While in town i had a special event where i needed my nails to be camera ready, so i jumped onto groupon and found a pass here for a gel mani pedi with Eirene. Parking was a little rough, but i figured it out, and went inside. Its small but cozy, and eirene found me and was super friendly. We talked colors, and she went to work on my nails. Ive never had a "waterless pedicure" but i guess when in rome... Eirene was so nice and easy to talk to, and she did a really precise and detailed job with my nails. If i lived in the area, i would absolutely be a returning customer. Excellent work and even weeks later my nails still look as good as the day she did them. read more

Urban Alchemy Salon Studio - White gel pedi - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I just moved to town and my nail was coming off, so I called around trying to find someone that uses actual gel. Luckily I found them aaand they even took me in right away. I have been there now three times and she is the best! She gets what I want and the nails are beautiful! read more

Urban Alchemy Salon Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

As always, first things first: where is the salon, and is there any parking? Parking first: yes, there is free parking !!!! On 9th Ave between B and A, there is an entrance right by the building number, 1281 (*** see photo***). Kristi says that it leads to underground parking. If the building's spaces are full, there is plenty of street parking at $1.25/hr. I parked on the next block, 9th between A and Ash, in the shade. There's also parking on Ash, and on 8th (between A and Ash). Urban Chic is one of many studios in the Phenix Salon Suites -- a entire floor of a building dedicated to salons of various types. 1281 9th Ave is a little deceptive: the entrance to the Suites is actually on "A" street, right past the fountain as you walk towards the north side of the building, closer to 10th than 9th. **** See the pictures included with this review. **** Once you go through the "Phenix Salon Suites" door, you follow the corridor. You will turn right, then keep walking and choose the first left (there are a LOT of little salon spaces, and a lot of corridors). ***Kristi is in Salon 143*** (again, see my attached photos) -- a lovely space with big windows which look out onto the trees on 10th Avenue. Kristi is warm, outgoing, and a wonderful pedicurist. She specializes in Dry Pedicures, which set her apart from many other San Diego estheticians. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is such a thing as a waterless pedicure. Conventional pedicure methods often involve soaking the feet in water first before removing dead skin. Waterless pedicures can help to keep your feet more moist by using lotions and creams instead of water. The main focus is to file and moisturize the feet. Also, nail polish lasts longer with a dry pedicure. Think about it: nails swell when they are immersed in water. As the nails dry they contract and shrink. If natural nails are polished immediately after a warm water soak, the polish at the nails' free edges may crack and peel as the nails begin to dry. So the benefit of keeping the nails dry throughout a pedicure is to help ensure longer-lasting polish. Kristi used a sander to help exfoliate the soles of my feet. A tiny drill was then used to gently remove the excess dead skin which left my feet feeling smooth. Everything was kept scrupulously clean, and tidy. The scrub, and deep moisturizing treatment which followed hydrated and renewed the dry skin on my feet. She uses gel polish -- she has many gel colors, and my pedicures last well over a month (and I walk a lot). A five-star experience, and I will be returning to Kristi for my next Dry Pedicure. read more

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Since day 1 of seeing Kristi, I've been in love with the art she creates on my nails! I've experienced nothing but good vibes from all the talented artists in this studio. I can't see myself going anywhere else. I'm obsessed with the work done every time and one major benefit is that my nails last me up to a month, as you absolutely get what you pay for. When I walk in, it's always a clean plus fun place to relax and get pampered. I don't believe there's any other spot quite like this one in SD. read more

Urban Alchemy Salon Studio - Some of my favorite nails by Kristi. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I am so unbelievably happy with my nails! Eirene hooked it up with a gorgeous set of nails! Seriously, the best nails I've ever had. I cannot recommend her enough! Definitely making this my new nail spot read more

Urban Alchemy Salon Studio - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Have been searching for a salon since i moved to San Diego and was having no luck. Thank GOD I found Kristi. You can tell she is very educated about nails & she listens to what you want. She did an amazing job on my nails and she is 100% the only person I will be going to in San Diego for nails. Would recommend her to anyone. read more

Kristi is an artist! I love coming here and getting new nails, trying new looks, and watching Kristi use her wealth of knowledge about nail techniques to create amazing little works of art on my fingers. She's passionate about her trade. Can't recommend her work enough. Also, everybody there are just good people. Go pay Kristi a visit. You will love the results. read more

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Ahry the nail tech was incredibly rude. I think this is the first time I have ever even reviewed anything, but she was so rude, I decided to. I actually can't believe her lack of customer service. Would not recommend her. read more

If you are looking for somewhere to get your nails done that is an amazing experience and atmosphere, definitely check on this studio. From the ambiance and decor to the amazing staff, I love this place. It is for sure not just another "cattle-call" salon where everything is impersonal and they can't wait to get you out of the chair so the next in line can go. In addition to the great atmosphere, I have the best nails. It is the one complement that I consistenly get "you have amazing nails!". Kristi is so talented and can create any look I need. Best customer service ever, I am hooked for life! read more

Having had my nails done for several years, and after having visited countless disappointing salons in both Europe and SD, I can say that this is hands down the best nail salon! From the immaculate cleanliness of the place to the expertise and friendliness of Kristi and Rachel, there is no other nail salon to top this. A manicure, or any service you get, at Urban Alchemy is worth every penny, and my personal guarantee is that you will never leave this awesome place feeling down! read more

I have been going to Eirene for my nails for quite awhile now and she's the absolute best!!! She is such a pro at everything she does and puts so much time and effort into making sure your nails are perfect and exactly what you are looking for. Not only is she a wiz with acrylics but she also is incredibly talented at nail art! The type of work she does on my nails is so intricate, beautiful, and detailed it never fails to amaze me! Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed! read more

Love love loooooooove my girl Kristi Din!!! She is hands down one of the best in the nail game I always walk out with the most amazing sets and 4 weeks later when I come in for a fill my set still looks as good as new. I highly recommend her! She is worth it and you definitely get what you pay for read more

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I had a Mani/Pedi with Eirene earlier this week and hands down it was the best mani/pedi experience I've ever had!!! (and i've had services at all types of places, from hole in the walls to luxury high end spas). Eirene takes her time and care with your nails, this is not a 30 minute rush you in and out service. My nails look AMAZING and it was just what I asked for in celebration of my maternity leave/ baby girl on the way. Eirene is very easy to talk to and her technique is on point. Salon owners were there as well and also very friendly and great to talk with. I actually dozed off a little during the pedicure because I was so relaxed. Definitely check this place out- great for everyday and highly skilled to give you a one of a kind look for special occasions!! read more

I have been going to Kristi for 4 years now. I found her online for my wedding nails and I never left her since. She is AMAZING at nail art and sculpting. Show her a picture and she can do it. She also does my daughters nails for her birthday parties. Her free hand nail art is on point. She is professional and she pays attention to detain. I highly recommend this place read more

I made an appointment with Rachael and am super elated that I got my nails done by her! She was extremely polite and great to talk to! Unlike discount nail salons where they try to rush you out for their next customer, Rachael took her time and made sure that the shape of the acrylic was what I wanted before moving on. I could tell that she took great pride in her work and I loved the results! Also, at urban chic nails they sculpt the liquid and powder mixture to your own size without using tips that are just filed down to fit. There is good ventilation in the salon so that there is less odor from chemicals that could be harmful. It was a bit hard to find the salon but you can find it across from the Shell gas station and it is located in the Phenix Salons. It's a bit of a maze to get to the right salon, but you could ask whoever is doing your nails to open the back doors for an easier access! I do definitely recommend Rachael! They are by appointment only so give them a call! read more

Are you looking for a nail salon that isn't going to butcher your finger nails, rip off your nails when removing acrylics and/or trying to guess what your nail tech is saying? This is your sign, Kristi and Veronica are amazing. Kristi has been my "hallelujah" for over 2 years now. Where ever she goes, I go. She does jaw dropping treasure nails and the conversations are never dull, so bring your personality with you. Kristi and Veronica are extremely busy women, their work is quality, so their time is valuable when you are there. Quality over quantity. read more

I absolutely love this place! Veronica is so accommodating and VERY creative!! My nails generally last 4-5 weeks with minimal damage (usually my fault if something happens). I highly recommend you go see Veronica if you love REAL nail art! Oh yeah I forgot to mention...please have a sense of humor because she's HILARIOUS! read more

Urban Chic Studios is my savior. I recently moved to San Diego from Los Angeles. Finding a nail technician was an endless journey until I found Kristi. My nails are absolutely gorgeous. If you want beautiful nails you have to try this place. Veronica is also fantastic. When Kristi is not available, Veronica does my nails. Kristi and Veronica are very artistic. You won't be sorry when you have your nails done here read more