I went in one evening on my way home from work and the salon was pretty empty so I was able to get a walk in appointment. I did a pedicure. The lady didn't really speak to me except to try to upsell me on a more expensive pedicure which I ended up doing. I came back 4-5 days later to get a matching manicure and the lady remembered me and the exact color that I had gotten before. She was more friendly and overall I was happy with my experience. But unfortunately my gel manicure started chipping just two days later on multiple nails. I'm sure if I went back in they may have fixed it but I have a busy schedule and I didn't have time to do that. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be going back there again. read more

Very Unsafe and Unprofessional Experience! I visited Designer Nails in Solana Beach and unfortunately had a very painful experience. During my pedicure, the technician burned my feet with the callous remover. When I told her I was hurt and that my feet were burning, she acknowledged it but did not take immediate action. Only after another technician intervened did she apply lotion. I spoke with the store owner the next day, hoping for an apology and reassurance that this would not happen again. Instead, I was told that the technicians do not all speak English and that I was "putting allegations" on them. While I respect that people come here to learn and work, communication is essential in customer service -- especially when a client is in pain. Despite being injured, I still paid for the full services and even tipped in cash. My feet was visibly hurt, yet I left feeling dismissed rather than cared for. I believe customers deserve safe treatment, attentive service, and basic respect when issues arise. read more

Designer Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

See all

My daughter and I got full sets each for $150 total (plus tip). The technicians, Kim and Cindy, were professional and kind. They did a fantastic job. We will be return customers! read more

Designer Nails - Pretty nails!!? - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

See all

5 Stars I visited this salon for the first time, and I had such a wonderful experience! The atmosphere is very quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect place to relax. The staff is incredibly polite and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable right away. Wendy did my pedicure, and she was absolutely amazing! Her attention to detail is impressive. she works very cleanly and takes her time to ensure everything is perfect. Plus, her massage was one of the best I've ever had! I would definitely recommend this salon, and if you're looking for a great pedicure, I highly recommend Wendy! I'll be coming back for sure. read more

Designer Nails - Pedicure by Wendy. - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Secret up charges. Bad service. Bad final product. About everything you want to avoid in a nail salon.

I have been going to Kim for going on two years now, and she's truly THE BEST! She truly cares for her work, and has amazing attention to detail. Gives honest and helpful feedback when I'm trying to choose between colors and styles. I'm a professional dancer, and always want fun nails/colors for personal life, but certain colors work best for photoshoots/performances...and Kim always finds the happy medium for me to have to best nails for work and play!! I always leave obsessed with my nails, and receive so many compliments each time I have my nails redone!! The spa itself is wonderful, clean, and relaxing. Very friendly staff, and conveniently located in the heart of Solana Beach! BOOK WITH KIM!! read more

Designer Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

This is my happy place! The new management is devoted to giving all guests an excellent experience and the staff is very warm and friendly. They are open to feedback, happy to fix anything you're in need of changing and extremely fun to be around. The nails techs clearly love their job and time together which makes the silly energy pour out into the rest of the room creating a positive vibe. I recommend Tony for any manicure service. His attention to detail is incredible and my nails last a whole month! Vivian, Louie, and Sunny are all amazing if you're looking for a pedicure. If time permits they will even do both mani/pedi simultaneously and it makes you feel like royalty! read more

Nail fills were soo thick and not shaped evenly same with pedicures my toe nails are now curved in different directions and lengths. I scheduled appointments and every time they were running late. I don't recommend going week days after 1:30 because it is full of teenagers getting out of school. Not at all a relaxing environment if that's important to you. I ended up taking my nails off and will start over once I find a place with great recommendations. read more

This was by far the WORST place I have ever seen a manicure be done. The first person who attempted a simple gel french manicure must have still been in training because I've never seen french tips done that horribly. Seriously, I could have done a better job with my non-dominant hand. Then another person came by to "fix it"...while hers was better than the first (would have been tough to make that job worse), she kept insisting on the thickness of the tip while I kept asking for a thinner tip due to the shortness of the nails. To me, a French tip shouldn't take up a third or even quarter of the nail, not to mention I just think it's good practice to generally do what the client is asking for since people have different preferences. In the end, it still looked really bad but because we were in a rush to leave, and we had already been there for 1.5 hours, I paid the $45 they asked for. The lady at the front who was running the place was very nice and apologetic, but she should have not charged me the full price if she was truly sorry. I will never go back. read more

Kim did an amazing job on my nails. Took time and made it worthwhile. Super kind and willing to put much effort into her nails.

I went in to have my eyebrows waxed and Tammy was my attendant. She was obviously in a rush as she did not offer me a mirror when finished nor did she shape them. When I came back she was upset and possibly annoyed. She left regrowth and should have tweezed them. I would not recommend this facility. read more

This is your quintessential suburban neighborhood nail salon. The staff is super friendly and they always seem to be able to make space and time for you even if you don't have an appointment. Tammy greets you like you are family. It's super convenient and there's a ton of parking so it's an easy in and out for a pedi. read more

I love this nail salon - been going there for about a year and have always had a positive experience. Tammy does an outstanding job with dip manicures (they really last!) and I've had awesome pedicures with other staff members. Highly recommend this friendly and dedicated group of professionals! read more

Do not recommend. The guy who did my manicure filed the entire nail. He kept filing the whole time before color. My natural nails have now been breaking off and splitting. They never did before this manicure. read more

I'm a local. My friends and I get our nails done here all of the time! They always do a great job Very friendly staff. Relaxing atmosphere. The negative reviews must be from negative people! read more

Tammy is the BEST! She's very thorough and always domes the best work. She gives the best pedicure in town!

Today was my first visit to Designer Nails, and I'll be back! Tammy did an amazing job on my manicure and Sunny gave an awesome, relaxing pedicure. I've tried Del Mar Nails, Lavender Nails, and Del Mar Nail Bar and I'll be coming back to Designer Nails over all of those. Super clean, peaceful, and not crazy expensive. read more

This was my first visit to a salon since the pandemic started in 2020. I made an appointment the day before, and came in on time. I was seated immediately and had two people working on me. Both the mani and pedi came out well, but the experience made me extremely anxious. The man working on my hands made negative comments on my watch tan line and the color of nail polish I picked. Overall the whole experience felt very rushed and it made me feel like an inconvenience to them. read more

Worst manicure I've ever had. I got a gel French manicure, and it was a bit more expensive than I usually get for that style, but it was expected for the area. The manicurist took way longer than he should have and his method was odd. I've never had someone files my nails again AFTER applying the polish, but it left my nails rough and the polish messy. Even when asked to make the white part smaller, he still left them too big. Overall I'm disappointed I wasted $45 at this nail salon. read more

Designer Nails - Nail polish and stuff left under my nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

See all

Clean enough, nice enough. They aren't pushy so I'll continue to go there. Took my husband for his 1st salon manicure. I should have paid attention. His hands were rough, and I didn't tell him to specifically ask for a scrub. They didn't offer. Next time he knows to stay in the chair till he gets what he needs. My pedi is always done well there, but today the massage was almost painful. The location is good, easy parking, and it doesn't smell like chemicals. read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would. This was by far my worst nail experience. From the start I asked for acrylics but the nail tech I got kept insisting I do dip. I kept saying no but he did not listen to me. The dip job was bumpy and uneven to where it looked like I had play-doh on my nails. I asked them to fix it and after multiple tries they gave up and put polish on top. It looked horrible. When I asked them to do a simple flower design, I had to teach them how to do it. I am terrible at nail art and yet I had to teach them how to do a basic design. The French tip was a horrible excuse for a French tip and the colors looked terrible. I asked them to change the colors but they ignored me. At the end the total came out to $70 and yet they still wanted me to tip them. If you want a decent nail experience at the very least please do not go here read more

Designer Nails - What they gave me - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

See all

Do not recommend. Tried many times to make an appointment, and every time me or my grandmother show up they are running at least 20 minutes behind and let walk ins go ahead before people with appointments? Not coming back here. read more

Five stars for the gel manicure three for the spa pedi. The service was fabulous, but the paint only lasted a couple days on my toes (which I usually don't need to touch up for much longer!!). Otherwise, fantastic service and wonderful people! read more

Tammy performed magic on my old broken wore out nails and gave me a beautiful French manicure.

Beautiful job, go ask for Kathy, it's my third time here, will come back, staff always friendly, nice and clean. read more

Designer Nails - Beautiful job, go ask for Kathy - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Went as a walk-in today, for a basic manicure. The woman at the front desk was friendly and welcoming, and the male manicurist who took me was nice, as well. I truly only needed my cuticles cleaned up, as I need to start over growing my nails. Unfortunately, the service was barely passable. I didn't expect my nails to look pretty at the end -- they truly are at square one -- but I needed them cleaned up well so that I can begin growing them again. He didn't actually push back my cuticles, rather, he only scraped the nail beds. He didn't get any of my hangnails, and in clipping my cuticles, he caused two of them to bleed. Also, the way he used the nippers around the nails, they actually ended up more rough than they had been. All in all, I'm really not sure if it was useful for me or not to go in for a manicure here today. I think I'm leaning toward not. :( read more

This is a great spot to get your nails done or other services. I've been going there on and off for years and it's the only spot I really feel like I get a 5 start treatment. Tammy does a fantastic job with my nails and waxing! All the staff there is kind and professional. It's very clean and it's a very comfortable atmosphere. I'd recommend this place to anyone. Thank you Designer Nails! read more

Fantastic and friendly. All who work here are skilled at every medium. Been going about 2 years now.

I should have listened to all the negative reviews I've received about this place. I decided to give them a chance and this afternoon I walked out in the middle of my pedicure. I paid, but I shouldn't have. The girl doing my pedicure was so rushed (wasn't busy inside) and did not complete filing my toenails or cutting my cuticles. She also asked me 3 times if I wanted them cut. AND she also as going to attempt to give me a foot massage AFTER she painted my toes. I am so disappointed. Literally the WORST experience I have had at a nail salon. read more

Hung is the best for a gel manicure. He is an amazing technician. If you want to chat he is not for you. I close my eyes and almost nap when I am there. Afterwards I feel refreshed and have beautiful nails everyone compliments. read more

Stay away if you don't want bumpy nails. Horrible costumer service . The lady was rude. She got mad when I told her she was hurting me. She couldn't pay attention at her work cuz she was too busy talking to her coworkers. Go somewhere else, don't waste your time and your money here. read more

All the ladies in the shop were very friendly. Got a wax, pedicure, and manicure (fill with metallic nails). Yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it. This shop takes takes pride in a job well done. They did a great job with me. Thank you Kayla, Kathy, Anna! See you soon! read more

Designer Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Had a great experience with Cindy - I was driving home from San Diego and the freeway was full of traffic, so I looked on yelp and decided to give it a try - Cindy turned out to be really good, and didn't cut my cuticles too deep like many other Therpists have done - the pedicure was relaxing and my feet feel refreshed and buffed to perfection- she even gave me a 10 minute foot & leg massage complimentary -- definitely would use again if I came back this way ... read more

Designer Nails - Cindy making my feet look amazing - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I hate to do this but I have been staring at my cuticles for a week now. I had a basic manicure last week, mainly because my cuticles were getting bad. Tammy and Nancy weren't available and I'm not even sure of the name of the lady who did them but she treated my cuticles like a piece of meat. She was pulling as she clipped which is a big no-no that resulted in peeling painful cuticles for who knows how long. I wrote a review for the previous owner a long time ago and usually have good work but it just takes one bad one to turn me else where. read more

Designer Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I love this place, technicians know what they are doing and Tammy did excactly what I wanted today without me explaining much read more

Designer Nails - Love my new French manicure!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

See all

This was my first time getting acrylic nails. A friend recommended to set up an appointment with Tammy. And I'm so glad that I did. Tammy is so nice and extremely talented! I LOVE my new nails. I plan to return soon, once I need a fill. I arrived in the morning and it was so peaceful in there. I would highly recommend getting your nails done here!! read more

Designer Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I am writing my review based on Heidi alone... probably the best gel manicure I've ever had. Almost three weeks later and not a single chip! She is great at shaping and giving a sleek slender structure to the nail bed. I highly recommend her for her skill. As a person, she is just the sweetest. She is attentive but not pushy. So glad I found her!!! Ps - just had her pedicure and it's wonderful! read more

Wow. If you want to go to a place that is OVERLY PUSHY and won't accept no for an answer and then get a terrible manicure and pedicure come here. They continually ask if you want an upgraded pedicure, or "longer massage" or "callus removal" ... no means no, stop interrupting my pedicure of choice and focus on doing a good job. They are way more obsessed with making a dollar than performing the basic skills of a nail technician. Absolute worst experience ever and WAY OVER PRICED. Save yourself the trouble--- do not come here. read more

Overpriced, bad technique and very pushy. I ask for a buff & shine manicure and basic spa pedicure. I declined the multiple attempts to upgrade ($10) for a salt scrub and kept telling her my skin was very sensitive. She acted sympathetic and said she had a lotion that would help that she would "do for you". I was under the impression this was just a different lotion than she would normally use but at check out discovered she'd charged me $10 just for a different lotion. Other than that the pedi was fine-not great- just OK. Mani was a waste of $20! I asked for a buff and shine. She started trimming after squirting on the slightest bit of thin liquid - my cuticles were basically dry. Did not have me soak at all. When I asked about it she mumbled something and handed me a bowl of water for the other hand that she hadn't started on. After about 10 seconds she took the bowl away and started on that hand. Never did have me soak the first hand. She quickly ran her buffer over each nail getting just the very center, didn't touch the sides at all. I hate to come off as a b__ch but told her she needed to buff the entire nail surface. She did but regretfully and like this was an unreasonable request. First and last time here. Tons of much better nail salons around at much better prices. read more

I originally left a bad review because I wasn't happy with the design. A couple of my nails ended up breaking and I came back and they fixed them for free and were really nice hence why I changed the review:) read more

See all