This is a bit of a late review but I had a great experience here. I had a very specific Chinese imperial palace design I wanted and the 2 nail places I'd gone before weren't able to recreate it so I asked around and Vivian's Nails Bar was recommended. I sent photos of the design and Vivian told me she could do it so I made an appointment. Vivian has good attention to detail and was able to freestyle the design for the thumbs and pinkies since those weren't in the design photo I sent her. I was also done a lot quicker than expected which was a nice bonus. If you're looking for intricate/3D designs I highly recommend coming here. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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Amazing work! I have been with Vivian or Amy for at least 17 years. I moved away so it is a bit of a drive but so worth it! Amy, Vivian and Kelly are all so kind . Amy always does my pedicures and nails and I get so many compliments. Love Nail Salon and would never go any where else. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I love my gold cat eye nails by Amy. I love Vivian's nail bar. They are sweet and do a wonderful job! read more

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I came here earlier on a Saturday early afternoon around 12PM. I wanted to drop by as a walk in since on their Yelp, it states "walks in welcome." However, once I came - the owner asked me if I had an appointment because they only accept appointments because of the holidays. But Thanksgiving isn't until another week. If you are only accepting appointments only during the holidays, put a sign in front of your store or please change it on Yelp until after new years is over for the holidays so you don't waste more people's time driving here. read more

Writing this review for my gf, This place is so bad the nails don't even look like what she referenced.. U can still see her actual nail and they're not shaped right. Also the color is a tan/brown and no where near the pink shine she asked for save ur money and time do not go here LMFAO. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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A friend of mine had suggested that I try her nail salon, so I made an appointment to try this place. Unfortunately I got stuck in traffic but I did call to notify them of my delay and they assured me that it is still fine for me to come. I arrived 9 minutes past my scheduled time. Upon arrival, no one greeted or welcomed me, only a lady said sit down here, you are late! Ok! Then I sat and waited for 20 minutes. After patiently sitting there for 25 minutes, I finally inquired about the delay, only to be met with rudeness and indifference. The staff informed me that because I was 10 minutes late, I would have to wait an additional 10 minutes. This response just shocked me and I found it to be utterly rude, crude and unacceptable. Not only did I arrive within the timeframe of my appointment, but there was also no acknowledgment of the length of time I was sitting there. If this level of disrespect and disregard for customers' time is considered acceptable conduct in this salon, then this place is not even worth a try. I will not be returning to Vivien's nail bar and will be sure to share my negative experience with my friend and others. read more

Love this nail salon! Vivian, Amy & Kelly treat you like family and they do such a great job. Very easy to get an appointment. Vivian does a great job with designs on nails. read more

I like the way they make the nails they are very gentle and artistic. Highly recommended. Linda and Vivian are the best ones. Thank you g read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - My last nail design by Linda - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

My wife had zero complaints and she says that they provided exactly what she wanted. The nail tech asked if she had a photo of what she wants a gave her exactly that. We'll have to see how the nails hold up. If they hold well, then I'm sure my wife will be back. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Ombré - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Vivan is *AWESOME*!! She does beautiful work!! She's so creative and always willing to try something new. She also does Japanese nail art which is rare to find in our area. Yesterday she painted Hello Kitty tips for me with 3D bows. She does the best work of anywhere I have ever gone. Her prices are reasonable. She's so enthusiastic about her work! Her new Nail Bar is beautiful! I *highly* recommend her to anyone who wants beautiful and creative nail designs!! read more

A friend recommended Vivian's and I won't go anywhere else now. Vivian, Amy and Kelly are the BEST! Friendly, professional and very skilled! Highly recommend!! Make an appointment, you won't be disappointed. read more

It was my first time going here and I LOVED the way Kelly shaped my nails Definitely coming back read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Acrylic nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Never disappoint. Vivian is an artist and her ability to do exactly what you want is amazing. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been coming here off and on since I was in high school. Currently a few years out of college and I've been recently coming back to Vivian for my acrylic nails. She's tried to accommodate my design ideas and I've been fairly happy with each time I go to her. I've always felt pretty rushed since I have to book after 5pm so I started booking weekends mid day so she can take her time. I recently had her cancel an appointment and change me to a weekday appointment after 5pm. This wasn't a problem for me so didn't think too much of it. I started my appointment and she ended up going to file another clients nails while she was still doing mine. She ended up finishing my fill in 35 minutes. Normally I would be happy that I was in and out pretty quickly but from the result of my nails I'm disappointed. You can see where the separation of the nails underneath the new fill (maybe the previous set wasn't fully removed?) they're uneven and much shorter than I wanted. I want to support this salon because I've been going here forever but the feeling of being rushed and my nails looking sloppy has made me not wanting to go back. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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Been going to Vivian for years and always soo happy. They all do beautiful work and I've recommended this place to friends and family read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

my favorite place to get my nails done in san jose, by a LONG SHOT. Vivian and Kelly are amazing, warm and so talented. They never miss. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - acrylic fill with abstract design - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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This is the best nail salon I've found in the whole Bay Area!! Vivian is a true artist. If you're looking for the most unique and creative 3D acrylic nail art..then you've found your new home. There are very few artists here that do this style of nails..it is a sculptural Japanese style where she uses an acrylic powder to mold tiny shapes - hearts, bows, flowers..you name it. The possibilities are endless and it's truly magical to watch her work! I generally design all of my own nails..after countless searches through Japanese nail magazines..though checking out Vivian's past designs and tweaking them (changing the color scheme etc.) is another option if you're not feeling very creative. Vivian has a beautiful eye and design aesthetic so she can def guide you in the right direction. She can almost always achieve any design you find online too. All of the girls in the shop are amazing. Their deluxe pedicure is to die for and their color selection is huge. I've been going to Vivian for maybe 8 or so years now and the whole crew has become family. Absolutely love it here :) read more

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I've been going to Vivian for a little over 10 years now; followed her from neo nails. I always love coming here, not only does she does a great job, she and her staff are the nicest, patient people ever. You can almost bring in any photo from anywhere, and they will be able to replicate the design for you. I love the care and attention she puts into doing my nails and designs. Ive tried going to other places over the years as I've moved and it is quite a distance to get to her-but I always find myself back here. read more

I came in for a gel manicure. I asked to see the color selection. They handed me a book, but it was very limited so I asked if they had the typical gel nail wheel and she went and got one and I picked out a color. She started to do my manicure and I noticed she did not take anything out of a sealed bag, but just out of a cup, so I knew that they were not put through an autoclave and sterilized. As she was trimming my clipped my finger. As she started putting on the gel nail polish, I noticed she was just doing one swipe of polish down in the middle and not getting any polish on the edges. I mentioned something about that and she gave me a look. As she started to put the color and gel nail polish on, she did the same thing and also I noticed that the polish just didn't look right and as I mentioned something, she told me to just wait for the second coat. When she put the second coat on, it still was not looking right, and she noticed that the polish was starting to separate or not hardened correctly under the light. She had me put my hands back under the light and we noticed that it still looked weird. She then told me that the nail polish was old. And she told me we had to take everything off and start over. She also asked me to pick a different color, but I didn't want a different color because I had an event to go to and I wanted a specific color. Also, at this point it was running late and I had to get back to work so I asked her to please just take it all off. As I went to leave, they wanted to charge me the full $45 for the gel manicure and I said I don't have a gel manicure. I came in with bar Nails and I'm leaving with Nails. It look worse than when I came in. They proceeded to say that they would charge me $35 and I said I'm not paying $35 for somebody to trim my cuticles. In the end, I ended up paying $15 just to get out of the salon and not have any more arguments with the owner or the tech technician. read more

My nails are perfect every time I leave the salon. Vivian is fast and my nails have never looked better. Kelly gives the best pedicures. Everyone at the salon is sweet and funny! Highly recommend, I'm very particular about my nails. read more

This place is a life saver! I had an appointment with a nail tech from a different nail salon that canceled on me without any notice. I was frustrated and desperate to find another salon and tech that could fit me in last minute. Once I ran across Vivian's nail bar on yelp, I called immediately and Vivian made a way to fit me in! I wanted my nails designs to be dope and blinged for my 30th birthday and they were just that!! I enjoy when creatives can freestyle. Vivian took one look at the 5 photos I like bed and went from there! I lovvvvvveeeeddd my nails!!! I got my nails done on the 10th of April... it's now April 25th and they still look great. Not only are the quality of their work is remarkable, but the customer service and hospitality is awesome! This is my new spot! 5/29- my second time going to Vivian and she killed it again!!! Ugh... I just love her work! I let her freestyle Bc I trust her. I simply told her I wanted unicorn nails and she executed effortlessly! read more

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I started going to Neo nail bar when I lived with my mom. I must have been 21 or 22. I saw Amy there and loved her!!!! I was sad to learn we left but excited to learn my friend Cherise was going to a place Vivian owns with all my favorite people. I see Amy and Tran every visit. Amy can do anything with nail pictures I bring to her, she has yet to disappoint. Tran does the best pedicure. She takes her time and makes sure you relax. None the less I've been seeing these girls for over 13 years and I don't plan to stop. My nails are the first pic and my daughters are going he second. Both done by Amy read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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My daughter called me. This was her experience: Horrible experience, ripped off, & time wasted. Pedicure was mediocre to begin with; no hot rocks & no wax, which is typically included when I get a pedicure at other salons. My artist convinced me to pay beforehand because my nails would be wet. WHICH I REGRET! I noticed my manicure had bubbles in it, I asked to have them redone. They STILL had bubbles in them when redoing the manicure. I got a different artist to do my nails and STILL continued to have bubbles in my nails. At this point I asked for a refund of my manicure and was granted it. My pedicure however was not refunded and the owner Vivian said she had no reason to refund my pedicure because she had spent her time doing my nails. I told her it was MY time wasted here that I would have to then spend another hour at a different salon to fix their mistakes. read more

Came in without an appointment about an hour before they closed and was still able to get my nails done. I got an acrylic set from Queenies before and the nail tech did a horrendous job to where every one of my nails lifted so I tried finding a new place and passed by this one. Don't get me wrong, Queenies is a great place and I recommend it, but with the last set I got plus the price raises, I wanted to find a new place. Kelly (I hope that's her name because I'm honestly bad at remembering names) did an amazing job of being very careful with my nails. I initially wanted a color that I showed (black base with rose gold chrome) which Vivian initially said she had but Kelly said they didn't. Although they didn't have the color, both Kelly and Vivian tried getting close to the color and came up with this one (black base with red, silver and gold chrome mix). I really appreciate that even though they were gonna close soon, they still kept trying to give me a color I want. Overall great customer service, nice, careful and very helpful with trying to give what I wanted. Definitely coming back again read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Love both the people and the amazing work done here! Made my Halloween festive and complete!! read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Halloween nail art - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I ADORE Vivian and her team! Vivian is a true artist and a professional. I used to come in with a few pictures of what I wanted; a little bit of this picture, a bit of that,etc. she always improved what I wanted. Well the last few times I have let her choose. Since she is so talented I let her have free reign on my nails! I just let her know if I want something simple or a little more festive/theme. From having her do my nails for a vacation in Tulum to her doing my nails for Disneyland I've never been disappointed! The designs last at least 2 weeks, usually 3 weeks! Treat yourself to having a work of art on your nails. read more

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:::::siiiiiiigh:::::: I wanted to like this place. I took a day off of work... I ran my errands, went to my appointments & had a couple hours to spare. I was in major need of a fill so I decided I would pull over to Yelp the nearest, high rated nail salon. This place came up. I called, they were able to take me right away. It was a Wednesday around 3pm, a time and day I wouldn't expect to be busy so I wasn't surprised that they were available. I walked in and it was kinda messy/dirty looking. I wasn't impressed with the look at all. It actually seems slightly out dated in terms of material used, color options & displays. Blah. They did mention Vivian was in vacation (I'm assuming she's the owner/boss) so maybe the girls there weren't on their toes. There was even a girl eating at the nail bar. Yuck. Anyway, I sat to the left against the wall at the first table. I can't remember the name of the lady who did my nails. Shoot! She was ok in terms of conversation/personality and my nails did look ok when she was done. HOWEVER, I didn't trust the steps she was taking. I've been getting my nails done for over 20 years and this lady didn't seem to know what she was doing. I left there with nails that were pulling on clothes and lifting at the corners. I guess my instinct was right. Egh. I got gel, as I always do, and the polish started chipping a week later. This has NEVER happened with gel polish. I'd SKIP this place. There are far better salons in San Jose with better ambiance, material, customer service, options and QUALITY. I shouldn't need a fill within a week. =( read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Gel polish started chipping after 7 days. This has NEVER happened to me. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

My review is VERY SIMILAR to Vanessa's down below....so I guess I'm not the only one! Ran a few errands on Saturday and needed a Shellac Manicure - otherwise my natural long nails tend to break and crack. I was nowhere near my normal nail spots so i decided to go on YELP. Decided to try this place out since it was near my current location and had a pretty good rating. #shouldhavewentthroughthecommentsmore They also had that YELP deal for $5 off if you checked in. Went in, sat at the bar for a bit and then got sat next to the wall with a very stylish manicurist. Not much conversation, but she was sweet. I got a pastel yellow color cos i was feeling a little spring-y and she even primed the color with white! $25 It is only Wednesday and the shellac is already starting to peel off! That's 5 days. I usually go every 2 weeks. 1 Star for the friendliness of staff, but no thank you. Guess you get what you pay for! read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Ok so I came here after my friend recommended it. I love the fact that Vivian actually does nails, and she's not just a name but an actual person. She's literally and artist and can do anything you ask for. I was shook the first time she drew on my nails. The costumer service is god too, the ladies are all nice, it's a small shop so it feels more intimate but in a good way. Listen don't tar my word for it just look at my r read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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Vivian is so sweet. She does such an amazing job! I had a trip coming up and they were very accommodating. I don't remember who did my pedicure but she did a great job as well. I am really picky with pedicures and I was 100% satisfied! Love this place read more

Walked in tonight without an appointment or calling ahead and today is the final Friday before Christmas so the fact they even had room and got me and a friend in no problem was great! First time I've been here and picked this place based on reviews and proximity to my office and I was Not disappointed. Vivian and the ladies did a great job on my nails. I don't treat myself to these types of pampering service too offer but happy to know I found a place I will return in the future for special occasions read more

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My first time here and I was stoked with the service. I was in and out in a little over an hour with a gel pedicure. No one tried to up-sell me other services. It was great and I dug the set up. HOWEVER, pedicurist dug too deep into my nail bed. I woke up with a red, swollen, throbbing big toe. It is now oozing puss and need antibiotics. Too much drama and way too time consuming to deal with after the fact. Big sigh! read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - A "Dexter" pedicure for Halloween! Rad! - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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DO NOT go to this place!!!! If I could give 0 stars I would! This was BY FAR the worst nail salon I've ever been to. I made an apt for a gel MANI and a pedicure, I've been growing out my nails for awhile now so that it would look nice to have a gel mani. I made my apt with Vivian. As I walked in I was starred at and sent over to the pedicure area to put my feet in what is basically a SINK. As I sat down I realized how EXTREMELY dirty not only the place was but the TOOLS used!! All of the tools weren't sanitized and had people's old dead skin around it. Honestly I've never seen a salon this unclean I'm shocked they are still open. As I was getting my pedi done, Vivian walked up, didn't bother to ask me what I wanted to do to my nails and immediately took a clipper to my nails...YES my nails I'd been waiting for so long to grow out! I didn't even get a chance to stop her before she was halfway done because she was in such a rush and cut them so fast! I was so upset I almost walked out but waited around to see if MAYBE she'd be able to fix it. Boy was I wrong. To make a very long story short, I'd asked for NARROW fake nails, even though I didn't want fake nails at all but had to since she cut them so short, and then completely ended up with flared out nails. My pedi looks like a child did it and my nails are the complete opposite of what I asked for. I wasn't listened to once and the place is completely dirty. In the end, my total was EIGHTY DOLLARS...are you f***ing kidding me?! I paid them and went on my way. I will obviously never be back but hope to write this so I can spare someone. Good luck to you if you decide to go here! read more

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I was "in the market" for a new nail salon. There was no real reason that I stopped going to my favorite, Perfect 10 Nails. I just wanted to branch out and try other locations. Big mistake. I came to this location exactly 6 weeks ago. I called and booked an appointment with Vivian, the woman that everyone recommends. I came in and asked for Vivian and she was busy with another client and asked what design I wanted. I wanted to get a new set of acrylics with the pink to white ombre affect. She said she was busy but another technician could do it for me. Since this was my only day off, I decided to just take the appointment with the other woman. I will get right to it: she was rough on my nails. I had about 4 acrylic nails that needed to be removed and this was the first person that rushed the process which in the end, hurt my fingers. Like I mentioned before, I needed a new set so my nails were already shaved down pretty well. She went in and shaved my nails to prep them for the new acrylics. I left the salon with all 10 fingers hurting which lasted onto the next day. Ok, in my past experiences, whenever I had acrylics, they would begin to lift and loosen by the 3rd week. It was already the 4th week and NONE of them budged. At first I thought, "Wow, this is awesome, these nails are lasting forever!" That was short lived when my middle finger began to ache. This pain was not the same pain as slamming your finger in a door. It was a constant, throbbing pain. I removed most of the nails off on my own with clippers, a nail file, and acetone. My middle finger nail would not budge and I couldn't even touch it because it hurt so much. It was as if the acrylic nail's glue was stuck on my skin (which is what happened because she shaved my nail waaaaay more than she should have) I was really close to getting into my car and driving to the location to take a second look at my nail tech's license so I could file a health complaint. This had NEVER happened to me in the past so it HAS to be because of her. Yesterday, after six weeks, I finally was able to remove the acrylic nail but only to discover this: (look at the photo) I have a slit in my nail and it has a greenish/yellow color to it. I am most certain that it is infected. This experience is enough to tell people to stay away and find another location. I would recommend Perfect 10 Nails. I will never step foot into this location even if it is the last nail salon in the world. You have ruined my nails and caused me weeks of pain. read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Slit in my nail and possibly infected - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Jenny or Vivian!!!! they're both so amazing at what they do. I always leave there pleased and my nails don't lift for weeks. I'm a hair dresser, so my hands are constantly in water and I NEED my nails to last. I'm super picky and always come in with crazy designs and pictures and they always get my shape and drawings on point. always very accommodating. I definitely recommend this place :) read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - full set of stiletto nails with hand drawn skull and vampire. thanks Vivian :) - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Made an appointment-they were busy and could not take any walk-ins. Still had to wait, but they were all very apologetic and had to squeeze in some other clients cause the owner was out. Tran did my nails amd my pedi-gel for both. She took her time and did a great job. Asked for flower design & she did not disappoint-plus she added a cite little gem in the middle. Book an appointment, you may still have to wait but worth it. Also they hace free drinks-water & soda. read more

I came to get my nail done here for my birthday. 3D nails! The lady was extremely nice and I was quite happy how my nails turned out. I would definitely come back here again when I want 3D nails, but I'm too broke to make this place a routine. Overall, I'm happy with my pretty nails. read more

Amazingly detailed Japanese 3D designs. Vivian really takes her time to shape your nails to your liking and has an extremely steady hand when it comes to nail art. The pictures speak for themselves. Make an appointment. She is very good about honoring your slot and is careful not to overbook, which makes me feel special when she turns down two walk-ins because she knows she is too busy. Spend the money to love your nails, and be prepared to receive compliments left and right. I highly recommend Vivian's Nail Bar. read more

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Hi Sandra, I don't think I have time to do for you. Please let me know when you can stop by so that I can return the money for you to get your nail done somewhere else. I am very appreciated your business but every time I do nail for you, somehow it came off (lifted) the next day. It's not the first time. I have been trying to make you happy but look like my skills has the limit. Thank you very much. This from Vivian. I've been going to her since 2013. This was my first time where I have actually was mad about my nails lifting and first time they lift the next day. I told her I was mad and I guess she didn't like me telling her that. I've taken my nails off numerous times because I want to or I was doing something where I would break them. I'm rough with my nails and I actually use my hands in water and with chemicals. I've watched videos on how to properly prep nails and she doesn't do that. Lately Vivian has been in a rush because she is behind. Time to find someone who will take the time on my nails and not rush just to try and get more money. read more

I started going to Vivian's just by looking through yelp and saw her designs, and I loooove 3d nail art so I had to try her out! Ever since then I never went to another nail salon ever again and it's been about 5 years! The staff is always friendly and courteous to me and I always walk out of the salon excited about showing my nails off. There isn't a time when I get my nails done at Vivian's that I don't get compliments about my nails. Everywhere I go someone says something about them! Love it! If you want a lot of different things done on your nails, of course it's going to be pricey, but it is so worth it in my opinion! :) read more

Vivian's Nails Bar - Got these done for Halloween! - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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