If you're looking for a quaint, clean, convenient place to get a quick manicure, pedicure or wax this the place! Nancy is friendly, warm, welcoming AND accommodating which is an absolute rare find. My mother has been a customer here for years, so when I'm in the area and in need of a service I usually stop in and have yet to be disappointed. Now that my mother has fallen ill and doesn't leave the house as much, Nancy gives her home visits which speaks volumes to her character and work ethic. Her biweekly mani/pedis are a bright spot in my Mom's weeks, not only does she feel good about herself but her nails and toes looks great too. read more

I have been going to Elegant Nails for 15 years. They take care of my nails every month and I get compliments on my nails all the time. Nancy puts on this Mother-of-Pearl finish for my French Manicured nails -- it's lovely. You'll be a very happy person getting your nails taken care of at Elegant Nails. read more

I have been going to many local nail salons where I live for pedicures and have been disappointed in everyone. I feel I pay ridiculous amounts of money for fancy chairs, decor, hot rocks, rose petals and champagne, etc. Not that I do not enjoy those things but what I want is quality work. I need pedicure to not only have cute toes but to keep my feet healthy and free from excessive callus growth and cracking. Other shops are revolving people as fast as they can but Nancy at Elegant Nails really worked on my issues. I just had a pedicure and it was absolutely amazing work. She is solo in her shop and is open by appointment only. If you leave her a message she will call back immediately. You are not going get the bells and whistles of other shops but you will get quality work and great care. read more

This lady is awesome, I went in for a full set & pedicure today . And my feet are so soft now My full set is short French tips It's very classy , but simple She didn't take that long to complete both sets . I highly recommend Elegant nails read more

Elegant Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

It's great. The lady really takes care of you and has been doing nails for a really long time. She really takes her time with my nails. She also makes it fun. She has a loud personality and really makes sure that you get the best results. Attached are the stages of my pedicure. read more

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She is so hilarious it is worth more than 5 stars! Be aware, she will tell you the truth and won't hold back, completely honest. Be sure you don't mess up your nails before you leave or you will get in trouble! . Amazing stories, keeps me laughing through the whole appointment! Jolly good fun I have with her! She takes her time with my nails, paying attention to detail, etc.She has such a selection of different colors! read more

Nancy is fantastic. She works hard and is fun to spend time with. I love supporting her as my local nail business! read more

Elegant Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

This salon is not close to my home but I was in the area and had time to spare so I decided to stop in for a quick manicure and pedicure. I had not been to a nail salon in well over a year and did not know what to expect but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised. The salon was not busy and I had the full attention of the salon owner. Everything was extremely comfortable and the owner has such a lovely personality that it made the whole experience nice. I would go back regardless of the distance due to the customer service I received. read more

LOVE this salon! I've been coming here approximately every 3 weeks for the past year, and I've been so happy with their service. I like to bring my little girl and it is such a fun mommy/daughter event. Nancy fusses over my daughter and will usually find a little candy or something. The service is top-notch. I have always been very happy with everything I have had done there, including eyebrow waxing. Their prices are very reasonable and they do a great job. If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would. read more

Elegant Nails - Nancy giving Sydney a great manicure! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Simply the best thank you Nancy! So relaxing best foot massage hands down. I couldn't ask for a better experience during my visit.

I stumbled into this shop by pedicure desperation because my usual one was closed and BOY WAS I A HAPPY CAMPER!!!!!!! I normally do not like to write reviews when it is non-FOOD related, BUT this serendipity shop won a 5 star review that I was hesitant to share because I wanted to keep this gem to myself, but I had to express my happiness. After all, sharing is caring :) IF you're those high-princess type attitude then stop reading & go elsewhere. If you're nonchalant-teeny-weenie-picky like me, then you'll like "Nhu" (h silent) aka Nancy. When I first saw Nhu, thought she was mean because she had that mean look, so do not be frightened and/or intimated by her facial expression because shame on me for judging this book by its cover when her work was AWESOME! She won me over when she told me my nails were long and rather than saying, "cut or not", instead she said, "MAY I cut it?" WOW...how often do you hear MAY I. I got a French Pedicure for $20 ($17 for regular pedicure) and glad I did. I normally have to tell the technician to "thin the white", but I did NOT have to with Nhu. OMGOSH, so freaking happy with my French pedicure and it was almost like she knew how I like it when this was my first visit. I FINALLY found a nail salon that I'm ecstatic to return!!! read more

I visited Nancy for a spur of the moment mani/pedi and could not be happier! I have a crazy schedule that rarely affords any "me" time, so I was ecstatic when Nancy said she could see me at 7:45 pm. My hands and feet feel 100% better. Nancy is professional, quick yet thorough, gentle with her technique, extremely personable, and the shop has a laid back, no fuss atmosphere. Very reasonable pricing. I will absolutely be back, with friends!! Another plus is the shop location within a charming neighborhood retail block on Encinal. There's a great cafe right across the street (great coffee & sandwiches) with a hair salon next door that I would also recommend (Salon 1500), a nice bar a few shops down, a market, and an art studio for kids. Totally walkable, tons of parking... I would give 10 stars if I could! read more

Elegant Nails - Thanks for the gorgeous gel pedicure, Nancy! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I went to Elegant Nails with a friend the other day. Nancy works there alone and it took her over FOUR hours to do my friend and me for two pedicures and a manicure. Nancy is a character and at first her talkative and bold personality felt iconic to me but the longer we were there the worse it got. Nancy said outwardly racist, homophobic, and fat phobic comments to us as well as messed up comments about houseless people. There was no room for my friend and I to have quality time together because Nancy didn't stop talking. It was overwhelming for two introverted people. Nancy revealed many inappropriate parts of her life in our conversation and when I left early because of another engagement and it was just my friend left there, it got worse. Nancy critiqued my friends looks and weight as well as shared with them that she had been attracted to me. She also showed my friend multiple inappropriate photos of herself on her phone. We had gone here as an act of holding space and self care for my friends current struggles and we left feeling much worse. Violated, exhausted, overwhelmed, offended and depleted. Also the nail polish chipped off immediately. read more

My mother was coming to Nancy over 10 years ago, and we've tried other places before, but NO ONE compares to Nancy. NO. ONE! I've also had been wanting this color for a long time, and finally got it today! read more

Elegant Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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My 2 older sisters and my brother, including me, went into the shop today and got 4 pedicures and 2 manicures by Nancy, It was such a pleasure! Such good quality of work, cleanliness, and conversation! We had the whole place filled with our laughter from good conversation! Such a pleasure, these 5 stars were well earned!! Love you nancy! read more

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Dont go here!! I had a horrible manicure here- the woman had to redo individual nails 5 different times. Apparently I heard the owner is good but this is the owners sister and she was terrible!! The manicure was so bad that I told her that I did not want her to do my pedicure. She then accused me of wasting her water since she had a foot bath on while she attempted and failed to do my manicure. I will never stray again from my usual nail shop on park street even for convenience read more

I want elegant nails, what girl doesn't. I like this little nail shop. Nancy is a super star....she has such a cool, no nonsense way about her, so all three stars are for her. The problem is that the other ladies in the shop do sub-par work. Anytime I have to do post work on my feet after I get a pedi means there is a problem. Is it me, or do you too expect superior customer service in this economy. I went in with my best friend a few weeks ago, and mumbled to her, "aren't we suppose to get a hand massage?" as I stared longingly at a Costco size bottle of unopened lotion. My nail lady told me they didn't have the color I wanted , but on my way out I spotted it at the front counter. I politely pointed it out to her with my dry, lotion free hands. On a positive note, they have great massage chairs. read more

TL;DR - if you're looking for somewhere to get a "no frills" classic acrylic set done for cheap and you're not in a hurry, this is the spot. If you're looking to have anything popular in nail trends done or even a standard manicure, head elsewhere this is not a place to get pampered.... Review: I found myself with few options while trying to schedule myself and a friend manicures on a Sunday in Alameda when I came across this seemingly unbelievably high rating for a nail salon. I thought this place must be perfect! So I called Nancy and made a 1230 appointment for 2. We were done with other errands early so we stopped in at noon to see if they could squeeze us in a little earlier but no dice as Nancy, who apparently runs this salon alone, had a client getting a pedicure and another sitting on a couch waiting. She let us know she'd have time for us closer to 1. Being in a patient mood and wanting to see what all the fuss was about, we went out to lunch and came back around 1 as she was finishing up. The only reason this place gets stars at all is because Nancy as a person is fantastic. Her personality sparkles and she is a ball. Outside of that I'm hugely disappointed. While my friend was having her nails wrapped to remove old gel polish, Nancy sat me down and we got to work. I showed her a photo from Pinterest of a nude nail with gold sparkles on the tips of one nail and some gold lines on the tips of the others. She was upfront about not being able to do the gold strips which I appreciated but I found myself quickly strong armed into a gel manicure. I like the way gel lasts but I'm impatient with color so I usually forgo that; at only $22 I couldn't pass it up ... but I really should have. I only got one coat of color polish and one of faint glitter, the nude doesn't show at all and my accent nail which should be gold looks more like fungus. Due to a sloppy application the edges of the gel polish bled on to my cuticle so the edges are turned up now just waiting for a snag to happen, and it already has - pinky nail is officially clean off in under 24 hours since application. When my friend asked Nancy for a bright pink with gold accent, she was also quickly talked out of the color combo because it was too outlandish for Nancy's tastes and replaced it with a feminine light pink with sparkles. Even so my friend had to politely decline the pushing of a gel manicure at least 5 times before she finally got the regular mani she came in for. No soaking/hand massage and barely any shaping or trimming. She also clipped my cuticles to the point that they are sensitive to touch today. I couldn't believe this place was rated to so well for a job like this! Needless to say, I won't be back. read more

Elegant Nails - The 24 hour decomposition of a totally transparent gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I have to say that Nan is the absolute best at what she does. She's patient and kind and I'd recommend her to anyone, especially those that like pink and white. She takes her time and doesn't let you walk out of there unhappy. She's funny and spunky and truly makes you feel at home. Appointments are best because it's just her. She always accommodates and is super hospitable. This is definitely the best service I've ever received from a nail shop read more

Elegant Nails - Smooth feet are the best feet - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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Nancy is a GENIUS with eyebrows. First place I've gone where they did my eyebrows well, only come here now. Awesome mani-pedi also. If you can get an appointment with Nancy definitely the best place in town to get waxing/mani/pedi LOVE IT!!! read more

Elegant Nails - nail polish wall - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

So perfect!! Nancy is so so sweet and does a great, efficient job on your nails. Her prices are probably cheaper than 90% of the salons in alameda but look better than most! I got a full set of acrylics ($25 regardless of length or shape) and she did it in one hour. Make a reservation beforehand and you should be fine! I love my nails so much! read more

Elegant Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Nancy is a superstar I have been coming to her for pedicure and back waxing every month she do great job and prices are reasonable Highly recommended this place read more

Nancy is sweet kind and funny! Pricing is so so and appointment is necessary but she takes time and does it right! read more

Elegant Nails - Great job! I love it! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Just a quick update as my feet are soaking in a warm tub, my back is getting massaged by the comfy chair, and Nancy is making my feet look attractive! I've been coming to Elegant Nails regularly since I first wandered by a few years back. I've gotten waxing here as well, which is great (Nancy is entertaining, which I sincerely appreciate as I can feel a bit awkward when getting spruced up). I was scolded a bit for not bringing Nancy's "boyfriend" (a.k.a. my dog) with me! I am so glad that dog friends are welcome. Thank you, Nancy! read more

Elegant Nails - Kenji checking out my fresh pedicure! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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I'm so happy Elegant Nails is open again! Nancy was able to give me a manicure and waxing. Nancy is the best at what she does.

This is by far the BEST and most enlightening experience I have ever had at a nail salon in Alameda. Nancy is FANTASTIC. Not only is she a master at her craft and my nails were exquisite, but she had me laughing the entire time I was here. She was a delight to be serviced by. She knew what she was doing, was fast, efficient, extremely friendly and welcoming. She honestly changed my perspective on how Alameda nai salons service minorities. She was pure perfection my new GO TO LOCATION HANDA DOWN. BEAT NAIL SALON IN CALIFORNIA read more

I have been going to Elegant nails since I was sixteen, so for ten years now. She does an amazing job cleaning your nails, in addition to spending time and really taking care of my nails, she is the most accommodating nail lady. Even if it's after hours she will wait and take your, or she ensures your pedicures and manicures are properly done. If not she will re do it. She's a perfectionist you can say. Elegant nails isn't like other nails salons where they overcharge for roses in water with fancy cups of cucumber water to drink but then the nail job is terrible. You get your bucks worth. Anything you need she does for you. She's talented at what she does. I'm thankful for her and her shop. I've convinced my family to come to her as well. Don't let the reviews and her lonely shop fool you. read more

Elegant Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

So happy you are back doing my nails and foot, been knowing Nancy for some years, my teenage years

I love Elegant Nails and the owner Nancy. She was so accommodating when my daughter and I stopped in to see if she could fit is in...and she did! My pedicure was so calming I almost fell asleep (lol). Nancy is so sweet and kind. I recommend Elegant Nails to anyone who wants quality service with a . read more

I love Elegant Nails salon! I've read a few negative reviews and completely disagree with what they said. I've been going there for years and have never had a bad experience. I usually see Nancy and she always does an excellent job on my manicure and pedicure. I'm hooked on the new gel nail polish I use for my manicure. It takes a little bit longer than regular nail polish to apply/remove and a few dollars more, but it's worth it. The gel polish lasts a lot longer, doesn't chip or crack, looks glass-like until you take it off, my nails don't break anymore, and it dries instantly (no worries about ruining wet nails by accident. I love it. Nancy's salon is very clean, has a friendly and inviting atmosphere, and the massage chairs are an added bonus. The salon offers other services as well and prices are very reasonable. Whenever I have extra time, I'll get my eyebrows waxed and/or a massage. I've been to a lot of nail salons in my life, but since I started going to Elegant Nails, I won't go anywhere else. I highly recommend this nail salon and would give it more than 5 stars if allowed. BTW - I recommend calling ahead to let them know you're coming so you don't have to wait...just in case. read more

Wow. When I drove by and saw they were still open around 6 this evening, I did not expect what the visit would have in store for me. Highlights: Nancy went to brush her teeth while the pedicure tub filled up and came back to check the water temp with the toothbrush in her mouth. Nancy told me all about her new man friend and then took a call from him while working on me, on her bluetooth. At one point, she put him on speaker so I could hear his voice. Nice music, nice sound level. Comfy chair. Clean shop. Low points: A little rough on the cuticle care. Poor selection of colors. Massage after getting nails painted. That was different. All in all, if you are in need of a quick and dirty mani/pedi, go here. Or if you are in need of a surreal experience, Nancy is quite the entertaining personality and if you're the only person there, it'll definitely be an experience to remember. read more

I must say that as a man who likes to be pampered, Elegant Nails is the only place I go for my manicure and pedicure needs. I have been going to Nancy since 2012 because of her high quality of work, her insight on life and the care she takes in making sure both her utensils and shop are clean. I have been getting mani/pedis for over 35 years and I have high expectations when it comes to receiving high level service. You can't beat the quality of service or the price with Elegant Nails. I strongly recommend dropping in on Nancy to experience her great service. I find for me it's best to make an appointment. read more

This is a nice no-frills nail salon: clean, cheery, no nar-nar smells in the air. It's not trying to give off an "upscale" vibe like some of the salons closer to downtown, but for that very reason, the prices are the lowest I've seen! I got my eyebrows done by the owner (Nancy) for $8 today...she was friendly, fast, and did a great job. I am looking forward to getting my nails done there when the time comes! read more

Came here for a manicure because my friend had wanted to try this place out. Had French tip with shellac and was totally disappointed. It was actually the day before my wedding so I did not have a lot of time to spare. When we showed up, I was expecting more than one person. Instead, Nancy worked on my friend's mani and pedi and my mani simultaneously. I'm pretty sure my friend, whom was also a bridesmaid, knew I was not pleased. Things got even more weird when Nancy started telling us about her much older boyfriend who lives in Vegas, she was also sharing information that was not necessary at all... She's nice but also seems totally off at the same time. I felt like we were overcharged for the services we got. Finally, my nail polish was already peeling by the day after my wedding. read more

Kindly opened early before our event and did 3 pedis and 2 manis! Did a good job cleaning and trimming. Happy with this little shop! Cleanliness okay, gel polish selection a little sparse (but we had something in mind already). Has totally reasonable prices. Service was excellent!! read more

How weird is this? I noticed that they changed their hours so it says they're open M-F 10am-7pm so I decide to give them another try---on a Monday---and THEY'RE CLOSED. It's not a holiday. There's no sign saying "Out to lunch." There's no one inside and the door's locked. I give up. read more

Nancy gives the best gel polish manicures in Alameda! She is a perfectionist and takes her time so the manicure lasts. She is also fun and makes good conversation. I will definitely be going back in a few weeks. read more

I wish I would have checked the yelp reviews before coming here. Very sad after a year of Sally P's post she's still yelling at her kid. Not only is the owner completely unprofessional, she does a crappy job on nails! Unless you want to sit and listen to her and her daughter yell at each other I suggest finding another salon. read more

Where do I begin. I stumbled upon this salon after first waiting thirty minutes to get my nails taken off at the 'Nail Shop' on Park street. I gave up once they told me to just soak my nails in acetone for a few minutes, rather than take the time to do it themselves. Frustrated about the complete waist of my time, I drove home but luckily spotted a salon shop, not far from my home that was still open. With the time then being around 630 pm, I thought I might as well give it a try. I was captivated by this salon and the spunky woman who runs it, Nancy. How can I even begin to describe her? In my own opinion, she is a rare human being and is an absolute joy to be around while you are getting your nails done. Not only does she have a personality that makes you feel as if you've known each other for years, but she is also a true artist with nails. Never in my twenty-three years of life. have I ever had a nail tech do such an amazing job and for that reason, I continue to go back every three weeks. Although, I can understand some of the reviews previous to mine about her professionalism. Some people may take her over-the-top personality as a tad bit unprofessional and inappropriate but I only see a woman who is achieving her life goals and strutting around with an amazing amount of confidence. Nancy, YOU GO GIRL! If you are looking for PERFECTIONIST nail tech also enjoy a entertaining conversation, look no further. You can thank me later ;) read more

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Worst pedicure and customer service I have experienced. Water was cold and dirty; she used a razor on heels and cut my toe. Could not stop watching TV instead of focusing on pedicure. Do not go here. read more