Fong and Tina are the absolute best I get my nails done and eyebrows and they are always on point. Fong does a great job she always gets my request right and is so patient because I never know the design I want until end lol both Tina and Fong do great pedicures my goodness your feet are going to look amazing when they are done. Now cleanliness - shop is clean the bathroom is clean and the shop always smells good. If you have an appt you never have to wait and if you do it's not long . The option of designs are limitless and they do short or long I like that she didn't try to convince me to get long nails like I have had some shops do , and I hate that. Fong respected my request and did so good with my short nails now that I have let grow out I'm gonna keep the lol 10 out 10 recommend read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Red and sparkles - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I use to be a regular a few years ago, so when I was in town during Valentine's Day I decided I would stop by and get my nails done day of with my boyfriend. There were two women in the shop and the younger one seemed to have an attitude. If I even took a few seconds longer than she'd me like to while making a decision she would sigh or get annoyed. Things were going well with my nails until someone came in and the woman doing my nails started to rush the process. The job is no where near the quality I'm used to when coming here years ago. After the younger lady was done with my nails I didn't really like the color either but that was on me, not her. And never did I ask for a change, just simply stated I made a bad decision. But that seemed to annoy her as well as she sighed super loud, got up then started talking about me in her language and started laughing , and completely became dismissive because I mentioned the color ,not even her work. I even asked her to do my cuticles and she did the most rushed job I ever seen. The cuticles made me hate my nails even more. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I absolutely adore this shop. They really care about giving me the nail set of my dreams. Theres so many sticker options for designs. I get gel x on my nails and they are so much healthier than when I used to get acrylic. Tell them Alexis sent you read more

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Fawn absolutely crushed my nails!! They look amazing and have lasted a few weeks already ! Color and shape and everything is stunning and she got me in and out in no time ! I had the whole place to myself when I was there! Super fun conversation ! Absolute vibe ! Amazing amazing work ! read more

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Edit review: They are nice people but I probably wouldn't go back. Why is it so hard to find a decent nail place? I wish nail techs would not over-file nails when prepping for acrylics. My nails were filed to a paper thin membrane. The photos are after a more than a month of regrowth and it'll take another two or more months of growth to have normal natural fingernails again. i don't recall nail places in Berkeley being big on sterilization of tools and I think I got the greenies from them, but maybe not. Sigh! Three stars because they are super sweet and nice all around. Good people i bet if I went back and specifically requested they go easy on the file they would try. But really I just need to find a place that doesn't use that file aggressively. if you happen to know of a place please drop me a message read more

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In & Out service. Friendly staff named David & Tina. I saw David free hand on a very pretty Gel X set different designs. He really has talent. The energy Tina was giving off was so inviting and bubbly. Such a pleasant visit and I'm already about to look up something nice for next months set. I got a simple manicure today. Very well priced. I think i found my nail shop. We will see on our next visit with a pedicure as well read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the place in Berkeley to go to when you're wanting a very high-quality set (mostly specialize in acrylic designs). David is a master at shaping, intricate designs, charms, ensuring your set lasts, and all of the above. I will always go to this place when I have a fun set in mind or for a special occasion, but also be prepared to pay the price! This set was $120. My one critique would be on their acrylic removal. They never do a soak/shave off, always force pop them off. When David does it, it's pretty minor discomfort. But when other nail techs do it, it can be actually really painful. Overall a good experience here read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The nail techs here are amazing!! Always have a great experience. If your looking for a place to relax and get quality service come here. Pricing is great as well. Goos vibes always! Thank you for always making a woman feel pampered read more

They ripped me off so bad ): charged me $30 for a color change after I was told $10. I got a short full set not even 24 hrs ago from them so I literally wanted a color change, nothing extra. Sad cause I liked this spot ): read more

A friend took me here to get our nails done. We had an hour or so to spare, so she called and asked if they could take us in for an appointment. The service here is fantastic! When I go to salons, I usually feel really nervous (just a personal thing!), but I *actually* felt really relaxed here. David took care of me and I was AMAZED by how quickly he was able to do my nails with the utmost quality. It was also my first time getting Gel X and I couldn't be happier! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Gel X - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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eye brows on fleeeek and the ladies here are so caring and take their time!! They did amazing pedicures and waxing! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

everything was perfect and i will definitely make this my go to nail spot! the costumer service was A1, prices were reasonable, and i was in and out in about 40-45 minutes. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - gel x manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love this place. Everyone is very nice and professional. They do very good work. I personally always go to David. He's my go to! He is always able to do the different designs I ask him for. Shape is unbeatable! My pedicures are always also a highlight! Amazing! I would absolutely Recommend this nail spa! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Fresh set - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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So far so good! I'm really happy with my full set. It's clean, not rushed or unfinished. The acrylic is laid proportionate to my nail bed and the paint job is very clean. My only wish is that they offered the "soak off" option for removal of an old set. But for time-sake, I understand why they can't. I made an appointment, and even though they were clearly busy, they respected my appointment time and sat me down within my 15 minute wait window. That being said, appointments are strongly suggested and bring cash to tip. David was my tech this day and it was a pleasant experience. He took the time to have conversation with me about what I do and do not like when I get my nails done, and I really respect/appreciate that. I'll be back for sure and I hope to continue to have a good experience here. Thanks Cali Nails! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nails by David - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Honestly , idk why it's so hard to find a decent nail salon who knows what they're doing anymore. I went today to get a fill and they couldn't do a simple design for me where i wanted butterflies. Apparently I had to take the whole nail off which made no sense. I ended up changing my mind and doing a different color however, the color i chose did not match what was on my nails. I then asked for a different color which the lady through a fit about, I like the color but she did a poor job and painting my whole nail and i didn't have all day to be there , my first experience here was great and the lady was nice but they need to update their colors and be consistent with their work EDIT: Not even two hours later one of my nails broke, the next day another nail broke while washing my hair. DONT COME HERE!! I even tried coming back to get it fixed and they were busy so i went elsewhere and had to spend more money read more

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DO NOT GO!! DISHONEST ABOUT PRICES! PREJUDICE AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR! ****DO NOT GO TO the tech named "ROSE" - because depending on whatever MOOD SHES IN, is the type of SERVICE YOULL GET! She has an AWFUL ATTITUDE!!!!**** I called for an appointment and was told they will no longer do my nails because I'm "Too picky" - ALL I GET IS GEL. I've been here over a handful of times and EACH time the prices change when I get the SAME thing! They add on extra fees and I don't know why because I ALWAYS LEAVE A GOOD TIP, so why make up prices when I tip GENEROUSLY? Ok Whatever - I decided I needed another appointment because they're the only nail salon that has chrome colors I can find - THEY WILL NO LONGER SERVICE ME JUST BECAUSE I ASKED FOR AN EXTRA LAYER OF CLEAR COAT! They give you so much attitude when all you want is your nails done right - DO NOT GO! How unprofessional and lazy to lose a GOOD PAYING customer!! Refusing service to a customer because they asked for an extra CLEAR COAT?!?? Is INSANE!!! This place have the worst customer service I've EVER experienced. read more

Cali Nails & Spa is my go to nail salon. I trust everybody in the shop to work on my nails. I prefer acrylic sets, I have very little lifting and I have never had a nail break, even when I worked at the pool and had to pull lane lines in. I also think they have the best dip powder because I've had a dip set from 2 other shops and they didn't last as long as they do at this spot. read more

Communication and scheduling is terrible. Reached out for an appointment since they mention appt only. I got a response back late, after 48 hours. My requested appointment was ignore and David offered the next day. Although this pushed my schedule back, I accepted for 4P. He declined that as well and offered the latest appointment the next day. Very disappointed especially needing service for holidays. Won't be reaching out again. read more

The most talented nail artist I've come across. I get a powder dip and I love it. I have had a number of designs drawn from pictures from my phone. The nail technician says you bring the picture I can draw it and I believe them. I've also gotten pedicures the waters always warm the tub is wrapped in disposable plastic and they do a heck of a job on an ingrown toenail! The warm stones and warm towels and leg massage are everything. Designs can be a bit pricey but not over the top The place is clean offers plenty of metered parking Glad my daughter referred me to Cali Nails read more

This salon is so professional and experienced. They can do any design you ask for FLAWLESSLY. They're typically busy (for a reason) so you have to make an appointment beforehand. David is great at designs, although the other ladies may help a lot with the prep and whatnot. I've been here a couple times - one of the best nail salons if you're a Berkeley student. One of my friends recommended and I was NOT disappointed! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - ombre nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I learned about this nail salon through my sister and it has become my go-to spot! We don't live in the area, but always make the drive over here because it's worth it! David is a true professional. He works very efficiently and pays attention to details. He takes the time to make sure you like the color and design of your nails, plus my acrylic sets last me over a month! I would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Acrylic Christmas nail design by David. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have been coming to this nail spot for 2 years and have always had excellent service. I was here for the May 18th incident described by the 3 women who are clearly banding together to sabotage this business. The woman who brought her friend got one service that she was extremely happy with and she said as much. She left and came back with her friend and I heard her say she was happy but changed her mind and wanted a darker color for the base of the French nail. Ken explained that's not possible without repainting the whole nail and that would change the entire look and wouldn't be French without repainting everything. The friend starting yelling and saying Ken was being rude and that he clearly did a terrible job. Ken politely said if he did such a bad job, why did she tip him out so well? She started yelling and both women stormed out and slammed the door after them. I have never seen clients act this way. Every time I come to Cali nails I have gotten impeccable service and they make sure I'm happy each time. They are clear and consistent and these ladies were clearly just upset that Ken couldn't totally change what had been done without doing a completely different service. I even heard the first girl ask for a refund after she had said she loved the nails because she didn't like her friends treatment. Don't believe the crazy. This shop is wonderful. read more

I called in for an emergency nail appointment as I have a big deliverable at work next week and wanted to have my nails done for it. They said they were free to take me in immediately. I come in for my appointment, they sit me down and soak off my nails and with 2 nails left, the artist suddenly STOPS and tells me she will be back in 5 minutes. She immediately begins working on a new client instead right next to me instead which I thought was really strange and a bit disrespectful. I understand with patience and give them the benefit of the doubt... I END UP WAITING OVER 20 MINUTES TO GET ANY SERVICE!!!! I had to literally get up to ask if anyone was going to do my nails multiple times and was ignored until another artist eventually responded. There was no apologies at all for wasting my time and the 3 artists that worked on my nails (besides 1) didn't seem to care or have any consideration for me. Additionally, I was not given any early transparency and was charged $85 for a nail job + design that I didn't feel was that great to be honest given that my cuticles were not even properly cut. Had high hopes for this place from the images online and I hate leaving bad reviews, but I'm really disappointed given the expensive charge and how long it took to even get any service. Definitely not coming back here again. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Black French coffin nails with hot pink flames - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I hate leaving bad reviews! I have been coming to Cali nails (every three weeks for a fill, every two months for a pedicure with my daughter) for awhile now. I always schedule in advance to come in at a slow time, always tip 30%, always send people here. I really loved this place! The last few times I've been in, I've had pretty bad experiences. The acrylic has been chunky and the paint hasn't covered the nail. When removing an old set three weeks ago, the tech drilled through my nail and into the skin underneath with the Dremel tool. It bled, and it hurt. The paint/acrylic also doesn't always last as long as it used to. This week, when I showed a picture and asked for a glitter design, the tech started to work on it. When I mentioned that the glitter didn't look like it was going to be opaque (like the photo) she said she'd add another coat. Eventually, another person (David) intervened/took over and finished up, and when he finished and asked if it was "ok" I said it didn't really look like the photo. He told me that they didn't have the glitter they needed to do the design in the photo. When I replied that I understood but I wished they'd said something before they started...he just didn't respond. He finished quickly and I paid (and tipped) and left. It was awkward. It wasn't even a busy time of the day. It's not the end of the world to have a bad paint job, but it's also kind of an *expensive* bad paint job. My experience at Cali Nails before this semester has usually been positive, and I feel like I've (in turn) been a good customer who comes in often, asks for little, and tips well. The past few months have had me on the fence about trying another salon, and today sealed the deal for me. I'm disappointed and won't be coming back. read more

Cali Nail Spa used to be my go-to nail salon. But as I continued to go there, I noticed that the quality and service started to deteriorate over time. Not sure what happened, but I finally had to call it quits after my last experience there. The good: *Fairly inexpensive for the area - This was one of the main reasons why I kept coming back. Berkeley is expensive and this was one of the most reasonable places in the area. *Pleasant staff - GENERALLY speaking. There were some not so pleasant experiences, but the ladies were pretty pleasant overall. *Accommodating for the late birds - There were plenty of times when I would get off work late and have to try to make it there in a pinch. They were very accommodating and even stayed late a few times just to help me. *Lots of gel and regular polish options - They have tons of color options if you're looking for something specific. The bad: *Weak pedicure massages - This has to be one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to nail salons. I hate when they don't take the time to really massage my feet. I'm paying for the paint job but I'm also paying for a decent foot massage too. *You'll feel rushed - Nothing is worse than waiting for your turn and then feeling like they are rushing you to get to the next person. It wasn't like this when I first started coming here, but later on it started to change. *Inconsistency - It always felt like something was wrong. Either my nails were cut down too short, or they didn't use enough coats of polish. There were a few times when the paint wasn't fully dry because they rushed me out and I had to come back for them to fix it. A few times a nail or two broke off sooner than 2 weeks. Just very inconsistent. The last and final time that I went, the lady sat me in a pedicure chair that was broken. I didn't realize it at first until I sat all the way back in my chair. She had already started on my pedicure and I thought it was an easy fix, so I just grabbed the massage chair remote and tried to turn it on. The back of the chair was poking into my back. It was stuck in one position and wouldn't turn on. I finally asked the lady if she could fix it and she told me that it was broken. Um what? Why would you knowlingly sit me in a broken massage chair?! There was another open massage chair available and she could have just sat me there. It was one of the most uncomfortable pedicures that I've had. I just thought that it was so dumb to sit me there when she knew that it was broken. I had some good experiences there but it's not a place that I would go to regularly anymore. read more

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David was great, I been coming for 5 years always pleased with the service. Recommended! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

....these cost me $95. I purposely came at a time that I knew wouldn't be busy so that It wouldn't be rushed (mid day on a Tuesday). There were lots of nails techs available (3) so idk why they were rushing in the first place. They took a max of 35 min to complete (if they are fast and done well I wouldn't complain) but for sure was not quality I thought it deserved for that price. They didn't even push/clip/touch my cuticles.... That's crazy... for $95. Berkeley nail salons are horrible. For a French tip that costs $95 I would expect my cuticles to be done and the lines on my French tip to be done cleanly (literally the only thing on a French tip). As you can see there is glitter everywhere and there is smudging and debris captured all in the top coat. NINTY FIVE DOLLARS for 35 minutes. read more

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David is extremely talented. He has incredible artistry, speed, and precision. I highly, highly recommend them for any type of design! Everyone was also very welcoming and friendly and I will definitely be coming more often! read more

David and his brother are talented, professional and consistent ! I love this salon because they understand what I want and always do such a detail oriented job ; my nails last and look beautiful for months . Everyone compliments my nails ! My co workers now want to come to this salon and I have been more than happy to tell them about Cali Nails ! David you always do an outstanding job ! See you all soon Again ! read more

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I've been coming to my nail tech Ken for years! He is definitely my favorite but from what I've seen all the nail techs here are great. I'm never disappointed with Kens work, and I always leave with a smile on my face. This is my most recent set, and let me tell you Ken knocked it out of the ball park. They're the nicest technicians I've had and make you feel comfortable! I absolutely love it and trust them with my nails. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Ken's recent fill - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I used to be a regular at this salon and think they probably still do great work with fake nails-- if that's your thing, go for it! But for traditional mani-pedi go anywhere else. Yesterday, my pedicure was so terrible I didn't even leave a tip -- I kind of regret not leaving a couple bucks to make a point, but at the time was so upset I just had to walk out. Aside from less than two-minute massage on one foot only (!), she didn't cover the whole nail in places and painted on my skin in others -- I had to clean up these mistakes and repaint at home. And the nails are cut at uneven, jagged angles that cut into my skin, so I'll need to get another pedicure in a week): Sadly, this salon was my favorite pre-COVID. It's just two blocks from my house... But I won't be back. read more

This is our go to place now. I've come here alone and with both my sisters separately. The technicians are sweet. They have good polish options. Wish they had glow in the dark and updated their samples because when you choose a color it doesn't always come out the same painted. Most salons have this issue and It's annoying. read more

If you're like me and you work hard for your money, so when you spend it, you want it to be worth it, then do yourself a favor and don't go to this garbage nail shop. Every single nail tech is rude and lacks basic customer service skills. They rush through your manicures, because they over book themselves, and end up treating your nails like trash. I'm so surprised this useless nail shop still has so many good reviews. For the record I wanted to give this 0 stars, but I couldn't. read more

This was my 2nd time here. The first time was just ok. No soap in the pedicure, but my nails came out cute. This time. My nails are HORRIBLE! I came in for a fill appt 9:30 they weren't open yet. The gentleman who did my nails last time apparently quit. So an older lady did them. First she filed my nail so thin it start burning. I was told "o you have some lifting" Then! The fill itself is so lumpy. You can see where she put a ton of acrylic at the base and didn't bother to blend it smooth into my nail. My nails literately look pregnant and the paint job is horrible also. When I addressed The issue they were willing to fix, but I had already been there 2.5 hours. (Mind you I work nights) No thank you! Should have done right the first time. Then I was told not to return. TRUST ME! I WONT! I hate how nail shops feel they can take advantage and get away with it. read more

So many options for gel! I've been here twice. The first set of gels were so well done and were intact 3 weeks after, so I went back. The second trip took 2 hours for a mani pedi and I had to opt out of the hand massage because I needed to get going. On top of taking a really long time, cuticles weren't tended to on the second visit. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - One of the bundles of gel options. There are so many options that it took me a while to decide. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Why does this place have good ratings????? I came out with destroyed nails. Be wary of this salon. I went in to get my acrylics removed and they COMPLETELY DESTROYED my nails. She did not soak them, the technician actually got the plastic extenders used for acrylics and slid then under my acrylics to brute force/peel them off. This was my first time getting acrylics removed, so I didn't know any better. I was squirming in pain the whole time wondering if this is what is supposed to happen. She also tore off a part of my left thumb nail and caused it to bleed. Two weeks later, there are still indents on my nails that won't go away because of the way she tore the acrylics off and I cant stand looking at my natural nails because she destroyed them. I tried to cover it up with polish but because she actually made literal cracks/dents on my nails, I cant cover them up on my own. AVOID this salon if you dont want serious damage on ur nails. I would give this place zero stars if I could. They messed up a simple removal in an effort to rush me out the door. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Destroyed nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got a regular pedicure here! I was basically seated right away, but it was a Sunday morning an hour after they opened. I'd probably call in the future ahead of time to make an appointment. The basic pedicure was better than I expected--I really like the hot stones, which I've never had included in a regular pedicure before. The lady doing my nails was also very sweet and made sure everything was ok. I'll be back soon! read more

Would've left one star but David's fast and good so I'll give him that, but I've been going here for a few years and David's attitude gets worse and worse each time. Don't want to sit there and hear you complain about my nails the whole hour. Deff will not be returning. read more

Just wanted to update my review and share a photo of my cracked nail only after 4 days since full set. Also, I would like to add that the salon is aware of my review and the circumstances and have done NOTHING to make things right. This place and the people working here are both garbage and have no integrity in their business practice or respect for their clients. Take your money somewhere. Don't waste your time or money here! read more

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Amazing! Wow. Basic pedi $25 even with hot stones. So nice. Open at 930am and fancy colors with the palette (like gel) selection and the amazing sanitary "shower cap" on the pedi water to protect us from foot fungus. Wow. First time and I'm coming back!!! read more

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