Sorcery! I was going on a week-long trip to DC for a wedding and decided I wanted a shellac pedi, as it would be 90+ degrees and there would be much sandal-wearing. This was July 25th. Based on Yelp reviews and proximity to my home, I decided on this nail salon. The ladies said it would be a 20 or so minute wait. No problem, as I'd waited until the night before the trip to get my nails done. I told them I wanted a regular mani, as my nails are extremely brittle and peel easily. Spending the extra $$ for a shellac mani made little sense as these usually only last 5-7 days (vs the 2-3 days for a regular mani). The nice ladies sat me at a massage chair, put on some 90s boyband videos, and sweet-talked me into getting red shellac for both mani and pedi. Eh, ok, I thought, as I planned on dropping by the drugstore to pick up a bottle of matching touch-up polish when the manicure inevitably would fail after a few days touring around DC in flip-flops. Well... it is now August 12th. My cuticles haven't peeled, my pedicure is still perfect, and my manicure? I have moved furniture, done days of heavy yard work, including demolishing and hauling concrete, have deep-cleaned the house, and bathed my child numerous times since. A few minutes ago I just finished spray painting a metal door without gloves (why?!?) and with a few dabs of nail polish remover, my manicure *still looks fabulous!* The spray paint incident is what finally compelled me to write this review. Want a bulletproof, 18-day manicure with a side of Backstreet Boys? Better call ahead, ladies... read more

Cali Nails & Spa - 14 days later, after a day of demolishing and hauling concrete and pulling weeds by hand - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I tried Cali Nails for the first time this week. I was not too enthused when I made an appointment and was not worked on until 20 minutes after the set time. To be fair, it was the end of the day so I think some of the staff had gone home. Despite that slight delay, everyone was very friendly during the wait. I found this salon because I was looking specifically for dipped nails. I could not be happier with how they turned out. Dip is very hard to find in the east bay and salons that I have tried have not turned out as well. Cali Nails provided the best dipped nails that I have had. They had a big selection of colors and were very reasonable. I plan on coming here frequently. read more

I love cali nails & spa! David is amazing!!!Pictured with the plant are my nails and the others are the inspiration for my idea. David executed it perfectly! This is my second time getting acrylics from cali nails & spa- they last so long and are worth every penny! I highly recommend this nail shop, I've also seen women get other designs not on acrylics and it all comes out looking amazing! They prefer cash- so don't forget to go to the atm first and always tip :) The nail techs are super nice and it's always a lovely experience- I don't trust anyone else with my nails. read more

This was my first time getting acrylic nails done and it was great! The whole staff was super nice and professional and organized. I didn't know what colors to use for my nails and I had a picture to go off of, and Y helped out a lot. She knew the colors right away and was super sweet about offering help. David was super efficient when doing my nails and he did such a great job! I love my nails and I will for sure come back again. I highly recommend the place. Really nice people :) read more

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

Definitely recommend coming here! David does an amazing job & you can show him whatever you want & he'll do it perfectly read more

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

David is fast, efficient, and crafty! all the ladies there are nice and pleasant. Also easy to find parking.

Let me start off by saying, it is hard to find a reliable shop, let alone a real talented nail artist at the same time. Well let me tell you about this little gem on Telegraph. David, and the rest of their staff are just genuinely so sweet. I've been coming here for about a year now, and David is the one to see! He goes above and beyond what you request and he is not only quick but extremely efficient! You can always tell when someone really loves their craft and what they do. It shows in their work. I sell jewelry and it's important to have my nails did ya know! People are always asking where I go, and I'm proud to say this is the one stop shop you need to go to! Love love love them! read more

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

DO NOT COME HERE. THEY WILL SCAM YOU. i came in for ombre nails with very minimal design, just 2 accent nails. Pricing should have been around $50, around $60 AT THE MOST. I was charged $90 for my set, a ridiculously overpriced amount. Furthermore, the nail techs did not let me know that my nails would be this expensive which they should have. I was given some bull excuses for random things to jack up the price, which DID NOT reflect the pricing that was on the menu. I was given an extremely rude attitude and terrible customer service. Ridiculous, I've never paid this much for a set of nails as simple as mine. DO NOT COME HERE YOU WILL GET SCAMMED read more

I love the energy. And David is the owner n one of the best in there. He's hella good. Show him ANYTHING from google and he'll make it 10x better. I will never go anywhere else I found my nail shop read more

I was pinched on time so I wanted to try a place near my work so o can he nails/toes done. I called made appointment-perfect arrived on time, was sat promptly with Jessica. I needed my dipped manicure removed and reapplied. While I was doing that service I asked if she did eyebrows-yep! Perfect. My nails are natural looking with strength of acrylic! Pedicure was also great! Great services, clean and friendly!! Definitely my new nail shop! read more

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

Yesterday was my first time in Cali Nails & Spa is so clean and when you walk in you feel welcomed , I booked my appointment with DAVID but Jesscia ended up doing the work I just wish my next time I go in there for DAVID that he does my nails . which don't get me wrong JESSCIA did an amazing job on my Full Set and pedicure ... My new Nail shop now I recommend this place and ask for David or Jesscia they do amazing work read more

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

I, my niece and two daughters had been going to Cali's since 2006. First it was ran by Nikki then by Jen and they had always shown professionalism throughout, then this guy David took over, mind you every time I went I would spend 200 or more with this shop, when David took over the professionalism slowly changed. He would be late on your appt, rush through the work, get attitudes because he was running behind but want you to pay him cash!! Then you make a appt with him and when you walk in, he tries to send you to someone that hadn't been in the shop before. Be very careful when dealing with this shop! We work to Damn hard to be treated this way Ladies. May God Bless and have a great day- read more

Overpriced $48 for a Gel pedicure. Different price was quoted at first. Will not return.

Nails are shitty!! Done by David exactly a week ago and 3 just popped off after I spent $100 for a full set gel polish and pedi gel polish . Never again. Rude service and over priced!!!! Don't waste your time ladies. read more

Got acrylics for the first time and was told by all my friends to go to David. He's very efficient and knows exactly what he's doing - I was in and out much faster than I expected and the quality of his work was great. I paid $55 for a full set with gel. It's been almost a month and my acrylics are still on and not lifting whatsoever - definitely would come back again! read more

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Such a cute little nail spot. Everyone who works here is really sweet and nice.This was my first time getting my nails done by Ken he did a really nice job and took his time. I will definitely come back to this place again when I'm in the area. Anyone looking for long , pretty , & detailed nails this is the place to be. read more

This was my first time at Cali Nail Spa and I loved it! I was looking for a reasonably priced shop that did a wide range of nail art and Cali Nail Spa fit that perfectly. David did a fantastic job on my pink ombré nails from the blending to the shape! I just showed him a picture of what I wanted and he delivered. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Nude to pink ombré done by David - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love Cali nails!! Super easy and free neighborhood parking. They have TONS of gel colors and provide matching regular for the pedi. A gem because they offer SNS dip powder too. Really affordable and take walk-ins. The place is clean and nice. All the staff are friendly and very thorough. I'll be back soon! read more

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

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This place is no spa. I went here to do my nails yesterday because I wanted to try a new place. When I walked in the First Lady who helped me Denise I believe made my first couple of minutes miserable because it seems as if she didn't know what to do with my nails while I was explaining everything to her. Someone else took me. I forgot her name. As she was doing my nails I was a bit indecisive because I wanted something different. I showed her what I wanted and she told me she couldn't do if. I'm the one paying did my nails. Just do what I ask I'm thinking, but as I picked out a color she started talking to her coworker in her language. She made me feel super uncomfortable. I hate how some of those people feel so free to talk bad about people right in front of them just because they don't want to do their jobs. I will never go back to that place again. I didn't like the way I was treated. So much animosity. read more

Best color selection especially for chrome nails in the bay, and most affordable! I was missing a nail and David helped put on a fake that covered it up and allowed my natural nail to grow back. Other salons wouldn't touch it but this salon hooked it up! The staff is always warm and professional. I absolutely love my acrylics I got last night. Would recommend to anyone! read more

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

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How I love this place :) I loved Ivy since the first time I just started to come here but now I even love this salon more just one good reason is the new owner and workers here are so nice and they know what they're doing The price here is much cheaper than other store and they're having a promotion now with 30% off for all services. What could a girl should ask for? Really nice place to relax after a long tired day. Highly recommend full set with a cheap price and long massage is just awesome here. read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Got 30% off with all the services until end of the month. Highly recommend to make appointment before come in here. - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I got a gel polish change here and they barely lasted a week. Usually gel lasts at least a week and a half for me, if not longer. The lady who did my nails was in a rush and did not leave my nails in the UV light for long enough. Staff was also rude. read more

Worst customer service. I made a nail appointment for my sister in law with David and he said that he doesn't do designs. Which he does, you can see it on his Instagram. He is very rude and has no respect. Definitely will not be going and the prices are crazy. I would have love to leave no stars. read more

Took my girlfriend here to get her acrylics removed. She always had beautiful natural nails. As a result of the removal process her natural nails are cracking. Please go elsewhere. Men, don't take your girlfriends here. read more

Please don't come here. I went here for an acrylic nail removal and they completely destroyed my nails. The lady who did them pulled the acrylic off my nail which was painful and really damaged my poor natural nail. I've always had healthy nails and now they are all breaking. read more

Though it's about 20 minutes away, I make my way up to Berkeley for the sole purpose of hitting up this nail spot. My nails don't like the gel polish, as it thins them out and it rarely lasts more than a week and a half. About a year or so ago I came across the SNS powder dip manicure, and that is my jam. It is much stronger, my nails don't thin out, and it lasts 3 weeks at least. I recently moved to the East Bay and have tried soooo many places, and this is the best and most affordable. One of the things I pay attention to is how the technician finishes off the set. SNS and similar brands use a special top coat that does not require any UV curing. Avoiding the UV light is one of the pros of the system. Nonetheless, there are some salons that forego the system's top coat and use a standard clear gel polish as a top coat, requiring a few minutes under the light. I have found that it is worth seeking out a place that does the manicure properly and uses the SNS top coat, not only to avoid the UV light, but because it actually lasts longer. David (the owner, I think) does all the SNS powder it seems, so while you can walk-in, I usually call to make sure he is available. Plus: You can use a credit card, even for tip. My cashless self loves this. read more

Loved my nails ! Inexpensive for this Valentine's Day set. Service was very fast but the outcome was everything. I went with 4 other friends and we each got a 10% discount! read more

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

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Great service and great designs!!! I called and came in after work, about 30 mins before closing and they happily took me. I didn't catch her name, but I was able to just show her a picture of what I wanted and she executed it so nicely. And quickly too! First time with these holographic foil nails and I LOVE! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - Holographic foil nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

David is the best nail tech , I followed him all the way from Pinole to here just for him. Love this salon too read more

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

David did a great job on my nails ! Immaculate in less than 30 mins ! My pedicure was also great the lady really took her time made sure water was to my likings ! They have plenty of colors to choose from and they have nail polish yo match the gels ! read more

I made an appointment with them yesterday morning and went in for my appointment earlier today. I wasn't able to get her name :( but the nail tech did an AMAZING job with these nails. I showed her an image I saw on pinterest, and she did them better than I could've imagined. She was super diligent, making sure that the shape and length was all uniform and to my liking. I am so happy with them, and it costed $55 for the full set with the designs, so it's super worth in my opinion. Will definitely go back and recommend to friends! read more

Cali Nails & Spa - full set acrylic nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

As someone who is fluent in Vietnamese, I am definitely turned off at how they talk about their customers and even myself while they don't realize that I understand every word they're saying. Nonetheless, I like their work and the fact that they try to squeeze customers in and are willing to work past closing time rather than denying services like the shop across the street. I had to come here instead at 5:30 when the other shop closed at 7 and they didn't want to take me in. Glad I did because I've been getting compliments on my nails here almost everyday. Will definitely be coming back. I recommend getting an appointment as they are fairly busy even during the middle of the week. read more

Oh YAAAAAASSSSSSSS! Nice setting, clean bathroom! But customer talks too much... But they're a great shop read more

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

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Ugh! what a disappointment! I started coming to this nail salon about 2 years ago and i LOVED the way jenny used to do my nails..... But she left and now the whole place is a shitshow! The place has a new owner and the place is rude, disorganized and mediocre. I was there five days ago for a pedi and gel manicure. First, something happened with the pedicure sink and 3 people put their hands in the water to fix it. Of course, i asked for them to change the water (the person who put her hands in the water fix it was fixing someone else's feet!!!) and they gave me a hard time to do that... why? I just want CLEAN water! Anyway, the lady that came to do my pedicure was acting like she was doing me a favor... I swear i had to guide her throughout the whole thing like she never did nails before!! Long story short, she couldnt even paint nails so i asked her to paint them clear.... Moving on to manicure a DISASTER! five days later and 3 nails broke and the gel is chipping! Funny thing is that i asked the lady who did my manicure to please paint my toe nails since the other lady couldnt..... Surprise surprise! SHE COULDNT EITHER!! that lady slapped so much nail polish that my nails never dried and turned into mud.... Moving on to payment I was soooo disappointed and stressed that i pulled the owner, David, outside and i almost cried out of frustration. Spoke to him and gave him this same review so that he can do something to save his business! He might be great with acrylic nails but he CANNOT save his bussines alone... He needs a good team... He said, "sorry you feel that way" and charged me after he even agreed that my nails were not properly done. Actually, NOT DONE AT ALL! I had cuticles everywhere!! He never even offered a solution AND thats why I WONT BE COMING BACK! If im going to spend my money, they need to actually do the work. PERIOD! read more

I made an appointment for a full set at 6 pm... the sErvice was rushed and aggressive... the tech left the acrylic dripping at the end of my nail which created a thick and drippy shape... he was too rushed for me to say anything. My nails are sore and shitty looking. Bummer read more

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

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It has been at least three years since I have gotten a manicure or a pedicure. Maybe I'm easily impressed by anyone that would rub your feet, clean your cuticles and massage your hands or maybe Cali Nail Spa is really good. I came here on a rainy Sunday with a friend and her mom. This part of Telegraph was quiet and doesn't seem to get much action on Sundays. We easily found street parking, which is free on Sundays. When we first arrived there were already three ladies being worked on by two women that worked there. We waited for a little while. The spa chairs had built in electronic massage parts like those massage chairs at the mall. These came with a remote control so you could choose what kind of massage you wanted. The foot pool does have jets but it's been a week and I haven't developed any kind of rash or infection so I would say everything is safe and clean. They have People magazines available for reading. During part of my pedicure the woman working on me used an orange. She rubbed my feet with an orange. I had never experienced this technique but I thought it was a nice touch. I didn't ask for anything fancy, just polish after the manicure and pedicure. I think the woman did a nice job. Mani+Pedi is $30 read more

Cali Nails is under new management with a new owner named Jennie! She is from Texas, has lots of personality and knows how to do design. Please check out my picture. Words can not explain how happy I am!! read more

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After calling about 4 nail salons in the area, they were pleasant to speak with, when I came they were not busy so I was helped right away. Hue did my fill which costs $15. She is great. I am particular about my nails and she fixed one for me. She listens very well, the space is calm and quiet. Not so much noise going on. I went on my lunch break so my fill was time sensitive not to mention parking. All things considered she was very careful about my nails evenstill I was on a time crunch. We also had great conversation. Tough where I come from in San Franisco a fill is $11 and what I am used to I am uncomfortable paying for a service I know I can get a better deal on. Thank you Hue! read more

Fine if you just want a cheap manicure, but I've definitely had better. First, this place is freezing inside. If I'm going to spend money on a manicure, I want to have some minimum level of comfort while I'm getting it. Second, the woman who did my nails did not know how to shape them at all--she basically just clipped them all the way down, but there was no shaping done at all on them. I can definitely shape them better myself. We also made a reservation for three people at 5:00, but when we arrived, there were only two people working, so my sister had to wait for my manicurist to finish before she could get hers. Not the end of the world, but some sort of warning would have been nice. But cheap! read more

Jenny knew exactly how I wanted my nails! A true artist! She did an amazing job and took her time. For the first time, I actually felt like someone really cared about how my nails looked. I asked for a coffin style nails and they're absolutely flawless! Loveeeeee this place! read more

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