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    Universe Nails and Spa

    4.2 (747 reviews)
    ModerateNail Salons
    Open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Services - Universe Nails and Spa

    Nail fill-in

    Toe nail fill-in

    Hand nail fill-in

    13 More Services

    Hand and toe nail fill-in

    Manicure

    Manicure and pedicure

    Pedicure

    Nail polish change

    Toe polish change

    Hand polish change

    Hand and toe polish change

    Nail polish removal

    Toe polish removal

    Hand polish removal

    Hand and toe polish removal

    Nail repair

    Universe Nails and Spa Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Universe Nails and Spa

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    Reviews With Photos - Universe Nails and Spa

    Milky white nails
    Janni Linea B.

    First time at this nail salon, and overall I had a good experience. I love that they offer snacks, tea, and water. The lady who did my pedicure did a great job. She was very friendly and always smiling. One of the male techs also worked on my nails and seemed very knowledgeable and skilled. The tech who finished and painted my nails was friendly, but I felt the service was a bit rushed. There was still some product left around my cuticles that wasn't cleaned up on my right hand before curing, and the filing was quite aggressive. The file repeatedly hit my skin, which was painful at times. I wish a little more care and attention had been taken during the prep and finishing details. Based on my experience with the other two nail techs, I felt their work was more thorough and detail-oriented. Other than that, the staff was welcoming and kind, and I appreciated the overall experience. The other two staff members who worked on me were awesome.

    Cute combo
    Jessica R.

    We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful! We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful!

    Adhesive wasn't properly attached to the nail
    Kyla P.

    I've been getting my nails done every 3 weeks for the past 8+ years.. this was the second time I've been to Universe and I decided to get Gel X which usually lasts 3+ weeks but some how after just 1 week, 3/5 nails just popped off?? I decided to remove the remaining 7 nails and they all came off super easily, and super fast which is pretty much unheard of for a week old Gel X set. Considering how expensive they were, I'm pretty upset.

    This is how little they cared about me and my physical pain that day. They wouldn't help me and just decided to leave me this way.

    I went there to have my gel polish removed and unfortunately experienced some pain so I took a break and tried to remove them partially myself while I was still there. When my fingertips stopped hurting as much, I asked if I can have the lady continue to help me get them off and I was told no, because it would take too long. I told her I don't mind paying extra money for the time but I needed them taken off because I couldn't be left this way. Mind you, my daughter's University graduation was coming up in a few days on 5/23/26, at the time. I was refused service and just worked on my nails some more myself and walked out and will never return. I originally was going to have new gel polish put on but due to the pain I experienced, I just wanted them to take the old gel polish off but again, they would not help me after they had already started. I don't think that is professional or a very good business practice. It was not something I planned on happening but it is what happened while I was receiving a service from them, and I feel the least they could have done was have some empathy to help me get the old polish off, that actually was put on by them some weeks prior. Let me add, there were also workers there not working on anyone when I asked for them to finish the job they started and it was around 6 P.M., when they close at, 7.

    French tips
    London C.

    I got gel X with French tip and I love them! I paid $90. They were able to take me without an appointment too, which is nice. Super friendly staff

    View from waiting area.
    Jeannette S.

    I always come back to Universal nail spa for many reasons. Location, cleanliness, friendliness and professional, manicures and pedicures that make me feel like I was actually pampered! Jennifer (owner) makes sure that everybody is well taken care of. Rose was my pedicurist today. She was exceptional in making sure I felt relaxed with a long foot & calf massage. And perfectly polished Nails! $45 for a spa pedicure within an hour or just a bit over. Bargain! I highly recommend you go to this "universally" wonderful nail spa on 25th Ave in San Mateo!

    GelX nails
    Mayra C.

    I had an amazing experience with Julie and Trinh. They were both incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they gave the best hand and foot massages I've ever had! So relaxing! Julie did a fantastic job taking care of my ingrown nails. I usually get them pretty bad on my big toes, and not many techs know how to properly handle them, but Julie really knew what she was doing and took great care of me. Trinh also did an excellent job on my Gel X nails, this was my first time ever trying them and I was not disappointed at all. This is my second time coming to this salon, and it will definitely be my go-to from now on. Highly recommend! Great customer service. Mind you they offer you water and or tea as soon as you get seated

    Gel X set with 3D art
    Abby C.

    I came here as soon as the salon opened at 9 on a Saturday morning. The shop was cute and very clean. I was seen right away by the first available nail tech. To start off, the nail tech went straight into buffing my nails before prepping the set. I'm used to other salons trimming my natural nails and filing before buffing. The tech was a little rough. I showed my reference photo and my original tech had someone else do the floral design for me. The tech who did the floral design, Tina, did a great job and paid good attention to every detail. She was meticulous, efficient, and if she didn't like something she'd start over. My set came out so cute I was excited. My sister was helped by another nail tech and did not like the service. She explained in full detail that she wanted an ombré set with a coffin shape and the tech continued on. The color, the blend, and the shape weren't to my sister's liking. The nail tech started over again on the set and added filed the nails more then added more sparkle than what was asked. My sister was not pleased with the set and tried to explain what she wanted and ultimately left to another salon after. For my set, I was satisfied. However for my sister's set, she was not.

    Nail art done by Annie
    Debra B.

    I have never been disappointed at Universe Nails. It's always so clean. The people are so nice and professional and always do a good job.

    I love this place and have been coming for a while. However today I went in and the technician over filed with the drill and went right through my nail, didn't notice, and continued as normal. I said it stung, and called over the manager to show her and she said she didn't see anything. I clearly had a hole in my finger nail. Photo attached. She said to just put builder gel over it... an open wound. I said no. Ended up getting regular polish not gel to avoid contact dermatitis. Then to top it off nobody apologized, and I got charged fully for the service, $10 over what was clearly stated. She lady ringing me up said $30 and i said ok. My bad for not checking before i tapped my card but I ended up getting a $40 charge on my bank account. Sadly will never be coming back.

    I always have an amazing time at Universe! Tiffany did my gel x set and i'm obsessed with them. She was kind and so talented. Mai did my pedicure, and was also amazing. Cannot recommend this place enough!!

    I got Gel X by Jennifer and they are the best nails I have ever gotten! She made sure to catch every single detail and I left with the most clean and perfect nails.

    Gel x fill

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    1 month ago

    Been coming here for years and always come back! All the workers are good and give great service!

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    1 month ago

    Love coming here! Excellent work and fast! Very reasonable prices, clean, and efficient.

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    18 days ago

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    4 months ago

    I would leave less than 1 star if I could! STAY AWAY! They buffed my nails so long and so hard the completely DESTROYED MY NAILS!!!!

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    Page 1 of 19

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    Review Highlights - Universe Nails and Spa

    The Universe Pedicure is wonderful and truly a treat, it's a must if you feel you're due for a treat!

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

    4.3
    (478 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Walk-ins welcome
    Free parking

    Needed an early Sunday morning nail spot as a meeting point for my friends. We come from Oakland,…read moreSan Jose, and Castro Valley. We all agreed to meet in San Mateo. This was a get together to get our nails done for some TLC and to strategically get our friend to get her nails done before her engagement !!! The quality of the nails in photos looked great and the inside looked comfy and fitting enough for us to catch up and yap. Kudos to the team bc originally my friend was not gonna get her nails done and only wanted a pedi !!! We finally convince her but then she didn't want gel !! I spoke with my nail tech in secret and had them convince her to get gel. It was a success and without them it would've been mission fail. Our nails looked super cute, great quality, price, & service. Would recommend again. And now our friend is a fianceee with a beautiful rock and with stunning photos !!

    Moving back to the Bay Area from Utah meant I had to leave behind my nail girl of 4 years so…read morefinding someone new for my Gel X era honestly gave me anxiety lol. I found Linda on Yelp, loved her work, called the salon, and she just happened to be available that same day -- which already felt like fate. And of COURSE... before driving there, I tried swatting a fly on my porch (don't ask ) and somehow broke my thumbnail literally in half. By the time I arrived, I was anxious, embarrassed, and fully preparing myself for pain and disappointment. But Linda immediately made me feel comfortable. If you're someone who gets nervous walking into a new establishment -- whether it's a salon, restaurant, or even a medical office -- you know how important energy and kindness are. Linda greeted me so warmly, reassured me instantly, and handled my broken nail SO carefully that I barely felt discomfort. I genuinely thought my nail was doomed, but she saved it beautifully. The whole appointment honestly felt like hanging out with a friend while getting your nails done. We spent the visit talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. She shared stories about her salon and her team, and you can genuinely tell these are hardworking, humble people who truly care about what they do. That part especially stuck with me. I've always been a neutral nail girlie, but Linda started showing me different styles and ideas that actually got me excited to branch out and try new things again. That's the kind of nail tech you want -- someone who not only does beautiful work, but inspires confidence and makes the experience feel fun and safe. Finding a new nail tech after years with the same person can honestly feel weirdly emotional lol, but I left feeling SO relieved and happy that I found her. Safe to say... I found my Bay Area nail girl

    Photos
    Gel- X with sparkles and 3D chrome
    Gel- X with sparkles and 3D chrome
    Beautiful service
    Beautiful service
    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

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    7 Sisters Nail Spa

    7 Sisters Nail Spa

    4.2
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Walk-ins welcome

    This place is consistently wonderful. So professional, calm and has luxury level quality. I have…read morehad great pedicures from Ha and Celine. I highly recommend them. It's a rare calm gem of a place without the drama or gossip of some places I've unfortunately encountered in the past. Prices are a little bit higher than I am used to compared to South Bay but I always regret when I gamble and stray to another subpar nail salon on the peninsula to try to save money. Good nail color selection (could use a slight update to the trendier pearl colors but very big selection). Love their massage chairs too. Glad they have an easy option available to tip via Venmo for each employee. They've always accommodated my short notice phone calls to essentially do a walk in. Perfect spot for a date with a friend!

    First, I want to say that Karen is amazing. She's kind, professional, and gave me some of the best…read moreservice I've received in the five years I've been coming here. This review is not about her, it's about the business. I've been a customer for about five years because it's convenient, the salon is beautiful, and I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Over the years, however, I've had several uncomfortable experiences that I overlooked because of the convenience. For example, I was once pressured by a receptionist to tip in cash, and another time I brought a group in for pedicures and everyone received a drink and snack except me. Today was the final straw. I came in for a pedicure after an exhausting week. Although I arrived about 30 minutes before closing, I was never asked which pedicure package I wanted or which scent I preferred, questions they normally ask every visit. The service lasted about 30 minutes and felt like a very basic pedicure. There was no mask, extended massage, or any of the upgraded amenities typically associated with their higher-priced services. I initially requested regular polish but later switched to gel after seeing a sparkly red color that matched a dress I plan to wear to a wedding. When it came time to pay, my total was $80. I was shocked. Nothing about the service I received justified that price. It felt like I was charged for a premium pedicure despite receiving a standard one. After multiple questionable experiences over the years, I no longer feel comfortable giving this business my money. The salon may be beautiful, but the repeated issues and lack of transparency have outweighed the convenience. As a long-time customer, I'm disappointed to say I won't be returning.

    Photos
    7 Sisters Nail Spa
    7 Sisters Nail Spa
    7 Sisters Nail Spa

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    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

    4.4
    (118 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Women-owned & operated

    I've been coming here for about a year now, and I've had my nails done by almost everyone on the…read moreteam. Every experience has been wonderful! It's always quick and easy to book an appointment, whether by phone or through their website. Sometimes I get extensions, but most of the time I come in for gel polish. No matter what service I choose, they always take their time with my manicure and regularly check in to make sure I'm happy with how everything looks. I also really appreciate how clean and well-maintained the salon is every time I visit--it always feels welcoming and comfortable. Another thing I love is how talented the nail artists are. Whenever I bring in an inspiration photo, they do an amazing job matching the design and bringing it to life. Their attention to detail and dedication to making sure you leave happy really stands out. If you're looking for a new nail salon, I highly recommend giving this place a try. It has become my go-to salon, and even if I move to another city someday, I know I'll keep coming back!

    I recently moved to Foster City and was looking for a good nail salon in the area. This place had…read morehigh ratings, so I decided to try it for a Gel-X removal ($30). Martin assisted me. He was polite, quiet, and gentle with my nails, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the removal technique was not a great experience. My fingers were placed in a tub of acetone and I was told it would be about 5 minutes, but it ended up being about 10. My fingertips became very dry and pruney. In my past experiences, other nail techs typically use acetone-soaked cotton applied directly to my nail and wrapped with foil, which better protects the skin. After the removal, I was asked to wash my hands and was told the service was done. However, I noticed gel residue left on my skin and some still on my nails. When I mentioned it, I was told "no worries, it'll come off in the shower". Well it felt uncomfortable for me! The remaining gel was only wiped after I requested it, and there is still visible residue. For the hour that he spent removing it off, it definitely was not worth the price at all. I've had many Gel-X removals before and they were usually much cleaner and more efficient and cheaper priced ($15) and took only 30 mins. Giving 2 stars because Martin was kind, but I wasn't satisfied with the overall result.

    Photos
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

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    Levit8 Lounge

    Levit8 Lounge

    4.7
    (35 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    Levit8 Lounge is awesome! The staff is so kind, welcoming, and helpful. I booked the Head Spa and…read moreFacial Sculpting services, and both were fantastic. My hair and skin felt amazing afterward, and the entire experience was so relaxing. Tatiana provided my services, and she was absolutely amazing. My friend also saw her for Facial Sculpting and had the same experience. Tatiana is professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly sweet. She made us both feel comfortable and cared for throughout our appointments. If you're thinking about booking at Levit8 Lounge, I highly recommend it. And if you can, definitely book with Tatiana! She provides an exceptional experience from start to finish.

    This is my second time coming to this salon for a Russian manicure. The overall experience the…read morefirst time was better than the second time I went. The second time I went, I was done by Cassandra. She was nice but a little rough. She ended up cutting me two times and after 1.5 weeks lately it's finally not swollen. She also kept talking about how bad my nails done were before coming, I know they were bad that's why I was coming here. For the price I paid, they only lasted 8 days, when usually they last 4-5 weeks. One of my hands has already started chipping on 3 of the nails. While they overall do an ok job and maybe I had an off day or off color, I don't think I'll be back.

    Photos
    Parallel face sculpting + pedicure services available
    Parallel face sculpting + pedicure services available
    Parallel mani + pedi services available.
    Parallel mani + pedi services available.
    Relax in a warm and inviting environment. Children's services available too.

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    Relax in a warm and inviting environment. Children's services available too.

    Universe Nails and Spa - othersalons - Updated July 2026

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