I went to Lavender Nails after my wax appointment at European Wax Center because it was recommended to me by my waxer. I walked in and asked if there was availability for a pedicure. Dina, the owner, sat me in the second chair, but I ended up waiting about 20-30 minutes before being serviced. That was a little frustrating because they were not actually ready, and I would have preferred they were upfront about the wait instead of seating me immediately. I decided to look past it, stayed on my phone, and asked for the massage chair to be turned on while I waited. During my appointment, Dina removed my acrylics and commented negatively about the person who previously did my nails. I jokingly asked if she could do better, and she confidently said yes. I laughed and responded, "We'll see." I was also upfront and told her that if I came back, it meant I liked the service and if I didn't, then that would speak for itself. I got a white-tip deluxe pedicure, and while another employee worked on my nails, I continued talking with Dina. During the conversation, she asked if I knew someone named Joy. When I said no, she responded with something along the lines of, "You're not from the hood." That comment immediately made me uncomfortable because I viewed it as a microaggression rooted in stereotypes. I responded by saying, "That's crazy, why would you think that? I could be from the suburbs." After that, she laughed with another staff member and spoke in her native language. Later that day, after reflecting on the interaction, I realized I really wished I had addressed it more directly in the moment and told her that the comment was inappropriate. There were also other moments during the conversation including her reaction to finding out I was married that gave me the impression that I was not fitting whatever stereotype or perception she had in mind about Black women. That is something I think many Black people in America would understand without needing much explanation. Overall, I will not be returning. Between the unnecessary wait, the service not meeting my standards, and my uncomfortable interaction with Dina, this experience left a negative impression on me. The pedicure itself was not impressive enough to overlook the experience, and overall this place fell short in both professionalism and customer service. I've had much better experiences elsewhere, and I hope Dina takes this review as an opportunity to reflect on how her comments come across to clients moving forward. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I live in the neighborhood and have been curious for a while about this salon; so I popped in today for a deluxe pedicure, & my friend joined me. I got the CBD pedicure with regular nail polish. The woman that gave me my pedicure was friendly & sweet & she did a great job. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I have had several manicures and pedicures her and they have all been great. Their dazzle dry polish system works great for my nails to give a lasting manicure that does not chip while avoiding the stress to my nails of repeated gel manicures. read more

Extremely Disappointing Experience ! Especially for My Birthday Nails I went to Lavender Nails Spa for the first time to get my birthday nails done, and unfortunately, it was one of the most unpleasant salon experiences I've ever had. I showed the nail tech a clear photo reference only because explaining verbally wasn't working at all- all I wanted was a simple French dip, straight across and even. But it wasn't even straight across and bulky. At first she tried to gaslight me into thinking what I showed her is what I wanted but that wasn't true, she did what was in her skill set instead. She kept misunderstanding what I wanted and didn't seem interested in correcting her mistakes. When I pointed things out politely, she'd make excuses like, "Well, I'm doing it by hand, so it's not going to be perfect." That's not acceptable. SMH if you're offering a service, it should be done with care and skill, especially for $60. Eventually, the woman with short hair (possibly the owner or manager) stepped in to fix it, but she also had an attitude. Instead of focusing on making it right, she started talking to the original nail tech in Vietnamese while pointing at my nails. Naturally, as a customer, when you see two people talking back and forth in another language immediately after an issue, it's hard not to feel like you're being talked about and that's exactly how it came across. It was unprofessional and uncomfortable. They also skipped key parts of the pedicure, no proper buffing, no scrubbing of the heel which I know is included, and everything felt rushed. When I asked for the French tips to be thinner, the owner filed my actual nails down harshly instead of using polish remover, which actually hurt because you only have so much nail on your small toes. When I told her she was hurting me, she kept going anyway. Terrible To make things worse, she made a rude and unnecessary comment, saying: "You walked into my nail shop and your feet/nails were long." That was completely disrespectful. The point of going to a nail salon is to get your nails DONE,not be insulted for needing service. If my feet/nails weren't long then you would not have a JOB! Between the dismissive attitude, poor quality work, and clear lack of professionalism, I left disappointed and frustrated. I didn't tip because it simply wasn't earned and I will NOT COME BACK! If you're some one who values respectful, attentive service, please think twice before going here I can tell they treat people based off how they look . Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and respected when they sit in that chair and I did not. read more

My daughter and I's happy place! As a local small business owner I love supporting them. Go for the dazzle dry, it last forever! read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Dazzle dry! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I saw the reviews and came anyway so I have no one but myself to blame. I made an appointment for this weekend, walked in and they had to dig through their phone to find my appointment but because they had clearly not checked their calendar or bookings, most of the pedicure chairs were filled (also fine). I found out later that the two open chairs (one of which I was sat in) were open because the massage chairs were broken. I was dismissively told to sit in the chair and did so but wasn't confident the water in the foot well had been changed or even was for me. I was assured it was and when I put my feet in and the water was barely lukewarm. The ladies were helping other clients and I sat there, upright and uncomfortable for about 10 minutes until the water felt room temp. Eventually, I had someone work on my pedicure and then my manicure. The pedicure was nice (if we disregard the cold water temperature) and the tech spent a lot of time on the massage and scrub which I appreciated. The manicure was fine but felt quite rushed and both polish and top coat were unevenly applied. I won't be coming back. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Sat here in an upright, broken massage chair until this lukewarm water turned cold - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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First time back after 12 years. Had the Dazzle Dry manicure and a regular pedicure. Dazzle dry peeled off in less than six hours after manicure, after only two handwashing!! Owner is nice, very relaxing pedicure with salt scrub, and leg massage, but quality of nail polish for price ($30, plus tips!), would not go back. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Chipped middle finger using dazzle dry "technology " - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Acrylics fell off within a week of having them done here. They are more like press on nails and not true acrylics which should last for a month at least if not more. It's not convenient to keep returning for repairs when they keep falling off with normal wear. Disappointing. read more

Everything about this place is great. The staff is cheerful and courteous and professional. The atmosphere is a pleasure to be in.

I made an appointment for a cbd pedicure promising a cbd soak and oil massage. I also asked for a design while making my appointment. I was told by the predictors that she doesn't know how to do designs, I did not get any promised cbd products, and no massage!!! This place is a joke and I should have listened to the bad reviews that I read. Do not w on this place!!! read more

Best nail salon on Oakland! They really take care of you and know what they're doing. Plus, it's right next to a really great chocolate shop. read more

One of the most disconcerting manicure experiences of my life. I am not one to rag on a small business owner, but I have to speak my truth. I came in for a simple gel polish removal and trim for my manicure. Immediately, the vibe was awkward with no music, and the sense that my particular technician was in a training phase. With the strange quiet atmosphere, it really gave me the opportunity to notice the dinginess and unsanitary practices of their operation. For a time I arrested my reservations and let the technician work on my nails. I did not see any of the equipment disinfected, and the rotary file that they used on me was caked in previous filings. After they did their first pass over my previous gel manicure, they had my dip my entire fingers in acetone--which was overkill and really irritating to my skin. On top of that, I could see debris in the bottom of the bowl. After the soak, she went in with the rotary file again, and I asked her to use the scraper instead because I didn't want to continue to weaken my nail bed. Again, I didn't believe the scraper was disinfected, yet, I let her continue to work on my nails. I expressed my reservations with her and who I assumed was the manager and said, I think I might want to just go, but they insisted I stay. Eventually, she opted to use more acetone and cotton balls with the finger clamps. She grabbed a dirty set of finger clamps, and before she clamped my second finger--THERE WAS A PREVIOUSLY USED COTTON BALL STILL IN THE CLAMP. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. So I got up, and told the manager that I want to leave. She said I had to pay, which made sense. I didn't want to embarrass my tech and I also didn't mind paying for what they have done, but the she started berating me for leaving. I said, I'm happy to pay but I just want to leave. But she made a scene in front of her one other customer and said I am not allowed there again. At that point, I laughed because OF COURSE I WOULD NEVER GO THERE AGAIN. I really tried to leave quietly once, and she didn't let me. I also tried to express why I was uncomfortable, but they continued to work on my nails with dirty equipment. I've never been more grossed out at a nail salon, to have someone use used cotton balls on my hands. DISGUSTING experience and even WORSE customer service. read more

Heck no Very pushy staff to get the quick dry pedicure Lady with gloves touching someone else feet came to touch mines and they were very pushy about a tip Heck no read more

The owner is the kindest lady! I get regular waxes here & every time she is not only so warm & bubbly but also her waxes as great & consistent. The ladies that work here are wonderful & very professional! read more

I have been here at least 10 times and every time I leave happy! Dina, the owner, is incredibly friendly and professional and connects with every customer in the salon. Today Jo did my nails and as usual she did an amazing job, and I'm so excited about the snowflake she did!! Highly recommend coming here! read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

they kinda pressure you into getting the express dry nail polish. and they took forever to tell me my nails were dry. i went around 5:30 pm and the shop was empty so i was sat immediately with no appointment read more

I was charged $100 for this nail art. The pedi was ok. Don't come here for nail art. My friend told me the friend who recommended this place isn't my friend for telling me this was worth $100. It didn't look similar to the nail art. read more

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Lavender Nails is my go-to spot, highly recommend them to anyone in Rockridge! They were kind enough to host me & many of my family members to get manis/pedis done before my wedding last weekend. They always do a great job and are so friendly! We all left smiling and so happy. Their costs are reasonable too, for all services! Thanks Lavender Nails!! read more

***3.5 Stars*** Before I found my current nail salon, I went to Lavender Nail Spa a few times and had a pretty decent experience. The salon is clean, comfortable, and trendy. It's conveniently located just a few blocks down from the Rockridge Bart station, and it's not too far from where I work, so it really worked out for me at the time. I would come to get acrylic gel full sets and fills which ran me about $40 or so which ain't that bad considering the area. The shop is run by Dina and Mike, the sweetest couple! They have a ton of nail color options both for gel and regular polish. I've never gotten a pedicure from here but they have a good amount of massage chairs inside. Dina performed by acrylic gel sets and fills, and for the most part, my nails came out looking really beautiful! She was fast and efficient, and I love the fact that they still give hand massages for acrylic manicures! In my experience, it's rare to find shops that will give you a hand massage if you're getting fake nails put on. The first time I came into the shop, I had a wonderful experience. I called ahead and they were able to schedule me in last minute after I got off work, but they didn't rush me. Although my nails came out looking beautiful, my thumb nail partially broke off the next week. I came back in to get it fixed, and Dina was able to fix it quickly using the dip method. A few days later, another nail came off, but I just waited until my next fill to get it fixed. The next visit wasn't as enjoyable as the first one. Dina just kept talking about how slow the shop had been, and then as soon as a walk-in came in, she started rushing to finish my nails. She eventually pawned me off on someone else to finish the painting so that she could assist the walk-in. I normally wouldn't have a problem with this, but it was just the way that she did it. Unfortunately, the other nail tech that she passed me to didn't let the gel dry long enough, and they started peeling off a few days later. I thought about going back to have them repainted, but at that point... I was just done. Would I come back again? Honestly, the only way that I would end up here again is if I was in a bind and couldn't get an appointment at my current nail salon. The staff us super friendly here and the shop is clean, but nails breaking off only a week after they've been done and gel polish peeling off a couple of days later is unacceptable to me. If they hadn't rushed my nail job, I feel that this could have been avoided. read more

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The prices seemed higher than what I had read online, but serviceable mani/pedi, friendly service. They accept Zelle because their cc machine is offline. It's a weird thing to go to a place and not be sure what you're paying for the service you ask for. Please list your prices somewhere central for clarity. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Gel mani - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I can hardly believe that I have to write this review. I just tried calling Lavender to verify their sanitation process, because in the past, I've had less than sterile pedicure tools give me a fungus, for which I had to take 6 months of medication to get rid of. When I started to ask my questions, I was told that it sounded like I was a spam call and they actually hung up on me and blocked my (landline) phone number. So I tried again, calling this time on my cell, and I explained that I wasn't spamming anyone, that I was simply wanting to verify their sterilization process to protect myself. Without even trying to respond to my completely legitimate concerns, the woman told me that they were probably not the place for me, and then she hung up on me again! I don't know what their problem is or why they are clearly overly defensive and not at all welcoming of real inquiries, but if that 's how they treated me on the phone, I have zero problem letting people know that the rudeness and dismissiveness with which I was met drove me here immediately to write this review. What a stupid way to lose a potentially loyal customer. Make better choices next time, whoever you are that I spoke to. I'd use some questionable language here to describe how the woman who hung up on me twice treated me, but I don't want to be a bitch, too. read more

Lavender Nails Spa does the best job on nails in the Bay Area. Their work lasts longer than other nail spas I've been to, and they pay careful attention. There's also an air of friendliness that you don't find at other places. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

I called for a deluxe mani/pedi and wanted to add a gel manicure. The lady on the phone said it was $10 extra. When i was charged after my appointment, the lady (not sure if it was the same person on the phone) said it was $20 extra, but their website said a gel top is $5 extra.... Sadly they stole money from me. I thought i found my new nail spot but this is unethical. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Went in for a mani pedi. Dirty tools, lazy attitude. When I asked her to trim my cuticles and clean up the rough edges she created from a lazy filing job before applying polish for my "deluxe gel mani pedi" she handed me the nail file and went to the back. When she came back, the cuticle trimmer she started to use was visibly dirty so I asked her to get a fresh one she started yelling at me. Needless to say we didn't finish the service. I would never come back here. Terrible experience. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Owner in blue. - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

If i could give zero stars, I would. DO NOT GO HERE. I went for a lip wax this morning and the woman was very rough on my face. I came home and discovered that she had removed a layer of skin and I have a horrible red rash around my mouth. This is absolutely horrible, as I have a big event in a couple of days and i will have scabs on my face. I repeat, do NOT go here, they do not know what they are doing. read more

I've been coming here for years - everyone is so kind and they take really good care of their clients read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I really enjoyed my experience getting my nails done. I got gel extensions, it was quick and the ladies were really friendly. One of my nails cracked only 5 days later and came off a day or two after that. I lost two more over the course of the next few days and ended up taking them all off less than two weeks after getting them on. The extensions were 20$ cheaper than the same service a few blocks away. However, aside from them coming off quickly, the paint job also wasn't as good as other places. I would say if you're looking for something simple and cheap this is a great place. I'd give it three stars for the nails themselves but the service was so quick and cheap that I bumped it to five. read more

The manicures and pedicures are always clean, precise and the paint stays on for over a week (about a month on my toes). They also did a really excellent job replacing the toe nails I lost during chemo. I was hesitant to get anything done like that because I didn't want any infection or fungus issues. But they've worked out well through the remainder of my treatment. I'm happy Tina suggested doing it. The selection of colors is great and neatly displayed almost like a rainbow palette. And the prices are good for mani/pedi. Definitely recommended. read more

Love it here! Go! You won't regret it. Rest in the clean massage chairs, get a wax, fast & easy. Good restaurants all around. Free parking in back. Owners always there & will take good care of you! read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I had such a great experience here. I came in pretty stressed out and not in a great mood. Not only was the owner incredibly sweet and accommodating (she was working extremely hard because it was very busy at the time I came in), she also was able to remove a full gel and acrylic set and save my length and keep my nails. That look amazing and they are long and strong. I highly recommend this place read more

Lavender Nails Spa - This is a few days old so there's some slight wear and tear. All in all my nails look great I'm so happy with them! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

The energy emitted from Dina (owner) and employees is contagious. When I arrived, there were happy spirits all around. Karaoke was on FIRE, and the customers got involved as well!!! Dina did my facial wax and was kind and caring during the process. For pedicures, they place you in a comfy and cozy massage chair so your back is well taken care of. I'd 100% recommend this place. I'm a new customer turned forever customer. Thanks, Dina and team, for your warm and comfortable hospitality!!! read more

I came here years ago and still remember I liked it a lot. In moving back to neighborhood, I came across again. It will be my regular. They know what they are doing and do it well. Highly recommend. Dina the owner keeps the place on track and I couldn't be more pleased. Thank you Dina. read more

Now today was a complete turnaround. After 1 week a nail broke and I went to get it fixed. Dina's attitude was horrible! After fixing my nail it was a bit uneven and she tried to hand me the file and tell me to do it myself! Then as I was asking if I was gonna be charged for the nail she said "Normally all customers pay but WHATEVER!" I was amazed by how she spoke to me, and she should be ashamed of her horrible customer service! DO NOT GO TO THIS NAIL SHOP! If I could give no that's what this place deserves!! read more

This was my first time at Lavender Nails. Unfortunately, I ended up spending $60 on a gel manicure and regular pedicure that was sloppy. Uneven coats and lumpy gel. I really wanted to like this place as it felt like a small neighborhood joint. The owner(s) were kind but I noticed the spot was a little dirty. They removed my old gel with their bare finger nails (instead of tools). read more

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I want to like this place so I'll be going in again for acrylic service but I will say I'm not impressed so far with their gel manicures. They're barely a week old now and they're chipping off. The coats are also uneven but since it's not all of them and only a few I don't actually mind too much. I noticed they left space between the polish and my cuticles so they look uneven and grown out already (I didn't notice that until after I had left the salon) I hope their acrylic services are better but if not I'll be finding a new nail salon. read more

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Now today was a complete turnaround. After 1 week a nail broke and I went to get it fixed. Dina's attitude was horrible! After fixing my nail it was a bit uneven and she tried to hand me the file and tell me to do it myself! Then as I was asking if I was gonna be charged for the nail she said "Normally all customers pay but WHATEVER!" I was amazed by how she spoke to me, and she should be ashamed of her horrible customer service! DO NOT GO TO THIS NAIL SHOP! If I could give no that's what this place deserves!!! read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Beautiful full set! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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wish i could put 0 stars genuinely the worst nails i have ever received the looked horrific they were lumpy and they fell off in like a week. i came to get them SOAKED off and they charged me $10 to RIP THEM OFF. then when i said that's insane i'm not getting paying she says i have an attitude and makes me pay. literally never go here read more

Lavender Nails Spa - they were awful - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I came here based on a recommendation of my sister. I had a horrible experience enough to make me write my first yelp review. First of all I got a fill and it was terrible the lady didn't know what she was doing I had to tell her what to do she made my nails uneven and unshaped after I told her I wanted a coffin. Honestly I'm so furious I wasted $40 because I have to go get them re done. Don't waste you $$ here like I did for acrylic nails you'll leave disappointed and ugly nails TRUST. My nails are uneven and they are the ugliest I've ever seen them. This nail salon truly sucks read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

For purely selfish reasons I've delayed writing this review for years. I love being able to all 20 minutes ahead and 9 times out of 10 I can come in. But lately Lavender has gotten some crappy reviews and I've got to set the record straight. I just love love love this place and Dina and Chau are the best ever. I see these women more often than my own sisters and friends---I'd say at this point they're family. They remember our conversation details from the previous visit and always ask for updates on my life. They're witty, funny, and always smiling. These ladies (and sometimes Dina's hubby) do an amazing job every single time. Pro Tip: Don't stop at a mani/pedi--Dina is crazy good at waxing. read more

Lavender Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I'm happy to report Lavender now carries Zoya polishes. I'm less happy to report that service seems to have gone downhill at this Rockridge nail salon. I came in one evening last week and most of the staff seemed very scowly. A customer at a manicure station was playing a very loud video on her phone for her nail technician that involved a screaming child and left me feeling rather unsettled. In short, the vibe just wasn't as nice as on previous visits. I don't expect my nail technician to be my new BFF but the ladies that did my hands and feet last week seemed pretty unhappy. I'm hoping it was a fluke but the experience was negative enough to merit a review update. read more