Kathy and Sophia are so sweet! They take you last minute, and most of the time you don't have to wait. They have what I get memorized! I love them. Thank you Kathy and Sophia! read more

Lee's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

I decided that I would get a mani/pedi from Lee's as it's a long weekend and I felt that I needed a treat. I try not to discriminate--I frequent high end, middle of the road, and small businesses--as long as my standards for cleanliness are met. Below is what I thought about Lee's Nails. 1. Yes, these ladies are Vietnamese and don't speak much English. However, in my humble opinion, they speak enough to be able to provide you with the service you're paying for... especially since their prices are a steal (see below for second point)! 2. If I recall correctly, the basic manicure alone is $8 and the basic pedicure is $15. They have a higher tier mani and pedi, which is only a few bucks more for each service, but you can get a mani and pedi for $25 (the nicer ones). This is a good bargain. They take card, but as they're a small business, they prefer cash. ALSO, REMEMBER TO BRING CASH FOR TIP. 3. Yes, they take their time, but I believe they do a good job scrubbing/grooming/massaging you. I made an appointment at 11AM, but don't think I got into the chair until 11:15? I was done in about an hour and 15 minutes, but stayed another 30 minutes to make sure my nails were fully dried. I didn't make plans for afterward, but decided to shop around Park Street for kicks (went to Sway and also Dog Bone Alley), and my toes and finger nails survived the browsing/trying on of clothes. 4. The only complaint I had with the pedicure is that I wish they had been a tiny bit more aggressive in scrubbing the calluses on the back of my heels (since I wear heels to work daily). Other than that, perfect! 5. The manicure was nice, but the best part about it was the arm/hand massage. Since I spend 5 days a week in front of a computer at work, I have tendonitis, and I think I found a nice/budget friendly way to get a massage for them :) In terms of quality, both manicure and pedicure are a bit better than satisfactory (to me). We'll see how long they last though. 4. The woman who did my toes and fingers was a little Vietnamese lady named "Amy." I am naturally pretty gregarious, and I don't mind talking to the people who provide me with these services, but it was actually quite nice not having to talk while she did my nails. I tried to be polite and said thank you and smiled many times. She was nice, but (per item 1) didn't speak much English. 5. This place was clean, but it's not high end. Very casual, quiet vibe. 6. I can't speak to any services other than manis/pedis, but I may definitely go back here when I need another treat. read more

Quite surprised and impressed. I don't think I've ever had such a thorough manicure and pedicure. Walked in with no appointment at about 7 50 and walked out 50 minutes later looking a lot better. read more

I had visited a lot of nail salons in Alameda and finally found one that exceeds my expectations. It is a small place and yet delivers an amazing personal experience for me.Not only is the price reasonable but the service is exceptional and both Linh and Kathy both deserve warm recognitions for the great work that they do. Both of them give/offer quality service with Kathy taking care of my in -grown nails painlessly perfect each time while Linh has mastered gentleness and detailness .They both truly listen to your request if you have one and they take time to make sure the nail service that they provide is at your satisfaction. You will never feel rushed or under served. These duo are very considerate and polite to everyone. And on top of that, the neatness and cleanliness of the place especially the bathroom is impressive. I was just there last night to get ready for our upcoming Hawaiian get away tomorrow and was pampered and showered with an amazing spa experience once again and the least I can do is to write this review for you to know them and to give it a try. You will not be diappointed :) read more

Fortunately for me I had a good experience at Lee's I didn't read there Yelp reviews before walking in, I was lured by a $25 manicure and pedicure special. I thought the pedicure was a good pedicure, I am a sucker for a good message, I always paraffin wax hands and feet, there products where good for my pedicure. It was clean and sanitary, I've been to some High end spa's that were not as clean. Cathy did a nice job on nail polish both hands and feet. My manicure was good pretty thorough. Shaped my nails very well which I am a stickler about. The shop is pretty plain and basic nothing fancy or spectacular. Part of me was happy about not reading the Yelp reviews, cause I will definitely be back to see Cathy. And I do hope some of the unhappy yelpers, give it another go. Yelp can be damming for some business's My experience is good! Thanks Cathy :) read more

Lee's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

The 3 stars in this review belong to Sophia - the only manicurist I trust at this nail salon. Her abrasive sister Kathy manages the salon and does a horrible job at scheduling appointments. She'll tell you to come in only to have you wait 15-20 mins for your spot in the spa chair! As you're begrudgingly sitting there, you're frustrated asking yourself, "What was the point of making an appointment?!" But when I finally do get my turn with Sophia, I'm quickly comforted by her apologies. She gave me her cell phone number to schedule appointments with her directly. She even knocked off a few bucks off my tab the last time I waited past my appointment time. Parking in the area is mostly metered and one time, Sophia ran out to feed my meter. Good customer service. The girl gets it. And she's so personable to boot! The bottom line for Lee's Nails? Good job and decent price for mani's an pedi's. Just make sure you schedule with Sophia! read more

This will be short, but the truth. nice people, but my acrylic nails were done sloppy, would love to go back if they learn how to do nails better! My mom had a pedicure, and loved it! read more

BEST SALON OUT OF FIVE IN ALAMEDA I have been to five nail salons in Alameda. Lee's is by far the best. I got a mani-pedi there the other day and it happened that three different people worked on me. Each one was gentle and efficient and went the extra mile to trim every cuticle and apply the polish perfectly. They also gave me great color advice. In three other salons I went to, which will go unnamed, they just finished my services as quickly as possible. At Lee's Nails, they actually care. I highly recommend this place. read more

I used to be a regular here, and although I moved, I still come back when I am in the area. I've had consistently good service. The staff is sweet and have a good attention to detail. Yes, if they are busy it can take while (as stated in some of the reviews), but it doesn't seem significantly different than any other nail salon. The pricing offers good value and they try to serve you promptly if you have an appointment. I still recommend these guys after many years. read more

My mom wanted a manicure & pedicure and I was nervous since she just had a stroke a few months ago. I decided to call Lee's and make an appointment. We were very fortunate to get Sophia. She was very understanding and tentative to my moms needs. I am so glad that she made my mom happy with the services she received. My mom now has a new nail lady and we're all satisfied. Thank you Sophia! read more

I think they are good when they are open. They don't seem to have regular hours anymore. I've tried to call and get an appointment, but never get a call back. I've called several times and left several voicemails. Not certain why no call back, ever. read more

Avoid this place. I had a lovely pedicure but the woman who did my manicure mutilated 3 out of 10 of my nails while she was doing my cuticles. One of them just wouldn't stop bleeding. Now I'm walking home with a band-aid, unevenly filed nails and three bleeding cuticles. read more

I came to Lee's nails first when I received a gift certificate for my birthday in March and this has been my to-go nail shop ever since. Cathy is great , as is the rest of the girls working there. I have really short and weak nails and she added an overlay with gel polish... I'm in love... Very clean , and professional. You do not feel rushed. She takes her time , checks in with you to see if you like the process , shape etc... pricing is good too. Thank you for a wonderful job girls! read more

Lee's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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I came here thanks to a gift certificate given by a good friend. I agree with other reviewers that these ladies by far from speedy but their attention to detail is impressive. I inherited my dad's fugly German nails and this manicurist may be the first to actually make them look good before putting on polish! It took about 90 mins for a mani and pedi. One lady actually ran out to put more quarters in my meter. Awesome. If I have a day to kill, I think I'll try a facial. The customer getting one done looked refreshed and vibrant when she walked out. read more

They are nice. I like the work that they do and you can't beat the price. I've had great experiences both times I've been here. They always check in to make sure you are comfortable and try to accommodate requests. read more

Got a pedicure and full acrylic set. Before sitting down I asked the lady if they accepted credit or debt cards for payment and tip, which she kept saying "yeah yeah", but i never saw any indication of credit cards accepted. The pedicure was well done. The owner took her time and gave a great massage. The acrylic nails were the worst Ive ever gotten! The lady spent about an hour and a half trying to file, straighten, and even them out [which they still aren't] !! She got the acrylic power all over my finger nails, cuticles, and on my finger tips. When she used the sanding tool, she got it too close to my skin several times. Then after all the work was done I took out my card to pay and the lady took it, swiped it, and then left me to sign it. I put the tip on the card for a total of $50. The lady and the owner then informed me that they wanted a tip in cash after i had asked them about the credit/debt card payment. I remind them about my question even before sitting and agreeing to the procedures. Then the owner handed me these fancy yellow sandals, which she wanted me to pay $2 to use them .... I told her i would not be paying for the sandals and she can have them. I even told her that I could slip my shoes back on with no problem. The owner insisted i take the sandals and she would charge me on my next visit...I gave her back the sandals, I was not about to pay anymore for terrible service and after i pay, get another charge for crappy sandal. read more

The lady doing my nails was so so nice and I really wish I could leave a positive review, but as someone that works in the same field, the service I received was very disappointing. The nail technician almost made it seem like my nail request was too difficult and what felt like was trying to get me to change my mind on my decision of what I wanted to have on my nails. The application was beyond sloppy. She used SO much acrylic powder and my nails are so thick and lop sided. The nail extension application it's self was poorly done. Most of the nails were applied uneven and cut and filed uneven. As she proceeded to apply the obsessive amount of acrylic powder, she told me to start loosening the edges buy peeling the sides of my nails away, while she worked on the other hand. I had acrylic powder everywhere and I am still trying to peel off the extra that is left on my skin. My nails physically hurt and not even sure where to begin with figuring out how to remove this set considering how thick this acrylic application is. There is no way my short acrylic nails should have taken almost 3 hours to apply. Please beware of this place. read more

Is Lee's under new ownership? This place was my absolute favorite. I went today to get just a manicure and I wanted my super long natural nails in an almond shape. Good lord, the girl who filed them completely ruined them, and they ended up short, pointy and uneven. I told her and the other woman how that was not how you do an almond shape, and they admitted to their mistake. The job was sloppy, even had to remind them to clean the edges of my nails. To make matters worse, their credit card machine wasn't working so they ended up not charging me for their awful service. What a disappointment. read more

First Experience: walk in a few minutes after opening, one customer in there and three employees and the woman asks if i can come back in an hour....... 2nd experience: got a mani/pedi, nothing spectacular but it does the job. An hour later half the paint on my index nail comes off while washing my hands. Great. Last experience: Nail shop around the corner isn't open yet and I am in a bit of a rush so I walk into the empty (except for 1 customer) shop. "Can you come back at 12:30?" when they aren't even busy. No thanks I will spend my money somewhere else. Will NOT be going here again. read more

I am so happy I found this place. Probably the best nail place in east bay and I've been all over. I get out of work super late and Kathy was kind enough to stay late for me. She stayed till 930 for me! All other places all over east bay close at 7! She's the best and she did a perfect job on my nails. She gave me exactly what I wanted and treated me like a princess. I'm definitely going to make lee's nails my permanent nail place. :) read more

Love this place. If your on a schedule I would advise you not to go. They dont' rush and take there time with each customer. I know all of the women esp sophia. My mother now loves this place. I get all my waxing, pedi's, and nails done here when I can....gives me a reason to stop in Oakland to eat at my favorite Pho place. Sophia is the nicest thing and knows my children when I bring them. They never make your nails to SQUARE to to ROUND which I feel is ugly. They do it in between and cut,file, your nails properly. I would recommend this place to anyone. Sat is the busiest time...best time is to go in the evening during the week. This place is usually busy. read more

I agree with other reviewers that you have to be pretty flexible with your time if you're gonna go here, since you may have to wait awhile but they really do take their time with you if they aren't super busy, which I like. My nails always look good immediately after the treatment. (my fingernail polish always chips the next day but that happens no matter where I go). Although the last time I was there, they put some sort of special UV polish over the polish that I had brought in, and my manicure ended up going for several days without chipping which has never happened before. I don't get my nails done often but I've been here a number of times to get a mani/pedi (both for $25, great price) and once I got a paraffin dip on my feel which they ended up charging me for without telling me I'd have to pay but it was only about $2 more. The bottom line is, if you're only willing to pay $25 for a mani/pedi like me, this is probably the best value for your money. I went to a super high end nail salon recently with a voucher and the service (nail clean up and shape/leg scrub/paraffin dip/massage/polish etc) and end result was basically the same, although the amenities of the other place were better, of course. read more

Just had a fabulous gel manicure and pedicure with Sarah - she took her time on each of my nails making sure I had a clean, perfect shape on my fingers and toes. I LOVE the shape she gave my toes, and managed to make my janky feet look beautiful and polished. It was $38 for the duo, a great price. It was pretty busy for a Sunday so I'm glad I booked an appointment. I waited for about 5 minutes before they saw me. Lee's was clean and the entire staff was friendly. They have a great selection of updated colors (OPI, Zoya, Essie and Orly) and lots of different gel options - CND and OPI. It took about two hours from start to finish but I felt very pampered and taken care of. I will definitely be back, which is more than I can say about the experience at most nail salons! read more

Employee asked if water temp was good multiple times. Lotions and sugar scrub smelled so good. Recommended by Bank of America employees. Told me to put a coat under the sparkles which made it look better. Awesome jets in pedicure tub & new pedicure spas. read more

Lee's Nails - Sparkles!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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I came to this place with my daughter for a fill and nail repair. My daughter got a kid's mani & pedi. I paid $45 which was reasonable to me. However, the finished product on me was not worth the $25 I paid for my nails. The nails she replaced and shaped were thicker than my original set. It was 7pm and they closed at 8pm. Why was she rushing so much? When she was drilling away, she drilled on my fingers several times. She painted and painted the polish on my nails and it looks uneven, the top coat doesn't cover cuticle to tip of the nail. She painted on my skin and it looks uneven. Honestly feel like I should have painted then myself and still would have done a better job. She was in such a hurry she was dropping things. She didn't have an appointment after me so what was the rush? Not going here again. read more

This is not a place to drop in for a quick mani/pedi...they take forever with you. About 1-1.5 hours (seriously!). I always seem to get the nice lady who thinks I have a younger sister. I tell her no, she nods, but asks me again the next time. I guess it's our pedi conversational-piece. I'm cool with it. They always do a decent job with my toes, they clean it, massage it, really scrub the crap out of my feet, I heart it. I catch up on my reading, emails, turn on the massage chair, take a nap, whatever, and enjoy my time. Prices: For a pedi, it's $18, for a mani/pedi it's $25. Not bad. Tips: I didn't like my mani...they didn't push back the cuticles. So my nails looked short and gross. I'll just stick with the pedis. read more

I'm going to give you the straight story on this place. They do GOOD nails at a GOOD price. It's not a see and be seen salon. It's doesn't have a high-style look or decor. They have the nice spa pedicure chairs with the back massagers but a lousy magazine selection (come prepared). They sterilize their tools & clean the chairs well and use quality products (Opi, Nailtique, Aloe Vera lotion, etc.). The ladies speak Vietnamese (like many manicurists do) while they are doing you up right. So if you can't handle a heavy accent or not understanding them while they speak to one another, then this isn't the place for you. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is that they are not good at estimating wait time. They are very accommodating and want to fit everyone in. You've been warned. I've been going to Lee's Nails (on Santa Clara Ave.) for about 8 years. They are consistent--quality work, good value, friendly service. What more can you ask for? FYI: there is another location on Park St. but I didn't like this one as much. read more

This is a gem! I will return and support Sophia, Kathy again and am honored to get pedicure by Kim, who comes to visit her lifelong friend's and sisters. Their story warms and moves my soul. There is nothing like the care of women. They have goddess energy here. I love my flower nail art on my big toes. Brings me back to Japan. Thank you for your warmth and smiles. read more

Everytime i come im treated like its my birthday! The foot massages make you sleepy and my feet feel revived! Its a great destress and pamper session. The owner lady is super friendly and all staff greet you. The pedicure price is great and they Dont rush! They take their time and make your feet look great! Happy i found this place. Will come every 2 weeks read more

I love this place! Kathy started doing my nails in June and she is amazing. Usually I get gel and they last 3-4 weeks. I'd recommend coming in early in the week because they're less busy. Kathy is always patient with me if I point out that one nail looks rounder than the others and she shapes them until they're perfect! Today I went in for an acrylic fill (they were done originally at a salon out of town) and Kathy was great again! I was nervous because she'd only done gel nails for me before but she did not disappoint. She even insisted on doing the jewel design. She wanted to take pics so I told her I'd write this review and post it. Definitely recommend!!!! read more

Lee's Nails - Color is actually a super dark purple. Done by Kathy! - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

BUBBLES! MESSED UP! The lady totally messed up a simple french manicure. Added remover to an OLD bottle that had LINT on the brush and I was left with BUBBLES so huge! I was stunned! I told the lady "NO" she grabs my hand and messes up one of the nails."I fix it one minute". NO NO NO! It took 2 damn hours to give me SQUARE when I asked for OVAL. The head lady said come back tomorrow(xmas eve).so I did. Wherein she gave me a 2 min nail job- terrible!!!!! NEVER EVER GO AGAIN!!! read more

I came in asked for a refill and to remove two nails, lady said no that i would be fine . Now all the acrylic has fallen off, gel color has pealed off . When i came it to get my money back she had the audacity to say I never asked her to remove them, and that my money couldn't be reimbursed. First time here & LAST . read more

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I have been coming to lees nails for 5 years now, and I must say that out of all of the nail shops in alameda, this one definitely is the best deal. I usually get a gel manicure and pedicure which is only $40 and lasts me a month without chipping! I am a competitive rower so my hands are used a lot and still, they do such a good job that the only reason I need to get a new mani pedi is because my nails grow out. When you come to lee's nails, you can expect to be pampered, you are never rushed out of there and they will spend around 2 hours on a Mani pedi massaging, cleaning up, and caring your hands and feet. This is because they pay so much attention to detail. The place also just got stocked with even comfier pedicure chairs. The shop also offers services such as waxing and facials, waxing is well priced and done by a certified beautician so you don't need to worry about sacrificing quality for price. I have gotten various facials from this place, especially when an unsightly blemish appears, right after my facial my skin is 19x more radiant and glowing than before, not to mention my skin always clears up within a week of getting a facial. All in all I would have to say that if you are in alameda, lee's nails is most definitely the best place for your beauty needs. read more

Lee's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Alameda, California

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Got the $20 pedicure. The ladies were nice and patient and offered water as well as doing a fantastic job on my feet! I also came because of a gift certificate given by a friend. Definitely will be coming back. The prices are great as well as the amazing service. read more

I could not upload my pictures for this review, so I changed my profile picture to a picture of my nails that I took right after walking out of Lee's. I stopped going to Lee Nails about a year ago after a few incidents of me calling in ahead of time to book appointments and them not honoring my appointments --after specifically said over the phone that I was in a hurry and that if they didn't have time for me that I'd go somewhere else. When you're there and getting your mani or pedi you will routinely see people that come in with an appointment but like two seconds before they walked in a group of people will walk in and they won't refuse anyone. As a result they always rush through everyone and just don't give quality manicures or pedicures. My experience today really does take the cake though. I got a gift certificate for Christmas and walked by and it was empty so I decided to go in and do a gel manicure, despite the fact that the place was empty the woman doing my manicure still did a crappy job. I told her that I wanted my nails filed square and she filed them diagonally and crooked, I had to take the file twice and file my own nails. She also made three of my cuticles bleed. I told her I wanted black nail polish and she said they had black OPI, Cindi and Gelish nail color, when it was time to do my nails guess what? No black nail polish. ALL the other colors they had were frosty so I had to settle with OPI bubble bath. This was by the far the worst manicure I have ever had, and I don't get it, I just don't get it at all. She's been doing nails in the same location for over 20 years: WHY DOESN'T SHE KNOW HOW TO FILE NAILS OR TRIM CUTICLES YET? I won't go back again even if it is free, NEVER AGAIN. P.S. even though I left bleeding, I didn't see them disinfect tools, you guys should be happy I don't have any STDs, hepatitis or AIDS. read more

I had one great experience here follow by two very bad. I'm afraid to say I don't trust the consistentcy of this place.

I must admit - I have myself to blame for going back to this place, and most of all, for making an appointment with Kathy. Kathy is notorious for telling me she cannot do the time slots I ask for. This never fails - if I ask for noon, she would say come at 5pm; if I ask for tomorrow, she would say to come now, she doesn't have time tomorrow. Same thing today - I asked for 3pm, and she said to come at 5pm. I showed up promptly at 5pm, she was working on another lady. As I waited, she sent another girl to help me. So I said I was waiting for Kathy. Then she came over and told me she has another customer, and that I would be fine with the new girl. I immediately got up and left - letting her know I was completely disgusted. What is the point of making an appointment? In her mind, it doesn't mean a thing. She thinks she can just tell her customers to come and go as she wishes. This must be at least the 4th time she has treated me like this. I'M NEVER GOING BACK. For those of you who ask for Kathy - just beware - she has a way to ruin your day. read more

Came in at 1:00 was asked to come back at 2:00. Came back at 2:00 sat in the lobby. Another client walked at 2:15 and was immediately taken to the chair. It's now 2:4 and I just now being taken to the chair.... Not coming back! Sorry read more

This has by far been the worst set of nails i have ever gotten done. This lady KATHY was horrible worked on my nails for 3... yes 3 hours . trying to get my nails right but just didnt know WTF? she was doing. it has been 4 days since haing my nails done they are lifting chipping and horrible I have never been so upset. i paid $45. for what should last me almost a month and didnt even last 4 days. Their nail polish selection sucks She cut my fingers left acrylic all over my fingers and under my nails Overall unprofessional DONT WASTE YOUR TIME read more

Don't come here unless you want to get laughed at when you are asked if you made an appointment.