Essential Nails

Will you be opening back up on Friday?

Yes

Anybody know how to get ahold of them during Quarantine crisis? Would love to pay them through Venmo or mail a check or something for manicures I would have gotten!

Hi Kelly, Thank you for thinking of us! My email is below, I look forward to speaking with you, sincerely Jessica. Jess.duong12@gmail.com

How much for a gel manicure + regular pedicure?

Hi! Gel manicure is $29.00 and regular pedicure is $18

Is the price still $28 for a regular mani and pedi?

Yes

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

How much for a regular mani/pedi? Thanks!

How much for acrylics?

Hi! &28.00 for a full set with regular nails polish

What is the price of a gel manicure at Essential Nail?

It’s $29:00.

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Review Highlights - Essential Nails

“This is a no-frills nail salon, but Jessica, Tammy, Amy, and Hong will always do you right!”

Mentioned in 57 reviews

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4.4(343 reviews)

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GELX full set nails! Kelsey did so amazing!!! They also…read moregive you a refreshing drink, love this place.

Super friendly, great experience and super affordable and reasonably price. Bea did my toes and she…read morewas really easy going about my feet being ticklish which I know isn't super easy to deal with lol

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Blue Ocean Nails Spa

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love the service here! Mina always does the cutest sets on me!…read more very cute vibe aswell and all the workers are so sweet and accommodating!!

We called about 20 min before we wanted to get our toes done and they had an opening right away. We…read morewalked in and the place is beautiful, quiet and modern. They offered us a bottle of water and got to work. The chairs are relaxing and Vanessa and Lee were our nail experts and they both did an excellent job. They took care of our feet and treated us with respect and they were quick too! Only downfall is above the salon is a gym and the meat heads up there drop the weights from time to time so they kill with the peacefulness.

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MV Nails Lounge & spa

4.6(65 reviews)

0.2 mi•Pacific Beach

I love MV nails!! Every single technician I've had is amazing, and they are all so friendly and…read morewelcoming. Reasonably priced too. I recommend :)

Holy was amazing!!! Best pedi I got on any vacation! First of all, I was late! Not like 5min-but…read morehalf and hour late! Took me in, massage, champagne, very good cuticle work (and trust me I'm a difficult customer in that point) and such cute colors I honestly don't think I could ever go to a different spot when I'm in SD. Customer for life ladies, next time I bring my daughters too!!!

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Coco Nails & Spa

4.6(71 reviews)

0.0 mi•Pacific Beach

Our local salon never disappoints. Angie completed this…read morebeautiful full set of gelX cat eye just purrfect for October. We love the fun vibes and extra attention to our comfort.

Had a great pedicure with Gel polish and thought it was very nice, clean, on time and very nice…read morequality of work. I'd go back!

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Sky Nails & Spa

4.3(80 reviews)

0.1 mi•Pacific Beach

Kevin did exactly what I asked for. 100% satisfied with the result. He is so funny. He took time to…read morefind the colors that match my picture. Staff are very friendly and nice. I will be back for my pedicure too. Highly recommend this salon

This nail salon has to be one of THE BEST nail salons in all of PB and the surrounding areas…read more The service is bar none. Chi was the best nail tech I have encountered in a long time. And I have experienced many in my day. The place is clean, in fact, I would say spotless. I love the decor and how nouveau riche it is. Everyone was so friendly, including the clientele. I really enjoyed the time I was there! 10/10, 5 stars. I would not change a thing!

Just say thank you to everyone. My daughters regular manicure still good now I think it's been 10 days

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Just say thank you to everyone. My daughters regular manicure still good now I think it's been 10 days

Pacific Beach Nails & Spa

4.5(338 reviews)

0.4 mi•Pacific Beach

I have been coming for years! The entire staff is friendly and detail oriented…read more Jennifer is my go to for pedicures. She's so amazing!!

This used to be my favorite nail salon, but lately it feels like they are scamming customers.. I…read morehad builder gel applied to my nails one week for $65 with $5 added for V french then 2 weeks later I came back for a fill and a different nail tech wanted to charge me $80 off the bat! When I brought up to the price difference to the nail tech she agreed to match - I am thankful, but why would I have to point out that I was being charged $15 extra for a fill vs the set? The nail tech and receptionist chalked it up to being a different shape or color when it was the same shape and color as the two weeks prior.. Getting my nails done here turned from relaxing to feeling like I have to speak up for myself or they will squeeze as much money out of me as they can. The nail tech trying to squeeze money out of me wasn't even as good as the first! When I asked my second nail tech for cuticle care bc she hadn't touched them at all, she tried to charge me $10.. Going somewhere else in two weeks! And the two weeks after that.

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French Nail Designs & Spa

4.3(273 reviews)

0.2 mi•Pacific Beach

Showed up for a walk-in, didn't really know what I wanted but I showed the woman who helped me a…read morefew ideas on pinterest, and less than an hour later, I walked out with these nails. I cannot stop looking at them, they are SO perfect.

This place has continued to go down in service. I returned after many months somewhere else to see…read moreif things were better. I got gel: hands and feet. 2 separate technicians. 1) why is there a gouge in the polish on my hand? It drys before you leave, that's why i get it. So this technician either didn't care, or can't see well. She filed the skin a around my nail,missing the nails frequently, there's polish all around every finger. The pedicure, the polish is splochy. Maybe it's the polish? Otherwise this technician was ok. I won't return.

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Four Seasons Nails & Spa

Locally owned & operated

Always a great experience here. They have an website with updated pricing & you can make an…read moreappointment online. They take walk-ins as well. The salon is always clean & I've hardly ever had to wait. Prices are what you would expect of a nail salon in San Diego but the service is always fantastic.

I absolutely love this place. Everyone here was so sweet and took really good care of me, I will…read moredefinitely be coming back. My nails look great. One of the nail techs helped me pick out the perfect color and I absolutely love the work that was done. The signature pedi was so nice, the massage was everything. My techs pressure was perfect and she kept checking in with me. The vibe of the place was so calming and it was overall a great experience. The only reason I am giving them 4 stars is because I received two cuts on my big toe from the callus remover device, I know it's not intentional. Also, I signed up for regular polish and got gel. I very rarely get my nails done so I wouldn't have know the difference and probably would have gotten gel anyways after I thought about it because of its durability but I just wish they asked because I didn't originally budget for it and it was a surprise at the end.

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Ivy Nailology

4.4(312 reviews)

0.8 mi•Pacific Beach

Available by appointment

Walk-ins welcome

This has been my go-to spot for three or more years and I have no complaints. Everyone is always so…read moresweet and professional, and my nails stay on point. I had to leave a review today though because I'm obsessed with how my nails turned out. I usually do a basic one color gel but this morning I decided I wanted to switch it up and I'm sooooo happy I did! shout out to Mimi for absolutely killing it with this set. I showed her some inspo and she exceeded my expectations. I can't wait show them off :')

I went in today for a manicure and was told to be a five minute wait 15 minutes later there was no…read moreservice to me, but someone that walked in after me wanting a pedicure was serviced by the person they said would be helping me. I'm assuming it's because a pedicure is more expensive. So rude!

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Pb Nailology

Available by appointment

Today was my first time coming to this salon and it was a huge step up from the places I've tried…read morein the past quality wise. I booked an appointment with Kalen and will 100% be coming back to her in the future. She was so careful and detail oriented with shaping my nails, they're the best they've been in months! I got a fun design for the World Cup and they're literally perfect. Would highly recommend her for all the girlies getting designs regularly

I've been coming here for three years! I've been to very many nail techs and I am super picky, but…read moreeveryone here is so good at their craft. You can tell everyone takes a good time making sure the details are done right. Very nice staff, accommodating, and a clean environment. I travel often, and I specifically refuse to go anywhere other than here! They also have a rewards program so you can stack your points My guy Ben did not play around!! The shape and design is always so good!!

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Krystin M.

15 years ago

I LOVE Essential Nails. I used to go to another place in PB that was fancier looking and more expensive, but they have limited hours of operation. I strolled into Essential Nails because I needed an emergency mani/pedi and they were CHEAP and did an amazing job. I will not go anywhere else now. Here's what I love: -So reasonably priced: It costs $26 if you pay cash for a mani/pedi - they add $1 if you pay with credit card -They take their time (unless you are late for your appointment and they have to speed through - not recommended) -They are super friendly and so appreciative of their customers-and they speak English and chat with you which is nice -They do a nice job - polish lasts for a pretty long time unless of course you rough up your hands/feet on your own somehow in which case of course it will chip off -They have great magazines and usually play re-runs of Friends or a movie on the TV -They are open 7 days a week (I don't think they ever take time off!) -They are open til 7pm which makes it great for me to make it there after work during the week -Some people said in their review they didn't like their massages or find them rough- but they do much longer hand/feet/leg massages than most places - I find it really relaxing and not too rough at all Tips: -The parking lot next door is only $1 for an hour if you can't find street parking -Be on time for your appointment - they do their best work when they are not super rushed -Try to make an appt if you can - otherwise you might have to wait 15-20 minutes on a busy night/weekend -If you can go during the week before 3pm I think you can walk in no problem and be seen right away, it gets busier 4pm as people get off of work and after during the week and of course on weekends -If you want to really relax and be able to read a magazine while your feet soak for the pedi (and you are also getting a mani) - be sure you let them know you want the mani/pedi done separately so you don't have to put the magazine down :) Anyway - if you can't tell, I HIGHLY recommend Essential Nails. They are hard working ladies who really deserve the business. read more

Christina S.

16 years ago

I love Essential nails! I'm really picky about where I get my nails done and they have never ceased to impress me. I originally started going here when I moved to SD because a friend referred me, and have tried other places that were closer to home or work. I've gone to three other places in San Diego and have been really disappointed with the price and the quality of their work. I don't have money to blow on a shitty manicure. Now I live in PB and will never go anywhere else. Jessica is the best for a french manicure! I've never had a pedi here but have heard great things, and can't wait for my appointment Saturday. :) read more

Christina H.

12 years ago

I love this nail shop! The girls are so nice and fun and chatty. Which, if that's something you like, this is the place, if not, maybe a little overwhelming :) But I got a really good deal on a manicure/pedicure package and that's how I was introduced. I will be coming back! Ask for the gel nails. They barely cost more than a regular manicure, and I love the glossy look!! Great deal, can't beat the price! read more

Kelsey R.

109

102

12 years ago

The ambiance here is soooo relaxing and nice. Just walking in, you feel a little bit less stressed, it's decorated really pretty. Definitely get the pedicure with the foot and leg massage! These guys know what they are doing. Everything you would expect from a high end salon, including the price, but I think still reasonable. Also I notice the chemically nail polish smell less here than in other salons. read more

Jeanie D.

13 years ago

If you're on a budget and want to get your nails done Essential Nails is highly recommended. The ladies are friendly and always do a great job on my nails. A couple of things to keep in mind, always call and make an appointment, if they're busy you wait even if you have one. I like to bring cash and sometimes my own nail polish, they don't have the biggest selection of colors. read more

Emiliya D.

2 years ago

Essential Nails Salon offers an exceptional experience with its super nice and accommodating staff. The service is consistently friendly and welcoming, making every visit enjoyable. Additionally, their prices are unbeatable, providing the best value in town. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality nail care and great customer service! read more

Jenna V.

14 years ago

good nail spa place. Not a fancy one. The price is affordable. The service is very good! My nail technician was very helpful and friendly. She is very professional. This is a second time a was here and both times very pleasant. But note: the parking situation is just awful. That's why a gave minus 1 star. Will definitely come here again! read more

Liana E.

327

6 years ago

Honestly this is the best nail salon I have ever been too. In terms of quality and a customer service it is 11/10. They did these amazing gel nail designs and made me feel comfortable during covid. They are skilled and also are so friendly, I really enjoyed being able to have a conversation with my lady Jessica- recommend her! read more

mika s.

16 years ago

Its my favorite nail salon in San Diego, The ladies there are always doing great job especially Teri that I always ask for her. The service is quick enjoying and relaxing, the place is clean and its always pleasure to come there! My nails even got much better since I start going there 6 month ago. Highly recommended! read more

R Q.

14 years ago

Fit me in for a walk in for a full set. Nicole was fast but did a fabulous job. She is detail oriented which is e exactly how I like my nails. It was easy to find street parking and the price was low. If I wasn't moving I would be Nicole's loyal client. Thank you for doing a fabulous job Nicole. read more

Harper S.

15 years ago

This is my new go-to nail salon. The shellac manicure lasts at least two weeks for me which is better than any other place I've been to-especially since I bartend, so I'm very hard on my hands. They are fast, but always busy so you need to make appointments if you don't want to wait. read more

JosieAnne G.

14 years ago

Decided to try this place out for a pedicure and I LOVED it! The place was very CLEAN and the staff was PROFESSIONAL. Everything looked new and well cared for. And my nail tech gave me a wonderful and thorough pedicure. I'll be going back this weekend for a manicure. read more

Andrea B.

12 years ago

I had an appointment and when I arrived they said they were running 15-20 minutes behind. I returned they said it would be another 10-15. The place was not very clean. Would never go back. read more

Cheryl T.

8 years ago

First time there, recommended by a friend. Absolutely great and friendly service. Priced very reasonable. When in this area again will go for sure. read more

san diego s.

13 years ago

Great service and treatments! Been going here for years and am very happy with their reasonable prices and excellent mani pedis :)

Marissa L.

9 years ago

Went there for the first time and will definitely be going back. The staff is very friendly and did a great job.

Samantha A.

296

10 years ago

Amy and her co-workers were awesome best pedicure massage I have ever had. Very inexpensive compared to others

Lauren T.

9 years ago

Jessica (I think her name was) was amazing! She didn't rush and did an amazing fill for only $19

Jenelle R.

10 years ago

This place is fantastic. Amy did a beautiful job on my nails and she is so nice! Lovely vibe.

Jen V.

11 years ago

This was the worse shellac manicure I've had. Polish all over my cuticles. Not impressed.

Essential Nails - othersalons - Updated October 2026

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I've been coming to this salon for years, which is why this experience was so disappointing…read more I made a noon appointment for a manicure and pedicure. Before coming in, I called to ask if I could arrive at 12:15, but they told me they were too busy and that I needed to be there at noon. I arrived around 12:05, and as soon as I walked in, two employees told me they couldn't take me and suggested I come back another day. After I reminded them that I had an appointment, they asked what kind of nails I wanted. When I said I hadn't decided yet, they told me they didn't have time for long nails. I said I was happy to do short nails instead, and only then did they agree to see me. Once I sat down, I was told I couldn't use the same color for my manicure and pedicure because they didn't want to share the same bottle between technicians, so I had to choose a different color for my toes. Then I asked for my usual dip manicure and was told they only had time for gel. When I asked about dip, I was told they had already informed me of that, which they hadn't. If the type of manicure affected scheduling, someone should have asked when I booked the appointment or when I called before coming in. Instead, I felt like I was being treated as the inconvenience, despite having an appointment and being a longtime customer. I ended up skipping my manicure altogether and left feeling disappointed. After years of coming here, this experience was enough that I won't be returning.

MV Nails Lounge & spa

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I love MV nails!! Every single technician I've had is amazing, and they are all so friendly and…read morewelcoming. Reasonably priced too. I recommend :)

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Quick service - easy to walk in and get a gel manicure and regular pedicure. Prices are some of the…read morecheapest I've seen in PB; no frills salon but they do have massage chairs. Quality of the manicure is pretty good and has lasted a while.

inexpensive, quick, and always do a great job with my gel pedicure! I have come back multiple times.read more

Chic Nails Lounge

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This is my second time coming here and I've had a great experience both times…read more My first time they asked me if I wanted a drink when I first walked in and sat me down promptly. Had the deluxe pedicure The second time I brought my friend and got a pedicure and dip nails. Linh did my manicure and it was such a great experience!

I had a great experience there. First time client. They did. It disappoint. Quick service…read more Reasonable prices. Clear pricing communication- no surprises. Upstanding work. They customized my design. My nails turned out beautiful. Just how I envisioned them.

Lilah's Nail Spa

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I'm so happy I found Lilah's Nails in Bird Rock! Vicky does amazing work and is so thorough. I tend…read moreto pick at my nails, so I really appreciate her patience and attention to detail. She makes my acrylics look beautifully natural, and they actually last! The entire staff is kind and welcoming, and I had one of the best pedicures I've had in a very long time. You can tell this team truly cares about quality work and making their customers feel taken care of. Another big plus is the convenient parking right outside the salon! They're new to the neighborhood and absolutely worth a visit. Please support this wonderful team--you'll be glad you did!

If only I could give 0 stars. Hardly ever will I write a review; however, I feel extremely…read morecompelled to speak the truth about my experiences here. The first time I came, they accommodated me since I came in near closing hours on a weekday. The female worker who answers phone calls in the front and also work on customers, were already gossiping about me with another coworker who was doing my pedicure. I came back the second time only because I like the gel polish color they had. However, I truly regret coming back. That same female worker who works in the front, receiving clients' phone calls, spoke very badly about me. I can understand Vietnamese very well, and the whole time she gossiped to the lady who did my pedicure about how fake I look, if my breasts are real, how weak my appearance is. It was extremely hurtful, but I held back the tears until I got home. Not only did they bad-mouth me to their other co-workers, but they were also speaking poorly of other customers who seemed to be their returning clients, referring to them as "cunts" or "witches." Please, please avoid coming to this awful place. Their quality of work is not great either. Her gel acrylic work is subpar, and the nails on my left hand were shorter than on my right, so I had to file them down at home. The lady who did my gel pedicure the second time made my left toe bleed. She also used her fists to pound my calves very strongly, which was not pleasant and felt painful. The workers here are very rude, mean, and unkind humans. Please do not waste your money and business here.

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Super Nails & Hair

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