I've finally found the best nail salon in San Mateo. The quality of care they all give is fantastic. The vibe is always amazing and relaxing. They also give the best massages. All the nail techs are detail oriented and thorough. The salon is clean and they have all their nail tools in a sterilization pouch which is a plus. Julie took good care of my mom. She was very meticulous when giving her a pedicure. Jennifer the owner, is sweet and caring. She gave me a manicure and was very gentle. If you're looking for a nail salon this is the place to go. I promise you'll leave happy and satisfied. I can't wait for my next visit. read more

I'm so sad to have to update this review! It used to be my favorite nail salon. But in the last several years, it seems to be the norm that my appointments and/or time have not been honored. On many occasions, I come with 1 other person with appointments for 2 pedicures together at a certain time, and they have had a long wait time (much later than our scheduled appointment) or had us served at such different times that one of us is completely finished before the other even starts. Not to mention, we don't even get to sit near each other. Despite booking appointments for pedicures for 2. Sadly, I won't be returning. read more

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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Milky white nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Adhesive wasn't properly attached to the nail - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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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! read more

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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! read more

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I've been going here for many many years. I'm so pleased with the treatments, nails and brows. The girls are so friendly and efficient. The salon is always impeccable and welcoming. From a very friendly greeting at the door to end of treatment. Adding the hot wax to my hands has really helped keep the moisture in when the cold sits in. I've had a lot of surgery around my neck and the girls may give me a little extra massage which makes my heart warm. Happy holidays to All the wonderful staff. read more

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 read more

Universe Nails and Spa - French tips - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - 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. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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5 stars all the way baby! I called at 1128am this morning and they were able to to book 2 pedicures for 2pm --- love the same day availability. The spa is clean and pristine with plenty of pedicure choices and nail polish colors galore. I was most fortunate to be paired with Nancy and my friend had Be. Both of these women were friendly and super professional. We opted for the entry level pedicure which was most lovely and deeply relaxing. And the foot/leg massage --- OMG --- it was next level! I wish it could have gone on forever. Even though I don't live in the area --- Universe Nails and Spa and Nancy in particular will be my go-to pedicure destination. Thank you so very much!! read more

Been coming here regularly for a couple of years now. Julie is amazing! Detailed, gentle, and patient. She also gives amazing foot massages! Salon is spacious and clean. read more

Top notch service-Very clean and friendly. Julie did my pedicure and I have no complaints. She took her time and I was able to relax and enjoy the moment. I decided to try the GelX nails while sitting there. I was not disappointed, I waited to write this review I wanted to see how long everything would last. It's been a month and I'm still going strong. Definitely recommend this place. read more

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 read more

Universe Nails and Spa - GelX nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Gel X set with 3D art - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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. read more

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

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

Staff is nice but the lady doing my fingers, kept filing my skin around my nails and the pedicurist kept picking at my toes with a cuticle remover and made me bleed, then put polish remover or something on the cut. no one has ever picked my toes so much, nor do i think i required that much picking. Not sure I will be back. read more

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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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!! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I've been going here for manicures and pedicures for quite some time and finally writing a review. Julie gives one of the best pedicures I've ever had. Everyone is friendly, it's very clean, and Julie is spectacular! read more

Best feature of this nail shop is the later than average store hours. The nail color selection also diverse enough I can always find a color that I find cheerful and happy. I one time tried the GelX nail and liked the results. I love getting foot massages. Never disappointed. read more

I have been going to Universe Nail Salon since it opened its doors 20+ years ago. They have always been accommodating to walk ins. Over the course of the last few years I've been dealing with fragile nails and they gave me recommendations on getting the stronger. I've been getting fills on gel x nails for the last several months and love the look and quality of work. They have been kind and do great work! An hour of some quiet time to myself while getting pampered has been a treat. The salon is clean and you can tell that they use good quality products. Thank you to the team for always making my nails look pretty! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Gel x fill - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Universe is the only place I go in the area. They put the most effort and detail into the service. My cuticles are always extremely clean. Julie has absolutely saved me with a terrible ingrown nail. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

First time at universe nails and I was really happy with my service today! Jennifer was so nice and really paid attention to detail. Such a relaxing experience will be back I'm sure read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I was desperate for a pedicure but as the sole of my feet were hurting from a corn. My usual nail salon was closed and I stumbled upon this place. They were reasonably priced and clean so I gave it a try. I was thoroughly impressed with the service. Julie was very knowledgeable and removed my corn and the pain was immediately gone! The foot massage was also amazing, they slather your feet and calves with scrub, oils, lotion. The works! I walked out with pain free, soft and smooth feet! I'll definitely be back! read more

Quick summary: * $105 for gel mani pedi - fair price point and they look great (especially my white toes) * Kind service - providing tea/water and treat * Comfortable massage with oil & lotion * Nice and clean interior with soothing instrumental playing in the background A bleeding cut on my nail bed while trimming cuticles, but it's okay it happens - the lady apologized. One thing to note is that is that the LED lights for gel mani pedi BURN - they're quite strong. Overall enjoyed the results and would come back! read more

extraordinary massage and super sweet ladies! Kim is so kind! great nail place such kind people and no wait and excellent gel read more

Helen did an amazing job! I'm very particular about my nails and she didn't mind making any adjustments I asked for. I can't wait to get my next set done by her. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Color: "mother earth" - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Here's a more natural-sounding review for Vo: "Vo is amazing! She's so detail-oriented and has the gentlest touch, which makes every visit a relaxing treat. What really sets her apart is her artistic talent--whether I'm looking for something simple or something a bit more creative, she always nails it (pun intended). Vo takes the time to make sure everything is perfect, and you can tell she genuinely cares about her work. Plus, she's just a lovely person to spend time with. If you're looking for a nail tech who's not only skilled but also kind and thoughtful, Vo is your girl!" Vo is amazing! She's so detail-oriented and has the gentlest touch, which makes every visit a relaxing treat. What really sets her apart is her artistic talent--whether I'm looking for something simple or something a bit more creative, she always nails it (pun intended). Vo takes the time to make sure everything is perfect, and you can tell she genuinely cares about her work. Plus, she's just a lovely person to spend time with. If you're looking for a nail tech who's not only skilled but also kind and thoughtful, Vo is your girl! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - My new gel-X set - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Been to a few places in San Mateo and this spot is definitely in my top favs and will be coming back. I came in and got a Universe Pedicure and Jay took great care of me. They really took their time and attention to cut and clean up my cuticles and the massage was sooo relaxing. They definitely don't make you feel rushed here :) read more

Amazing place! Highly recommended! I was passing in a few salons around I wasn't happy with the work. Thank goodness I found this amazing place! The girls are very welcoming and professional . Place always clean. Jin is my girl for manicure and she is the best! The pedicure here very spoiling and professional! I really love coming here! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Jin work - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

This was my first time going to this nail salon and I was mind blown! I had asked them if they were able to recreate a nail design I had seen online and they were able to do so. I was very impressed I would definitely recommend them! 100/10 They were also very friendly! read more

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I came in for what should've been a simple, no-polish manicure and pedicure--and left with damaged nail beds, thin peeling nails, and deep regret. Let's start with the pedicure: the technician was gentle and did her job adequately, but for the bare minimum (no polish, no extra services), the price point was absurdly high. $90 for both mani and pedi should come with at least competent technique, if not some level of polish or massage. The real issue was the manicure. The technician who handled it was aggressive, careless, and clearly rushing. Rather than using proper soaking methods or a gentle file, she resorted to aggressively dremeling down my natural nails three times. She had me soak my entire hand in a plastic bag of acetone (which is not only outdated but damaging), and then went back in with the drill again. I experienced repeated burning sensations on my nail beds to the point where I had to physically pull my hands away. What's worse--she didn't even shape my nails. At all. No smoothing of edges, no evening out. Just brittle, uneven, raw nails that are now visibly damaged. I left with my hands looking worse than when I walked in. See attached photos for evidence of the completely avoidable trauma inflicted on my nails. It's clear they prioritize speed and turnover over proper technique. Until they invest in proper training and customer care, this is a hard pass. I won't be returning--and neither should you. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Absolutely Not Worth the $90 - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I was very happy with getting a fill done with Tiffany. I showed her a picture to give her an idea of what I wanted to get done. I let her do her thing and they came out really nice. I have been looking for a permanent nail person and I think I found her. I will be making an appointment with her next time. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nails by Tiffany - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

That is such a bad nail. I was going there for about 1 year. And when I went there 2 days ago, I wanted to have acrylic gel nails done. It is important for me that the gel on my nails looks thin and natural, and I always remind them of this. And since the person who did my nails did not speak good English, I translated it into his own language so that he could understand. Speaking the second language is difficult when you're just learning. I have great respect for this. After I turned on the translator and put my phone to the microphone to understand him, my phone showed me how rude the staff were talking about the customers among themselves in their own language. This is very rude! I felt really bad. I just waited for him to finish my nails and wanted to leave. The worst nails I've ever had in my life! I made my payment with tips. When I saw the manager at the register and told her I didn't like the nails, I saw how sad she felt. But that is what it is. she offered to fix it for me next time. This is okay, but no matter what, she shouldn't have sent a customer with these terrible nails i paid 100$ for that. read more

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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!!!!

I have yucky hands but my new XL gels have me feeling so festive and hot! Lovely place and owner..nail artists are so talented and sweet. The atmosphere is so welcoming and beautiful. And drop ins are always welcome! You always feel pampered there but not paying high spa prices. Xoxo read more

Universe Nails and Spa - New gel xl nails... love. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Just had a pedicure from Julie at Universe Nails. She is very thorough and gives an immaculate pedicure. I couldn't be happier. Highly recommend! read more