first time in! took about 1.5 hours with Kim. very professional, showed me color options on my…read morenails before committing, and was very gentle! have a one week repair policy also which is great, overall good experience

I was passing through Poway and needed to get a last-minute mani/pedi before an event, so I…read moresearched Yelp and found Studio Mani because of all the great reviews. I called, and even though I didn't have an appointment, they were kind enough to squeeze me in, which I really appreciated. I went in on Friday, 7/17, around 2:00 PM. I want to start by mentioning the woman who did my pedicure. Unfortunately, I didn't get her name, but she was absolutely lovely,kind, gentle, and did a great job. She's the reason I'm giving 3 stars instead of fewer. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about my manicure with Nina (although she told me her name was Kim, while her station said "Nina"). She was extremely rude and unprofessional from the beginning. She handled my hands very roughly, constantly grabbing and pulling them around. The turning point was when I politely asked if she was still planning to file my nails into the same square shape I came in with. My nails were visibly uneven and hadn't been shaped yet. She was about to apply the polish, so I simply asked if she was still going to shape them. Her response was, "I already did," and everything went downhill from there. I've been getting my nails done for over 15 years, since I was a teenager, so I know what a finished nail shape should look like. I normally go to the same salon in Mission Hills, San Diego, but because this was a last-minute invitation, I thought it would be quicker to find a place nearby. I wasn't rude or confrontational, I asked a legitimate question. It seemed like she took it personally or was offended, and her attitude became even worse afterward. It's unfortunate because the manager (I believe she was the one who answered the phone and fit me into the schedule) was very nice and accommodating, and my pedicure experience was great. Unfortunately, one employee can completely change the overall experience. If I'm ever in the area again, I would choose another salon, and I wouldn't recommend this one based on my experience with the manicure.

Got my nails done by Emily and I'm absolutely in love with how they turned out! She did such an…read moreamazing job!

If you want air conditioning on in the establishment when it's so hot in Poway, avoid this place!!!…read moreThey are being CHEAP!! She said they aren't turning it on yet, but it's already 88 out and humid!! Not sure what they are waiting on, but I just can't!! This has happened before where it's warm inside and they just run fans! Not sure why they think this is appropriate but need to learn in Poway, can't be cheap!! Ended up at AO Nails and you won't be sorry!! Air conditioning in full blast. Very relaxing and pleasant!!!

Sophia Nails and Spa is truly the best nail salon I have ever been to. The space itself is warm,…read morewelcoming, and beautifully cozy, creating such a relaxing experience from the moment you walk in. Every member of the staff is kind and attentive, which makes each visit feel special. I always see Emily for my manicures, and she has never once disappointed me. She has been doing my nails for over a year now, including my engagement and wedding nails, and her work is nothing short of exceptional. Emily is incredibly talented, detail-oriented, and truly passionate about what she does. What I appreciate most is how much she genuinely cares about her clients. She always wants you to leave completely happy, and even when I'm unsure of what I want, she comes up with beautiful ideas that I end up loving every time. All of the photos I've included are her work, and they speak for themselves. If you visit this salon, you truly can't go wrong with anyone on the team--but I highly, highly recommend Emily.

I have to say this was the worst nail salon experience I've had in years…read more The technician did not properly file or shape my nails, and several of my fingers were cut during the process, which was both painful and concerning. When removing my old gel, she relied heavily on an e-file and went far too close to my natural nails, despite me specifically asking her not to. That request was ignored. Additionally, my cuticles were never properly addressed before the gel application. When I pointed this out, I was told that the product she was using works "backwards" and that cuticles could be handled after applying hard gel, which does not align with standard nail prep and felt dismissive. The service overall felt rushed and incomplete--no finishing care like a massage was provided. Between the poor technique, lack of communication, and disregard for my requests, I will not be returning and would not recommend this salon.

Vivian and Nick did a great job. I am very happy with the manicure and pedicure they did. I will be…read moreback soon. This will be my go to place.

Vivian did a wonderful job; I did French tip manicure and pedicure for my wedding. She had so much…read moreattention to detail, and made sure I was happy with things every step of the way. I showed her inspo photos for nail shape and she did a really great job. Would recommend, and will definitely be back.

7/11/26 we all went for a pedicure today great place lot's of fun !!! This place is fantastic and…read morealways a pleasure to go to.

I stumbled on this nail salon by no choice, as I was as across the street getting oil change where…read morethere were supposedly two nail salons but one apparently relocated & the other had their doors locked with the tech just staring at me outside on the phone. Well this little business took me in, had me wait but not very long (in late Friday even!) and I had 3 techs start the process as the other two had appointments & the last one just finished up. He was very attentive, good at details, friendly & funny-I didn't get the young man's name but I would recommend him and I will come back here when I'm in the area which is frequent. I really liked my nails they look like they might last a few weeks.

I go here regularly for builder gel nails - Tiffany is the best! Very clean and nice.read more

Wifey asked if I wanted to get a pedicure done and I immediately replied in the affirmative based…read moreon my recent positive experience at a nail spot close to our home. We decided to try AO Nails for the first time because we were doing errands in the Poway area. After our experience at AO with Helen and Mia, we found our go to pedicure business. We were given outstanding customer service, the two ladies did a great job with our pedicures, and from start to finish, we enjoyed our experience. AO Nails is located in Poway, specifically towards the east end of Poway Road. It can be found in the shopping center where the following tenants reside: Trader Joe's, Five Below, and Home Goods. The Mexican food restaurant El Ranchito is next door to the nail salon. There is plenty of parking in this shopping center. As you enter AO, you immediately notice how bright the salon is from the natural lighting from their open windows. It's conducive to seeing the handiwork of the nail professionals. One of their main walls has a floral arch and large Hello Kitty character stuffed dolls. There are mounted pics of coastal scenery. We received friendly and diligent customer service from Helen and Mia. Both of their positive dispositions are part of the reason why we would return. I've had a pedicure two times in my entire life and both times I really enjoyed them. AO Nails is the best one from start to finish. Loved that their chairs are massage type, they're comfortable, and they cup holders, which was convenient for my AM/PM XL drink. When they had me soak my feet, the water was really hot, but I got used to the heat real quick. I enjoyed placing my feet into their bubbling spa bath. Wifey paid extra for us to have our calves and feet lotioned and saran wrapped. She paid extra have our feet callouses removed utilizing one of their electronic tools. Lastly, she paid extra for the 10 minute massage done to our calves and feet. I enjoyed everything and it truly felt like I was being pampered. My feet and calves felt renewed, revived, and soft after all that Helen did to them. My pedicure concluded with a clear coat nail polish placed on my nails. Wifey and I have found our go to pedicure spot at AO Nails. Our entire experience was positive from the quality customer service from Helen and Mia, the inviting and well lit business, and the professional and reinvigorating pedicure and add-ons.

I had a soothing experience! I was greeted when I walked in…read moreand the receptionist was super sweet and attended to me right away. Asked me if I wanted any drinks, and had me browse for a gel color in their collection. Once I was done selecting, I was escorted for my pedi first. I had a manicure and pedicure and gotten gel sets. They were done super quickly and the level of detail was also fine! If you get a pedicure, they have massaging chairs. They were comfy but I didn't leave it on for too long as I was afraid to fall asleep. Nyny did my nails and she was so sweet! She made sure along the way that everything came out as I wanted it to. The only caveat is it's super expensive (around $150) though it's fine if it's done once in a blue moon. Long gone are the days of $20 manicures... Anyway, def recommmend Nyny if you want a sweet manipedi!

The salon is clean. Gives me this calm and relaxing feelings. Doesn't have the terrible smell other…read moreplaces do. They feed me coffee too! ^_^ Niki done all my nails. Her works are very detailed, coming from a very picky person. I love how she's able to do exactly what I want every time. She's simply the best! Howie is also a master too. You can tell right away from watching him work. Lisa and Kim are always so smiley and welcoming. Overall, I'm very happy with this place. I dont have any reasons to go anywhere else.

I love this place. Friendly, accommodating, and they do a great job. My techs name is Kathy. She…read moredid everything I asked for and is so very kind. Highly recommend.

They tried to reach out to redo my nails which I appreciate. Pedicure is holding up great.read more

irene saved my nails today on such short notice. her attention to detail, honesty, and expertise…read morecompletely won me over and i cannot wait to return for my next appt. for context, the day prior to my walk-in at kim nails, i went to another salon and received gel x that was poorly fit (my sidewalls were still showing on 6 out of 10 nails), an ombre that was not blended whatsoever, and extensions that were sloping so far up my coworker two desks over asked me if i wanted her to fix them for me. i couldn't endure it so i decided to go to kim nails near my work and ask them to just soak it all off and redo the entire set. irene took one look at my nails, patiently heard me out, and got to work. instead of a new set, she and her coworker filed down all that previous unshaped bulk and gave me the best acrylic fill of my life. irene dedicated extra time to filing and shaping my nails pre-builder gel and then even more time post-builder gel to create the perfect apex and minimize unnecessary weight. ive never had a nail tech use three different drill bits just to refine my nail shape before at a salon. she even filed underneath the nail where the gel from the previous extension had built up - without me asking! this all by itself was more than i could have asked for, but then i find out that they have asian nail polishes, too! ive always brought very translucent/transparent inspo pics to my appts and have always been let down by opaque polishes. but at kim nails they have the exact type of translucent jelly nail polishes i have been looking for!! irene also perfected the subtle cateye gleam that i love and have been unable to achieve at home. when i inquired re: designs, irene informed me that if she feels like she can't do a design justice, she'll be upfront with her client and let them know. i value this honesty so much because i am lowkey nonconfrontational and have watched my nails become something totally different than the inspo i brought to the table. to top it all off, they have a very, very affordable pricing for a very efficient appointment. for the same duration and more effort, i almost spent under half of what i paid just the day before for my previous set. (i tipped over 50% to match because it would feel like a moral failure to pay irene any less than what i paid for my failed set.) all in all, 5 out of 5 stars i am endlessly grateful. my pictures do not do this establishment justice and for that i apologize i will take better pictures with my next set!!!

I was disappointed with my experience at this nail salon. The appointment felt rushed, and the…read morefinal result didn't match what I asked for. The polish application was uneven, and I noticed chips much sooner than I expected. I also felt that my concerns weren't taken seriously when I pointed them out. I understand that everyone can have an off day, but based on my visit, I don't feel the quality of service matched the price. I hope the salon improves its attention to detail and customer service in the future.

Oh my GOSH!!! THIS IS THE BEST GROUPON for myself that I have ever invested in besides how I found…read moremy Botox guy. Now I have found my nail and lashes ladies!! The staff here is incredible! She went above and beyond and above and beyond again with my feet because I had not had them done in a couple years TBH. She got everything off and fixed my nail that the last place had messed up with their gel. Then I got my lashes done for the first time and I fell asleep. Woke up and was like ahhh! I never have to worry about unfurled straight down lashes again. AFFORDABLE! I love this place. Thank you!

Had an appointment for me and my mom to get gel manis/pedis (we purchased Groupons) but I waited 40…read moreminutes before anyone could start on my mani or pedi. Then felt rushed when the next customer arrived (who also waited 30+ minutes). Only one person working on us at a time so whole appointment took 2 hours. Language barrier didn't help.... I wanted to pay for an extra service to add strength back to my nails (I came in with acrylic and gel polish). They don't do acrylic, said that gel-x was only for extensions, but then didn't offer anything else for nail structure, so I left with horribly thin nails after all the dremmeling. Now the gel polish is chipping after only a couple days. Won't be returning. It was also warm in the salon which made the wait very uncomfortable for me. Bummed about this experience because they did have very pretty gel polish colors. **and in response to the owner's reply to my review - no we were not told the gel would chip because of our nails being thin. My mom came in with dip powder and instead of soaking the powder off, they filed it off so it made her nails thinner than normal. And I was happy to pay extra for something to add strength to my nails. They could have offered a builder gel which I guess is a common material used for this. I asked about gel-x but the owner said it was only for extensions, when it could have easily been filed short since I prefer shorter nails. No reason why these services couldn't have been added on since the Groupon just included the gel manicure. We were already paying extra to have the old gel/dip/acrylic removed.