I highly recommend Thania at Shine Nail Lounge! I appreciate the quality and precision of her gel manicures - I always look forward to our monthly appointments. read more

I have been looking for a good nail salon in the area & I finally found it! I called ahead for an appointment but it wasn't necessary. Only one other customer when I arrived about 10 am but they did get busy later. I had a wonderful manicure and pedicure. The salon was spacious, clean and comfortable and the technicians were friendly. I will definitely return. read more

I have been coming to this salon for years. Excellent work; very talented staff and friendly. I've refered many people and they are also very happy with the salon. It's in a beautiful spot as well in Capitola You won't find a better nail salon! Laurie read more

So happy to find this place. I had a basic manicure with Thania who did a wonderful job. Highly recommend her!

Stopped to take a look the lady working there seemed stuck up didn't greet me and sister. Never have I felt racially profiled before like on this day. She gave us a "we only help whites" kinda vibe. read more

Cheryl is amazing! She takes great pride in her work and it shows. This is seriously the best mani/pedi ever! Also, the salon is currently under construction. But Cheryl made me feel comfortable and right at home. I recently moved to Santa Cruz and after having a pretty hectic work week, I thought it was time for a well-deserved mani/pedi and WOW was I not disappointed! First of all, I called a couple of days in advance, and they were booked for the weekend (good sign!) On the same day Cheryl called me back saying there was a cancellation and she could fit me right in. Awesome! So not only did Cheryl clean up my nails perfectly, but she took the time to make sure the polish was perfect. I love a classic red color, but red is so difficult to make homogeneous and without streaks. But Cheryl took the time to ensure there was no polish on my skin and the coats were even on each nail. And the massage..oh..don't get me started..AMAZING! Best of all, Cheryl is such a fascinating person to talk to. When I booked my appointment, I was just wanting to switch out the polish and hopefully find a pleasant salon in my new hometown. But having a great conversation on top of a fantastic mani/pedi was just the icing on the cake! I will definitely be coming back and booking my appointments in advance with Cheryl! read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

I've been going to Shakira for years. This is the best nail salon in Santa Cruz hands down. It's no wonder that it's hard to get an appointment if you're a new client. It's a small shop with three manicurists. If you can get in, do it! You won't be disappointed! read more

I moved to the area last August and I searched around for both a manicurist and a hairstylist. I couldn't recommend a greater manicurist than Christine! And the other two gals also! They always greet and make me feel very welcome! I always leave loving my hands & feet! It's understandable during post pandemic that they do get pretty booked, so I would say book it right away. I really don't mind booking in advance because I know the quality of work is so worth it!! PS super clean salon too! Thank you Shine Nail Lounge!! read more

Thank Christ, finally a great manicure! I've been to several nail salons in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley and every time, I walked away thinking "that was waste of time!" But not this time! I called after the salon had closed and left a message hoping to get a call back at some point, I got a call first thing the next morning offering me an appointment for that afternoon! I saw Quynh, and she was so enthusiastic, professional and thorough. She had all these suggestions and ideas for cute nail designs and even showed me some of her previous work. My favorite part of the whole experience was that she took her time on the details. She made sure my cuticles were well maintained, and that I loved the color and the finish. She was just so patient and approachable! I've already scheduled my next appointment. As long as I live in Santa Cruz, I will never go anywhere else, everyone else is just playing for second! read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Considering this manicure is over 2 weeks old, I'd say it's holding up well. - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

I recently went to nails 2 Envy after being recommended by a coworker. As terrible as it sounds I was pleasantly surprised when a Caucasian women answer the phone, not because I have anything against the other women, just that it's nice to be able to communicate what it is I'm looking for. I booked an appointment with Emilie for the very next day. I was running a little bit late, so I called ahead to warn Emilie and she was very gracious, telling me to take my time. As much as I truly do hate to be late, it seems that I am late quite frequently! So, you can imagine how this gave me some relief and I could take my time getting there without wanting to kill everyone around me. Although my coworker did recommend the place she had never been there herself just had heard good things, so I was still apprehensive about the quality of work and if they were going to be able to do what it was that I wanted. I am VERY particular about my nails and have sadly grown accustomed to someone TELLING me what I want instead of asking. Once I finally arrived and was sitting at Emilie's table, I was so happy, excited and relieved to see that she was a true professional. I was about to have my nails done, the way I WANTED, for the first time in years!! Moving forward, from start to finish, the entire experience was my idea of picture perfect. I absolutely love my nails. Everything about them from the shape to the color to the texture. did I mention that Emilie is also an artist and can do any of the cool designs you find online?! Amazing. We laughed & exchanged stories (we're both in the beauty industry) and all in all it was a great experience. The one suggestion that I would have is for the business to post larger & brighter signage so that people may locate the building more easily. Outside of that, keep up the great work!! Thank-you Emilie, I'll be back!! #Nailsbyemilie @smilienails read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Love @smilienails!! She takes her time, making them perfect. Always very kind, accommodating and killer pricing! #Nailsbyemilie - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

Pros - The blue walls/chairs/towels are cute - AC worked really well - No awful chemical smell Cons - There's gel paint all over the cuticles and fingertips. - My simple ombre glitter design did not come out very well (see pics) - My manicurist multi-tasked a lot... she even took a wax appointment while my hands sat in acetone for 20 min. read more

Shine Nail Lounge - This was supposed to be ombre with the gold glitter... it ended up just half white and half white/gold glitter :/ - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

Why, oh why, do I not take advise sooner? For a year now, my aethetician has been begging me to a) stop biting my nails and b) stop going to chop shop nail salons and go to Nails 2 Envy when I do grown them out. Both nasty habits were difficult for me to break. Then the unthinkable happened: I saw a mother flippin' flea on my cat!! Naturally, I grabbed every stitch of fabric out of my home, raced to the laundromat, and decided to treat myself to a manicure for my troubles while I waited. Not just any manicure would do either; it needed to be the kind from Nails 2 Envy. Luckily for me, it's located in the same shopping complex as a laundromat and the Thai restaurant I wanted to go to for a late lunch. Perfect. I know this place is popular and I've been told to schedule an appointment, but I tried my luck walking in and they were able to squeeze me in between appointments. As I'm waiting, I see an order form for girl scout cookies. Perhaps my day was salvageable after all?! By the time I'd decied on the thin mints and samoas, Jasmyne was already able to see me. Then, I had the privilege of enjoying the BEST manicure of my life! My nails are trimmed and shaped EXACTLY how I want them and I love my gel nail polish. I will definitely come back to Jasmyne and Nails 2 Envy from now on. read more

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The worst gel manicure ever! Nicole just started and I hope she only gets better because she will not be long for this business if she doesn't. I was spending the week in Santa Cruz and wanted to give my self a treat. The trim of the nails was uneven and on one nail she kept cutting and cutting. I told her I wanted rounded nails and got square and at one point I did some of the filing myself. The gel is peeling off and I got the mani on 11/12. Ugh. On top of that she had not set up the ability to take a credit card so I had to run to the bagel shop and get cash. She didn't have change so I had to buy something to give her a tip. I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt but after my thumb started chipping away today I just can't let this go. Please - make sure your people are properly trained before you set them out on people. read more

I went to see Nicole about a month ago and was extremely happy with my nails. I brought her a picture of what I wanted and she nailed it. I was so happy with the finish product. It was her first week at the salon and I would have never known had she not mentioned it. She was so nice and took her time to make sure that my nails looked exactly how I wanted them. The gel polish didn't start to peel off until about 3 1/2 weeks later. Way longer than any other nail place I've been too. I have been trying to find a good nail salon for a while and have been bouncing around a few around town, but no more. I will be going to Nicole from now on. It's a little bit more than some of the places around town but well worth it. They take their time and make sure that you're taken care of. You don't feel like you're being rushed so they can move onto the next person. read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

So I'm updating my review after coming here frequently over the last few months. First make sure you call the shop and make an appointment. All of the women who do nails here are great and everyone is really friendly. Personally I recommend Emilie but everyone is great. They do such an amazing job here on your nails and the shop is really clean and inviting. read more

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Best Gel Manicure i've honestly ever recieved for a awesome price. Nicole took great care of my nails that I am growing out, she did amazing with asking what I wanted and how I wanted them. I am super satisfied, def. reccomend you booking an appointment asap! Will be back soon. read more

I just moved to the area and needed a new nail salon. After doing some research, I decided to give this place a try. Emily took care of me and honestly it was one of the best mani pedis I've ever had. I go to the nail salon for the nail care. They don't have massage chairs or bowls with jets but I'm a-ok with that. Its more sanitary, and those things never do anything for me anyway. My service was well worth the money and time as she was meticulous with my nail care and with my polish. This is the first mani I've had that hasn't chipped after the first day. Looking forward to making this my regular spot in Santa Cruz! From what I can see in the reviews, people have been upset about not being able to get in right away... that's a good sign! I was able to get in during the week, calling a couple days in advance. If you need to get in on a weekend, make an appointment in advance. read more

I was on vacation and went here over the Fourth of July weekend for a pedi and gel mani. The gals at the salon were great. Christine did my nails and did a fabulous job. They lasted without a chip for more than three weeks! That's tough to find. When I got home even the ladies at my normal salon said they could tell just by looking that whoever did my nails while I was out of town did a great job. Plus Christine is a total sweetie. She takes her time and man is it worth it! Highly recommend. read more

This is the best nail salon in Santa Cruz. First, how important is CLEAN to you when you get your nails done? If you're like me, it is the number one priority. Martha and Judy keep a very clean salon - no worries - just a place to relax, get a great manicure and have fun. LOVE. read more

Nicole is amazing!!! Best nail technician I met. When I came to her for the first time my nails were weak and had been damaged by places that were rough and unhygienic. She helped my nails become beautiful and strong again. She takes her time and does everything perfectly and is amazing at designs! Highly recommend Nicole, especially if you want to get a cool design :) read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

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I live right down the street from Nails 2 Envy so I thought I would walk by and fit myself in for a full set. It was Monday (yesterday) and they are usually not open, but I got lucky and got a walk in with Jasmyne. (sorry if spelling is wrong). I have had a hard time finding places that do stiletto nails and had gone to that place by Traders Joe's. I paid $20 there and got a $20 nail job. She knew exactly what I wanted and went about it with precision and excellence. It feels good to have someone really pay attention to detail when it comes to your digits. I ran out f time and had to go to work so we got them shaped and a clear coat on and I was out the door and got to work on time. yay. Then this morning she was able to fit me in to get color. I also wanted them a little shorter and she had no problem doing that for me. She used the gel polish on them so it would last long and a matte top coat. I wont consider going anywhere else now! read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Nails done by Jasmyne at Nails 2 Envy - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

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Love coming to Katessa for my Gel manicures. Never left disappointed which is why I'm following to her new location at Nails 2 Envy. If you dont have an idea of what you want no worries she will give you something amazing that will keep you coming back. Not just your typical manicure you will leave feeling great with AMAZING nails you will always be complemented on. read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Gel manicure by Katessa ; ) - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

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Sometimes people have one experience with a service and then write a review from that one experience. I have been going to Nails 2 Envy for MANY years. Dang, I don't even remember how many. My go-to person, Cathie, went on to a different career, but she placed me in Shakira's artistic, competent hands and I've been with Shakira for maybe 10 years. So this review is based on quite literally hundreds of times that I've been there. Not everyone can do a perfect French manicure style of polish, but Shakira can. They are always absolutely perfect. Now that may not sound exciting to you, but I want my nails to look 'professional'. One day I may get daring and switch to Gelish, which they can also do at Nails 2 Envy. One thing that is a constant is the quality of the acrylic nails that I get from Shakira. I have had many, many, many people over the years say, "Your nails look great!". My response, "They're acrylic." And the next response is always the same, "REALLY???" followed up with a very close up look. They don't look thick or chunky or fake. They look real and that's what I love. Shakira and Cheryl both do really superb work. Martha, the owner, may have done my nails once, but if that's the case, it was long ago. I do know that the three of them have regular clientele, so you'll need to give the place a call if you are looking for an appointment with any of them. However, they have two new additional manicurists there (please note the date of this review), so if you want to do a walk-in to check the place out, you may be able to get a walk-in spot with one of the two of them. I know that there are ladies who don't regularly get their nails done, so just walk into a place on a whim. However, if you want a regular manicurist with a standing appointment and quality is important, this is the place. If you are getting married and have a whole group of girls to do, this is a great place. However, with a whole group, I really recommend calling in advance (like a couple of months) if you need EVERYONE there to work on your bridal party all at the same time. I'm sticking with quality, so I'll be going to Shakira for as long as she lets me! read more

Hey there!! This is Jasmyne, I wanted to say thank you to all of my clients over the years at Nails 2 Envy! I am no longer a Nails 2 Envy team member but, am still doing nails in the Santa Cruz area! If you need to get ahold of me to book an appointment for a manicure or pedicure, please call me @ 831-334-8514. To those of you that have purchased a gift certificate- I will honor them no matter where I am working!!! You can also call the shop to book an appointment as they have a new manicurist, her name is Chris. You can also call any of the other girls but, unless you are calling in advance- may not get in. Best of luck and Happy Holidays to all. I will honor all gift certificates that have been sold. Please call me. Thanks!!! read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Wedding day! I did her nails outside of the hair salon in Aptos, @ 9am, on the ground!!! And they were perfect!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

Emilie did my nails and I have never had them done so well. Very helpful with picking out a color and one of the best experiences that I have ever had. If you want a great job done then I suggest you go to Emilie at Shine Nail Lounge. read more

Emilie did such a beautiful job on my nails, she even fixed the shape of my nails for me from my previous salon. Extremely understanding of my needs and so talented !!! read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Getting closer to stiletto - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

I love this place so much. I can rave about it enough. The Cleanest nail salon. Everyone is so sweet and so experienced. Best nails in town and beyond. Love love love you guys and so happy for you Shakira now that you took it over!!!! read more

I have to agree with other reviewers. This is a rip off. No spa chair- just a tub of water. Worst gel manicure ever. Nails are already cracking and it's only been one week to the day. Nails are uneven as well. Took 2 hours for a subpar job. So angry that I flushed $85 on this place. read more

Katessa is ahh-mazing! I have been going to her for nearly 5 years and her attention to detail/design is empecable! I truly appreciate how she makes time for me when the unfortunate happens and I brake a nail, she takes me in ASAP! She is a true artist, what you see is what you get. Here are a couple nail designs throughout the years that Katessa has created. read more

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Quynh is amazing. She is very detailed and thorough, and always does a great job shaping my nails as I get a lot of chipping. She always takes her time, and I never feel rushed like I do in most salons. She also has such a pleasant demeanor and extremely patient with me even when I change my mind on what I want. read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Gel manicure by Quynh - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

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Love this salon. Shakira is the best. She is very thorough, gentle and I love chatting with her. The salon is extremely clean. Compared to other salons Shakira is the best. She has recently changed the name of her salon to Shine but the business remains the best! read more

I visited Nails 2 Envy for my first time right before I left for my Europe vacation. Nicole did my nails, I got a gel manicure. My nails held up through four countries and nearly four weeks! Not even a ding. Best experience since I moved to Santa Cruz. read more

Shakira squeezes me in on short notice to do a mani pedi before a friends wedding! She helped me pick the perfect color to match my dress and I enjoyed chatting with her. read more

Great place! I was able to get a pedicure the day of by Nicole. She did a great job, very kind, detailed and clean. She was not rushed, unlike other salons I've been to. I meet some of the other ladies that worked, all very kind ladies. I look forward to my next appointment. read more

Fail. I gave Nicole 4 tries. The first two manicures didn't last the day. The third time when it didn't last that day I texted her photos of the poor job. The 4th time we did Gelac, which didn't chip, but after only 1 week the growout was bad already, and really uneven. In short, I've given her every chance, paid cash and tipped well, and have had ugly nails the whole time. She is also very slow. A mani/pedi will take a half day. She left me with oiled-up feet in my sandals and wants me to walk to the sink to wash my own hands. I'm lucky I didn't slip and fall, it was truly dangerous. Then it took me having to wipe down my own feet and shoes 3 times before it was safe to walk out of the place. She didn't even take the toe separators out. She didn't massage my hands. In regards to the salon, it's by appointment only. The acoustics are terrible so it's quite loud with other people's conversations. It's uncomfortably chilly. They don't have pedicure chairs. In their defense I was told that's the best, most sanitary way to do it. It's just no fun. Cold feet. And afterwards I'm sitting there with a chill and my jacket on trying to get my hands done. It was a miserable experience that cost me $85 (I paid $100 with tip), a half day, and my nails looked like hell a few days later. That was my BEST experience. 4 tries fail. Never again. read more

This was my first trip to the salon and located it based on the above average reviews on Yelp. Nicole was able to fit me on short notice and did a fantastic job on my manicure. She was kind, funny, and listened to what I wanted - describing what would work well and what might not work so well....She spent a full hour on my gel matte-coat manicure and it is still going strong 2 weeks later! Definitely recommend her! read more

Katessa is simply the best! I have been seeing her consistently for years now and cannot say enough. Her nail designs are always creative and thoughtful. Katessa as a person is creative and thoughtful. When I say she is a nail artist, I mean artist. No matter how glitzy or subtle the color/ design we choose, they always catch the eye of strangers who can't help but compliment her beautiful work. They are just that gorgeous. My appointments with Katessa are something in my schedule that I look forward to and enjoy. She's a complete doll and values her clients in a very genuine way. No matter if you become a regular client of hers or decide to treat yourself for a specific occasion, this woman will adorn your nails with attention, care, and mad skills. I'm attaching a photo of my current nails. One year ago Katessa did my nails for my wedding day. At my most recent appointment when I mentioned my one year anniversary she suggested that we recreate my signature bridal nails. It was the perfect touch and they are bringing back all sorts of sentimental, lovely memories. Having the right nails can work wonders... read more

Shine Nail Lounge - Nails by Katessa - Nail Salons Near Me - Capitola, California

Excuse me ladies, I'm a man who knows nothing about fingernail do-dads and rhinestones and fru-fru stuff except how great they look on the ladies after they are done. Be that as it may, this review is about my first ever pedicure I received from Shakira recently. I've known Shakira for years and I knew she worked doing nails, but I heard she had just opened her own shop, so I talked to her about some toenail problems I've been having and she assured me she could help. I stopped by the shop to talk about it and met all the nail ladies who were extremely friendly to me and I got an appointment for the very next day. All my life I've been chopping off my own toenails after I shower when I need to, bending over grunting and squinting trying to see through the steam where the clippers were before amputating my toe, not really getting an accurate or full clip, but more like chipping them off and hurrying on to the next one. The results were I was developing some ingrown conditions and ragged hangnail edges that weren't very comfortable inside my socks and shoes. In fact, a couple of them were getting downright painful. So I went in for my first professional pedicure ever and was extremely satisfied with the procedure and results. After greeting me and having me sit in the pedicure chair, I had my feet soaked and cleaned in a freshly drawn footbath tray. Then she inspected each and every toe one by one on the footrest, asking me which ones were the problem ones and then started trimming each one deliberately but slowly with ease and skill. There were no missed portions, recuts or oopsies. After that came the cuticle and edge removal, nail rasp and file, nail burnish, oil treatment and a footrub! The same procedure was then done with the other foot. I had no idea there was so much involved and the entire procedure took about an hour. I was in heaven all day afterwards. My toes still feel great a week later. Shakira is an expert in her craft and she helped me out immensely. It definitely won't be my last pedicure from her. So if you're a guy with funky toenails, do yourself a favor and get down here for a pedicure. You won't regret it and nobody has paid as much attention to the well being of your toes since your mom played 'piggly wiggly' with you decades ago. read more

I was in town eloping (!) and needed to get gels done. I called and lucked out that someone had flaked on Emelie. So, I snagged their appointment. I can't even imagine why someone would do that because Emelie is fantastic! I'd never had gels done before. These lasted over three weeks. I only got them redone because my nails were growing out too long. The new ones I had done at a salon at home chipped and cracked in 10 days. That's when I fully realized what a great job Emelie had done. Thanks, Emelie, for making my nails perfect for my wedding, and many days after! read more

Shakira will rock your extremities. (hands and feets). Worth the money 'cause in Santa Cruz all the cheap spots are astonishingly terrible. read more