I visited Protip with my friends who needed their nails done for a special event, so I'm including both of our impressions. The shop is clean and spacious, with a wide variety of colors to choose from for both manicures and pedicures. They even offer chrome and cat-eye polishes, which was a nice touch. Highly recommend Julie! She was super sweet and thorough. My friend was looking for something elegant yet natural looking. Julie made sure she was comfortable and satisfied throughout the process by asking thoughtful questions. read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Lynn is excellent and love that she can do a full set done in an hour. I show her any picture and she has never failed to impress me. Pedicures are awesome too. read more

Went back to Ms. Julie to get my nails done before a trip and of course she stands on business and never disappoints! She's very attentive to requests and details. I almost want to gatekeep her but nooo I'm a girl's girl The place is very clean and bright. There's ample parking in the plaza and relatively close to many establishments. read more

Protip Nails Spa - French tips - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Miss Julie never misses! This would be my second time with her and she did an amazing job. Julie would often ask me for my level of comfort and satisfaction throughout the process. The vibe of the nail salon is very clean and they offer plenty of the current trends (cat eye, chrome, etc). read more

Protip Nails Spa - Off White Chrome - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

One of my favorite salons to go to! They are always so kind and take walk ins! Good quality for an affordable price. They really take their time on their work and I have had my nails done by a different person each time. read more

The service was great what I mean by great is they were nice and the place was cozy. I wanted a oval French tip, I know that the only place we're you can get a really nice French tip is a personal nail tech but I wanted to try a salon again since I needed my nails done asap. The French tips are nice don't get me wrong but they're are imperfections and when I pointed them out they said it looked fine, I still stated it was clearly not even and she let out a breath and mumbled to herself. I didn't mind this tho of course I was trying to get my nails even and I was pointing out the imperfections, now I should have said this before but when the nail tech was shaping my nails I noticed it was clearly leaning when I asked her if she could fix it she politely agreed but didn't fix it because there was no fixing my nails since my finger was crooked. Still pretty nice job. read more

Protip Nails Spa - French tip oval - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been going to this place for a few months without complaint. I went today for just my nails because I have broken toes. They were very busy. The women who did my nails this time was rushing me and forced me into doing acrylic instead of gel. I had gel nail polish on my nails, no tips. I am big about my natural nails. She didn't even use nail polish remover, she just filed and shaved it all off! No care for my nail lining! She made my nails way shorter than what I asked for. She didn't give me an actual manicure. She shaved down my nail to where it hurts. She had new customers coming in and didn't care about me at all. I'm pretty sure she manages this place. She's the one who answers the phone. There are other good nail techs there who are caring. Shame I met her today but she made me never want to go back read more

I have been to this place a few times and this will be my last. I went in for a mani/pedi and to start off she starts cutting my nails without even asking what I wanted ! Also the lady who did my daughters nails kept cutting her As for my pedi the lady cut my cuticle too much making me bleed and even made my toe infected! Had to go to the er and wait four hours to drain the pus, worst pain ever!! Never again will I go back Should've went and got a refund Don't waste your money here! read more

Protip Nails Spa - Be careful - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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I had a full set manicure and pedicure last Wednesday. Unfortunately the lady who did the manicure had no idea how to do her work. It's been a week and my nails look like being done a month ago. She didn't listen to what I was asking her to do and kept doing the wrong work. It was such a waste of my time and money. read more

came here for a dip manicure, but was disappointed for several reasons. i was cut with the drill several times on various fingers and the color came out different on different nails (some were more translucent than others since it was dip powder), nail shaping and sizing was also uneven read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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Lin is great but do not go to Kathy or Mandy. Mandy thinks its okay to put her hands on her costumers. I was trying to point out a color that I wanted for my nails and she quite literally shoved my arm out of the way. And she did NOT do a good job on my nails. Kathy also does an extremely messy job with solid white colored toes. She did not clean up the nail polish on my skin. All the other ladies are extremely nice, but I did not appreciate the unnecessary attitude. read more

Definitely recommend this place to anyone! I specifically asked for Julie and she nailed what I asked for! Not only did she do exactly what I wanted, she is fast and super sweet! I will be going to this place regularly as I left very impressed! read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I really like the way they fit people in without an appointment, I usually always book with Julie but all of them are great and friendly:)

I never leave negative reviews, but theirs a first for everything I suppose.... Don't ask for any changes to be made to your nails if you're unhappy with them. Never in my life have I ever been called "difficult" it's such a shame that the owner did not know how to handle the situation. I had to hire a babysitter to come to my appointment only to be disappointed and we all know how hard it is to get a little time to ourselves. PLEASE stay away from this place. read more

The Nail Technicians always want to do what they want not what you ask for. Thy are super rude. They talk about you in Vietnamese. Today my daughter and I went and the owner and another employee were super rude with us . Don't ever go I would never recommend this place . Not that clean , they are rude, don't listen to you and they are super rough with your nails. Their service is definitely declining. They over charge and their job is mediocre also they are always rushing. The way I was treated today was unacceptable. PLEASE PLEASE stay away from this place. They mistreated my mother, daughter and myself!!!!!!! read more

They always do an excellent job with my nails! The salon is clean, the prices are very affordable, and the customer service is fantastic. I love how they make sure my nails are perfectly even and exactly how I like them. read more

I only gave it a 1 star to be able to post this but it does not even deserve 1.. This was my first and LAST time I come here.. I was nervous on trying a new salon due to my nail tech not being available I was in need of a good mani and pedi for an important event everything was great until I told the nail tech I did not like the way she was shaping my nails . She told me I was being too complicated and difficult? Like hello I am paying for this service !!!! She was super rude and so was the owner instead of setting a good example to your clients you are rude !! Then still expect a tip ??? Tip is earned not just given like that. PLEASE SAVE YOUR TIME & MONEY GO ELSEWHERE!!! I REPEAT SAVE YOUR TIME & DONT COME HERE. read more

I came into this nail salon not too long ago, & have to say I really enjoy the atmosphere. I give this place five stars because of a specific experience I have in mind. I called ahead to make an appointment & was apologetic about being in a hurry. The woman doing my nails actually ended up doing a full set for me in under 40 minutes. No pain, very quick & super cute! read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

This place will leave you feeling worse then before you came & wanting to go to another salon after . constantly talking bad to each other while making nasty looks you can feel the stares and they will cut your fingers up rushing . Save your money and time by going anywhere else . read more

Came for my friend's bday nails and made an appt week prior and even requested for Mandy (pedicure) and Linh (hands) specifically for my friend. Day of the appt, they decided to give her whoever wasn't busy. What's was the point of saying yes to our requests if they weren't going to do it? It was not busy. But my friend was fine said it's fine they do it all the time. Then wheb we choose our colors, KATHY, my friend's nail tech said in viet "Matte is so ugly" and went on about the shape of her nails and so forth. Of course not knowing I'm viet and understood everything. I know all nail techs talk shit, but my friend is a regular, and it's so disappointing to hear this how they speak of her, like can't u just keep your opinions to yourself? I can't even tell my friend because I don't want to ruin her experience. Her nails came out horrible too, super thick and the French tip line was too wide and thick. I wish I noticed it before they were done. read more

First and last time coming here, unfortunately. Got a mani/pedi and paid for extra foot massage. Left with three bloody fingers, one bloody big toe, a mediocre manicure, and half a massage. Service: Three fingers got cut. Things happen, this is definitely not the first time my skin has been nicked while getting a manicure but please Acknowledge when you mess up and express concern when someone's bleeding. Not a single time did they acknowledge when they messed up. Not once did they ask if I was ok. On hygiene: the lady doing my manicure was using her own fairly dirty fingernail to correct the paint job (a lot), on fingers with the open wounds. Also (sorry) but they didn't sterilize the wound/ask me to wash my hands/clean the blood before continuing with painting. My toe: it's full on punctured and I can't put pressure on it the next day. While cutting my nail along the side, she sliced my skin about 1/2inch long. Then after slicing the skin, she drove the tool down HARD (maybe to scoop/remove remaining nail?). Omg the pain. Anyways, if someone has an ingrown nail (I'm guessing that's what it was? I didn't have discomfort before) please ask customers if they WANT it removed. No need to be a surgeon. A quick google search shows that the best thing for an ingrown nail is to cut the nail straight and not dig it out. It bled, it's swollen, I can't stand on it, the stinging pain kept waking me up last night. The massage: paid for 10 minute foot massage. Half the time she spent touching up my nails and avoiding the service. Not worth it. The tip: maybe because they knew their service was subpar, she literally stood over me watching me add tip. Super uncomfortable. Felt bullied. $96 down the drain. Would have made a world of difference if either of them asked if I was ok. Adding a star for the salon being clean and organized looking. read more

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I don't get a pedicure or manicure often but when I do it's always relaxing here. Ask for Tina, she is the best.

Beautiful French tips by Jenny. Called for same day appt and they got me in right away. Would go back if I lived closer :( great pricing! read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Always do a great job with my mani/pedis!!! I've gone for multiple types (gel, acrylic, classic) and I've never been disappointed!! Also very affordable and clean nail salon. Everyone is so nice and it is very relaxing. read more

I love Protip Nails! I have been coming here for about three years with my mom and this our favorite spot. The nail techs always do such amazing work, and efficiently! They are very gentle with my hands. The customer service is amazing, the staff is always friendly and welcoming. I always leave feeling relaxed and amazing! read more

Protip Nails Spa - full set - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Don't waste your time and money going here!! They dare overpriced and don't do what you ask them. The lady who did my toes, cut so deep I was bleeding and she wasn't getting the hint of me pulling my feet back that she was hurting me. My pedicure was done in 20mins, the shortest, fastest pedicure I've ever gotten. My little sister got her acrylic nails done in 30mins, the lady who did her nails didn't even take the powder look down and her nails look very powdery. Don't go here they're over priced and don't do a good job! read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Mandy did such an amazing job on my nails. Will definitely be coming back to this place just for her!! read more

Protip Nails Spa - acrylic nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I hadn't came to pro tip for over 10 years, and now I remember why I don't go there anymore. First off, my pedicure was terrible. She made me bleed on both of my big toes, so painful! Then, Judy gave me such a rushed gel manicure job and she also made me bleed. It's not even been a whole week and my nails are already chipped and have bubbles. I'm so disappointed such a waste of money. Save yours and go anywhere but here. read more

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I got my nails done by Kathy and I loved it! She was very nice and she took her time making sure that my nails were even and not too thick! Will definitely be coming back read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

Horrible service, lady did nothing what I said n had to rip my nails off during the set being done because the worker was doing something I asked to not be done & being super rough telling me how I should do them ask for long nails n she cut them then acts aggressively when I ask to take them off of me instead of the manager stepping in and finishing the set she sided with the other worker instead of making things right horrible place of business. Nice salon tho just rude lady's then she tries to ask me not to leave a bad review you must be crazy . read more

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Love this shop! Place is clean, service is fast. Prices are great! Need I say more. There is ample parking and the staff is very friendly. read more

Arrived on time for appointment and was immediately seated which was great. Everyone was very friendly and nice which made my experience really relaxing. The reason for three stars is because the woman named Mandy who was doing my nails cut me on my nail and tried to get away with not telling me. She then proceeded to file the cut till I really started bleeding I had to tell her to stop because it hurt. My nails turned out great but that wasn't the best experience. She was new so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt but still. Made the whole thing unenjoyable. The nails did come out great though. read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

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I love coming here , it's clean, no toxic smells , and friendly service. Sometimes I show then Pinterest pictures of designs and they are honest if they can do it or not. Or what the process entails and the length of it. They always do a great job and they take feedback well too . For example if I'm ticklish during a pedi they take extra care to be gentle. read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail design inspired by Pinterest - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been here a few times before this visit maybe 3-4 times and I've always felt rushed and left with cuts on my fingers as a result of that. Unfortunately this visit was no different. I came here wanting to get my acrylic set removed as I no longer wanted long nails and was looking to get a dip powder manicure instead. I was sat down and Mandy was the one to "help" me out. We went over what I wanted and she advised me that my acrylic nails were still "good" and she would shave them down to make a more natural look. She also advised me that if I wanted to have the acrylic set removed it would leave my nails very thin which I already knew would happen as this isn't my first time going from acrylic to powder. Mind you I didn't come in with the intention of getting a fill which is what she ended up doing. I also didn't want gel polish and I specifically told her that. The gel polish kept getting pushed on me so much so that I didn't end up getting my nails finished because it was upsetting that something I didn't want was being pushed upon me that hard. The only other option they gave me was to get regular polish which they also didn't want to seem to do as "it would take too long to dry". I wasn't the only client to seem to have the gel option pushed upon. There was another customer getting a pedicure that specifically told them "I don't want gel polish" on more than one occasion yet they were so persistent (more than one nail tech tried to convince her). After the whole ordeal I ended up having to pay $38 for a service that was not finished which I thought was not a fair price but I paid because I just wanted to get out of there. I was also was with one of my friends who ended up paying the same price I did but her nails were completely finished. All in all save your money and go somewhere that will actually do the service you want. read more

Protip Nails Spa - The accent nail is from a prior visit. No top coat, no polish, nothing. End result. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

It was horrible experience with Tina, went there 3 weeks ago at my appointment 5:30Pm, she is so pissed that when she started the pedicure she push really hard the pusher and nail clipper that up to hurt really bad my big toe both left and right. Never again! read more

Been going to pro tip nails for about 5 years Lynn never disappoints Christmas nails for my daughter and I read more

Protip Nails Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

I really enjoyed my experience here! I was a little caught off guard because i had no idea they gave back massages while you get your your nails done? It was pretty relaxing though. The place was actually clean also, and played relaxing music in the background. She was super careful with my nails and double check whatever she did. I felt as though she took her time which is what is lacking from most places now a days. The price is actually pretty decent (25) for a gel mani considering everyone in san jose is now charging 28-30. Def will come here again! 2nd time coming: Had a great experience again! The people here are so nice. :) read more

The only reason there are even two stars on this review is because of the Angel that is Mandy. If you find yourself to have her there,count yourself lucky and tip her well. That being said I wouldn't recommend this salon to even my mortal nemesis. I sent my mom their at the recommendation of yelp and for the first two visits they were nice. That being said today she was treated to the worst service that anyone has ever treated her. A woman named Linh was an absolute nightmare and possibly (most likely) RACIST. I don't know if the owner/manager thinks that berating and insulting clients is a way to encourage business relationships and repeat customers but if so they should rethink that strategy. My mom was completely distraught and humiliated as she was told "I would have remembered someone like you" as my mother stood there checking in for her appointment. I hope this woman is going promptly fired and Mandy is rewarded for all the kindness she showed my mom read more

I haven't gotten my nails done in a year or two due to my previous job. But I was so excited to get my nails done again! I came to this place with my friend and we had appointments at 3:45. I had wanted to get a full acrylic set but I didn't get seated till 4 because it was so busy. Lynh did my nails and did them relatively quickly. But it might've been due to the line behind me. The process was a little harsher than I would've liked. I winced more than three times but I guess it was worth it? Maybe I'm just not used to getting the nails on. But an overall really pretty outcome for $36 read more

Protip Nails Spa - Really beautiful red coffin nails. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Jose, California

my new nail place! My first time here was an amazing experience!! Jenny did my toes i just went for a basic pedi she did an amazing job ! The massaging chairs are amazing Mai did my French ombré with nude and white. I'm really picky with my nails so I am so happy she did an amazing job I didn't have to ask her to get fix anything!! She's my new nail technician. It's so hard for me to find the perfect nail tech I'm so happy i found mai. Everything was very sanitary , they offer water and tea. They have a nice comfy waiting area. It's a good size: Don't mind the ink k got on my nails ;( last night from a broken pen read more