Very nice staff. Worked quickly and they all were very friendly. The vibe was very relaxing and fun.

Right when we walked in, I wasn't thrilled with the appearance....but we were visiting for just a month and I wasn't familiar with salons in the area, so I had called to make appointments for me and my daughter ahead of time. Anyway, decided to let it go and give a try. The lady who did my pedicure was nice, but definitely saw some unsanitary things she was doing with the gloves she was using on me, and randomly walking away to touch other things. The lady who did my daughter's nails was really nice, and she was happy. However, the experience with my manicure was AWFUL! First of all, I had asked for dip - and they agreed. Turned out they only did base as dip and then did gel for the actual color....within a couple days it was already chipping, which is why I like to do dip. The worst thing, which is what brought me to write this review - is how horribly bumpy they were. The dip was very uneven, literally looked deformed. Then the gel color wasn't fully covering the nail, looked SO bad from the sides. Honestly, looked horrible from all angles! After I paid and washed my hands, I could tell just how poorly done they were. The tech sort of pointed out that they got smudged at one point, and tried blaming it on when i put my hands under the light...but then did another coat and pretended they were fixed. But she was in a rush for the next customer, so she shoved it off as fine. After I was done washing my hands I pointed it out to the other 2 ladies who had helped us (because that gal was with the other customer already). Everyone agreed they needed to get re-done, but I didn't have time to get them re-done. They said I could come back, but really didn't want to. I asked for a refund on the $60 but it got declined repeatedly. Ended up going to MandyQ Nails Art and they fixed them, and was very happy with their work - but not pleased I never got a refund on the worst nails I've ever had from "Popular Nails". read more

This was hands down the worst nail salons. For your health and safety stay away! It was the nasty experience I had ever had. I was getting a pedicure and I saw them change out the seat next to me. Never once wiped anything down. Didn't use liners in the tubs and although they had towels under the feet they removed them and then had the women's bare feet then shoes on the rest. The drained the water and didn't wipe anything down before putting a new person on. The employees were bouncing around from person to person doing multiple peoples pedicures at once but never once washed their hands in between. Usually at nail salons they will open the tools from a sealed package to show they are sterilized however they just had a cart with a pile of tools they were reusing and not cleaning. We had made appointments for manicure and pedicures. Arrived early to the appointment. All the employees were working with others. They seat us and then leave us waiting for about 15 mins, while they are helping other walk ins without appointments. They start on one of us but not the other. After 35 mins past the appointment time they finally want to start on my friend, but at that time I was finished with my appointment. It was the fastest manicure/pedicure I have ever had. The pedicure was over in under 10 mins. Then they walked away for 10 mins and came back and did my manicure just as fast. They had missed spots on almost every single one of my nails. I had to point out all of the spots with missing polish meanwhile they are rolling their eyes and audibly huffing and gruffing about it. Then while fixing it, she completely smudges one of my nails. I don't say anything at first thinking she'd fix it, but then she proceededs to put top coat on the smudge and tell me I'm done. I point it out and ask her if she saw it and she says "yeah I saw it. I guess if you want me to fix it" and rolls her eyes. The whole time I felt like I was a burden to them! It was so uncomfortable. Come here if you want a sloppy express job and to catch a foot fungus!!! read more

While traveling to our condo in Carlsbad that we've been coming to for 30 years I really needed to get my nails done and didn't get them done before I left Los Angeles. We were walking around the village when I came upon this nail salon walked in and they were so friendly and accommodating. They took me right away and I was very fortunate to get Chu Chu. She's so sweet and did a fabulous job on my nails! Thank you girls so much and a big thank you to Chu Chu! read more

Popular Nails - Nails by Chu Chu - hard gel w/chrome...she is so sweet and great nail tech! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I love that they offer cat eye nails! The manicure was perfect and the price was wonderful for Carlsbad. The vibe is very casual, which is perfect next to the beach. There are several colors to choose from, and the ladies are very sweet. I was surprised that the reviews weren't higher! read more

Popular Nails - Cat Eye Nails: Hang 06 - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Awful service. $50 gel manicure done in 20 mins - had to ask for the gel to be separated from my skin, and to go under the nails. She was rude & grabbed my hand with force. Gel was thick and uneven. Had to remove more cuticle after the appointment on my own. Manicure didn't even last a week. She also insisted I show her proof of my Venmo tip. Not going back. It's clear they just wanted to pump as many people in and out as possible over the holidays. read more

The worst quality possible. The only thing they care about is getting you in and out as fast as possible so you'll leave a tip, but their work is very bad. I had to go the next day to another place in Oceanside to get them fixed, there was tons of acrylic on every single nail. read more

Very clean shop, quick and attentive nail artists. The ladies are friendly and offer professional customer service. read more

Popular Nails - Traditional French tip using pink and white powder. Squared. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Beautiful! I am so ocd about my nails and it always looks perfect! There are so many types of pedicures to choose from! They have every color you could ever think of and it is always so clean! read more

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I asked for simple french on both pedi and mani. I ended up being cut multiple times on my fingers. The ladies were nice just extremely careless and lacking experience. My french had to be redone multiple times just to make sure it looked appropriate to what i was asking for. i do not recommend this place even if it's your last resort. read more

Popular Nails - semi deep cut on my thumb that hurts and wouldn't stop bleeding until later that night. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I really am not happy with my pedicure. I didn't look closely until I was home but the quality of this pedicure is terrible. The pics say it all, bumpy and polish on my skin. There's also a dent in the polish on my big toe. For this being in such a nice area in the village and $40 plus a $10 tip you would think they would care about the quality of their pedicures. Considering going back to have them redone. read more

Popular Nails - Missed spot/dent in the big toe - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love this nail salon! Acrylics last around 2 months.. they have every color and combination you could dream of and customer service is excellent.. They are quick yo, in and out in around 25 min.. read more

I've given this salon more than enough chances, but it's time to warn others: do NOT go here. The pricing is completely random...!!! 've been charged 5 different amounts for the exact same service on different visits, with no explanation. When you call to make an appointment, they'll gladly book you, but don't expect them to actually be ready when you arrive. I've waited 20+ minutes past my appointment time every single visit, and they act like it's normal. What's worse is how little they seem to value customers. You're treated like an inconvenience, not a client. Last month, one of the techs cut my finger deeply, and instead of proper care, she put crazy glue on the open wound to close it. It ended up getting infected badly, and she STILL charged me even more than I've ever paid there before. To top it off, the staff openly talk badly about the owner behind her back, which really speaks to how unprofessional and toxic the environment is. This place is not clean, not consistent, and not worth your time, money, or health. There are too many good salons out there to waste your energy here. Avoid it. read more

The manager did my manicure and it was great! She listens so well, and it was a quick and peaceful experience. I will definitely be a returning customer read more

I've been coming here for years, they are my favorite salon in Carlsbad. I usually just call ahead and ask if they are busy or if I know when I'll be available, I'll make a reservation. Definitely don't just try to walk in because they are always busy. They have newly remodeled and upgraded their furniture. Everyone here is very friendly and they take their time and don't rush!! I've found that some nail salons are in a rush when they have customers waiting but here, they give you quality time and work. read more

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8/17/22 I came in last year for a mani and rediscovered this salon again today. The owner is a doll and she does a great job with hands and feet! read more

The worst manicure I have ever had. It was so embarrassing I had to get them redone somewhere else the following day. they refused refunding . I would not recommend this place, unless you were my worst enemy. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

It's always busy here, even when you have an appointment they take literally everyone!! They will pause your service to start on someone else. I'll get a service in less than 45 mins because they go so fast, even when it's not busy. They want high turn over. I went in to get my toes done for my birthday dinner and she did horrible. She didn't soak off the old gel/ acrylic and she nicked my toe. The shape is all bad, I confronted Lena I believe is her name because the lady I had didn't understand me nor I her. And she got super attitude with me and made it seem like it was my fault and didn't even give me a "I'm sorry you're not happy with your result" just got all these excuses. I will not be going back. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Best nail salon in Carlsbad Village. Great gel pedi/dip French. Brand new chairs and equipment, super clean with knowledgeable employees. Go relax and enjoy, I did read more

Popular Nails - The BEST nail salon in Carlsbad Village Pedicure chairs so comfy, new equipment and employees are really friendly.Go relax and enjoy. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This was my second time going to this location (recently moved to the area, mid 20s) and the first time, I had a great experience. I was in and out really quick, especially for a Sunday, and they did a great job with my gel pedicure. I did notice that they do overcharge, but looked past it because of the great job they did. I went in recently to get dip manicure and gel pedicure and it sadly was one of the worst nail experiences I've had. They were not that busy, however I felt that they were not being as attentive. I had dip on my nails before coming in and usually they take it off or I soak my nails in a bowl with acetone. They had told me to remove it myself while I was getting my pedicure and I was a little caught off guard. I had had my nails soaking for about 30 minutes now and they gave me things to remove it myself. Acetone on your fingers itself for that long wilts your fingers and it's just a mess. While I was trying to remove the past dip I had on my nails, the lady doing my pedicure was all over the place. She was only filing 1 or 2 nails, barely did any cuticle work, and I had also paid for the Deluxe Pedicure ($35 just for the work they do on my nails, not including it being gel nail polish). The other nail technician sitting next to her was also looking at what she was doing and it kind of reassured me that I wasn't being extra picky. When getting home, I had noticed that I have the last clear layer on my toes on only one foot and not the other. I had been sitting in the chair for over an hour as well. When it came to my dip manicure, I had chipped my right thumb nail prior to coming in for the appointment, so I asked the technician if she can file all the other nails to the same length and file out the chipped area. The chip is still there, even after asking for it to be filed about two times. The dip and clear nail polish had somehow stuck to my hands itself and my hands were covered in black nail polish. The technician was kind of giggling about it and I tried to not mind it, but it was all sloppy. Overall, I spent $95 on both services. The technicians seemed rushed when doing my nails even though the salon was not busy and I had set my appointment a couple days prior. They overcharge for certain services and I would have expected the service I received to amount to the price attached to it. I usually never write reviews unless it's necessary and sadly, this was necessary. read more

Popular Nails - The chip I had prior to coming in and had asked multiple times for them to file out to make even. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

They didn't know how to remove the gel color; the used the sanding machine on my toes and fingers cause I g pain from the heat it was creating. They cut into my cuticles too much causing them to bleed. It seemed like they just wanted to get people in and out as quickly as they could. read more

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Stephanie, Angie and their team are amazing! They are so friendly and always do a great job, love coming to see them!! read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This has become my go to nail salon! They're extremely accommodating, super friendly and sweet and they do amazing nails! I've been coming here for a few years now and have never had a bad experience. read more

Popular Nails - "Christmas Red" for the holiday season... and the shape is on point! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I was in town for the weekend and just randomly picked Popular nails for a pedicure and my friend had a pedicure and fill. We got right in at our scheduled time and the technicians were very efficient and did a great job. I would definitely come back when in the area again. read more

My manicure was painful. The tech ran the buffer over my fingers and all my fingers hurt for a day. I have two injuries from my manicure as well. I will not be going back. read more

Popular Nails - The tech ran the buffer over my finger several times resulting in a scab - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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They looked pretty good at first but the first one broke 3 days after I got them done and then every other day after that one more broke. So how I've had them on for about a week and a half and only have 4 nails left :( read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I had an appointment at 10:30 on a Saturday, the salon was busy but they all seem to move very fast. I was in the chair at 10:35, didn't mind waiting at all. Vivian did a full set French Tip on my nails and a polish change of white shallac on my toes in a little over an hour. Great service and it cost me $75 without tip! The place was clean and very sweet staff! I will be going back! Thank you! read more

Popular Nails - Full Set French Tip - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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My daughter,granddaughter and I went here before Christmas to get our nails done. Overcharged us. Nails smudged after waiting a full day to wear shoes. Went back to.speak to the owner who was busy at time. I showed her my receipt from my online banking and dated photos from my phone. She asked me to write the services I had down on paper with my phone number and she would call me. Well, as you can guess, she never called. Don't waste your money here read more

Popular Nails - One day later - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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They are always available, they take walk ins and they do a perfect job. Customer service is superb! Huge variety of colors and fully staffed. They are fast and friendly. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love going here they take walk ins Many different colors to choose from Prices are right. I highly recommend this place read more

My friend and I came here to get our nails done for a wedding, and they did a great job. Price was fair and the women were really sweet. They have a few different options, including gel. I'd advise getting an appointment, as it gets really busy after 3pm! read more

The staff are warm, friendly, accommodating, and skilled. I trust them so much I even say "whatever you think looks good" and relax while they make me look amazing. I get compliments on my nails daily!! read more

Love this place, we came early because it's always packed.. when we first got to town July 1 we brought our 14 yr old granddaughter for her brows to be waxed.... several days later we brought her back for a gel manicure. Today we came in for a pedicures.... we did the "The Heavenly" pedicure and loved every minute of the hour they played with our feet. Thank you, see you next time!! read more

Popular Nails - Nice spa! - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Had an appointment at 2:30pm on Friday with two girl friends and we weren't greeted at the door or anything. After awkwardly standing there for a minute while the staff continued to look at us, I finally said we have an appointment and ask how long it would be as it didn't look like anyone was leaving anytime soon. Another woman who came in around the same time said she was grateful I asked because she had a 2:30pm appointment as well. They said it would be about 10 minutes. We were seated till 2:50pm. Dinged one star. I'm not sure of the gentleman's name who worked on me but I showed him a picture of what I wanted, which was another customers photo from here and he looked at it twice and was able to get it pretty close to what I was looking for! Full set, powder nails (two colors - pink and white) was $50. He was nice and I feel like this wasn't that bad of a price so they redeemed their stars. read more

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Positive- they were always able to fit me in and had good operating hours compared to other local salon. Some staff were amazing and others were just ok. read more

I was recommended this place by a friend. I arrived on time and was taken in maybe 10 minutes after I arrived. I wanted my acrylics removed & a gel manicure. The lady removed my nails painfully by shoving plastic underneath the nail rather than soaking them in acetone and filing them off. She then cut my cuticles on my pinky & ring finger which proceeded to bleed pretty badly. She put glue on it which burned to try to stop the bleeding. My ring finger continued to bleed over an hour after I left. I won't be going back after this experience. read more

Popular Nails - Cuticles cut and red on my Ring finger and pinky finger - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I used to love this place! I went in yesterday for a 4:00 appointment for a pedicure and dip manicure. I waited 45 minutes just to get sat down. Then, they said they would work on my nails at the same time as my feet to "get me out of here" since I had been waiting for so long. I was hoping to enjoy my time there. They rushed through everything with me and somehow got gel on my finger. I was thinking it'd eventually wipe off so it wasn't a big deal to me, but they ended up using the nail drill to try and take off the gel stuck on my finger! This completely took off a layer of my skin (see picture attached). They didn't even apologize. Not to mention, the lady doing my feet used the buffer so hard on one of my toes that it started bleeding. She just squeezed it so it would stop. I'm overall disappointed with my experience and definitely not worth the 100+ dollars I spent. read more

Popular Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Popular nails is my go to nail spot! Not only do they always get me an appointment when I need one, the employees are so sweet every time I come in. My nails come out perfect every time, whether it's acrylic with designs or just a simple mani/pedi. Shout out to Lena for doing my nails so beautifully for so many years. Highly recommend it! read more

Popular Nails - Acrylic nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I echo the sentiment of some of the reviewers here. The ladies really rush you and don't take their time. They were very harsh with my cuticles and now some of my cuticles are swollen and peeling. I am worried one of my fingers is infected. I am 90% sure they weren't using sterile tools either. As a physician, I should have known better because I have seen patients with terrible infections because of improper handling of tools between clients. I do not recommend this place. read more

I really enjoyed Lena's company. She was very sweet and able to get me in with only a few minutes wait. Thank you for my birthday nails! read more

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