Sensation Nails &amp; Spa

I've been searching for a new nail tech and salon ever since my regular girl went on maternity…read moreleave, and after way too many disappointing experiences at random salons, I'm SO happy to say I finally found my new go-to! Mimi went above and beyond with my hard gel set. She was incredibly thorough and paid attention to every little detail. From the shape to the color, everything turned out absolutely perfect! You can really tell she takes pride in her work and wants you to leave loving your nails. The salon itself is also super cute and welcoming, with a great selection of drinks, which was such a nice touch. I honestly couldn't recommend Mimi and this salon more. I'm already looking forward to my next appointment!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! You…read moremust come here. Tam & Jimmy will always leave you feeling pampered & happy. Tam gives me the most amazing facials and I have yet to have a tech at this salon do anything short of perfection. Been coming here for nearly 15 years and it is absolute perfection!

ThX - By Mia

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ThX By - Mia

Beauty Lounge

4.6(2.1k reviews)

0.2 mi•Hillcrest

This review is for my boy Ken!!!! Hes really the best tech I love him so much. Everything he does…read moremy nails he gets it soooo on point. I am allergic to gel unfortunately so I dont get to do many fun designs, but Ken is the one tech I've found that can do more than just one color using dip powder: hes done French tip and ombre using dip and always does a fantastic job. If he feels that the nails arent long enough or design feels funky depending on my length of nails, he will always let me know and give me options. I really appreciate that. My nails always last - usually well over a month even with dip. Most nail techs here are great but I did get one person who started putting gel on my toes once despite me reminding them I couldn't get gel. I always stick with Ken and its been smooth sailing ever since. I also had my nails grow soooo long with him and using just dip powder. Highly recommend The salon is refurbished so the place is even nicer than before ! My go to techs would be any of the guys especially Ken, Lucas, Tom and the other gentleman with glasses (I never got his service but he always knows what he's doing).

Great vibes, great service, and I love that it's an inclusive spot in Hillcrest. Definitely has a…read morecommunity vibe! I got a classic mani/pedi (with gentle removal of gel nail polish to preserve my natural nails) and was there for about an hour. My nails and cuticles still look great a week later and my classic pedi is still holding strong! Parking in this area can be a bit of a challenge but that's really the only downside. I'll definitely be returning and look forward to getting to know the staff more... I'll just ride the bus down 5th to get there to avoid parking issues next time lol

Nails by Selena

Acrylic nails - 2nd time fill by Selena

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Acrylic nails by Selena

ProfessioNail

4.0(601 reviews)

0.5 mi

Walk-ins welcome

I've been coming here for over 15 years and have seen many nail techs come and go. I've tried a…read morelittle bit of everything over the years, and the experience has always been consistent. The salon is always clean, communication via text is quick and easy, and they're incredibly accommodating even with last-minute appointments. My favorite nail techs are Vi and Lynn- they always do an amazing job. Thank you to the entire team for all the hard work you put in!

Recently moved to the Mission Hills area from Talmadge and decided to try this closer spot for my…read moreusual gel mani and regular pedi. I was hoping I found my new neighborhood nail spot, but honestly my gel manicure looks awful and I'm super disappointed. The vibe there is kinda cold and felt very rushed. The manicurist was polite but careless. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about efficiency but she nicked BOTH of my thumbs during the cuticle trim, which is incredibly rare for me. If she had slowed down this probably would not have happened. In addition, she didn't fully cover my nails properly with the polish so the tips are darker and look splotchy overall. Also, she did not go down far enough to cuticle or even down the sides of the nails with polish, so it looks like I got them done a week ago and not 5 hours ago. On the plus side, they did do a good job on the pedicure. Total was around $115, including tip. Unfortunately, I will be going back to Kensington Nails (where Kate and her team do an amazing job every single time, highly recommend!) to fix these. I'd rather do the drive than have a sloppy, low-quality manicure with cuts on my cuticles.

Fresh manicure with dip color G136

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Fifth Avenue Nails

4.3(188 reviews)

0.1 mi•Hillcrest

Great service, quality work, good vibes, payed $55 for pedicure with gel polish. Great service and…read morekind workers when you walk in.

I went to this nail salon yesterday for a fill. The gentleman that helped me didn't appear to have…read moreany problem with the design I chose. See photo. He started adding chrome, which I never said I'd wanted. I'm not sure if it was due to a language barrier, but when he mentioned it, I told him maybe next time. I only wanted to design I showed him. But he proceeded to do the chrome. On the 2nd nail, I told him I didn't want it. He said ok he won't charge me extra, as if he was doing me a favor. When it got to the design, he was perplexed and said it would take him a very long time to do. He had to call someone else to do it. I'd also noticed others in the salon had drinks. I asked how come I wasn't offered anything to drink. He said it's too early for wine. I pointed out the 2 other women who had wine and he said maybe they want wine this early. I explained that that wasn't the point. There were others who had water. I wasn't offered anything. He said next time ask. I was so upset, but just kept quiet. Another nail technician completed the design once the gentleman filled, polished and chromed my nails. She didn't design beautifully. I wished I'd gone to her from the beginning. Today, my index finger broke. I didn't hit against anything or smash my finger or anything. I'm sorry to say, I had a poor experience along with poorly done nails. I wish I could go somewhere else to fix it but unfortunately, I have an event to go to promptly. I wouldn't come back here nor will I recommend it to my friends or family. UPDATE: 2 more nails fell off today. SMH.

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INailology Spa & Bar

4.3(395 reviews)

0.8 mi•Banker's Hill

I got a mani/pedi today and the technicians were very professional and helpful, the spa is very…read moreclean and nicely maintained. Cheri and Kelly were amazing.

Extremely disappointed with my experience at this nail salon. The nail polish application was very…read moresloppy and uneven, with polish painted directly over my cuticles on multiple nails. The overall finish looked rushed and unprofessional. I called the salon and gave them the opportunity to fix the issue. I came back in expecting the problems to be corrected, but unfortunately I left with another poor-quality paint job that looked just as bad as the first one. It was still uneven, messy around the cuticles, and far from the standard I would expect from a professional nail service. I've attached photos so others can see the quality of worke for themselves. I rarely leave negative reviews, but after giving the salon a second chance and still receiving subpar service, I

Nails done

Hybrid Gel with Korean style

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SK Nail Spa

4.2(291 reviews)

1.9 mi•Linda Vista

Locally owned & operated

Vivian was great:) my nails look fresh and clean just like I like it! she was also very gentle…read morewhich I apprexiate in a manicure

I had such a wonderful experience here. It was my first time getting gel-x nails, and I showed a…read morereference photo -- she did an incredible job recreating the design. The final result was beautiful and even better than I imagined. It was a busy appointment, but she remained very attentive and professional, and made sure everything turned out perfectly. I truly appreciate the care, skill, and attention to detail that went into my nails. I would absolutely return.

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Hillcrest Nail Lounge

4.3(803 reviews)

0.3 mi•Hillcrest

I just got the best pedicure and manicure from these amazing ladies highly recommend this place is…read moreclean as beautiful. They're friendly. There's no over chatter going on. I got a pedicure and manicure at the same time. My toes are fantastic clean and my skin feels great. my toes were done by Tai and my nails Nina

I have tried this place a few times now, and I just can't go back after this last time. This is a…read moreplace to go to get the most basic nails and that's it. They don't do 3D art, they've told me they literally can't do anything other than gel polish. This last time they told me they won't do art unless it's gel, and that will cost you like 30$ more on top of the 29$ for a basic manicure. My 65$ pedicure was 94$ after I added gel chrome polish. Like if you don't want to do regular polish- say GEL ONLY- so we all know! The older woman who did ny pedicure was great and all but the language barrier was brutal and she literally spent 10 mins talking to someone else to get clarification on how to do chrome nails! Like how is this place even in business if you get stuck at chrome nails. I asked for dark red as my base color but she wouldn't do it, and just used black. It's so frustrating when you are excited to treat yourself and they claim to do all this stuff just to waste your time finding out they don't. AND they take soooooo long. They also seem very ANTI-BLACK. I'm mixed and one of the girls literally never did my manicure and left when I asked if I could just do regular manicure and not gel. And then when 2 non-black women came in, they immediately did theirs, and when I asked again they acted like it was the first time I even brought it up! Another time a woman (the last time I came in) asked me to pay upfront before my nails would be done, "becuase that's their policy" while the woman next to me paid AFTER her nails were done! Like do you think I'm dumb? Come on. I'm never coming back. Just a waste of time, if you want the nails you ACTUALLY want. Don't waste your money.

@hillcrestnaillounge

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Lifting gel polish

Italy Nails & Spa

4.4(614 reviews)

1.7 mi•Little Italy

Available by appointment

Mary was fantastic during my Pedicure at Italy Nails & Spa! Very accommodating and relaxing as…read morealways!

I didn't have an appointment, but they sat me within 5 minutes in a massage chair (one of the best…read moreparts). I was offered a complimentary beverage, and I chose champagne. I had Mary, who was very sweet. I have no complaints.

Hand Drawn Nails Design at Italy Nails 1970 Columbia St Suite B, San Diego 619-764-5321

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Design by Italy Nails 619-764-5321

TJ Nails & Spa

4.4(266 reviews)

2.4 mi•Loma Portal

•$

Ann does a wonderful job with my dip nails and is so kind! Cindy does great pedicures, her massages…read moreare the best. They're always so nice and welcoming

I initially had a great experience at this salon with a different technician, which is why I…read morereturned. I even previously left such a great review. Unfortunately, my last two visits with the owner were very disappointing. I paid $111 (including tip) for a gel manicure and pedicure on April 10th. Within just a few days (by April 14th), multiple nails were already lifting at the cuticle and beginning to chip. The gel application was also bulky and uneven. I hate to complain and I was just going to suck it up. But I spent $111 and worked up the courage to try to fix it. I called back respectfully to address the issue and was asked to come in today (April 14). During that visit, I was told to switch to regular polish instead of gel. When I asked about cuticle care, I was told that for my "skin type" they do not cut cuticles because I will bleed and that I should just wash my hands and the cuticles won't be visible. I was then also told that cuticle prep had already been done at my last visit, which was not accurate. The interaction felt dismissive and unprofessional. The removal process left my nails extremely dry, with acetone placed directly on the skin, and the regular polish application was rushed, uneven, and poorly done (as shown in photos). The service was completed, but the final result was uneven and poorly done. At that point, I did not feel comfortable continuing the conversation or asking for further corrections, especially as another customer had arrived and the interaction had already become uncomfortable. I'm very disappointed, especially given the cost and the fact that I gave them the opportunity to fix the issue. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend this salon. I will not be back.

Blue and cow print acrylics

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San Diego Nail Lounge

4.2(126 reviews)

1.6 mi•Mission Valley

Walk-ins welcome

San Diego Nail Lounge in Mission Valley is my go to spot whenever I need a pedicure. I always get a…read moregel pedicure here and I've consistently had a really good experience. I don't have a specific nail tech that I request, so I usually just go with whoever is available. I've gotten a different person almost every time I've been here and somehow my pedicure is always on point. The salon itself is really spacious and it seems like they have a lot of nail techs working, which I really like because it never feels too cramped or chaotic. Every time I've had an appointment, they've been on time and pretty efficient with the service too. I never feel like I'm sitting around waiting forever, but at the same time, the pedicure doesn't feel rushed. I also really appreciate how consistent they are. Since I don't stick with one specific person, it says a lot that I've still been happy with my nails every time. My gel pedicures always come out clean and last really well. Definitely one of my favorite and most reliable nail spots in the area.

This place is extremely clean. The entire staff was warm and welcoming. I decided to switch salons…read morebecause last manicure I got with builder at a different location I had extreme burning when they were curing my nails, like my fingers were being touched with fire. I was very nervous the same thing would happen today. Luckily, Jen assured me that wouldn't be an issue. Her and Kyle worked very fast and accurately to give me a great manicure and pedicure. The builder gel was much less thick then last time, and looks much better. The salon also has easy parking, online scheduling and they offer snacks and drinks.

Hybrid Gel, thin and durable.

Hybrid Gel

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Instagram worthy?? Come see for yourself. Welcome Everyone to the heart of San Diego.

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Jenny T.

0

1

2

11 years ago

I am vey impressed with new management. Everything is new and clean. Especially new spa chairs 100% disposable air jet liners and nail bar so classic, loved it. Awesome service. They're very kind and friendly when you walk in. The price is reasonable. I do recommend this nail salon for everybody. I will tell my friends to come here. Loved it loved it. read more

Ann L.

0

27

0

10 years ago

I've been coming here regularly for months. I'm always very please with the service. The ladies are always very friendly and do a great job. I've recommended this place to many friends and colleagues who have always been very happy too. Don't forget to bring cash to tip! read more

Lizbeth C.

168

7

6

8 years ago

My favorite place to get my nails. I have been going to Mimi for the past year and absolutely love how she does my nails . She is always very kind and is just a very welcoming person, always fast and precise. read more

Jay L.

2

5

11 years ago

Love this place. They are super clean and staffs are friendly. A price is reasonable. Especially the spa chairs, 100% liners disposable. They also have a parking lot in the plaza. Awesome......place. read more

Beth L.

63

8

2

9 years ago

My experience here was very positive. I walked in a bit late, but the staff was more than willing to see me. The work was meticulous and the salon was very clean. I will definitely go back. read more

Julia T.

299

42

2

10 years ago

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! They are amazing.. Do a great job and just make me feel like part of the family! Come in and check them out!!! read more

Teresa T.

36

3

0

8 years ago

I love this place all the ladies are OUTSTANDING. This shop takes excellent care of the customer..

M. M.

1

6

2

11 years ago

Very relaxing. Attentive staff.

Sensation Nails & Spa - othersalons - Updated September 2026

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Ist time to Salon and experience was great, prices are good and professionalism and knowledge and…read morerecommendations were excellent! Ask for TONYA & CATHY

Great experience The staff is friendly and extremely…read moreknowledgeable I got a thorough pedicure with French tip design for only $40 which was an amazing deal I called them 20 minutes before I arrived and they were able to take me with ease It was pretty quiet as I was the only one there which felt like a nice private appointment The tech that did my pedicure educated me all about the importance of foot care and how taking care of your nails and getting thorough pedicures can be so good for the body and health They listened to my opinion and my desires for my nails but fear of it looking too thick and took everything into consideration They were professional and kind I definitely recommend

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•$$$$

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Utter perfection. Worth the price. It's not cheap, no free beverage, no massage, but you get…read moreperfection.

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Mimi is great and easy to talk to. Time flew by and I'm blown away by the work she has done…read more Honestly the best my cuticles have ever looked and her lines are so clean. Thank you!

I wanted to try gel nails for the first time for a wedding. I did all this research and finally…read morechose KIREI and boy, did I luck out! Mimi is GREAT! She explained to me the process and how it works, etc. I like the fact that she uses LED and not UV, and her products are Japanese. The process does take a while..I was there for almost 3 hours. But Mimi takes her time and is very detailed and meticulous. You def won't be disappointed. She's also very personable, great listener, and great conversationalist. You can book appointments with her through this site: https://www.styleseat.com/mimitroublefield , which also has a price list. (Another Yelper, Cindy Y, told me abuot this!) In any case, it was a great experience and I already booked my next appointment. You can see her designs on instagram: @mimi3dnail

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February '26 I requested French tip with an off white/pinkish gel color that I provided (photo…read moreattached). When I told the service provider what I wanted, she said "no it doesn't look good; do white" to which I told her I like the tip color. March '26, I requested THE SAME THING from THE SAME WOMAN and she refused. She had another worker tell me. "She doesn't want to use your color because it's too sheer and she would have to do two coats". I wanted what I wanted CAUSE IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY, but I didn't go back and forth and just told her no French tip. My acrylic was laid very THICK and I didn't bother like my nails overall. (Attached photo) After my service, I paid and tipped my pedicure service provider because she actually did what I wanted and did not tip the manicure provider because she REFUSED to do what I asked. She then yelled towards me as I walked out. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I wouldn't go if you plan to get your nails how you would like!

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•$

Love getting my pedicures here! She is incredible and always has great conversation! Highly…read morerecommend!

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

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