Five stars for being open on a Sunday. Five stars for very little wait time. Five stars for Michelle communicating with me by calling me back as a walk-in Five stars for Cindy who did my nails. She was careful and very handy with her drill bits. She filed my nails without hurting my skin or slicing my side cuticles. They look natural and beautiful Five stars for giving me my desired look on the Glass Nails using the magnet. She did such a good job that the walk-in customer to my left wanted the exact same nails. Five stars for location. Walking distance from Jack London Square, Chinatown is less then 2 miles away. This place is an old building and its two stories. Upstairs they offer lashes and facial. Downstairs is the nail shop with three booths and three pedicure chairs. Now when I got there at noon, no one was there. After being there for 10 minutes, four customers came in for mani, pedis, fills, and lashes. It's just the Vibe i bring i guess LOL. Lots of polish choices to choose from. It was unusually warm today in Oakland but Cindy was perceptive and turned on the fan for me to blow in my face. There you go Cindy, give me the Beyonce treatment. :) Wow, I've been to Oakland so many times already this year, should I come to Oakland just to get my nails done? Now that would be some bragging rights right there. LOL I'm grateful that they were open, I broke two nails while loading my bags on the train and i couldn't go to dinner uneven, two broken nails would have not gone with the Look. I didn't get a chance to ask if they had any social media pages. Looks like I have to get that info next time. Good job ladies See you some more on Yelp 2026 read more

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I'm usually not one to switch nail salons, but I had to get my nails done with a friend closer to her workplace. I was apprehensive at first, but I was pleasantly surprised! This was my first time getting GelX nails instead of acrylics. This salon doesn't do acrylics at all, so I didn't really have a choice. GelX is supposed to be healthier for your nails anyway, and I didn't notice much of a difference in quality. They had a huge selection of colors and powders. I asked for just a plain set with chrome powder on top, and they delivered! The service was also very good. I initially made an appointment with 2 other friends, but it was in the evening and there were only 2 nail technicians there, so my friends got their manicures before me. Even though it was past closing time, Cindy still offered to stay late to accommodate me. I had other plans though, so I offered to return in the morning, and she let me set up another appointment that worked with my schedule. Overall, I'm very happy with the service and with my nails!! read more

Michelle Nails - gel x nails with chrome powder - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I wanted to get my nails done and this was the only place in the Oakland area that was open past 6:00pm. The shop was small, but the workers were nice and accommodating. I have naturally sweaty hands which can get in the way when getting my nails done, but they provided me with fans so that they could stay dry during the process. Michelle Nails does not offer acrylic nails, only GelX, which is essentially the same anyways. I offered an example picture of how I wanted my nails to look and they nailed the design perfectly. Although I wouldn't consider the design hard, I appreciated the effort and detail that they put into the shape and color. I was very satisfied with how my nails turned out! read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Michelle is the best. She is always in point with her nail designs. Sometimes I bring her a picture and sometimes I give her creative design and I am never disappointed. She's careful and cautious in her work, and she also gets me in and out of there in a timely fashion. She is kind and friendly. I have been coming to her for seven years and no regrets. In the pictures, the confetti nails are at week 1 and week 6 - I like to do ombré or French tip or some thing busy at the top and gradual down the nail so it's not as obvious as it grows out that way I don't have to go as often with my busy schedule. read more

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Came here for springtime nails and really really enjoyed it as it was a diversion from my regular shop. They fit me in last minute and that was great. My only issue is that the last time I tried to get my nails done I had called the day before and made an appointment for my day off. When I showed up everyone was completely unaware that I had an appointment and told me that they were not going to be able to see me that day. Even though I come from San Francisco just to get my nails done. read more

To be honest, I think they can only simply do the single color. Any style or smudges to them is ruined. They can't even painted the gel to your nails. When they finished, you can see small bubbles on your nail. 【Removing a exciting nail also make me BLEEDING.】 Their cat eye Nail polish is not Shining at all. The mirror powder is unevenly coated. The metal usually dropped off within two days. The diamond is like a long blisters. Will you spent $60 for such a disgusting nail? I will Never again. read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I called around 5:40, they said I could come in right away. I need a nail fix (acrylic) and a polish change because obviously. The nail tech just decided she'd do hard gel instead of acrylic. When I protested, saying that I get regular fills and need to maintain my acrylic, she kept mumbling about how gel is "better for you." Then the first 3 gel polish colors I selected were dry and we kept having to start over. On top of that, this is THE WORST acrylic nail I've ever had. Please don't come to this shop. read more

Michelle Nails - Worst acrylic nail fix EVER not to mention it took 1.5 hours for a single nail fix and gel color change. - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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***Review for basic manicure/pedicure with NO polish*** Happened to come across this place in Chinatown while going out to lunch....stopped by to make an appointment for the next day for myself and a coworker. Walked in at 11:30 and was quickly welcomed....This place is fairly new, tiny (only 2 spa chairs), clean (hope it stays this way), with very reasonable prices. Michelle the owner is very personable and suggested getting the pedicure and manicure. I told her we were on very limited time and she said she could do it within our time frame of 45 minutes. My first thought was 'great, they're going to rush and NOT do a good job" On the contrary...within the 45 minutes, my friend and i received the best treatment. Michelle and staff (Cindy did my pedicure!) did a wonderful job and is very meticulous with attention to detail! They cleaned up my cuticles and polished up my feet, gave a light massage on my hands, arms, legs and finished off with a simple base coat on my fingers and toes. Also, i might add...they did NOT speak in their native language (like most nail salons...annoying!) amongst each other....definite plus. There are a lot of ESL customers, so that was the only time they conversed so i appreciate that! FINAL COST: $25 for mani/pedi....$5 tip for each...yes, they were that good! MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! If you simply walk in while there are people, expect a wait and you have only yourself to blame! :) read more

I experienced HORRIBLE customer service at Michelle Nails. I don't even want to give them one star. After taking nearly 2 hours to do my gel manicure, they put the stones on upside down. They charged me $7 for the 3 stones, 2 of which were put on upside down and just look like globs of glue. When I asked her to fix it she said I would have to pay extra and got defensive that it wasn't her mistake. Instead of admitting her mistake she went on to blame me and say I asked for it that way which really made me angry. I already paid $65 so another $5-7 wasn't going to hurt me but it was their unwillingness to admit and correct their own mistake and blaming me instead is what caused me to walk away and never look back. In my opinion it's worth paying a little extra somewhere else. I will post links to other places I try out so come back and check! P.S. They will be nice until there is a problem. read more

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Michelle Nails is hands down the best nail salon I've ever been to, and trust me I've been to a lot all over the bay are. I was trying to find a place to go get my nails done within walking distance from my new apartment, and have been going to the same salon for years. I picked this location because of all the 5 star ratings but also because my name is Michelle too haha. Anyways I went inside and felt welcomed from the moment I put my foot through the door. I had seen the 3D nails before and was intrigued to try them and Michelle and her co worker were helping me figure out my creation! I told her I had to be at work soon but I really wanted them.. And she promised me she would do it fast.. MAN!! Have I ever seen someone work so quickly and efficiently! She was literally creating a work of art on my nails. I was just so fascinated by her talent! She made sure I was comfortable at all times and offered me candy and water.. Just super nice and a good person to talk about anything with. So YES this is the place to go if you've been trying to find that unique and extremely talented place to go to make your nails diva-licious. She also CARES about her work AND her clients.. And makes you feel like a friend :) Michelle and her staff are awesome, I will be a loyal customer from here on out!! read more

Michelle Nails - Michelle is amazing!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

**Review for NEW second location Chinatown in San Francisco** Michelle Nails 2 848 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 398-2336 I wandered in here sometime in March while trying to kill time waiting to meet family in Chinatown for dinner. The reviews looked decent for the Oakland location and I figured it was the same place. Michelle re-did my regular mani polish after not being satisfied with the job of another technician. She asked if I had a little extra time. It was worth the wait, and they turned out super cute :) All the staff was really friendly and the vibe was good. The best part was that I did NOT get cut. I swear, every time I walk into a nail salon for mani/pedi, I always end up with at least one small cut and freaking out about infections -__-; I've also never had nail salons care about the quality of work they did on my nails, especially for just a regular manicure. Request an appointment Michelle if you come here, she's on point with details and does 3D art too! Thanks Michelle, my nails looked hot for my friend's Bachelorette Weekend! read more

Michelle Nails - Regular Mani. Slight *glitter* tips - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

After trying Groupon deals for nail salons, I finally found my go-to place! My co-worker had glitter gel nails and I finally asked where she got it done. I made an appointment and it took 1.5 hours for adding a clear set and glitter gel manicure. She was very careful and did an amazing job. The gel nails still look flawless after 3 weeks (with some growing out of course)! I'm definitely coming back to get a refill. read more

Michelle Nails - Glitter gel mani with clear set - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Nail Art & 3D Designs Magnificent Manicure Friendly Staff. I absolutely love Michelle Nails. In the handful of nail salons with nail art I've been Michelle is by far the best. She has so many nail colors, charms, jewels, 3D for the natural nail gal to the gel nail gal! Her service is excellent it's best to set up an appointment if you plan to have nail art done but if you walk in she is also pretty accommodating as long as her schedule is not full. She has many magazines and videos on nail art that suit your fancy and you can also bring in pictures to which she can bring to life. The mani's and pedi's are pretty through on every visit I left feeling soft, smooth and feminine. Since I'm a natural nail kind of gal and I am very rough with my hands being that I have two boys, I workout, cook and part germ-a-phobe; my manicures last a full week to 5 days. My pedicures last a solid two weeks and look new. Her prices are pretty reasonable but if you are getting jewels or charms keep a tally because they start at $.10/stud and can be come costly if you become excited in the beautiful designs that you forget the cost $40 later. She also has good quality paint; OPI, Essie etc and you can bring your own polishes as well. The salon is small, two pedicure chars and two manicure stations. It's clean, quite and pretty relaxing. read more

Michelle Nails - See Spot Run - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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This place is awesome!! This is the first time I do my nail at this place!! Michelle is very nice ,friendly person! She design the nail is very pretty and distinctive!! So, I will come back all the time!! read more

Kandie is awesome!!! She's super kind and patient, did my nails exactly how I asked. She took her time and made them look great. Also this shop uses REAL GEL, no, NOT that acrylic gel you're thinking of, REAL HARD GEL. No crazy smells or powder at all. read more

Kendi is my manicurist and I have been a client for over 5 years. She does a wonderful job on my nails and I am going to miss her dearly (I relocated from CA to TX). Michelle Nails uses real gel; no acrylic or powder and the nails are not tight or smelly. My jobs have consisted of typing and house cleaning and Kendi's work last over 4 weeks. Kendi listens to what you want and she is patient, thorough, professional and nice. Unlike other manicurist I've had in the past, she does NOT talk or text on the phone while doing your nails. She is focused on doing a good job and she never fails. Much success and prosperity to Michelle Nails. Barbette read more

This is a very hard review to write. I visited last month for a pedicure and gel manicure. Michelle was nice, engaging, and a perfectionist with her technique in filing and polishing. She was flexible in scheduling an appointment on her off day, my gel manicure lasted for a month, and the pricing was very reasonable. I really wanted to come back, but two big issues remain: I obtained a rash between my toes from either dirty tools, water, or the toe separator tool. It's being treated now but it's gross that I obtained this at a salon. And, the gel manicure wasn't actually a gel manicure - it was acrylic! I should have realized when she used a drill to sand my nail, but it was my first time as a customer and I thought this might be a different approach. (I paid $15 at another salon for them to remove the acrylic - a 30 minute process!) If cleanliness is a value, I would unfortunately suggest another shop. read more

Likes: located in Chinatown, they accept walk ins Dislikes: One of the ladies did gel nails for my mother and it chipped the next day. After one week most of her nails were chipped and some didn't have any nail polish on it anymore which is ridiculous for gel. I later found out the lady did it quickly so she could eat lunch, and she charged actually extra for a crap job. read more

I LOVE KINDI! She does the best nails. I love the gel building technique. Make sure to Make an appt. I don't like their pedicures. I wish they had more of a variety of gel nail polish. Seems like they have cheap Asian gel polish. They should invest in nice brands and colors. Other than that... My nails last for a month or longer and they never break. Some what pricey but last long. read more

Way overdue review. I've been coming here for about 7 yrs, ever since my youngest baby was born. Michelle does great work and he prices are good. She has a wide selection of crystals and 3D charms. I used to live in Chinatown where her shop is but moved and I still travel to her. She's professional and always comes up with something new and creative for my nails. She even puts up with me when I'm being picky lol. I have 3 daughters and she is always so kind to them. She gives them food and gives them cute little flowers for free on their nails. And Emily (I can't forget about you hunny!) is great as well. She does a great pedicure and has a spunky personality, she keeps me laughing. If you are looking for top notch nails and service, visit this place. Michelle, Kiki loves you! read more

I've made an appointment with Michelle to get my nails done for a special occasion. I came 20 mins early just to find parking cause we all know parking in downtown Oakland is a headache Okay so when I got to the shop Michelle was working on a client. I wasn't tripping I waited until it was my time . So this is the part that piss me off 20 mins pass and the chick's nail was no where close to being done so I waited nearly an hour . So an hour pass and she seem like I wasn't there waiting so I got fed up and walk out the shop. And I will not be returning to this place. read more

I got Emily to do my nails at first place. She was really patience on my nails. I did my gel full set 3 weeks ago and they don't have any sign of stripping or faded color. Pretty happy bout that. Time to come back to change the color cuz I'm pretty bored of this color otherwise I think this can be last for couple weeks more. read more

Michelle Nails - Week 3 of gel full set - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Let me start off by saying that I knew from the get go my full set was going to be pricey because I wanted a 3d design. I asked how much and she said $110, that's fine my wedding was the next day so I had no choice. I went with 2 others girls and they wanted a simple pedicure and a full set of nails with only a painted design on the tips. They charged them $100 as well. I don't know why a pedicure costs $50 in this place but they obviously didn't want to pay that much for a pedicure so they just said the tips. I also expected my nails to take a while, so I went first. One got seated 15 minutes later and the other in about 25. It took them FOUR HOURS to do all of our nails..!!!! It wasn't even the design part that took long it was the actual building of the nail that took so long, we didn't understand. The only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars is because my nails came out amazing. I wouldn't go back though they seriously over price you, if you have the money and time come here. read more

Michelle Nails - $110 full set gel nails with design - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

There are so many nail salons in Oakland but, unfortunately, some not so hot. I stopped in here, for the first time, on July 4th. I called ahead and they said they were open and could do a pedi and acrylic fill. I had acrylic overlay (no tips) that just needed to be filled. The place was open 1/2 day, which I totally appreciated, as many were closed. They obviously specialize in nail design as one mom and teen daughter took up all of one person's time getting fancy jeweled nails done while the two other women scrambled to attend to the line of people waiting. My pedi was done first and was really good. For an extra $5, they give you a leg scrub and longer massage. Well worth it. I had no issues with that women. She didn't rush, she did a good job and I tipped her well. They then moved me to a different chair for someone else to do my fill. The woman started and then decided my overlay was too old and coming off so convinced me to have them removed. This is painful in itself, as they're basically pulling glued nails off your nails. Not pleasant. But she really made it even worse. More customers were walking in and, instead of telling them they were too busy, she told them to sit down and proceeded to rush through my fill. She filed my nails so hard and was so rough, I probably said "Ouch" a good 8 times before finally asking her "Please stop hurting me." Not even kidding. After the last time, I asked her to stop, charge me for the pedi and said I would get my nails completed the next day. Not worth it. I paid, tipped the pedi lady and left with no polish, no fill...only a pedi. I won't return to this salon and won't recommend it. I understand not wanting to lose business but they shouldn't be rushing through the existing customers' processes so fast that it's painful. The other thing I don't understand is that she asked me how I found them and I replied "Yelp." Ok, call me crazy but if you know someone uses Yelp, shouldn't you assume they post reviews on Yelp and wouldn't you then treat them especially well so that they post a good review for you? In this case, it didn't. Not a fan. read more

Updating my review!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Michelle. She is incredibly talented and super sweet. She takes her time and makes every set perfect. I keep telling her she will be famous one day. Always excited to go back for a different design:) read more

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Best job anyone has ever done on my nails!! I brought in a couple of pictures to show them what I wanted and what shape, they turned out better then I'd imagined. It was a little pricey, but totally totally worth it. I really have to applaud the ladies on attention to detail. They seem to really care that you leave loving your nails. and they were all a lot more friendly then the staff at other nail salons I've been too. I searched for a place that did nail art, and this place is something legit. I will definitely bring my friends. read more

Walked in for a quick gel nail manicure and got paired up with Kindie. She was AMAZING! Super quick, flexible, nice, and professional. My nails look amazing and I'm definitely planning on going back! read more

I absolutely love this place Michelle is super. Nice and she definitely is one of the best 3D nail artist I ever visited so far read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Emily always does such a fabulous job on my gel nails. I love that she is thorough and takes her time, you get what you pay for at this place :) read more

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I've walked pass the place so many times and decided to go in today because the acrylics I had on was annoying me already and they took my old acrylics off gave me an manicure and gel set and everything was $30. It was so worth it. The lady was so nice and told me what was better for my nails. read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Hours are not true I showed up ima Sunday at2:00 and it says there open until 5:00 don't waste your time

First time here. Cozy little place and they are not rushing you like other places. Michelle is super nice and listens to your requests then she suggests what she thinks should be best. Not a place to go if you are in a rush or need to get somewhere, they take their sweet time. I am a perfectionist so I appreciate them taking their time. Second time I went there I found my toe nail not completely covered with polish - not happy but at least they got all of the dry skin off of my feet and it lasted for weeks. Time to go back to get pampered soon! read more

I am going to be here on the regular!! I lalalala loovve!!! LOVEE Their nail designs and customer service! Oh so caring and sweet!! Recommend!! read more

Michelle Nails - Love!!! Best gel yet!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

All I have to say is she did a really great job on my nails. Love it but a little pricey, though. She's also friendly. read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

My technicians name is Kandie. You can call and ask for her. She did a phenomenal job on my nails. I received the gel full set medium length. And they are fantastic. I didn't so much enjoy the pedicure because it was done by some other lady read more

I've walked pass by this nail salon for several times befire, but I never tried it until today. Michelle Nail is a very nice place, it's very neat and clean inside, and I am love the decoration so much. When I get some time to spend in Oakland, I decide to take a chance and get my nails and toes done in Michelle Nail. Michelle is the owner of this salon, and she is professional and took her time well. She has a lot of nail accessories and supplies that I've never seen before in any salons. Michelle suggested me to do the UV Gel, which is in 3D design. VERY SHINING!!! Good price as well!! LOVE it!!! read more

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Today, I went to get my nails done and I love the designs that Michelle done for me. Although it could be really pricey, the staffs are really friendly! I'm sure I will go back there again and I would recommend! Thank you Michelle for doing the nice holiday design and I love it alot!! =) read more

I love Michelle! She's sooo funny and kind. She totally filed my nails to the size and shape I wanted. And she listens to what I want on my nails and where is and to place it. It was cool because she lets you choose what you want to place on your nails, which is awesome! The only disclaimer is that she's the only one that can do 3d design nails. But her pricing is ok. It cost me $95 for my nail.. Last time I got mine done in sf, it cost like $140.. So I was pretty happy and I got A Lot of nice compliments on my cute nails. Definitely coming back again next time. read more

Michelle Nails - Amy's bowtie nails!! Soooo pretty and cute!!! - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I absolutely love this place. Everyone that works here is so sweet! My nails are always perfect and last for over a month. I always look forward to my next appt :D read more

Michelle Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I would give this place a 0 star if I could. I've been going to Mitchell for 3years. Within that 3years she was really good, nice, sweet and charming. Really cared about what you want and need. Recently, within this year, she's got rude, disrespectful and don't give a damn about what you need. The first few time I was fine, I was like she might of had a bad day. But time after times it's gotten worst. Appointment always ends up 1-3 hours late every time. Like yesterday, I had an appointment at 2- she didn't start on my fill until 3:30. 1 and a half hour waiting just for a damn fill. On top of waiting, she's been trying to rip people off. She'll charge you $3 to fix your chipped nail, $3 for a broken nail. Okay, I get that you charge me $3 for my broken nail finger, but come on $3 for my chips and $5 for a polish change? Doesn't a fill comes with fixture of chip nails and polish change?!? Be aware if you go there with or without an appointment, you'll wait very long. She's constantly on her phone texting, talking, and eating. Come on, an acrylic fill takes no more then 30min, not 1hr 35min. She's losing this loyal client. Never again will I go to her. read more