ) but then the lady ringing us up was telling my mother in law that she messed up and it was $140 but mis charged her and then another lady came and after they had a discussion said it was $139 and she needed to charge her card $3.00. it was awkward, not good customer service, up charge on everything and at the point of 15 min after paying $136.00 and tipping them they still wanted that $3.00. read more

I moved out of Carlsbad two years ago and was very sad to leave my nail salon behind. I've recently moved back and upon entering my salon, it has undergone new ownership and all new staff. The nail tech, Angie, was removing the gel from my nails and she was using too much pressure and my nails were getting very hot! I told her twice then she gets noticeably upset, speaks angrily in Vietnamese, and the tech doing my pedicure looked shocked! The owner was sitting right in front of us and did not intervene. First impression is that they have no respect for clients, especially new ones! Very unhappy and will certainly be going to a different salon next time. Very disappointing. read more

I love this salon so much I've been coming here for years and refuse to go anywhere else, they do exactly what I want and make it even cuter! Best salon around also my nails never break off or chip! They stay perfect til my next fill! read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love Tammy!!! She's my girl! So sweet and super talented!!!! My gel manicures always last the longest with her. Lynn is also very talented!!! read more

Popular Nails - Happy Halloween - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I got the nail tech that I don't like that much, I even asked her if I could get someone else. She said "yes" and nodded and then continued to work on my hand. What In the actual fuck? I asked for a gel manicure and she started to file my nails, and I asked her if I could have a more square shape and she nodded and made them all oval. Not a fan already. She continues to ignore my requests every time and question me. I asked her to put the crackle on the accent nail or the ring finger and she put it on the middle. Then she started to massage on my arms and had to stop half way on my right arm to help someone else who had been waiting 30min. On top of this, she kept having to go back and help people with their payments so my nails took 1 hour and 30 minutes... for gel manicure. I'm not getting Cardi B nails it should not have taken this long. I love this place when I get a good nail tech... but holy shit Popular nails get your stuff together and Start prioritizing the customers needs. Tina's service was awful and she cuts corners and gives me the most ratchet manicure every time. But since I have a toxic relationship with this place, I'll probably come back and hopefully get Tammy or Lynn or the other girls who know what they are doing. read more

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Very good nails at a very good price! I like this place because it's near my house (I'm a busy person) and they are very efficient. They are always busy when I go, which is usually anytime from Friday-Sunday, so it helps to call first. Although they aren't a fancy day spa, you get a great massage and spa treatment with the mid or higher end pedicure/manicure. I usually don't splurge for that, so it's a nice treat when I do. My previous regular nail salon is 30 minutes away, and I've found this little gem more convenient, and just as good. read more

I've been here several times over the years and every single time I've come away with at least 5 cuts on my fingers. Not worth it at all.