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El Cerrito, CA

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Nails By Vivian

3.6 (838 reviews)
Open • 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Services - Nails By Vivian

Manicure

Manicure and pedicure

Nail fill-in

Nails By Vivian Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Nails By Vivian

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Reviews With Photos

Rachel T.

I really wanted to like this place because it was near my house and not as expensive as private nail techs so I've been going for about a year or so once every couple months and seeing different techs everytime. Tried polygel, gel x, hard gel, etc. Every time there was something visibly wrong. Be it too thick, uneven, missed cuticle work, etc. but I kept trying anyways. The last time I went in I asked for a natural looking French and showed the inspo pics seen in my screenshot below, the tech picked out a pink and I said yes that looks good. I watch a movie on my phone and next thing I know I'm done! No French added, thick clumpy paint, gel covering my cuticles. It's upsetting because nails are a luxury service, they're not cheap, but for whatever reason they have been consistently been done with lack of detail. The tech tried to argue with me at first but when I showed her the pictures again she couldn't deny that she didn't give me what I asked for. She asked me if I wanted to do French still and I said no thank you (that would've looked even more insane), I said just put a layer of chrome please and she did. They didn't refund me, didn't offer to remove them or discount my next service or anything. I won't be returning and I hope that this place does additional training for their techs or compensates them more- not sure what the problem is because it's a beautiful, clean, well equipped salon but the work itself is just not consistently worth it.

I love these nails!! They cept asking if i love th and I do!! They are sweet to  this is so good thank you tom and tina. Thanks so much
Cecilia P.

I love my nails you guys are super duper nice and always answered my questions thank you guys. This is so nice. I'm eight and I came here with my mom for the first time and they were answering everything that I wanted. Thanks so much.

Natural nails with milky white dip and gold flakes
Jessica M.

This is my go-to spot for manicures. I've done drop ins when I really need it, but for the most part, I schedule my appointments in advance. The salon is pretty big and well maintained. Someone is usually in the front to greet you. Occasionally they are super busy and may be helping someone with their eyebrows, etc but someone comes up to help you pretty quickly. You check in on the tablet in front. Unless my nail tech is super swamped and finishing up with his client, I am seated right away, otherwise I sit on one of the comfy seats and look up how I want my nails done while I wait. Otherwise, I sit right at his area and soak my nails. They provide most services all salons do. I can't speak for getting acrylic or any other types of nails as I always grow my real nails out and do dip manicure. It keeps my nails strong for a while and I get them done once every 3-4 weeks. I go to Tommy, sometimes Van. They're great. Never an issue. Sometimes if a nail breaks, they'll see me last minute and fix my nail, no charge! Cash preferred. There's an ATM in the back near the restrooms. They have a rewards program for people who pay cash ($25 off after you earn 500 points, I think it is. Double check when you go) Love coming here. Great therapy/laugh session and the service doesn't disappoint. Even gave me a little goodie bag for my birthday! Didn't get many photos of the salon itself, but I attached some of the photos of my nails that I've gotten done over the years. Again, these are my real nails so sorry, I haven't been able to showcase many different styles/designs.

Front view
Neshei F.

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that today will officially be my last day as a loyal customer of your salon after 15 years. Yesterday, I called to set an appointment for the same two professionals I have been booking for the past two years, only to be told that my request could not be accommodated. I specifically asked for a 10 AM appointment and was assured it could be fulfilled, yet I was met with disappointment and humiliation during my visit. I arrived on time, only to be informed by Vivian's sister that I should have requested a manicure and pedicure for the same time slot. This situation left me feeling embarrassed and as if my loyalty and hard work meant nothing. Despite my past experiences where I chose to overlook certain issues due to my appreciation for the services provided by those I regularly two I visit, I cannot accept this level of unfair treatment any longer. It is disheartening to think that my race may have influenced this interaction, leading to what felt like an inequitable experience. I have valued my time at your establishment, but driving an hour and a half only to be treated poorly is unacceptable. Thank you for the opportunity over the years. I hope you take this feedback into consideration to improve the experience for future clients. We all work hard and come to business to relax.

scheduled my appointment by phone the day before my doctoral graduation. During the call, the woman who answered seemed rushed but assured me that my appointment was secured. Before ending the call, I specifically asked how they would identify me at my appointment since she had never asked for my name. She responded by saying, "I have your number here." When I arrived for my appointment on Saturday morning, I checked in and stated that I was there for my scheduled appointment. The lady at the front desk with her heels on informed me that they had already given my appointment away to a walk-in customer. I was extremely confused and asked why this happened. She explained that they had called to confirm my appointment the day before and that I did not answer. However, I have been a customer there for quite some time and have never previously received a confirmation call for an appointment. I then asked her to verify the phone number they had on file, and she realized they had the wrong number entirely. Instead of taking accountability for the mistake, the front desk employee became dismissive, rude, and began blaming me. She claimed my appointment had been given away because I was late. I asked what the grace period policy was, and she stated it was 10 minutes. I then pointed out that I was only six minutes late, which was confirmed by the clock in the salon. Parking in that area can also be difficult at times, but regardless, I was still within their stated grace period. I asked whether Tim, the nail technician I had booked with, had already begun the walk-in customer's appointment, and she stated that they had only just sat down. I respectfully asked if the walk-in customer could possibly be assigned to another nail technician since I had a scheduled appointment and was already there. The front desk employee refused and stated, "I already told her she can go, and I have to keep my word to her." I responded by asking what about the commitment they had made to me the day before, especially considering the error was on their end. I continued trying to explain that this was especially upsetting because it was my doctoral graduation day, yet she repeatedly dismissed me and told me to come back later during the same time as my graduation events. She also made comments such as, "We are a very busy nail shop," and "You need to do better," which I found highly inappropriate and unprofessional. What made this situation even more disappointing is that I have been a long-term customer and have frequently been inconvenienced in the past without complaint. There have been multiple occasions where my appointments were delayed 20-30 minutes because the salon was running behind, or where Tim was pulled away during my appointment to assist other customers, extending my service time significantly. Despite those inconveniences, I remained patient and continued supporting the business. Additionally, I feel compelled to address a deeper concern regarding how I was treated. Over time, I have observed behavior from this front desk employee that has made me uncomfortable, particularly in how Black customers are spoken to and treated compared to others. During this incident, I noticed that the walk-in customer who was prioritized over my scheduled appointment was a white woman. In my experience, I have consistently observed this employee being far more accommodating, patient, and kind toward white and Asian customers, while Black customers are often rushed, dismissed, spoken down to, or treated as though they are inconveniences. This experience reinforced feelings I have unfortunately had for quite some time. As a loyal customer, it was deeply disappointing to be treated with such disrespect, especially on an important milestone day in my life. Rather than receiving accountability or empathy for a mistake that was not my fault, I was blamed, dismissed, and spoken to rudely. Because of this experience, I will not be returning to this salon. This is how I was left

Perfectly done and ready for Christmas.
Peggy W.

Recently went back after i saw their new pedicure on social media. Amazing every time. I always love it here. The service is quick and efficient. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

Poor polish job.
Esther J.

My first and last visit to Nails by Vivian. I'm very unhappy with the quality of service I received. I went for a hard gel fill and deluxe pedicure and I received service that was not up to standard. Poor polish job on my toenails. The lack of buffing and filing left rough jagged edges which resulted in lumpy polish. I went back the same day to have this fixed and when I left my nails looked the same. Poor workmanship. I went to my usual nail shop 6 days later to have my nails and feet completely redone because the work was so unbearable at Nails by Vivian. I would not recommend this nail shop because you will have to go somewhere else to get the work redone as I did.

Im in love with the aesthetics of the salon
Vanessa V.

Vivian and her team provide such a unique experience. The Spa is literally like no other nail salon I have ever visited. Vivian and her team care more about my own nails than I do and it's something I appreciate and love so much about the culture they have. I started off doing regular gel manicures and they recommend Gel X which has been a complete game changer for my nails! The ladies at the Salon take your ideas and concerns and turn your vision into a master piece. I found my forever Nail Salon and I can't thank the ladies enough for the wonderful professionalism they provide! My before picture is my own at home manicure

Nail polish wall
Liberty D.

Tim is incredibly talented! When I first came to him my nails were not in good condition after years of wearing acrylic. Now after two months of going to Tim faithfully every 2-3 weeks my natural nails are healthy, strong, and beautiful. He always takes his time to let me know how to care for my nails at home. He is very kind and patient. I always just get basic sets with one color but every time I ask him to choose a color for me he literally picks the best colors to go with my vibe and skin tone. The salon itself is always clean and well kept. Vivian is very kind and last time I went she literally let the shop stay open pass my appointment time just so I could still be serviced. It's sad to see other bad reviews because every time I've come here they have given me nothing by exceptional service. I would give this place a try for yourself!! And ask for Tim if you want a great nail tech (:

Lacey H.

Mom and I have been coming here a couple years now. Always great service. When busy you might wait a bit for your appointment but it's understandable. Management is always friendly and welcoming. Vibe is chill. Very clean. Love that they have 20 pedicure chairs and many well qualified service technicians. Tracy is my favorite for pedicures and Tammy is amazing with nails. I hope yall enjoy it here.

Gel manicure

The Good, the Bad, and My Takeaway I've been coming to this nail salon since October and have mostly had positive experiences with talented technicians like Tina and others. Tonight, my pedicure technician was wonderful--kind, attentive, and welcoming. Unfortunately, my manicure experience was very different. When I politely asked the technician if she could test a glitter color over a base coat so I could see the final look, she became visibly annoyed. Her body language and side conversations with a coworker made me uncomfortable, and the reaction felt unnecessary and unprofessional. When I first arrived, I also witnessed an interaction that raised concern. A child told her mother she had asked for a pink French tip, not white. When the mother questioned the technician, the technician stormed from the front of the salon and loudly argued that the child had requested white, stating the other daughter wanted pink. The technician was yelling so loudly that I could hear the entire exchange from across the room. This behavior showed a clear lack of professionalism. Although my technician later apologized and continued the service, the experience had already been affected. My nails came out very thick and clumpy. I was also asked multiple times to pay while still receiving my pedicure, which made me uncomfortable--especially after my trust had already been compromised. Some may wonder why I didn't ask for my nails to be fixed. The reason is simple: I already felt extremely uncomfortable and just wanted to leave. This experience does not reflect Vivian, the owner, who is knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. However, due to this visit, I won't be returning. I came in to relax after a stressful week and left feeling frustrated and upset. I will now be going to another salon to have my nails removed. I hope management addresses professionalism and emotional awareness with staff, as it directly impacts the customer experience.

nails with red, french tip, and stars

We had such a good time! Great service, nice people. I got dipping powder and loved how it came out.

From the wax job. Ripped all my skin off. Raw, stinging and scabbing should happen just as I hit the ground for my vacation in Hawaii.

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4 months ago

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11 months ago

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3 months ago

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3 years ago

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Page 1 of 21

Nails By Vivian Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Nails By Vivian

Do you offer gel builder or hard gel overlay?

Hey do have builder gel!

How are the tools and foot basins cleaned between clients?

I was told they autoclave tools and watch them open new packet of individual tools. Basins are lined with plastic which are removed once they start to paint your nails and new liners put in.

Are walk ins allowed or do we have to book an appointment now with covid?

Walk ins are allowed. She will take you if she has room or you wait outside until she has an opening.

Could you detail the difference between the pedicure and deluxe pedicure? I'm loving the website and this detail would be helpful. TYSM!

It's more about the extras with the sea salt scrub for your feet which makes them nice and soft, and usually a bit longer leg massage.

I literally just got my nails done on saturday n i broke a nail juss yesterday it hasn't even been a week with my nails. would i have to pay for it to be fix?

Call and talk to Vivian. Most likely she will have you come in and get it fixed for free. If you can remember the name of the woman who worked on you - that would help a lot.

Hey Vivian, Did you guys move to a new location? If so what is the address?

Yes, Vivian bought a new store a few doors down. It's huge and beautiful! The new address is 9943 San Pablo Ave.

How much per diamond?

The website says $4+ for a "nail design each."

Does Nails By Vivian have rhinestones?

Yes and other add on options

How much do they charge to fix a broken acrylic nail?

The website says $4+ for "a broken nail repair"

Do they have colored acrylic powder, like blue, yellow, green, pink, etc?

They have a dip powder that comes in different colors

How much time in advance if I want to make a appt with Vivian specially?

Hello, It's depend on the service that you wanted. Can you please call the salon phone number at 5105254909 if u have any question. I don't check Yelp often, I'm worry that… 

Is there a additional charge to remove gel polish prior to getting a new gel manicure?

Hello Natasha, I am sorry for the late delay. We're not charge for remove Gell Polish on your real nails when you get a new gell manicure.… 

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Review Highlights - Nails By Vivian

“She and Kevin are dedicated to their customers and treat their staff well, as is evident by the quality work.”

Mentioned in 98 reviews

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Nails By Vivian - skincare - Updated October 2026

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