It's MLK day and I decide to get my nails done. Went in as a walk in and was welcomed by Mimi. This place is under a new management so it's a lot better than the previous. I am beyond satisfied with my nails. Mimi did a terrific job!! She was very sweet and experienced. I wanted a simple color so she made a recommendation for the color 57 Mousse. It was so relaxing they were playing some of my favorite songs by U2 and Coldplay! I was very impressed by the way she worked and result of my nails. Definitely coming back in 3 weeks for a fill. read more

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This is the place for me. I think they really do all the steps to ensure amazing nails that's worth every dollar and tip. Everywhere else has given me the "young person who probably wont notice" nails. So im writing this because it's what I'd recommend to anyone, any age. They amaze me. Thank you guys! read more

This place is super cheap, which is literally the only thing it has going for it. The pedicures are alright; I'd maybe go there in a pinch. Do not get a manicure here, PARTICULARLY gel. Worst manicure of my life. A sloppy mess that looked like it had a week of growth the minute I left there. I also had to go back to have them fix things that I just wasn't going to live with for two or three weeks. That took a half hour. Definitely not worth whatever I saved. read more

So, I moved to North County about a month ago and needed to find a new nail place. I drove along El Camino Real and stumbled upon this one by sheer chance and have gone to them twice since. Both times, I have had the pleasure of getting Brian, an adorable little man. He did my usual shellac (this time I did "clear sparkly"or "sparkly clear" which I liked more than I expected) with great care and took immense precautions to make sure he did not hurt me (i.e. STAB my cuticles, razor off my nail bed, make me bleed, you know, the usual...) He did a beautiful job both times so grade A on competence and consistency. What really makes Brian the whole enchilada though is his personality. So often, you get a manicurist who is just silent with the conversation skills of a walrus or doesn't speak English at all so you are just sitting there for an hour staring into space or on the phone with a friend, trying to make impersonal conversation since anything verging on too personal (aka: the deep stuff) can be heard and for private folk like me, I don't want to air anything personal onto the unsuspecting public. With Brian, he actually converses with you, asks about your day, makes the time wizz by with his witty anecdotes... I just love him. Highly recommend him, haven't seen any of the other people there and not taking the chance of being disappointed so I'm sticking with him. *Shockingly*, he is the only dude in the place so he's easy to spot. read more

I would do anything to avoid this place. To start the day, my friend and I made an appointment and had to wait for 25 minutes to get in. Still after that, they just put one of us to soak our feet while ignored the other until another 10 minutes. The place is not clean and a few of the manicurists will go from one client to another with the SAME tools. They claim their sterilize their tools in their little machine, but dont even follow their own steps printed above. It's gross. I've had better pedicures other places - that actually scrub your feet with exfoliator. This place just took a pad (no soap, water, or even lather), and scrubbed your heels. If you're looking for relaxing and enjoying a nail place - dont bother. read more

First time since new ownership... Waited longer than I expected! Coco did my pedicure and it was great! Manicure was just ok, I used their esmalt and it was old, started cracking few hours after. Would come back for a pedicure with Coco and bring my own esmalt. read more

I walked in to kill time during rush hour traffic. I was greeted by the gentleman at the desk. Friendly! I told him I had to be out of there by 6:15pm. My services requested were Shellac manicure ($25) and a pedicure ($17). I got Michelle, she was very friendly and humorous. The salon it's self is very "neighborhood" like. I could tell other guests were regulars. Conversation was casual and very friendly. The owners- I assume- (guy at desk and his wife- was cleaning, greeting, and labelling) were very welcoming and sweet! What I DID like was, unlike other nail salons I've been in, they had local news playing, not the typical E! hollywood garbage that I naturally avoid. The quality of my manicure and pedicure Michelle did- is (still) great- 3 days later. My hands and feet are constantly being washed (I'm an esthetician) and exposed to ocean water & beach (currently training for a triathlon). So the fact that it's still looks as good as the first day completely impresses me. Another note, Michelle didn't cover my cutlicles (on both hands & feet) with polish and shellac. So if you're as particular as I am about your nail services, this is the place to go. AND- they successfully got me out of there by 6:15- paid and tipped. I will be back!!!! read more

Had a great experience. I'm getting married this weekend and need to have my nails done and have a pedi. With all the wedding planning I needed some time for myself. I had a full set done by Michelle. Professional at all times and she did a wonderful job . Tan who did my pedi was wonderful as well. My toes never looked better. I had bad experiences in the past but this place was wonderful. read more

No sure how this place has 4 stars???? Ok, so my friend & I finish eating go over & see if they can fit us in for a manicure. There is a white man sitting at the front desk & 3 Asian women with clients, he says yes. One big guy getting a pedicure in front, I know odd review..we pick out our colors, sit down & the girls get to work. First it cost extra to take off my shellac, ok I know most places do this now. She did a HORRIBLE job & my nails still look like crap & are recovering from her filing the top of them. Next an old man comes in for a pedicure. The man at the front seems to know all the male clients. The man asks did you lose weight, they exchange pleasantries, keep in mind the man at the front is a very large man, I believe Italian by listening to him & the other Italian man talking about his cancelled trip to Italy due to his daughters health (that part I can handle)... & his toe infection that he thinks (insert name) gave him but it isn't her fault because he gets so many ingrown toe nails and she has to get in there and dig them out. My feet are a mess & I can't bend down there to clip my toes. The other old man is talking about Russia & war & I don't even know what else & I am sitting there thinking in my head this is the most bizarre manicure I have ever had, wonder is Norma (my friend) is thinking the same thing. Oh and let's not forget the tools they use, I did not see anyone including my girl take anything out of packaging or clean it before using it so was it clean???? For my polish....ugh my son painted my nails when he was younger and granted he is artistic he did a better job. I wanted to run out of there. I check my phone after my nails are done & there are about 5 texts from Norma saying how weird the place is, almost seemed like a sweat shop but they girls did seem happy. I do not recommend going here unless you are a male with gross feet;) read more

Today, being SuperBowl Sunday AND Vietnamese New Year, was the perfect confluence for this lovely & serene nail salon experience. I called for an appointment and had to wait 10 minutes after I arrived, but once I sat in the manicure chair, I understood why I had to wait. I had scheduled a regular manicure but was curious about gels. Lee, my kind and careful manicurist, took time to show me 2 different gel brands and shared informal customer poll (this one most popular, this one shinier if you like that). Don't know how they'll hold up with my gardening work, but with 5 coats baked on I can see how gels should last for 2 weeks. $26 so if they last that's a savings in time & money. Lee was meticulous with cuticles and file and gave a vigorous but pain-free hand & arm massage. What should have been a 30 min manicure took up 45 minutes. Lee took time with me without wasting time. The three manicurists were not blabbing away to each other which added to the tranquil vibe of my session. It's a smallish shop so maybe never gets hoo-hah noisy. Excellent, spotless washroom facilities. Thank you! I will be back! (And happy new year!) read more

N.C.'s Nails is awesome! I've been going here for over a year...Every nail technician I've had is awesome and the new management is great...and I am pretty picky with my nails. I'm baffled by the reviews here from disgruntled customers bashing the new management. It seems like some of these reviewers have a personal grudge because some nail technicians left when new management came in. Well, that happens folks. Come on, people. Businesses change ownership sometimes...move on and embrace change. :) Re: some of the bad reviews here: 1) I have never seen the management eat (and I get my nails done twice a month), 2) I am always greeted with a smile, 3) the management is so attuned w their customers that they know and ask about their lives, families, offer customers water, tea, etc. Anyways, I had to write a great review b/c I have had nothing but positive experiences there. I get gel manicures and pedicures and I always am happy with how my nails look...and with the friendly environment, I always feel relaxed and like I'm spending time with friends. read more

Me and friend went her last minute on a Friday and they were able to get us an appointment within a few hours. Awesome! We both got mani and pedis. Our feet were so gross before and suddenly beautiful after. For an $5 our feet felt much softer. Friendly staff and good job! Will be back! read more

again, so amazing my and dependable! john and linda are the two people i run to for the best nails and they always deliver something breathtaking. thank you for the kind, quick process. they are such lovely people and couldn't be more cautious and respectful. Love, love, and love!! read more

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I called on a Sunday afternoon and they were able to take me immediately for a pedicure. They have the standard massage chair with foot bath combo you see most other places. The selection of polishes is ample and there are several brands to choose from, as well a glitters and other colors. I want with a rose and rose glitter over it. No frills really but they get the job done in a clean and efficient manner. There's a $5 charge for callous removal which seems about standard now (and it's the only time I go to get pedicures). The owner/manager was having her nails done while working which seemed a little awkward to me but whatever. It wasn't disruptive. One if the nail techs was eating in the middle of the salon which definitely seems off. Either way my personal service was as expected and a fair price. Very thorough job of the filing and cuticle removal. She went over them twice, once at the beginning and a fine tuning right before polishing. Not sure if I'll be back but there are limited options on Sundays and this is close to my house. read more

I would not recommend this nails salon!! I saw a lady named Daniel and she took an hour to just get half way done. She didn't do what I asked and argued with me. I ended up leaving before I was done because of how horrible they were looking. I'm very upset and won't be back. Even though the manger have me a free card to come back I won't. read more

N.C. Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Encinitas, California

First time here and had an awesome experience! Reasonably priced and both the hand and foot message were awesome! Thank you Linda! I will definitely be back! read more

They did a good job and were so nice! But the place was a little on the small side, so I felt crammed in. The chairs were so close that when two high schoolers came in They sat on each side of me. The high schoolers came in and ruined my zen by yelling at each other and throwing stuff back and forth. It wasn't N.C. Nail's fault, just incredibly annoying. read more

Yan is terrific. I was visiting from San Francisco and tried this place just because it was convenient. I got lucky. When I'm back in Encinitas, I'll be back, but I will ask for Yan. Amiable, efficient, and thoughtful. read more

I always have a great amount of respect for the women who work in the nail businesses and I really try to put myself in their shoes sometimes to understand why their behavior isn't always pleasant but in this case I couldn't understand... Today I came in to have my fake nails removed And I made an appointment at 4 o'clock and wasn't seated until 430 no big deal I don't say anything but as time goes on she shaving down my acrylic nails and it starts to burn and her a lot I move my hands away and she looks at me and laughs. Secondly, she tries another way to remove the nails but using another fake nail to go underneath and remove it and it hurt SO BAD, I asked her to stop and she continues to laugh at me and then start speaking Vietnamese to the ladies next to her I can see them looking at me and laughing at me. I don't care what they were saying it's not a comfortable and welcoming environment to be in plus the filing she did all my nails is absolutely horrible there's parts of the nail already falling off this is one of the worst experiences I've ever been in. I won't ever be coming back. read more

If I could give less I would. This place is terrible. Not only did a mani pedi with no frills take over an hour and 30 min they also cut my toe nails so so low they bled and now hurt. As the polish on my fingers was being removed the lady filed them down so low she created red hot spots. That aside, I contended to sit through the rest of my service with a smile. However, after an hour and 45 min when they finally unplugged and reprogrammed the massage chair I was asked to get up, move to a table and continue my service thwhen I was abhad to have her stop before finishing. I walked out without finishing my mani pedi. Ere so two young ladies could sit "next to one another" in my space. I was beyond annoyed. I absolutely would not recommend this location or go back. I fact I insisted the technician stop my manicure and I left without finishing. read more

It was three days before my wedding and I didn't make any appointment to get my nails done. I'm so glad N.C nails take walk ins! I got glittery pink and white plus a pedicure. I was in and out within an hour and half! The staffs were soft spoken and personable. I love the color and shape of my nails and it last led for 3 weeks before I come back for a fill. I would definitely recommend this place if you want beautiful nails but not spend hours in the salon! read more

Pricing seems to be reasonable if not a bit cheaper than most places in the area. They always seem to have quick availability with just a walk in which is convenient. The only thing I don't like which has nothing to do with their service is the 3 "lake sized" fish in the small fish tank. Barely room to swim read more

Got a mani pedi, they did a great job! It's been about a week nothing has chipped, they were fast but not at the expensive of quality and polite. Also only 44$ for a gell mani and a pedicure is a steal, will be coming back! read more

I just had a great session with Kim! She was so nice, attentive to detail & provided a great massage!! I look forward to coming back again!

I was super bummed when I found out previous owners left! First time I went in, staff sat me down in a chair and the owner said put her in the other chair, he explained... My sister in law is coming in...and the only other chair is broken... So he moved me into the broken chair so his sister in law could sit in the chair that was not broke...the owners are very inexperienced, their appearance and attitudes are very poor. I have and WAS a client for 3 years. They also served alcohol NO LIC to do so... And they treat their employees bad... He disciplines staff in front of clients. Just horrible... Then Brian who is the main nail guy got let go... They said he left, they actually made him leave and let him go after quite a rift! Anyway.... This was the greatest nail shop in Encinitas....when Brian and his family ran it.....it's a huge disappointment! His staff... The technicians are great... Feel sorry for them. They should try something else or get somebody that " looks" the part and can manage... They know nothing... They stumble, don't know how to book, retain clients or treat people.... They are so awkward.,. I feel sorry for them... But perhaps they should get a business coach. It's clear they have not done this before! read more

now id like to ask all the people here, are you having a bad day where you're just going on yelp to rant? please leave me a response lmao because yall are hilarious /s. anyways i am an abg (urban dictionary it if you dont know what it means) and everyone loves a viet chick. when a nail salon is good and a viet chick approves it, you know its good good. im a very picky girl who only settles for high end stuff and i get my hair, lashes, nails, waxing done every week and i love this place. if you ever see a blonde asian chick at this shop say hi *hairflips* read more

I don't understand all of the negativity here.. I absolutely love this place! I've been here 3 times so far. The first time by myself, the second time with my hubby and the third time with my 8 year old daughter. They do a consistent job each time and my pedicures have lasted way longer than any other nail place I have been to. The convenient location drew me in and they have a customer for life! :-) read more

I had a pedicure. - they do not use sanitized materials and or practices, the water tub was filled with extremely HOT water and I ended up with infected nails which caused my nails to die and was painful in the process of the nail falling off. Do not go to this place! read more

I just started going to N.C. Nails because of the change in ownership. I followed Mimi from my old nail salon because she is the BEST. I am very picky about how I like my nails done and since moving here 4 1/2 years ago, it took me a while to find someone who did exactly what I liked. After seeing Mimi the first time last year, I only go to her! She does a great job! I would highly recommend going to her salon! read more

This is the absolute worst nail salon I've ever been too. A friend and I went with our two 10yr old daughters for a mommy date and they were incredibly rude, rushing us through, making us wait forever to be worked on, etc. I got shellac, it peeked right off and my daughters nails chipped the next day. They didn't charge what we were quoted and didn't honor a legit coupon. Horrible experience. We were never going to go back until the owner called and deeply apologized and offered a complimentary redo. So we went back and the experience was just as bad if not worse. They made our daughters wait an hour and a half from the time they took them. We had to pull them before they ever even got the manicure. The staff wAs rude and the owners husband simply stated they had some unexpected situations. We will not be returning and definitely don't recommend anyone else going. read more

I Love this place, I go here all the time I've never had a problem:) and I feel real comfortable not..like other places, feeling like the girls doing my nails are talking about me in their fluent language. They do an awesome job on my nails, every time I go. read more

I truly had a wonderful experience here! The service is fantastic. Very friendly staff with all smiles and professionalism. I've had the pleasure of having Lee provide me with an excellent pedicure and a bikini wax both for $44! She was super nice and great at her job! I really enjoyed talking to her, too. When getting your pedicure, this salon has the massage chairs where you can control your massage type with a controller. I've never had this before. This place is cute and clean. Great prices here too! I will certainly be back for Lee's fantastic service. Carolyn is the manager there a few days a week and she was super accommodating. I will share this place with my friends as well. read more

This is a great salon to get a quick, decent priced shellac mani. Although their shellac color selection isn't that great, they are always friendly, clean and quick (about 45 min for a shellac). read more

Finally! I found a place that I like! The manicurist I usually go to quit, so I had to try out about four places in the course of four months till I was satisfied. Mimi was great! Love how accommodating and flexible she was with how I wanted my nails to be done. Plus it's close to my work so very convenient as well.^ ^ read more

This place is fantastic on many levels! Everything from the vibe, price and service gets five stars in my book!

My Nail tech, is Mimi, and I followed her from her old shop. I work on the computer so I like to have my nails short. She has always made my nails look AWESOME. I don't use gel, so the acrylic and buffed to shine. My recommendation is for a Saturday appointment; parking is a challenge read more

I have been to this nail salon now 4x's and have always had a great experience. Staff is very kind and does a really good job. I always get a mani and pedi and I always leave happy. read more

I was looking for a new pedicure spot and I sadly have to say I'm very disappointed. An older lady did my nails, she had at least 2 of my toes bleeding, she was pulling her tools out of her drawer and I originally gave her the benefit of the doubt that they were sterilized but after she finished with them, she returned right back to the same drawer, gross!! The quality of her work was definitely lacking. Not the relaxing experience I was looking for. I will never be returning. read more

This place was nuts today. My pedicure hurt and took a full hour. My manicute lady was more gentle. However, when it came time for someone to swipe my card for the charges, the lady who is suppose to run it didn't want to get up to do it. The 2 nail ladies got it a big fight infront of everyone. It was weird and bizarre. While they argued, we all watched thinking it was a punk. So unprofessional. It took over 1.5 hours to get a mani pedi. I don't have that much time. I was late for my event. read more

Visited the salon lately for the very first time after finding it on Yelp. It was a great, quick experience! I was seen right away and serviced by two very friendly technicians for gel nails and spa pedicure. I was out quickly with a great mani/pedi! Will definitely be back! read more