I go here regularly for builder gel nails - Tiffany is the best! Very clean and nice.

Wifey asked if I wanted to get a pedicure done and I immediately replied in the affirmative based on my recent positive experience at a nail spot close to our home. We decided to try AO Nails for the first time because we were doing errands in the Poway area. After our experience at AO with Helen and Mia, we found our go to pedicure business. We were given outstanding customer service, the two ladies did a great job with our pedicures, and from start to finish, we enjoyed our experience. AO Nails is located in Poway, specifically towards the east end of Poway Road. It can be found in the shopping center where the following tenants reside: Trader Joe's, Five Below, and Home Goods. The Mexican food restaurant El Ranchito is next door to the nail salon. There is plenty of parking in this shopping center. As you enter AO, you immediately notice how bright the salon is from the natural lighting from their open windows. It's conducive to seeing the handiwork of the nail professionals. One of their main walls has a floral arch and large Hello Kitty character stuffed dolls. There are mounted pics of coastal scenery. We received friendly and diligent customer service from Helen and Mia. Both of their positive dispositions are part of the reason why we would return. I've had a pedicure two times in my entire life and both times I really enjoyed them. AO Nails is the best one from start to finish. Loved that their chairs are massage type, they're comfortable, and they cup holders, which was convenient for my AM/PM XL drink. When they had me soak my feet, the water was really hot, but I got used to the heat real quick. I enjoyed placing my feet into their bubbling spa bath. Wifey paid extra for us to have our calves and feet lotioned and saran wrapped. She paid extra have our feet callouses removed utilizing one of their electronic tools. Lastly, she paid extra for the 10 minute massage done to our calves and feet. I enjoyed everything and it truly felt like I was being pampered. My feet and calves felt renewed, revived, and soft after all that Helen did to them. My pedicure concluded with a clear coat nail polish placed on my nails. Wifey and I have found our go to pedicure spot at AO Nails. Our entire experience was positive from the quality customer service from Helen and Mia, the inviting and well lit business, and the professional and reinvigorating pedicure and add-ons. read more

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I'm a natural nails person.... Gels, dips and acrylics were my past... now I'm all about natural manicures and healthy nails and cuticles. I've been twice now and both times they've given me classic manicured nails. The first time I had been gardening quite a bit so my nails were dry and uneven. The evened every thing out, moisturized my cuticles and buffed my nails until they were a soft pink-no polish, just healthy nails. The second time I went my nails had grown out to the perfect length-they shaped them slightly, took care of my cuticles and chose a neutral polish that played up my hands. I've gotten a number of compliments on how nice my nails look which doesn't happen often with natural nails... so I see this as evidence of the quality of work at AO nails. read more

This is the second time (since February 2026) that I have made an appointment to get a mani-pedi done at this location, and upon arrival I have been told they are too busy and for me to come back another time. this is after I have had to stand in line to check in, and witness walk-ins get seated with a nail tech. I am very disappointed and will not go back and would not refer them to anyone. They have a lack of professionalism and business ethic. read more

I've been to this location multiple times. I always get gel x set with Tiffany (she does a great job). I also get pedicures every time. I try to continue to give them another chance, but they can never get the pedicure right. Please don't choose Helen. She understands English, but still does the opposite of what she is asked. I told her not to cut the toe nails too much and to keep them really squared. She cut them round and wasn't able to get the square shape again. The French pedicure is a disaster. She gave me multiple cuts. She would file my toe nails and place the filer up against my skin. I told her I wanted a deep French, she agreed as if she understood and gave me horrible uneven French. I will no longer go back for pedicures. I have to find a better place. I paid $58 plus tip for a fucked up pedicure. She didn't clean the skin around the toe nails, she pretended but didn't pull any skin off. read more

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Called ahead to see if they had any availability for a regular pedi and gel mani. I was able to get in and be seen within 25 minutes. I was looking to try gel x but after talking with Tiffany she recommend hard gel to keep my regular nail and build from there. It was perfect because I didn't need the additional length. I typically do square but a nail had broken and she asked if it would be okay to reshape. I'm so happy that we did that. This shape feels more natural than the square. I also saw the artwork she had up at her station and asked if she could do a Valentine's design. I think she did a great job and I would be happy to come in again! I had another shop I was loyal to but the quality had been declining and I decided to try out AO Nails. I'm so happy that I decided to give this shop a try. I've found my new go to nail spot. This place is clean, bright and airy and the decor is too cute. Definitely check them out for quality nail care. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

It's my first time at this location for AO nails, but I loved the time and attention to detail Tiffany put into my nails! Great work! Will return ! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

I asked for Cherry nail designs for Las Vegas weekend trip and they delivered! OBSESSED ‍ read more

AO Nails - Poway - nail design - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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I called the place with no appointment and they were able to squeeze me in 30 minutes later. I needed a removal and new set, which they kindly said they could do for me. I'm not sure the name of the person who did my nails but it was a guy and he was super informative and friendly when I had questions for him. These are my real nails and I normally get gel x overlay on top of my real nails, but he advised hard gel and it was the best decision! I love the way my nails came out and how strong they feel now, since I have pretty weak nails. The inside was super clean and I honestly lovee how sterile they clean their equipment. They had all the correct machines to ensure no cross contamination was made when doing clients' nails. I guess the only downside is that they don't have a lot of color choices for gel x. But other than that, everything else was amazing! They also offered so many different services, which I would love to come back and do. At the end, my nails came tech offered me a massage and hand massage which was super nice of them. Definitely will come back again for my nails and other services I need! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

I recently went in for a pedicure and unfortunately, I left feeling pretty disappointed with the service. First, the salon did not have AC. Since we're in California, especially during the summer when temperatures can get pretty hot, I would expect a salon to have a comfortable environment for its customers. They only had fans, and most of the fans appeared to be directed toward the employees rather than the customers. It gave me the impression that the comfort of the employees was being prioritized over the customers. For my pedicure, I specifically asked for callus removal, but they only did a small portion of it. My feet honestly looked almost the same as when I walked in. I was also charged an additional $10 for the callus removal, which I don't feel was justified based on the service I actually received. The massage was another disappointment. They did time the massage, but most of it was focused on my legs rather than my feet. A pedicure is primarily about taking care of your feet, so I expected more attention to the feet themselves. I also wasn't comfortable with the way tipping was handled. The person who appeared to be in charge asked how I liked the service and then seemed to base the expectation of a larger tip on how much I liked the service. On top of that, there was an additional credit card processing fee, and I did not appreciate that fee being included in the amount used to calculate the tip. Overall, I'm giving 2 stars because the experience did not feel worth what I paid. I hope they improve the air conditioning/customer comfort, provide the services customers specifically request, and be more transparent about additional fees and tipping. read more

Salon was nice and clean with plenty of parking, but I would not drive out of my way from 4S ranch for this ok mani. nothing special. Regular gel mani is $40, but if you want ombre nails you have to pay $50 extra for that ombre design!! say what??? That's craziness. Upside is that it is next to Home Goods If you are willing pay upwards of $150 for a mani, you can get really pretty designs! I was not impressed, so my search for another go to nail salon continues... read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

very disappointed with my first time experience. I went in on a friday night Around 6:50 for a Classic Pedicure. Not sure if they were in a hurry but I was literally done and out by 7:15. She was about to put the nail polish on my toes already until i told her she hasn't clean under my nails so she did also she didn't do Cuticle Care at all. I usually never get gel anywhere I go but they last me a few weeks. This time by monday one of my toes nail polish chipped off and by wed 3 more chipped off smh. Never going back! If i could give 0 stars i would. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Got them done Friday and this is how they looked by Tuesday - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

Everyone was friendly and professional. Joy did my gel x mani with a design and it was better than the picture I looked at for inspo. They offered me cold water and a massage. Best summer pampering day. 'll be back :) read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nails by Joy - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

Nice salon- Helen is a wonderful nail tech. I preferred the way it looked when it was Aloha- kind of stark now...but I guess they are keeping up with the times! read more

Super fast for what I paid. Never going back! Never had a 30 min pedicure before. She also put a timer on for massage 2. 5 minutes on each leg. read more

Our experience at AO nail salon was unbelievable! The hospitality and kindness shown to us by the staff was out of this world. The owner was so kind and introduced herself as well as joined in celebrating our girls night! They offered sparkling wine, coconut water and a variety of other options. They had plenty of colors to choose from and different package options. The pedicures were high quality! They ended the service with a brief shoulder massage, which was such a nice touch. My friends and I are so grateful of the care provided and want to highlight what an exceptional salon this is! We will be coming back in the future, thank you!! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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I was excited to try out this new local nail spot in Poway based on the reviews, and the fact that they advertise as being able to do hard gel nails. First, the positives, I was able to make an appointment the day before, and was seen a few minutes after my appointment time. The color options are phenomenal and there's a lot to choose from. Unfortunately, my nails did not look great after my service. They were uneven and had multiple, small air bubbles throughout. Immediately after my service I was asked by a friend if I had done my nail's myself. For $65, I would prefer my nails to look professionally done. Particularly jarring, as my service ended I lifted up my arm to see a toenail sized finger nail belonging to someone else attached and embedded into my forearm. One, it's pretty gross to have another persons nail stuck to you for an hour, and two, it genuinely made me question the sanitation in place. This was not a small nail, and a quick wipe down between customers would have taken care of the issue-- so what other corners are being cut? Within a few days each nail had chipped at the tips, with my pointer finger having a small corner of the nail itself come off completely. I left for a vacation the day after my service and did receive a text a few days after (unprompted) letting me know I was still within my 7 days policy of getting the nails fixed, but at that point I was out of the country. I'm not sure if this is just an industry standard in 2026, but there isn't really a "manicure" aspect here either-- no cuticle care, or real foundational nail care before or after applying polish. Just a very rough removal of the previous layers and a new coat of hard gel/polish. For the price, I would have liked to receive a fundamental manicure prior to polish. But, on this point, I will do my due diligence to inquire what's included in the service before booking future nail appointments elsewhere. My final point of contention is that my nail tech inquired about my personal life (totally fine, and encouraged! I love to chat), but then made an unwarranted and rude comment in response to my answer. I hesitated to include this part of my review because sometimes misunderstandings happen--but it didn't really feel like a conversation and more like a size up of a stranger that left me feeling uncomfortable. I don't typically leave reviews, unless I can support and encourage a small business, but between the stray nail, the conversation, and the longevity/quality of the work done, this moment has been sitting on my mind in the almost two weeks since my appointment. read more

Good: very clean, good service Not so good: prices have increased significantly! I used to pay about $32 for a basic mani pedi. Now the price is about $47. That's a significant increase. I find the prices too high to have these procedures done regularly at this location. I did see that the place was almost empty - it used to always be active even during traditionally slow times. Perhaps others also find A O Nails too expensive!! read more

I love this place Annie gives the best pedicures! We all have started going her, my friends and I enjoy our time! By daughter likes to take my granddaughter too! read more

Highly recommended! Clean manicure and relaxing pedicure. Shout out to Linc and Aria! I'll definitely come back. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

I made an appointment online for a fill but decided to also get some nail design done as well. The woman at the front desk was super nice and flexible. The place was very clean and serene. The devices used for the gel manicure use special technology to only target your nails instead of your whole hand. Tiffany was amazing. I showed her an inspo pic of matcha latte nails and because the pic was a little grainy, she freestyle painted each white line of marbling. 10/10 worth the price! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Matcha latte nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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Updating my review, owner reached out and made things right. The experience was night and day from my last experience. Helen was my nail tech and did a wonderful job with a gel Mani. Everything was very clean and staff was very friendly (offered water and was very friendly). Great friendly service and staff. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

Great place to go, I highly recommend Aria for manicured! She does a great job each time! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Thank you Aria for the wonderful work you do on my nails each time! Such a great spot to go get your nails done! - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

I've been going here for the past several months as I needed to find a nail place open in the evenings (so many places close by 6pm). Every design I've asked for they do a fantastic job! Very happy that I found this nail salon! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Black lace nail design - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

I absolutely love my nails! Aria did an amazing job at making sure they looked perfect and was very precise. I highly recommend this place they are great every time! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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This review is well over due. Tiffany is AMAZING, I had never done a GelX set before (10 years as an acrylic girlie) and she explained the process perfectly. And her attention to detail is PHENOMINAL. Every set I have had done by her so far has just exceeded my expectations. I applaud anyone who handles a pedicure and Angela was just as amazing, again, great attention to detail and so sweet. The aesthetic inside is clean and comforting and all around a happy and enjoyable environment. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Silver cateye with a blue/purple color shifting cateye gel coat on top -- GelX, almond shape - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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This was my first time in this nail salon. I was a walk in and when I entered I was helped the minute I walk in, while I waited to get seated i noticed the place was super cute,clean and welcoming, I had questions since it was my first time getting gel X .Kelly along with the young girl in the front desk answered all my questions and were very kind. From start to finish Kelly made sure I was okay (gave me beverage) and even after applying the color she asked if I was absolutely sure about my color choice.For my first time I personally really liked the end result. I will definitely be going back read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

Called about 20 minutes before I walked in and they accommodated me with my request for a mani pedi with nail art on my hands. Joy did my pedicure and was very sweet and friendly. Aria took a complicated reference picture and recreated it so well! I'm beyond happy and the place is very bright, clean, and large. Will be coming back whenever i get my nails done again! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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The worst visit to a nail salon I've ever had. She did my pedicure ok but seemed to have no idea about properly removing gel polish. Once the gel was off I actually left the salon without completing my manicure. I DO NOT recommend this place. read more

While my nails were done very well. The pressure to pay in cash was obnoxious. I went with my daughters and they did not like the service. This place is also expensive. Has a sweat shop vibe. read more

I haven't had a amazing pedicure in a very long time. And I can't rave enough how amazing this place is. They have a huge menu of services. Ling was above and beyond amazing. He was pure magic. The best pedicure I've gotten in Cali. I got the Royal pedicure and the name speaks for itself. I'm pregnant and very close to delivery. I felt as if I was in a 5 star spa. The quality and treatment were beyond my expectations. 10/10 recommend this place and Ling. Hopefully I can come back one more time before baby arrives. read more

This is my update after my earlier one. They deserve credit following up and standing behind their service and doing their best to resolve the issue read more

AO Nails - Poway - This is the service I am used to getting from them - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

We loved this place, its so cute and the employees are very nice and sweet. I got my gel x tips with pink cat eye and my daughter got red nails. I will definitely be back! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Pink cat eye - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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First time visiting the AO Nails & Lashes, since Aloha nails sold their business. The salon has been remodeled with top of the the line furniture, fixtures and services. It is gorgeous and has a luxurious feel to it. Linc was my nail technician and was very professional, polite and patient with me! He transformed my short un-pretty nails into a beautiful set of gel extensions. I appreciate his attention to detail and was very careful and methodical to make sure I was happy with the everything, through the gels to the pedicure. I already booked my next appointment with Linc for next month! Very happy today with the service at the new salon, everyone on the staff is warm and friendly, too. I highly recommend making an appointment to get beautified! read more

AO Nails - Poway - Gel extensions, neutral pink with hand-painted floral ring fingers, design by Linc at AO nails & lashes - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

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Came back after being given a gift certificate after what i thought was the nicest pedicure ever.. to probably never coming here again. I have never felt profiled in my life, but not only was i not given the same pedicure as every single woman in the salon, but it was extremely poor by Angelea. Then once i spoke up about noticing how i was not given a choice to what pedicure i wanted or extras i needed, only then was i given an option.. to which i was more than half way through my pedicure at this point and didn't want to burden anyone with, so i declined. THEN, asked to receive builder gel so that i can let my natural nails grow out with a tip and Joy, proceeded to start giving my gel-x (without asking mind you - i had to ask her what the price difference was and she then told me it was a $5 additional charge and that gel-x is what i wanted). I recorded probably some of the poorest experience here. No price visibility, no one communicating with you (you're just told they don't speak english and they're sorry) was being secretly upcharged, and then to top it off.. i'm a nail biter so my cuticles are rather sensitive as anyone would be able to see, as they were bitten and healing, and received a very un gentle manicure by Joy and she filed through my skin on my thumb. If i could put negative stars i would, extremely disappointed in the lack of care. Oh and, i paid full price too.. all $130 of it. lol. read more

Great service. My mani/pedi was very relaxing! My mom fell asleep during her service. I will definitely return.

Clean, relaxing, affordable. Very happy with my pedicure. I need to make this a regular thing for myself :)

I'm obsessed with my nails! The rose design is stunning and perfectly matches the vibe I wanted. Great attention to detail and excellent service. read more

AO Nails - Poway - Nail Salons Near Me - Poway, California

Haven't been here yet but I requested a quote. At first they asked when I wanted to schedule an appointment. When I explained I'm only looking for a quote and if they take walk ins they sent me the list and let me know they did accept walk ins. I also messaged other businesses at the same time and this was the only one to actually get back to me with prices, so I'll be going here when I'm ready. read more

I have been waiting to come back here since it changed from Aloha Spa to A O. They have done a beautiful job on the remodel. Seems bigger and brighter. Very clean. My nail tech was Tiffany and she was great. I would definitely recommend her and will book her for myself next time. The new owners were very generous and offered a discount for our first time here. Glad to have such a beautiful place to come for some pampering. read more

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