Such a great place!! My grandma and I here came to get a mani pedi and they were so nice and welcoming. I got a gel manicure and a regular pedicure which turned out lovely. Michelle, the woman who did my manicure was super quick and efficient, and did nails standing while I was getting my pedicure done. The prices are very reasonable. I definitely recommend this place!!! read more

Kims Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I go here usually and every time i go somewhere else for whatever reason, I wish I would have gone to Kim's. They are always so nice and they do such a great job! Today Tom did my Deluxe Pedicure and it was so relaxing! Michelle did my nails. Today was the first time I tried dip nails.. OMG they turned out so beautifully!! Thank you Kim, Tom and Michelle! read more

My grandma has been going here for many years and loves it so when I visited her and needed to get my nails done, I knew this was the place! I got an acrylic gel full set done three weeks ago and not a single one has lifted, chipped, had a gem fall out, or broke in any way!!! Not to mention, the price was fantastic and the service was great and they took me right away and Kim was so sweet If your thinking about getting your nails done 10/10 recommend! read more

Kims Nails - Inspo: - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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I finally found my new nail salon and Tracy was awesome! This review is the diva in me so get ready for a lot of sass lol. I made an appointment over the phone Sunday morning and Kim was able to find me an opening. When I arrived they were already expecting me and had my station ready for me to soak my nails. I was absolutely impressed and my jaw might have dropped a little. A nail salon that actually acknowledges appointments and takes them seriously? Mind blown. I've been getting my nails painted in shellac for over a year and with every salon these are my requirements: clean, spa seats, must carry quality shellac nail polish or OPI nail polish that does not chip in 2 weeks, friendly and professional staff that knows their shit and does quality work. Bonus points if you can free hand beautiful nail designs because I love cute little flowers on my toes. Tracy was awesome! I can't say it enough. She was gentle in removing my shellac and really took her time. Some places can be extremely harsh and make you wish you never applied shellac but Tracy would remove my shellac and let my nails soak in the chemical longer if it didn't come off right away and she repeated the process until my nails were polish free. For my choice of color I knew exactly what I wanted and the design I wanted. Before I went into the salon I checked out the Yelp pics and saw some ombre nails and knew it was something the salon was capable of. Believe me, ombre-ing nails is a skill and I had my fair share of wth is this? I was getting ready to show Tracy the pic from my phone but couldn't locate it fast enough before she started working on my nails so she offered to bring it up for me on her iPad. Tech savvy and ready nail salon? Love it! I chose the color Promiscuous and did a reverse ombre with silver glitter. I told her I really wanted my nails to stand out so she tested all the colors and different types of glitter on her own nails to show me what each would look like. She suggested to use two types of glitter to create a nicer ombre effect. Omg Tracy, where have you been all my life??? The results were perfect! I have the most glam nails now and they are still in great condition. I think these nails should look great for about a month and this is what defines quality nail polish and workmanship. Overall, I had an amazing experience and I'll be back again with an appointment to see Tracy who only works weekends. She was personable and did an impeccable job on my nails. I couldn't ask for more because my expectations are already so high lol. Tips: cash only or check, parking lot read more

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Came here because a friend had an appointment for a mani-pedi already. I was available, so called ahead and Kim happily fit me in. I was uncharacteristically early, so planned to just peruse nail colors and wait for my appointment time, but Kim identified me immediately (she'd never met me!) and asked me to go ahead and sit down--that they'd seat my friend when she arrived. My nails are as short as I'd specified, the color is fantastic, they used two UV lights so no moving the machine back and forth. They said they'd match the toenails; it's not a match, but a very close color. I had a gel mani and my friend opted for the powder nail thing (lasts longer and costs $5 more, apparently). Minuses: It wasn't clear that the utensils were sterilized and it didn't seem like the pumice-like sponge was new. Also, the sanding tips they used on my friend didn't look new. Not a lot of OPI color choices. My friend didn't get seated right next to me. (the chair in between was empty) Pluses: My toenails and fingernails look great! Arm & leg massages were great. The price is very reasonable. Off-street parking easily available. No waiting. While waiting for my friend's nails to be finished, we were both led to seats and had little toenail heaters/dryers. Warm feet & dry toenail polish? Win-win! Quick service--no waiting for the pedicure after the manicure: all done at the same time! Very friendly. Next time: I'll get the names of my two manicurists I'll ask to be seated next to my friend (we always chat the whole time) I'll bring my own pumice sponge, buffer block, and toe separators I'll ask about reused nail files, etc., and sterilization. I'll bring cash (cash or checks ONLY!--thank goodness my friend had enough cash for both of us) I'll make an appointment (they do take walk-ins, but it's so nice not to wait at all!) read more

I was really excited to try this place out based on the yelp reviews. Overall not bad. My pedicure was mediacore. The pedicurisit cut my toe nails, filed, barely scrubbed my feet and did a massage. I was surprised they didn't clean my cuticles/trim. The massage was the best part. My gel manicure was done well and there's so many colors to chose from. They use DND gel. read more

Just paid $30 for a fill... with a color change (gel), shape change, and a new nail. Not a bad deal, and it was all finished within the hour. Walked in without an appointment in the afternoon and was immediately seated. As soon as I picked out a color, Michele got to work. She was friendly, attentive to detail, and made sure I was happy every step of the way. She did an excellent job. This place was so much better than the spot in Hayward I got the initial set at. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Kims Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I went to this place this week, got powder gel and a French mani. Kim was very meticulous and did not take any shortcuts. The shop is clean and well frequented by regulars. So why you ask aren't there more reviews? How often does your grandma yelp! A lot of her clientele is elder but it was so sweet, Kim was on a first name basis with everyone. I love it and have an amazing manicure to show for it. The downside...very busy so forget about a last min pop-over. Make an appointment!!! read more

I have been getting pedis at Kim's exclusively for 5 months now, maybe twice I have gone with GFs salons and I was completely enamored in the beginning. As time has gone by I have noticed that I have ingrowns which have not been paid attention to, it didn't bother me SO much until today, I really noticed it, when I pressed the top of my big toes I could feel hardness beneath the surface of the skin, there was a nail embedded inside. The last two months I also noticed the skin around my toes were not being groomed as they should be, lots of extra skin, especially on my problem area the inner big toes. Very nice neighborhood nail shop, but the detail is not there and when it affects the health of my toes, I have to move on. read more

If I could, this would be a 3.5 star review. ;-) I made a reservation and we were seated right away for our pedicures...which is great. The salon is small but off the beaten path...still I'd recommend a reservation. A man did my nails and gave a great massage to my right foot and leg...but then got on a phone call, helped another patron, and my left foot and leg suffered from mediocrity. The massaging chair is either kind of old or lame. I like to relax in the chair a bit after the nails are finished but because the place is so small I was scooted off to the nail drying area. read more

Honestly YELP needs 10 stars plus!!! Thank you so much for the amazing Dip mani and pedicure. From being able to make a same day appointment to the talent and amazingness of Bella made my long day just the best. I am sad I do not live here. But will be visiting a lot.. so until next time Kim's Nails. Thank you for above the bar service!!! read more

Everyone at Kim's is friendly and very skilled. It's the only nail salon I've ever been to that sticks to appointment times, keeping someone available for you and starting promptly. Very efficient, and my manicures and pedicures are perfect, lasting weeks. Nice environment to talk with other locals. read more

Today was my first time going here. Tracy did my nails. I usually get pink and white gel. I went in for a fill, and it had been so long she took off some of the nails I still had. I had asked her if she could make my tip thick, because I tend to be rough on my nails. And I also like my nails square when being filed. And since it is getting close to Valentine's day, I asked for a design with a heart. She did an outline in red of two hearts then with silver glitter she filled the inside. I loved it! Kim's is different than any nail shop I've been to. I'm very picky about my nails, I've been getting them done for the past 9 years. I recommend Tracy for pink and white gel, she did exactly what I asked, and I'm very satisfied with my nails, I love them! read more

Kims Nails - Happy valentine's day ! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I have been going to see Tom at Kim's Nail since 2004. I would never go anywhere else. It is hard to believe the stories others have posted about Kim's Nails. I have only been provided with the best of services when here. Kim's facials are the best of the best. I try to go every other month. On the off month, I treat a friend to share the experience. It is beyond words.... read more

Kims Nails - JoanAnn's rented golf-cart, saying Hi to Tom and Kim. Best place to go for nail care. Very easy parking. - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

Went to get a french manicure done..I asked for the old set to be soaked, didn't want them ripped off. Kim does a very good job. However, I think they may have gotten wiff of my review so I felt they were stand-offish towards me. Well, it was nice while it lasted...won't be coming back. read more

I had a good experience here. I came here after having a nightmare racist experience at La Vie Nails (0/10 do not recommend) but Kim was really kind and helpful when I called to make my appointment. I expressed to her the design I wanted and asked her to put me with the person she felt would do it the best. She put me with someone named Leann. Leann was nice, she did my acrylic really well, shaped it amazing, but wasn't able to do the design. I wasn't so upset because Kim set the expectation that she believes she can do it but ultimately it would have to be up to me to say whether I like it or not. Unfortunately she wasn't able to, but because of how nice, patient and transparent everyone was I wasn't even the slightest bit mad. I just had to paint the whole nail a single color, my nails still came out beautiful. I came on a weekday, it wasn't chaotic at all everyone seemed to be taking their time on the services they were working on. I can't attest to the weekend based on the other reviews below, but I understand why it would be more hectic/chaotic seeing as that's when everyone goes to the salon. read more

I've only been going here for a couple of months now but I really like them. They're all very personable and they do a great job. A bonus is they're also very quick. For a fill and a pedicure, it takes about an hour. It's great for someone like me who doesn't sit still very well. read more

Well...I was referred over by my esthetician across from this place for a gel pedicure. I asked for a gel pedicure, not so complicated...you think'?. This would be my 100 gel pedicure, so I do know the do's and dont's. First, the water was not hot so I asked to get it warmer and it didn't change...so I let that go. Then, she begins to clip my nails using a cuticle cutter and sure enough she clips my nail too deep and my toe nail started to throb. I told her to stop using the cuticle and she continued to use it. I finally had to tell her to stop and clipped my own toe nail....!!! She finished "cleaning" my nails. The last straw. She starts to put lotion on my wet legs and give me a massage...which was more like a pet...so annoying! I asked her that I wanted gel...and the reason I asked her was because in my experience, they paint the nails first and then massage for gel nails. I literally had to ask her to stop and respectfully said I was done with the service. Best part! I still had to pay $25 for this so called "service". I respectfully handed over $25 and left. I am writing this as I am walking home from this experience, so please excuse the typos and run-on sentences. And the only reason I am giving this 2 stars is because the technician was sweet and kept apologizing. I will never come back here and stick work my original place, Tomo Nails. Thanks for reading! read more

I have gone here many times before. The service is amazing there and they take care of you when you arrive. You can choose your colors that you want. The pricing is not to expensive. I am not sure if you can pay with a debit or credit card. I know that they accept cash. read more

Great service, wonderful demeanor and all around good people. I have never had a complaint about any services. Highly recommend this place! Make sure to make an appointment to ensure you get to where you need to go on time. read more

I stopped here in November for a mani and pedi after a quick Yelp search. As I was enjoying my massage, I noticed all of the other ladies wrapping up with cash payments, so I asked my technician if they only accepted cash, and she said no, we also accept personal checks. Apparently my Yelp search was a little too quick because I clearly missed the part that they do not accept any other methods payment other than cash or personal check. I started to get nervous since I had neither with me, and the technician said that I was able to get cash back (up to $40) with a $10 purchase across the parking lot at Encinal Market. Whew, but I still felt like a dumbass, and got the evil eye from another customer. The owner, Kim, and other technicians were a lot more understanding, but I made sure I left my purse behind just so they knew I would be back with cash. I really enjoyed the massage on my arms and legs, the painting was flawless, and the polish lasted well into my next appointment. My only gripe was that my pedi technician did not pumice my feet because she said they were already soft, but they're only soft because I use my pumice. I'd go back if in the area, after a trip to the ATM that is. read more

The only place I go since I discovered it. My usual is a pedi from Tom, a mani from Chi and Kim does my brow tint, wax and occasionally eyelash tint. All three of them are masters of their trade. Let's start with Kim. She seems to do all of the facial clients and all of the acrylic. I don't care for acrylic personally, but have witnessed happy clients in her chair. I CAN say that Kim has given me the best eyebrows ever. I even refuse to do them myself, knowing she does a better job. She's said my contribution is a nice brow bone. Thanks KIM! If you're lucky, you'll get Tom to do your pedicure. His practice of effleurage is better than I've had anywhere. I contemplated writing this, hoping I don't increase his demand and I never get his chair again. He does this weird thing to your ankle that releases tension. It rules. Chi does my manicure and I have to say when I go to her regularly my nails grow longer and lovelier than ever. She must file them right, because I seldom have breakage anymore. She doesn't say much, but does a great fast, clean manicure. The shop is immaculate. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Cash or check only, ATM across the parking lot in Encinal Market. read more

I just finished getting a mani/pedi from here. Very good service! I've gone to a few nail salons on Alameda to get a Gelish/Shelac manicure, but, this is the first place that had organized matching non-gelish nail polish so your pedicure can match too! Also, for gelish they paint your nails first and then do your cuticles etc. I asked them why and they told me that using oil/water softens your nails and that makes it so that the gelish doesn't last as long. Nice! Tracy did my nails and she did a very nice job. I had been going to We Are Nails and More on Park Street. The last two times I was there the girl nicked me to the point that I developed a very obvious scab. Ouch! Also, gross! But Tracy was very gentle. I also didn't realize that they only took cash or check. I didn't have enough cash on me and they totally trusted me to leave and to come back to pay even though this was my first time there. How nice of them! I know I'll be back here again soon (not just because I still have to pay them) ! read more

I'm almost sorry to do this. Almost. Because I enjoyed the pedicure and overall they were friendly and it seemed like a clean place. Another reason to come here, two of my good friends come here and I was hoping this could be a place where we could all come together. What would then merit the one star? The lack of client service. Nearing the end of my pedicure they were still working on my friend's gel nails. They hadn't even gotten to her final coat. So I asked if I could add on extra massage. Their response was "No" They didn't have time. I figured well maybe they're closing early. There was another woman next to me half way through her pedicure so I was wondering why my nail tech couldn't add on massage while they were finishing up with my friend and the other woman so that I could enjoy myself as well. They weren't short on staff and it was clear that weren't closing early. It made me feel extremely uncomfortable and I will not return. That is not a way in which I would choose to run my business and I would never treat my clientele in that manner, ever. read more

Service: Is very attentive in that most clients that come in are regulars with appointments. It's not your typical 5 minute wait turning into 30. Your appointment is never compromised and the service that comes with that is great. They actually talk to you and just don't work on your nails and gossip among one another. In my opinion, they have the best Gelish/Shellac system in Alameda. Affordable and last for 3-weeks or so with the matching nail polish. They also do great gel acrylics, and full sets. Staff: Kim is the owner and she's great; she does everything great - She knows her customers by name. She treats me with much love and she's become a friend through the years. Tom her husband does amazing pedicures and is known for his massages. Tracy is awesome as well I just recently got back into gel pink and white tips and she is the go to girl! She's done my regular manicures, too and I'm very pleased. Chi does a great job and always has a smile on her face. Parking: Another perk to coming to this nail shop is they have a parking lot. And in Alameda most nail shops are downtown and require attending to a meter. Their parking lot is convenient! Ambiance: They have the news on the TV. The clients chatter with the staff. They keep the nail shop really clean and you can tell they always keep on top of it! read more

Kim's Nails is my favorite nail place. The prices are great and so is the service. I come here for all my pedicures and recommend this place to all my friends. Kim is really friendly and has a great staff. Pedicures are a great value for $21. They are about 45 minutes long and include a chair massage, quick leg massage and foot spa/scrub, cleaning, and polish. The hours are really good and I'm almost always able to get the appointment I want. read more

Tracy does great nails I'm a perfectionist and she was on point .. I only get stiletto nails and she told me not to worry she understood .. Place is small , clean and has enough parking .. read more

Kims Nails - Tracy Does Perfect Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

With all the wonderful reviews on Yelp I was expecting awesomeness. Instead I got crappiness! Sloppiest job ever on my daughter. See pic http://www.flickr.com/photos/96197416@N00/6692592393/in/photostream My pedicure paint job wasn't that bad. Nothing special but isn't sloppy. The massage and pampering part of the pedicure, you know with all the rubs, exfoliating etc. They don't have that. It's probably why it is so cheap. Plus my chair was broken. The massage parts are the largest reason why I pay other people to do my nails. Note that my paint job started chipping after 1 week. I won't go back. read more

Honestly, I took my nails off about 9 months ago and haven't had them put back on. I moved and my nail tech was too far to reach every two weeks. And after searching and failing to read truly good reviews I had given up hope that I would ever have my almond-stiletto shaped acrylic nails ever again... that is until I found Kim's Nails. After reading EVERY yelp review I decided that my anxiety was false and I should give them a try. Boy, oh boy am I glad that I did. Tracy did my full set and I am impressed. I am a cosmetology student so I know the difference of using sterile implements verses really dirty ones that have been used on the whole community. And this shop is CLEAN! Bonus points. I am super picky. I know the state board laws. And the plus side, she didn't rush the process. She took her time, filed them to the perfect shape, painted them exactly how I wanted, just awesome. I am very happy and will be making this my home shop. Go to this shop. read more

I came to Kim's nails several years ago after many frustrating experiences at other salons. My time is important and I didn't like having an appointment that didn't mean anything... Showing up only to be told "pick a color" and then waiting for 45 minutes and not being able to have an appointment with a specific person. At Kim's NAILS, you have an appointment and you stick to it! I call her if I'm going to be a minute late and I appreciate that I can make an appointment with whoever I like. Tracy is my go to, especially for design work. My boyfriend loves her mom for Pedicures, because she gives super foot massages. Chi is also excellent, and now I have Kim dye my eyebrows as well. The only downside to the entire establishment is that the massage chairs don't often work well. But I don't really like to be jiggled while trying to read a magazine, so that's not a big deal for me. read more

i went here twice. a lot of people love this shop but to me It was just an average experience. Got my first visit and I only wanted gel nails, but without my knowledge they put acrylic on under the gel. apparently that's the only way they do it. The salon didn't have very good circulation and I found the fumes coming from others very strong even with a mask. I am very sensitive to the toxic smells so perhaps others don't mind. First pedi was ok. No real massage, just touching. Went back in 3 weeks. Pedicure was a little better, fill was not great and a few nails came off in two weeks. Not going back. Employees are nice and the owner is caring but my visits just weren't all that great. Found a place that uses a powder under the gels without acrylic and am very happy. read more

I decided to call and ask to have my pricey-yet-peeling-after-the-first-day gel nails fixed. Thankfully they were able to sand it down, slap on some super glue and fix it. Definitely not the cleanest nail job I've had, you can tell from some random cloudy miscolored spots that something originally went awry. But these marks are minor compared to the serious UN-A-peeling look it was before. They fixed it with no complaints and I'm happy enough to return in three weeks, but I will definitely be asking for the regular gal that does me!!! My nails are fixed and all is right with the world. Hence, my three star review is currently A-OK (according to yelp's description) read more

Kim and Bella both do beautiful work and will make sure your nails look wonderful! I got a gel manicure and acrylic full set yesterday from another salon in Alameda that I hadn't been to before; the nail job was very rushed, so the end result wasn't great. I searched for different nail salons in the area who could repair my full set and found Kim's Nails on Encinal. Kim and Bella both took such good care of me, and they also gave me a discount on their work because I had just gone to the nail salon the day before. I couldn't speak more highly about their service, and I will definitely be going back in the future. Thank you, Kim and Bella!!! read more

I'm soooo happy with my nails..my co worker told me to check out kim's nails ....i'm so glad I did..Very friendly and professional!!!!!! Tracy did a very good job!!!! I will be coming back soon!!!!!!!!^_^ read more

My manicurist cut the cuticles so close that it was painful; I had to ask her to go easy on them. On one finger, she clipped and dug so hard at the side of the nail that it started bleeding. A week later, it is now infected and extremely painful. The polish didn't hold up too well either. No apology or offer for a discount, and it is getting worse each day. If I lived closer by I would ask for my money back. read more

Kims Nails - nail now infected after manicurist clipped until bleeding - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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I've been going here for more than 2 years now. I'm extremely picky with my nails, so if I don't like something, I'll definitely let my nail lady know.. With all that in mind.. TRACEY IS MY LOOVEEEE. She's amazing. I have stiletto nails & most of the time people do it crooked, or not pointy enough for me (extra sharp is how I like them hehe). But nope, not Tracey. She will listen to whatever you say & give you her honest opinion. She'll also correct anything if you have a problem with it. & may I mention, she is EXTREMELY NICE? Too nice.. I will never see anyone else, but Tracey. Ever. Again. read more

I still wonder at pricing. It looks like a new pricing sheet has gone up - a pedi and gel mani will set you back about $50. Ouch. I stopped in to have the janky gel polish removed the other night, and they charged $10. . . .I should've just gotten a manicure for that price. If I'm going to pay $50 for this, I'll go to Jadyn Taylor where I at least might luck out and get a mimosa out of the deal. I'll remain a fan because they do a good job and are very nice, but jeez louise. I miss my SF pricing. read more

Love going to Kim's for a pedicure/ manicure combo! They are all so friendly and welcoming. Make sure you call ahead, as they can be very busy at times, but also sometimes can take you right away- it just depends how busy the market area gets. Tom gave me the BEST foot massage I've had from a pedicurist. Seriously. Since their clientele is mostly older women, they have lots of red shades! Also- Kim is the only lady in the world I trust with my eyebrows! read more

Kims Nails - Regular mani pedi! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I'll start by saying I've been to a lot of nail salons in my life. I had acrylics for about 6 years and loved them, but eventually I ran out of time and could not justify it anymore. These days, I'll splurge on a pedicure once in a while when I get tired of painting my own toes. However, since I have a very big special event coming up soon, I needed somewhere reliable for a gel french manicure for my big day. My friend and I decided to try this place out with pedicures, and then come back for fancier services if all went well. *Note* you'll actually want to make an appt here, and you can reasonably expect that they will keep on schedule. I called in the morning and made an appt for a few hours later and we were helped right when we walked in. They have good ventilation here, and the overall atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. I was very happy with my pedicure on all counts, and My (who was my technician) actually seemed to know a thing or two about massage instead of the usual 'pat your feet for a moment and call it a massage'. Another woman did my nail art on the big toes and it was just what I wanted. My friend's manicure was tidy and efficient. I'm coming back this weekend to get a french gel manicure so I can see how long it actually lasts! read more

My mom and I came here after a co-worker gave her a gift certificate. It was my mom's 1st manicure EVER and now she's hooked. Today was our 3rd visit and we will continue to go back. I live in San Jose and have never been taken in on time for an appointment before coming here. They are super clean and all the staff members are friendly. They greet almost every one by name. My first gel mani lasted 3 weeks with no chipping or peeling. Today we only had appts for manis and they still squeezed me in for a pedi as well, even though it was last minute. Wonderful place. read more