I've had a mix of experiences here over time. When I first started coming, the service was okay, but the quality was inconsistent and the designs often fell below expectations. That led me to write my original review. I was later referred to Nina (ironically, the owner's niece), and her work was definitely an improvement, she has real talent. However , she works at a very fast pace, so the results can still be hit or miss. My most recent design (inspired by the Masters golf tournament) didn't come out nearly as well as I had hoped. The main reason I'm updating my review is due to an appointment I had scheduled for today. I scheduled for 1:30, but she had me down for 1:00, so when I arrived, I was told I was 15 minutes late. I understand the importance of timing and respect (as I used to sell cars and customers often flake), but there have been multiple times where I've arrived early and been asked to come back 30-45 minutes later, which I've always accommodated without issue and end up spending extra money at nearby businesses while waiting. Because of that, it was frustrating that there wasn't any flexibility extended to me for what was clearly a simple miscommunication. Consistency and mutual respect with scheduling really matter to me, especially as a returning customer!! I'm sharing this feedback in hopes that it's taken seriously. I'd like to continue coming here, but only to see more consistency in both service, communication and quality moving forward. read more

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Quick and friendly, gets the job done at a very reasonable price. The techs actually chat with you instead of talking to each other, and as a bonus they have a loyalty stamp card. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Cute Valentines nail art - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Love my experience!! Always the best service! Best gel manicure and pedicure in the area!

Came here on a Friday afternoon, ~5pm, with an appointment for two: mani + pedi. I asked for a regular pedicure and acrylic nails (almond shape). Both experiences were quick, but not in a good way. It seemed like the more people that walked in, the quicker our nail techs got so they could tend to others customers. It's disappointing to feel like someone is rushing your service, especially when you made an appointment. On my toes, you can see that the two coats were not painted evenly and it's not smooth. The acrylic nails I got were done in less than 30 minutes. I've been getting my nails done since I was in middle school, I've never had them done that quickly. The shape of my nails were not consistent across and the nail tech, a man, did not coat the nail completely. When looking at the edges, you could see missed areas and some nails were more narrow than others or had a shape that leaned more to the left/right. Needless to say, I went to a different nail salon the next morning to have my nails redone. Should I have said something during my appointment? Sure! But I didn't, and I hope that I wouldn't have to when paying a chunk of money for a luxury experience. So, I'm giving two starts for the poor performance. I won't be returning to Queen Nails for this matter. Even when getting my brows done, I had to ask for tweezers to pluck a few hairs that were not removed. Again, not a very thorough job when providing service, unfortunately. read more

Needed to update because I've been back for the last year or so. In my opinion, this is the best small business nail salon in the area. Everyone is really sweet, they take their time and do a great job with the manis and pedis. The chairs are new and everything is clean. And there's always a lot of people working so if you ever need to come with a group just call ahead. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Acrylics - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My friend treated me to a mani/pedi at this place on a Friday evening @ 4:30pm. They were not too busy when I sat down, but people definitely started coming in as I was there and I could tell that they started rushing when people starting walking in. I asked for gel toe nails and regular nails. When I told her no gel for my nails, she questioned me why and when I said no, it felt like she was upset and judged me for not wanting gel. When I asked for a sparkly white, she said it wouldn't look good, so I just went with her recommendation. By the time she got to my nails, the place was filling up and she honestly did such a bad job. She did not clean my cuticles well, she did not polish to the edges, and the top coat was clearly haphazardly put on unevenly-- which you could tell once it dried. I had asked her to paint to the edges when she asked if it was ok, but she still did a pretty bad job. Honestly, I just wish that despite the people coming in, they would respect the customer they have in front of them and take care of them to the best of their ability. I feel like I could have done my nails better than to come here. Needless to say, I won't be back. read more

I was a walk-in on a Friday afternoon, and I just felt that my service was completely rushed and my nail tech did not do a great job especially with cutting my cuticles. You can see that multiple nails have been cut too far and it led to bleeding. I understand that as a walk-in sometimes it can create a sense of needing to be rushed, but I believe that you should also treat every customer equally. The nail tech also kept saying, my nails are too short, which I felt that she was trying to blame the quality of her work on that, although I've had multiple gel manicures in the past with my nails this short and have have never seen them this bad.. this is just disappointing. I understand that nail techs have to make money as well so I still left a five dollar tip, but I will not be returning to the nail salon. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great service and cheaper than other nail places in the area!! Loved the selection of the jelly nail colors and I'm happy with the result read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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normally i have a very good experience here. there is one nail tech that did an absolutely terrible job on my nails. i went in for a fill and she cut my nails down with a drill instead of a file, she didnt do any nail prep or base coat and there was nail polish all in my cuticles. also her filing was very aggressive and hurt. when I asked her to remove the nail polish that was very visible in my cuticles she either didn't or did so with a drill instead of nail polish remover. i'm not sure what happened but one day later my thumb started to peel and so I went back in and I had the exact same lady. she re did my thumb nails and once again there was nail polish all over my cuticles. i am leaving very unhappy. i'm very disappointed because normally i have a great experience with other nail read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Literally the best experience ever. My nails are like art and my eyebrows were done very well read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Pale blue nails with snowflakes - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I've been coming here consistently since 2017 and I am honestly so glad that I keep coming back. At first, I was annoyed that there were some inconsistency, but after I addressed it, things got better. Nina always recognizes me and says hello to me by name. My pedicures are consistently great now and the flowers on my toes look beautiful and my polish lasts a very long time on my toes. When I came here to get my nails done before my wedding, Nina personally worked on my nails for me and made sure she got exactly what I asked for. There's also this older woman who does a fantastic job on flowers on my toes. Every time she does it, I'm constantly impressed and happy about the results. The prices are very reasonable and I love that the place doesn't smell horribly of acrylics, it actually smells pretty pleasant. I'm sure leaving the doors open also help as well. read more

This is my wife's favorite spot to get her nails done. She is a regular and goes to Nina once a month. Sometimes I join her to see what the hype is all about. I love how friendly everyone is. Prices are fair. And they go above and beyond with services. Looking for a new nail spot? This might be it... read more

I 100% recommend this place!! I came with my mom and sister and they were able to quickly give each of us a manicure and full sets of acrylics. I was recommended Nick from a friend who has gone here before and he did not disappoint. I gave him a reference photo and he was practically able to replicate it to the very last detail. My sister had Nina and just like mine, they came out just like the reference photo! I am so happy with my nails as are my mom and sister and we will definitely be returning! read more

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I have been to same nail place for seven years and recently moved. I tried Nina at Queen nails based on good reviews. I gave her four tries and kept going back because technical quality was descent. That said, if you question nail shape, suggest three coats instead of two, or in anyway otherwise ask for a preference, you will be met with disdain, curt responses and general rudeness. The vibe is that these people are doing all their customers a favor and they should just take what they're given and pay what they're told. I understand the job must be incredibly monotonous, but never acceptable to take out frustration on paying customers. She really hates her job and is clearly irritated by reasonable requests from clients. I want to relax while having my nails done and instead I feel like I am being judged and barely tolerated. I will no longer be paying to have my nails done just adequately only to be treated like an inconvenience by the staff. Business must be endless if they can treat people rudely and still have enough clients. Very affluent area with mother getting mani/pedis for two 7-yo's just to pass the time on a Friday afternoon so money is no object for the clientele and they seem to tolerate the attitudes. Patronize at your own risk read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Uneven paint on nail. She was so rude, I was afraid to ask her to correct the paint on this finger after asking once for a different finger - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Have been going here since it opened and it used to be much better. Not sure if over the years if it changed ownership. Seems like the product they are now using is of inferior quality or they are not applying as much. Over the last year the Gel polish doesn't even last a week. On last visit, one nail the gel totally fell off the next day. The rest chipped within the week. 3* since technicians are nice. Won't be going back. read more

I'm am so happy that I finally found my nail place! Been to countless nearby nail salons trying to find someone that is good with nail designs, all have been disappointing until I came here. I called and asked for someone that can do nail art well, appointment was easily made on the spot. When I arrived, I showed a photo of what I wanted and she NAILED IT. This has been the first time I'm so satisfied and obsessed with my nail designs. They are truly so talented!! I can't wait to do more nail art with them! read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Holiday nail art - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I was thankful that Queen Nails was able to take me on short notice since I had to get my nails redone before leaving for a trip. Staff was pleasant and friendly. The atmosphere was like most other salons I've been to, though it is a bit dark in there. My only major complaint is that my tech nicked me on multiple fingers with the rotary tool while removing my dip powder. The cuts and redness have mostly healed now a week out, but my cuticles had been sore for days. You can also see in the photos that the gel was applied sloppily. Was an okay experience for what I needed done, and price was great at only $40, but probably would not go back. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Sloppy gel application, nicked cuticles, uneven file on index finger. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I thought really hard about if I should leave a review for this company. But after much consideration, I think I should urge everyone NOT to go here for a gel manicure. I was a walk in on a Friday hoping to get nails done for my bridal shower. I wanted a simple French manicure with pink on top. The nail technician was immediately overwhelmed and frustrated with the request. She frequently rolled her eyes and was being very rude. I ultimately said if it's too hard to do I'll just pick a color. She then didn't give me any time to pick a color. I don't get my nail done often, but this is the worst manicure I have ever seen. The man working there said they would redo my nails for free because he agreed they were terrible. I was ready to tip the second nail technician $40 for redoing my nails (even tho the result was still horrible she was trying to fix the other techs mistake) But she ended up charging me after they told me it would be free! Not cool! I wish I had my money and time back. read more

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It's too bad that I have to leave this review because I've been here many times and brought friends here. There is one lady in there that I don't know why they still have her doing nails or toes because it was the worst manicure and pedicure I've ever had! I took photos and called the same day and they said come back when you're ready and we will fix the problem. It was two weeks ago and I finally have had time to come back After filing my own fingernails and having to take the polish off because after five days it was already almost off every nail, which never happens with a manicure for me. Terrible customer service! I will never go back and I will make sure and tell all my friends to not come back here. This is really bad service when you pay $70 for a manicure and pedicure and it looks like your 3year old did it this is pathetic. I'm so mad that they would not even just fix it. All I was asking for is that they repaint my nails I already filed them and redo the pedicure read more

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Been here a few times. Results are not consistent, no matter how much you explain what you want. They are too busy talking to each other, non stop, just rude, more than other places I've been to. One guy looks at his phone the entire time he's working on his clients nails, that's not good customer service. Time to start looking for another place. read more

Got a set of acrylics, asked for a simple French tip with chrome. Lady was cold, nails ended up uneven, unrounded, and after a week nails have worn down and look crappy. Salon was cute, however hot and stressful. Paid $54 and wished I just stayed home. read more

It is easy to access and you can get a walk in easily. I recommend an appt though. I have tried to get my nails done in lots of places. Idk why but they never stay. With what I do for a living I need my nails to look good. This is the ONLY place I go. I get a pink and white acrylic and I'm happy for weeks. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Pink and white - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My go to nail salon! Nina is the best and my nails always look super clean and perfect! Great price and service is always fast. I always recommend Queen Nails to any of my friends and don't like going anywhere else in San Diego!! read more

My daughter went here a few months ago and saw the guy and her nails were amazing. Fast forward to today. We went to get our nails done. The main lady was impatient in the whole process. She kept rushing and was annoyed that we were 3 min late(every person after me was 5-10 min late due to traffic). She rushed me deciding my color, which needed no rushing because I had just started and needed a full set from scratch. She said she can't wait and she doesn't have time. Meanwhile she had to leave me to take over my daughter's gel nails and two other customers came in saying they had an appt with her back to back. The women doing my daughter's nails barely spoke English. They both seemed annoyed anytime we would ask to fix something, like a jagged nail or polish on the cuticle. My nails were fine but my daughter's were not good. I called to complain and she said I should've asked for the guy(who she also said doesn't do designs, but he actually does amazing designs). This was a terrible experience. If you dare go, ask for the guy. read more

My favorite nail salon in North County. I've been going here for years and they are so nice and talented. Highly recommend read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Glass nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

F THIS PLACE!!! Lady literally ripped my skin off my nail, she filed my skin with full pressure, & left gel nail polish on my skin. I kept saying "ow" & "that hurts" but she wasn't listening to me. I was also overcharged by 10$. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Scabs & blood on three of my fingers. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I really wish I would have heeded the low reviews for this place but I decided to give it a chance anyway, and now I'm regretting it. My nail broke 24 hours after getting gel x done here. I came back the next morning to get it fixed and they refused to make time to fix it for me or issue a partial refund. Beyond that, the skill level here is subpar. I asked for a super basic design and it looked so bad that I asked them to wipe it off and paint my nails a solid color. I also got the most expensive pedicure hoping it would be relaxing but she didn't massage my legs at all. Instead she scrubbed them to the point where it burned and was painful. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail broke one day after getting gel x here. - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I called ahead and asked if I could come in within the next ten minutes without an appointment for a gel pedicure and dip manicure. They told me I could come in and I was seated in less than 2 minutes. The man that did my pedicure gave me the best massage I've ever had at a nail salon. Both were very tedious with my nails and they took their time even though you could tell they were busy. The salon was very clean and they had tons of color options. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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A friend of mine recommended this place, but is not an experience I will be repeating. They did a great job on the color but they trimmed the sides of my toenails to the point that they were bleeding (see photo, it's still healing) and I had a blister from my sandal that they I told them about but they still scrubbed over that was painful. I was uncomfortable in the chair, I wanted to recline but couldn't with them doing my nail full where I had to just lean all the way left with my arm crossed over me. I also got covered in the dust/powder from the electric dremel. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I go to this place almost every time i get my nails done and they are usually not horrible but today i asked multiple time for them to fix what was bothering me about the nails but they didn't make them look any better. In the end they did fix the worst nail but still not very happy with end result. Also when i went in to complain in a nice way other people were complaining about how there looked also. read more

I've had such bad luck with nail salons recently and decided to try this place and now I only come here. Everyone who has done my nails has done an amazing job. You can really tell they know their stuff! read more

Queen Nails and Spa - New Year's Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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the atmosphere was nice everyone was very sweet but i went in asking for the picture with the pinterest background and what i got was acrylic stuck to my finger nail, the french tip was not clean and the stars had streaks of white all over because of no second coat, which I only recieved on one nail, as well as no base coat on any of the nails that are all black with the stars on them. they also have air bubbles all over them and one of them is very bumpy, i liked them until i went back to my car to look at them! Will be going somewhere else tomorrow most likely for a polish change because I am not satisfied whatsoever. As i am in the beauty industry myself, its disappointing to me when it seems like something is half-ass. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - what I wanted to - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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This is my 5th time coming here and their techs do really great. My nails stay on up to over a month! Nina is super sweet and does an amazing job in regard to what shape and color I request. The photos do not do justice to how it looks in person. I am very happy with how they came out and already got multiple compliments the same day. By the way, both photos were taken in different lighting so they look different shades of red lol. Anyways, 10/10 recommend and will continue to recommend this place to other people. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I have been going to Nick and Nina for over 8+ years. They used to be at a salon in Carmel Valley and I followed them to Carlsbad because they were so good. I have always been happy with my nails, Nick can do any design you can imagine. They are quick and reasonably priced and I won't go anywhere else. Highly recommend. read more

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE at QUEEN NAILS & SPA The Forum at Carlsbad"You deserve the royal treatment " is far from what my 90 years old client received.I'm a private caregiver and took my client to NICK whom apparently have ben doing her nails.NICK was nothing but rude to my client and myself he was verbally abusing my senior client!I will be making sure there is an investigation with human services for this! No one deserves t be mistreated specially our seniors! I'll make sure my senior lady keeps having her nails done! SOMEWHERE ELSE! read more

Walked in for a gel pedicure and regular polish manicure. (Weekday at 2) I was welcomed within seconds and got a chair within a minute. Both workers who attended to my hands and feet were polite and sweet. Great massages and attentiveness to detail :) read more

I have been going to Nick at Queen Nails & Spa for about 8 years now and have never been disappointed! I've never had my nails done by anyone that even compared. He's always gotten me in within 10 minutes of an appointment (if not early) and is usually done in under an hour. Queen Nails is now owned by his sister as well and I love supporting a family business. He can match any design i've ever shown him and I can't say enough greats things about this salon!! Go check them out!:) read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Actually 0 stars...they have poor customer service and staff are not honest about the wait-time. A lady told me to wait 15 minutes and after 30 minutes later, I was still sitting there. I left upset. All I heard from a distance was a fake faint sorry. So beware of the wait time if there is one. read more

Had an awful experience at this nail salon. They do not soak off your gel nail polish! They will use the drill and take off half of your nail layers, my nails were sore the next day. On top of that the lady who did why nails ripped off my cuticles, very rough and I was bleeding on 5 of my nails by the time I left. I wanted to get out of there ASAP so I was glad she was quick with painting my nails, although then my nails started peeling off an hour later because she had not properly cured them under the light... when I went back to get them fixed they gave me so much attitude and refused to give me a refund. For being located in such a nice plaza I would avoid this place if at all possible! read more

I have been coming here on and off for about 15 years for full sets and fills. I believe it has changed names/owners over the years but I haven't noticed any difference in service. The prices are fair and I haven't really ever had a problem. Some techs are better than others but that usual at any salon. Nick and Nina are both great. I would recommend making an appointment because it does get busy. Picture of a resent set. read more

Queen Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Carlsbad, California