This is the first time I come into the shop by recommendation. I took my grandma in for a pedicure, we got here a lil early for our appt but they took her in. The shop is small but the service is 5 stars. Keira took such good care of my grandma. She took the time to massage her tired feet and my grandma really enjoyed it. There was no rush not get us out, she took the time to get to know us. The shop is located in a small business center and there is plenty of parking. We got a spot right in the front. They follow Covid protocols and everything is super clean. There are only two people inside doing nails so you don't have to worry about crowding. I highly recommend it! read more

Swans of Aptos - Pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

13 years ago, my nails were in such bad shape, I couldn't find anyone who could help get them healthy again. I had Acrylic nails for years that caused my nails to become so thin they were cracking open all the way down to my cuticles along with washboard ridges. I found Swans of Aptos & Kirk said he would like to help me; unfortunately we did not take before or after pictures. Within a few months while my nails grew out using Fiberglass wraps; I couldn't be happier. Kirk from Swans of Aptos is the only person in the area that does Fiberglass wraps; I call this my surfboard nails. No chipping, very little nail filing & covers 3/4 of the nail that leaves the cuticles & nail bed from being filed. I clean houses & have my hands in gloves for up to 8 hours with no problems with the moisture damaging my nails. I am so grateful for finding a nail salon that does not damage my nails over time. I have NO nail polish chips, lifted or cracked wraps, fungus under wraps, & I can go up to 3 weeks without maintenance. My nails are stronger & always look like I just had a manicure. I can't thank you enough Kirk & to the Owner, Kera, who gives the best pedicure with a leg massage EVER!! Swans of Aptos is a wonderful place to be pampered; Kera & Kirk Swan are siblings keeping the business in the family. I love supporting local small businesses. I love you both. read more

Swans of Aptos - Suzan's Surfboard Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Called on a Thursday and was able to get a next day appointment with Kirk. Arrived to my appointment and was greeted by name upon entry. It was nice to be acknowledged by name since it was my first time there. It is a small, quaint shop. Very clean and organized. Kirk was finishing up with his previous appointment so he directed me to pick a color. There were several to choose from. I chose a color and sat down for a minute while he prepared the water for my pedicure. The service was as expected. The massage, however was exceptional! I got the sugar scrub in addition to the lotion massage. The color I picked came out beautiful! I am very happy! read more

Swans of Aptos - Home relaxing with my gorgeous toes... - Nail Salons Near Me - Aptos, California

Not taking any new clients due to "being too busy" you would think being busy would be a blessing at this time, but Kirk seemed quite irritated. read more

Some days I'm a duckling. A really tired, haggard, ugly duckling. And then I come to Swans, and well... you get it. In my not so humble opinion, this is probably THE place in Santa Cruz county to get your nails did. Please, don't believe me? Read on. I won't claim that Swans is conveniently located, cause it really isn't. You have to get off in Aptos or in Freedom, and then backtrack on the frontage road part of Soquel. It's kind of a hassle if you're in a rush. On the other hand, you should be taking some time out of your day to relax and take care of yourself, so slow down and enjoy the drive. There is ample parking once you find the driveway. Kirk does my nails here, and he is great. Really. From Manila to Montauk, my favorite nail technician is here at Swans. He is so thorough. He doesn't tear at my cuticles. He scolds me for nibbling on my little hang nails (why oh why does he always notice?) He does my french tips by hand, and doesn't go back to "clean" the line. Nails it every time (ya, I got jokes today). My mini-mani usually takes 45 minutes. Given the attention to detail, a steal at $25. Pedicures are equality fabulous here. It's a bit old skool, since they don't keep spa chairs here, but again, with the attention my toes get I can live without the vibrating chair. An hour and $40 later, my toes look like little sea shells of perfection. OPI color, like, all of them. Huge selection of color. For those germ-a-phobs, this establishment is very sanitary. I don't get that icky feeling I might be sharing someones toe fungus here. Ugly ducklings unite. There is Swans of Aptos to save us! read more

Swans was the first place I found back in 2013 when I moved to Aptos. At the time I had acrylic, and when I called them to ask about "fills" they explained that they did gel but not acrylic as you often see in the "quick in, quick out" nail salons. After going to Kera just once, I realized that what made her different from any, ANY other manicurist I had ever been to, was that she focuses deeply on "nail health" rather than just accepting brittle flaking, ridged nails underneath whatever product was laid on top of them. She avoids equipment that creates ridges in the nails, or mitigates the health and strength of nails in any way. If you are looking to rush through, this is probably not the place for you - and you should go to one of those walk-in places (you KNOW the ones I mean.) It's the difference between a hair salon and Supercuts. If you are looking for a place where you can have nice conversations and a relaxing setting where you can actually enjoy getting your nails done with someone actually interested in your well being, comfort and nail health, I could not POSSIBLY recommend Swans more. read more

Great nail salon, love this place! Only gone once, but will definitely go back again. I met with Kirk, and got gel nails. He spent a lot of time on my nails and made sure I was happy with my nails before I left. He was not rushed, especially since each appointment is made ahead of time. My nails lasted forever too before they began to chip, which I often have a habit of doing within a week of getting my nails done. He and his sister Kera have such a cute and charming location in Aptos, will definitely be telling others of them! Their prices are a deal since their quality is nothing but top notch! read more

Swan's of Aptos is THE place to pamper your paws! I have been a client of Kera's for years and continually get compliments on my nails and toes. She's the best! The salon is inviting and comfortable. I enter and immediately feel at home. The toxic acrylic smell that haunts so many nail places is replaced by the scent of cider in the fall/winter, or fresh flowers in the spring/summer. Rotating art keeps the walls interesting. As for the services, prepared to be pampered! Kera uses Shellac nail polish that stays on natural nails for two weeks-- I'm not joking! And I've had the fiberglass nails before-- they're flexible, flawless and fun. It's the pedicures that I love the best. The foot-soaking tubs are always clean (because at Swan's they don't use those cheesy massage chairs with connected tubs!). I'm told the Swan standard is to discard all files after ONE use, too--- now that's clean! No worries of infections and fungus here. Kera's leg and foot massages are divine. It's like sending my tootsies on a spa-getaway! If only I could remember to stop chatting and instead sink into the experience... Visit Swan's of Aptos. If you can't book an appointment with Kera, don't hesitate to try her brother, Kirk, or Michelle- both are fabulous professionals as well. One appointment and you'll be a client for good! read more

Fantastic! Kera and Kirk are amazing and true professionals. The old saw, "you get what you pay for" is definitely true here. If you want a quick mani or pedi that is super inexpensive, this is not your place. If you want a quality pedicure or manicure with a delightful, deep leg and foot massage, meticulous attention to your cuticles and calluses, an interesting conversation, beautiful polish, chocolate treats and other seasonal goodies, this is your place. Plan on spending about 90 minutes of pampering time for a pedicure if you are lucky enough to find an opening. Enjoy! read more

I have been going to Swans of Aptos for over 4 years. The service and attention to detail are amazing and the clientele like family. Scheduling has also been very good as my work schedule has necessitated some revisions over time. Kera, Kirk, and Michelle work well together and have been together for years. Cleanliness is impeccable, and product lines are updated frequently. I always know I can get the answers I need when I have questions. I highly recommend Swans of Aptos! read more

I started getting manicures last year because my nails were splitting, shredding & generally disintegrating. I knew nothing about manicures. After a few gel polishes (at other salons) - which made my nails strong and allowed them to grow - I realized that the removal process was further weakening the nails. Then I met Kera at Swans. She is actively working with me to strengthen my nails, using less harsh polish to protect them and allow them to grow, while also educating me on products to help the growth & strengthening. Thank you Kera! read more

The absolute best shop! You have to schedule ahead but It is well worth it! Small, sweet family run business -Kirk and Kera are quality manicurists who provide an excellent individualized service! Love them! read more

I have had the pleasure of getting my nails done at Swans of Aptos for many years! Besides having nails that are always looking great, the boutique- like salon is pleasant and peaceful! Kirk and Kera are the BEST. read more

Called in looking for pricing on a basic manicure, spoke with Kirk, paint only, no acrylic, no gel. $30!! Most places charge $10-15

I love everything about Swans! Kirk does a fantastic job on my nails. It feels like family there.

Love this place! I had acrylic nails for decades until I got a bad infection at another shop. I was also tired of the brusque, assembly line treatment in other salons. I found Swans and Kirk gave me fiberglass nails. He is meticulous and they look fabulous. They wear really well. He takes time to tend to my cuticles every time. Everything is done by hand, no harmful drilling and I feel like a valued person, not just another set of hands passing through. The place is scrupulously clean and sanitary with new files for each client. Thanks, Kirk! read more

I've been to a few nail salons in Santa Cruz county where you can show up without an appointment, get in line and then are herded around like cattle. No more. I wanted a small, comfortable, and relaxing salon experience where you could actually talk to and understand the person doing your nails. I wanted all this plus beautiful nails at a fair price. I can honestly say my nails have never looked better, and I have never been more comfortable than at Swans. Kirk does a perfect job of fiberglass every time. When people ask, and they do, I am proud to tell them about Swans of Aptos. Kirk and Kera are as good as it gets! read more

I made an appointment and was fortunate to get in the next day. The minute I walked in the door, I felt welcomed and comfortable. Michelle was an absolute doll and she took very good care of me. The most telling thing for me that this mani / pedi salon was a great find is they are heavily booked with repeat customers. I am going to become on of those regulars! I am thrilled to have pretty feet and am glad I scheduled more of the same for the next couple of months! read more

I am somewhat new with Kera at Swans of Aptos and I LOVE her and her fine detail and her very careful sanitation practices. She is very careful, attentive, knowledgable about nail problems and my nails have never looked better. She is the BEST I have ever been to! Worth the money. I had very weak nails that needed a Lot of attention and she solved all my problems. Obviously, I highly recommend going to her. read more

I stumbled upon Swan's on Google maps and was lucky enough to get an appointment with Kera. I felt welcomed and comfortable as soon as I entered their cozy shop. It's immaculately clean and peacefully quiet. Kera did a beautiful job on my hands and feet which had been 6 months since my last professional mani/pedi. I'm now a regular. read more

Michelle and Kera have created a cozy, warm and friendly place in Aptos to get manicures and pedicures. I see Michelle every 2 weeks and always look forward to my appointments as they are relaxing and my nails always last a long time. I definetely recommend checking their nail salon out :) read more

No stars for Swan, I'm visiting Aptos and wanted a fill appointment, a man named Kirk answered and asked what kind of nails I have. I said "gell", he then asked what kind of gell, well, I'm no expert on manicures and the various kinds of gell nails they have, so I told him that, his reply was "we don't do that here and a woman named Cara took over the phone, said they were real busy and suggested a friend at another salon. I called that # and it was disconnected. So if you want a nail salon that won't even take your $'s go to this place, and good luck. P.S. Wouldn't let me post w/o at least 1 star. read more

I've been going to Kirk for over 24 years and he is absolutely the best. I often give gift certificates to my friends and they are always impressed. The atmosphere is friendly. Kera always has advice on numerous topics. I only wish they'd move back to Santa Cruz where we began our relationship. read more

I was a client of Kera's (and I'm still a friend) for over fifteen years until I moved from Santa Cruz to Montana. Words cannot describe how much I miss Kera and the salon. It is such a warm, nurturing atmosphere and sort of like a little social club as well. I made several good friends that I met while getting my nails done. It is cozy and comfy and Kera, being a perfectionist, does awesome manicures. Her pedicures are great and her foot massages are therapeutic. The salon has a full selection of products as well as fabulous pearl and gemstone jewelery and an art display that rotates in and out so the shop is never boring. I would highly recommend the salon and all three of the highly-trained and experienced manicurists. If you take my word and go in for an appointment ~ please give Kera a hug from me! read more

Kera Swan has been doing my manis and pedis for over 15 years. I would never in a million years dream of letting anyone in another salon touch my dainty little digits. No Acrylic poison, no annoyingly loud music, everything clean and comfy...who could ask for more? Come see for yourself, then grab a sandwich at the Palm Deli.This is the ONLY place to go. read more

I LOVE going to Swans of Aptos. I have my Gel manicures done by Kirk Swan and they are always PERFECT. He is meticulous careful. He's also a great conversationalist if you want to chat and funny to boot. I've tried other salons and they never measure up. My gel manicures last and last. I highly recommend Kirk but make an appointment, he's in high demand! :) read more

It's been a while since I've sang the praises of Swans of Aptos. Kirk has been doing my nails since I moved to the area in 1996. His service is fabulous, skills are superior and the environment of the salon is welcoming and fun. I've been here so long, it's like family. After just one visit, you'll feel like this is a place to come and see your friends not just a place to get the best mani, pedi, Shellac or fiberglass nails in Santa Cruz County. Hands down, no pun intended, the best nail treatments you can get in our area read more

Michelle is SUPER cool and does a great job keeping my nails beautiful. She takes a lot of time and has lots of beautiful colors for my ever-changing tastes. I went to her for Shellac because I always bit my nails and needed to be weaned from this dirty habit. It worked! I highly recommend her. Yeah! read more

I always look forward to my pedicures @ Swan of Aptos! this place! They are always on time for my appointments, very profesional, clean and use quality products. Happy toes today! read more

Disappointing experience, especially after reading all these glowing reviews. Maybe the people (like me) who don't go back after the first visit don't bother to review. The "salon" is tiny and dark, alternately too hot or too cold, and the music too loud for such a small space. Not a good selection of gel nail colors and no samples to look at, only the tops of the containers. My old place had fans of plastic versions of the colors which were helpful and a lot more accurate. Don't know about the two women, but sat with Kirk for 90 minutes, all the while he was chomping on a wad of gum and cracking it. Yes, really. An odd environment. The work took longer and cost more -- and with no better result -- than at the places where I lived before moving here. Will keep looking. read more

I have been having my nails done by Kirk Swan for several years and I am delighted with the results. He is fast, clean, thorough, and also a really nice guy, making the time go by fast. I highly recommend Swan's! read more