I had such a positive experience here! Even though I didn't have an appointment and was on a very tight schedule, they were able to accommodate me right away. The service was quick yet thorough, and the quality of the work was excellent. What stood out most was how they treated my daughter. The staff made her feel like a very important customer, giving her the same attention and care as any adult client. She left feeling special and valued, which meant so much to us. This combination of efficiency, quality, and genuine hospitality makes this salon a place I would highly recommend! read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I cannot recommend this nail salon enough! The quality and attention to detail is amazing. The staff is kind and so helpful. 10/10!

This is what I asked. For and this is what I got. They rushed my nails, and they didn't come out the way I expected. Also, this is the simplest disian the fact that they can make this accurate to the phone is ridiculous read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Came here in an emergency as a walk in as my usual place overbooked and I needed a pedicure for my wedding. I could not have been happier having my pedicure done here. The staff was so kind and welcoming. The nice lady who was kind enough to do my pedicure was incredibly fast and efficient. My pedicure looked perfect! Luckily I brought my own regular polish that matches my gel nails so I was all set. I don't think I've ever had such a good pedicure AND under 30 minutes no less. So thankful for this wonderful and clean location and fantastic service! read more

I absolutely love Gem nails. This place is my happy place. They take their time when doing your nails and always do good work. And the salon is super clean with a calming ambience and relaxing background music. Always my go-to spot when I need a little self-care and me time read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Gel Manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

I looked up and noticed my color was wrong. The tech tried to convince me it was the color I chose, but I knew better. I was very meek and sweet about it and finally another tech came with the sample tray and confirmed it was wrong. I also wanted a topcoat that was a little less sparkly. Again, I was very sweet. Well, I guess that was too much to ask. She actually said she didn't want to do my nails again if I came back, right to me and in front of others. I'm a human being with feelings. It embarrassed and hurt me. I got a little teary eyed but had also given a huge tip in advance (not smart-they encouraged advance payment) so I just let them finish and left. Ungrateful to customers. I remembered my tech from years ago left, I spotted her at another shop. She didn't want to say why she left and just shook her head. I wish I would have remembered and not come here, I was just close and in a rush. Never again!!! read more

Third time going always leave happy! The owner is super sweet. They always have time even on busy days read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

I've been here several times and I'm not sure why I keep trying but it's terrible. I went in last week and the lady did powder nails even though I didn't ask for it. The nails were terrible. The gel polish fell off within a week. The nails were not structured and filed properly. It looked like eggs in my nails. I went in and asked them to fix it a week later after I returned from my trip. They had me sitting there forever even though people were available to fix it. They wanted me to go to the same lady that messed it up. I requested a different person because she has done my nails several times now and it's never right. Terrible. I'm officially done trying with this place! read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

DO NOT COME HERE!!!! Unless, you want to be told your fingers are crooked and so are your nails !!! I've been getting my nails done for over 20 years and NEVER have I had such a BAD EXPERIENCE!!!!!!! He is rude and raises his voice at your when you mention a concern. Absolutely atrocious!!!! A true disgrace to nail salons. Save your time, money and nails and run from this so called "nail salon." They should be put out of business for producing this type of work. I asked repeatedly for him to fix my nails and he refused. Please, do not come here read more

Gem Nails and Spa - DO NOT COME HERE!!!! Unless, you want your nails crooked and want to be told your finger "is just that way." A disgrace of a nail salon. - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

Perhaps one of the worst manicure and pedicures I've ever received. I stopped in a whim yesterday and was able to be taken right away, which was nice! The nail techs I had were very unfriendly. The one wore a mask and mumbled under it and seemed annoyed when I couldn't make out what she was saying. My services were very rushed. I have a lot of cuticle still around my finger nails. The massage portion lasted a few seconds. I will not be returning. read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would! Absolutely, horribly terrible!! I went on a Saturday night, it wasn't packed and it wasn't near closing time neither. I went at around 5:30/6pm. The woman who serviced me rushed. She kept offering seaweed because of my dry skin. I politely declined but eventually told her I would get it. During the manicure process I noticed she was extremely rushing and missed a lot of cuticle. She poured oil on my hands and massaged my hand with her glove still on which felt gross and rough. She didn't give me a nice file shape and I cancelled on the seaweed service. I went back Sunday morning, a man redid my nails. Cuticle was still missed. He also rushed but at least he found the color I was actually looking for. Definitely not the best but it looks better than it did originally. Smh, definitely will spend my money somewhere else, who appreciates all paying customers!! read more

Gem Nails and Spa - First night of the manicure. Uncut cuticles, horrible filing and sloppy paint job. - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Really really really bad service. Probably the worst I've ever experienced. I'm a cosmetology student. This place is violating every single state board rule and regulation. And I mean all of them. Dirty nail files, dirty drill files that I watched this woman take out of the soiled bin in front of me (after I told her I was a Cosmo too, she knew better) She also took my cuticles off with the drill (a dirty drill at that) which ruined my cuticles, and they are all scabbed and bleeding two days later. I asked for very simple nail design with some gems. I had showed her the inspo pic again and asked her during the painting to adjust what she was doing so it was actually what I wanted. She still didn't execute the nail art and also wouldn't let me get gems? On my nails? That I'm paying for? She said because I cut hair, I'd get my gems stuck on my clients hair. I see her reason. I didn't ask. I don't want an opinion I want what I want done on my nails. I haven't got my nails done in years and I was really looking forward to this. $80 because I will still tip no matter what for nails that I absolutely hate and now I'm having terrible anxiety about getting infections due to the sanitation and disinfection negligence. Also to all my pedicure ladies, we all remember in Orange County how multiple women had to get amputations due to negligence on cleaning out the pedicure tubs. Nail salons are required to use liners now, REQUIRED by the state. Not one liner on the pedicure tubs, and I watched them put a ladies feet in a tub, seconds and I mean second after another customer got up and left. I will be reaching out to state board because at this point they value a dollar over health and safety. Which needs to go hand and hand. Remember your education and get back to the basics. Because it's truly sad and disgusting to have to pay almost $100 to have my fingers hurt and bleeding three days later. read more

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Nail tech cut me several times, shushed me when I said "Ow!", woke up with my toes swollen and painful, had to get antibiotics. Tools didn't come out of a sterile package, so they're obviously not sanitizing anything. Paid $125. read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail tech cut me several times, I said "Ow", and she put her finger to her lips, shushed me. Had to get antibiotics. Paid $125 - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I have been coming to Gem on & off since 2018! Never had a Nick, cut, burn etc. AMAZING at always accommodating my nail art. Always so kind & friendly! Thanks guys for all you do!! They did Our daughters first tips ever! Always calming & welcoming. Cheers 2024! read more

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I am so shocked and disappointed at the discrimination from this salon. My son and daughter went in to both get manicures and they flat out denied my son. My son who just turned 18 was embarrassed and insulted but yet told his sister that he would wait if she wanted to get hers done. She said absolutely not and they both walked out. So sad and discouraging. Here is some facts about discrimination. Can a business exclude men or women? No. A business establishment that would otherwise be completely open to the public cannot exclude people because of their sex. Excluding one sex from the premises even for limited times violates the Unruh Civil Rights Act. This from the Civil rights department. Who we plan on letting them know. The Unruh Civil Rights Act requires "full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges or services in all business establishments." This includes, but is not limited to, the following places: Hotels and motels Nonprofit organizations that have a business purpose or are a public accommodation Restaurants Theaters Hospitals Barber shops and beauty salons Housing accommodations Public agencies Retail establishments read more

I just experienced a bad nail infection. I called and complained and asked for further information to discuss to the manager and to get a refund. It is unpleasant having to go to the ER and getting antibiotics and your finger having to be drained. These instruments are not clean properly. read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I'm not one to write reviews often, unless it's strongly put on my heart. After reading some of these other reviews, I felt inclined to do so as a warning for others. I want to preface this by saying I have been here a handful of times, and a few of those times have gone on without incident. Twice my mom has told me to be careful because they have overcharged her card. My mom can over complicate things sometimes and I think it's easy to have a miscommunication. She also didn't want to correct them (her mistake). So I tried to take that with a grain of salt. However, the same day she warned my sister and I, they tried to overcharge my sister and thankfully, she asked for a breakdown of the cost and corrected them on a service she didn't receive. As for the quality and service... My sister and I both had gel on our toes and powdered dip on our nails from 3 weeks ago (same salon). Without soaking our nails, the tech took nail clippers trying to clip off the tip of both the nail and dip (like nails on a chalk board). He seemed to do this to separate it from our nail, then proceeded to use an acrylic nail tip to peel up the dip. My sister even asked to soak them and he said no (not sure of the reasoning). This process seemed to take off a layer of our nails, which are now extremely thin and brittle. This was all very uncomfortable to the point of me telling him. They were not very friendly this time around either and were very aggressive with doing our nails. The man that did my toes I believe was new, as he had to ask many questions, which of course, I will not fault him on that. However, he did exfoliate/buff my toe to the point of it being raw and tender. This was all in one day and felt like the straw that broke the camel's back. We will not be returning which is a bummer because I do like how bright and open the salon is. I've also read that they are not very sanitary which solidified this decision. 2 stars because massage was nice and the few other times I have been went well. read more

i am very disappointed. I requested a french tip acrylic nail set and in the reference pic, it shows CLEARLY that the powder is pink. the tech used WHITE!? it looks like it would glow in the dark and does not match to what i originally asked for. and the tech cut my finger a few times. my friends experienced the same issue read more

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I am Visiting coming to Carlsbad, California, from Arizona - my annual 10 day trip Need to get my nails done and wasn't sure where to go. I'm happy to report that I made a good decision. I'm going to gem I made the appointment the day before, but it looks like they do take walk-ins. I had Emily. I thought that I was going to have Cindy because I read the reviews and she was good while I was there. Also saw Hannah come in. All three of those I would recommend I'm very happy with Emily. She took her time. Please note the cash is king. Can you get a little cash discount and want to tip in cash in I had a regular manicure and a very deluxe pedicure was there over an hour and a half. Very nice and relaxing. Also convenient to target Starbucks I would come back again read more

I've allowed Cindy to take care of my acrylic nails for months, In the beginning I put my trust in her because she did a very good job and I tipped her very well, the last 4 times I went to her I've been getting the same exact nail design just simply asking her to do it the exact same and what i experienced from her was rushing, not listening to what I asked of her and doing things her own way which resulted in my nails not looking the same. They had lumps from not properly applying the acrylic, the length were all different sizes as well as the width. I'm so disappointed in her for not paying attention to my request and doing whatever she felt like when I've been a loyal good tipping customer to her. Now I have to find another nail shop because obviously Cindy does not value her customers needs and totally took advantage of my generosity. Very disappointed! read more

So I have a nail tech , I'm San Marcos but I live in Carlsbad (yes I drive that far ) but there's times when they don't have appt when I'm available . I called Gen nails made an appointment I was hesitant because of review BUT I went anyways I'm so glad I did Hannah was awesome ! And pedi by Kim . I wanted a yellow color but once it was done I wasn't please I asked if I could change color (I dislike doing that) but she didn't make me feel bad for it , I felt bad already ! Anyways I'll be coming here it's definitely closer pricing not bad I mean everywhere is pretty pricey in north county . read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

This place is very subpar. I came here 2x for acrylics and the Acrylics started lifting within a couple of days both times. I also have to say the lady that did my acrylics was so harsh and was trying to go so incredibly fast I had to tell her the buffing was actually hurting. She was rough grabbing my fingers roughly and clearly annoyed/trying to hurry. I gave it 2 stars because the shop itsself is nice and they offer beverages but I think it rlly matters who you get here. I am not going to risk it and come back. read more

I came by on my birthday as a walk in for regular manicure and pedicure. I sat down in the chair and the lady asked what I wanted and when I said regular polish she tried convincing me for gel. I know they usually push gel but she was extra pushy and kept telling me to do gel. I felt pressured to say yes so I did. Once they saw I had previous gel on my toes the guy made a comment to me and then looked at me and shook his head and said something to the lady doing my hands. The entire time he would do that. I felt so uncomfortable during the entire experience. I picked a pink color for my hands and the lady brought the wrong color and when I told her she got upset.. like it was my fault? I just wanted to relax and feel good on my birthday and this place made me feel the exact opposite. Will not be returning to these unfriendly judgmental people. I'm surprised they're still in business. read more

Been here twice thankfully took me in as a walk in last minute Super nice, friendly, professional salon. Would definitely recommend to come here. Also cash is cheaper read more

Thanks Hana for taking your time. My nails turned out great the brown and green look great for fall. read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Thanks Hana for taking your time. My nails turned out great - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

Hannah is amazing! She's the only one who I've seen here (I found her through a friend's recommendation) and I've been so happy with her work! I get almond shape acrylics and she does a great job! She really takes her time, is thorough and gentle. She also does an amazing french (pink/white) ombre. Highly recommend. I will come here again and again to see her. :) Side note, they always seem really busy so I highly recommend making an appt. read more

Friendly, pleasant atmosphere. Good value. Quality was spot on. Convenient location.

Walked in on a Saturday afternoon and got right in. Received a great pedicure and regular manicure. Good prices, very clean. Nice relaxing experience. I will be back. read more

Tom was amazing! Highly recommend this place. They were so kind and accommodating. Will be back soon read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

I'm still sitting in the chair, at the salon, while I start to write this review (& I'm not an avid reviewer). But I've got to spill. While this is my first time at Gem, I've received hundreds of manicures, and this one is by far the best. Cindy is meticulous! Her care & attention to detail is through the roof. Thank you, Cindy!!! read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Final product - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

I like that the best nail lady works here. Her name is Emily. She will make your feet and hands feel great. read more

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We've been coming here for the last few months and we were told to always have an appointment. We had appointments at 4:30 with specific nail techs and naturally when we got there they had just taken customers and we had to wait. We decided to get pedicures. The gentleman (short with stinky breath) was doing my pedicure and he was so rude, it was the most uncomfortable pedicure I've ever had. Oh and they way they rudely gossip about there customers as if we don't understand their language is unacceptable! We realized they don't clean their tools after each client, they don't even have containers to put used tools for disinfecting nor do they put disinfectant in the pedicure bowl. This place is not concerned about their customers. DON'T DO IT!! Go somewhere else. You'll thank us later. read more

can't understand how this place has the rating it does. the man took 20 minutes to do my pedicure. all time record. he was moving so quickly i was afraid he was going to cut me. he grabbed tools from a tupper ware box , the tools weren't even in those blue sealed bags. then after he used them he cleaned with my foot water and soap. i wanted someone to take their time. the salon wasn't even busy to say he was rushing because of the amount of people. won't be coming back and you shouldn't either. read more

Let's start with the fact that my friend and I had scheduled appointments at 2 for both a fill and a pedicure, we got there and 2 and weren't started for at least 15 minutes. Which usually I don't mind waiting a little bit but what's the point of an appointment if I have to wait at least 15 more minutes without my feet at least in the water starting the process? I brought my own polish to match a dress I purchased and that's about the only thing I was happy with. My pedicure did not have the massage promised on the little menu provided, and I had initially asked if I could do acrylic on my big toes due to them being bruised and very weak and they told me no, then proceeded to cut my already short toenails on my big toes very short and flat on top. She started trying to dig the bruise out ? Don't know why that happened but it was extremely painful and then she just fully cut the entire side of my big toe, dumped iodine on it after wiping it over and over with a dry towel and stuck it in the water. She painted all my toes, and my big toes are so short and flat on top and simply do not match the shape of the rest of my toes. She dumped some powder on my toe? Idk if it was to stop it from bleeding or what but it burned like a mf as well. They started both my friend and my acrylic fills during our pedicures but it didn't feel like an effort to make up for us being seen late, more so an effort to get out of there faster. My friend asked for a color that they said they had and would go get, never went and got it and did it hat they wanted to do on her. They piled the layers on the toes and her fingers so thick. She can't get gel right now so she had to get normal polish and they just were so rude about it and it wasn't even the color she wanted. I was rushed over to the table after my pedicure where I showed the picture of what I wanted on my nails again, but I had a different shape and the lady agreed that we could do what I was asking for. She started laying the polish on, the French line was extremely thick and I asked her to thin it out, she stared at me and had attitude but did it just barely. Then I had asked for some specific accents on my nails, she pulled out something completely different from the picture and just didn't do a good job. I wanted small gold stars and she gave me something completely opposite and ugly from what I wanted so I had her take it off and just do the gold lines under all of my French nails. There is glitter stuck in the nude part of my nails and they are just not what I wanted. I went in with a nice shaped almond, and left with some crooked pointy nails. All of this cost me $110, there's acrylic on my cuticle bed and gaps between the head and my cuticle. I would've been better off walking into target where I actually found the perfect color, buying a pack of press ons and doing them myself. It's not even worth going back into get them fixed because of the attitude they have when asked to fix their mistakes. My friend ended up asking to have the polish just taken off her nails and the girl rolled her eyes and walked over to my lady to talk shit about my friend. I would say maybe I'm just used to the salons back home where I'm from but this was poor service all around and I would give 0 stars if I could. At the end of all of this I had to walk over to target to get a file and fix the shape of my left hand nails. I regret not taking a picture prior to that. read more

Excellent I have been coming to this place, new owner now and I love it much better Heidi and Emily I give the

Love this nail salon. Spotless and chairs are new. Staff are great. Prices are reasonable. Cindy did my ombré acrylic nails and I love them. read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

I went in with my sister and they told me that they could only do her nails and not mine. I'm super disappointed cause this was my first time I was supposed to get acrylics and I didn't think this would happen. Declined me service. read more

Went in to get me and my brother's nails done. The man looked at us and told us that he would be able to do my nails but would not do my brothers since he was a boy. Absolutely do not recommend coming here the whole vibe was off and they all looked at us with judgement. read more

Did such an amazing job came right in and started on my nails and was so welcoming and nice read more

Gem Nails and Spa - Went it today and got the most beautiful nails thank you so much Cindy you did a amazing job , girl you won't ever be disappointed!!!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I did not have a good experience here. The setting was not sanitary and the nail tech who did my nails used the tools on himself then processed to try and use them on me. read more