This nail salon checks all the boxes--friendly staff, spotless space, efficient service, and very affordable pricing. I come here every month for my pedicure, and it's always a consistently great experience. The team is welcoming, the appointments run on time, and I always leave feeling pampered without breaking the bank. It's become my go-to spot and one I'm happy to recommend. read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - New pricing as of December 2025 - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I'm so disappointed - I even asked the nail tech to reshape to make nails even and not square and still ended up with this. Crooked, polish on the skin, lumpy and uneven gel. Will not be going back read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - :( - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Poor gel manicure Polish left on skin - he tried to file it off and chipped a finished nail Thumb has so much polish - smudged and new coat to dry a third time read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I absolutely loved Tropical nails! I do believe they are closed . I've tried calling Tammie the owner and her number doesn't go through. I went there and they have everything under construction Painting. Hoping they reopen under the same ownership. read more

The staff was so great. I only recently started getting pedicures as part of my care for diabetes, Mai was careful and gentle, did an amazing job, highly recommend Tropical Nails read more

Terrible! Acrylic fill and gel pedicure Toe nails filed weird and sharp Acrylic is bumpy and gel polish sandy and overlapping into skin read more

Been going to Tropical Nails for years! I love the whole team. They make sure I always walk out loving my nails ‍ read more

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This place is truly a hidden gem for Facials. Christine is 'beyond fabulous' with magical hands. I took a chance with this place but I am really glad I did. I am now a regular taking monthly facials for 60 mins for 60$. They switch between hot and cold treatments and everything smells divine. My skin feels richly hydrated. This is a good treat for self-care and pampering your dear ones. Highly recommend !! Big shout out to Christine read more

Yesterday(12/29/24)my friend and I went to get our nails done, and it turned out to be a terrible experience. We had both booked appointments a day in advance, and when we arrived at 11:30 a.m. (their opening time), we were the only customers there. The pedicure was okay, but everything went downhill when they started working on our nails. I showed them a picture and clearly requested French nails with black tips. However, they used white nail color instead of the nude pink base I expected. When I pointed out the mistake, the technician applied nude pink nail polish instead of dip powder, which wasn't what I wanted. The nail shape was also poorly done. She didn't listen to my concerns and rushed through the process as more customers arrived, clearly prioritizing walk-ins over my service. To make matters worse, my nails have already started peeling today. As for my friend, they completely misunderstood her request. Her nails ended up super short, far from what she wanted, and the shape was terrible too. Also the worst part is they are forcing us to convince that the nails are looking good. The service felt rushed and unprofessional, as they were more focused on accommodating walk-ins than providing quality work. We both paid $260 (including tips) for this awful experience. On top of that, they made inappropriate comments about us, which was disrespectful and rude. I'll never return to this salon again. read more

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From start to finish my experience was poor. The staff fight with each other loudly in the salon. The salon is very old . The guy that did my nails suggested doing acrylic because I have thin nails so I said ok. He didn't use a new cuticle cutter and I said him to sanitize it. Next day 2 nails popped off. Definitely won't be coming here again. $50 for such poor work and poor experience read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Acrylic with gel nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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This has been the best nail service I have received hands-down! Highly recommended. Do not waste your money anywhere else. Everyone is super friendly, including the owner. I recommend Tammy for design. A very relaxing environment. read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Those are my nails! - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is close to my house and it's been a while since I've been there so thought I'd give another try. Won't be back. The man who performed pedicure wasn't friendly, did a very sloppy job painting (polish all over the skin of my toes) and there really wasn't a massage at all. So disappointed as I want our local businesses to be successful and I love supporting them. Bummer read more

Good service, and great staff for the value. Accommodated walk in request as well for a regular manicure

Tamay was amazing she did a fantastic job on my nails the service is EXCELLENT! I came in for a French tip design but originally I wasn't pleased with how my nails came out - but Tamay was so sweet and kind towards me. She removed the old nails and fixed it my nails with NO ISSUES! I highly recommend this nail salon if you want EXCELLENT SERVICE they will make sure you walk out very happy! read more

Went twice. 2 different people. Both times all we asked for was application of gel polish. They couldn't manage to get it on right. Both times the nail polish came out wavy and uneven on some of the nails. This is a basic service and someone working at a nail salon should be able to apply it correctly. There were two other people working there so you may have better luck. read more

I found my new nail salon!! I came in after work today requesting purple ombré. I showed Tammy a picture and she had Linda do my nails. She did an amazing job!! She made it look so easy, which I know it wasn't. They really cared about getting it right and making sure I was happy. I am definitely coming back and bringing my two daughters with me! read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Purple ombré - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love this place !!! Kevin is awesome listens to your needs and shows his talent Been coming for 3 months will be back read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nails from Kevin - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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So happy I found this place! Tammy does a great job and the prices are reasonable. Loved my gel nails and design. I showed her a picture and she exceeded my expectations in recreating the look! Chairs are also super comfortable and I liked being able to watch TV while getting this all done. Maybe the new regular spot for me! :) read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Everyone is so friendly and the service is great. The establishment is not fancy but has the massage chair, great people, and good service. A pedicure is $25, add gel for $10 more! I like to treat myself occasionally and this is the place. It is in a strip mall where KFC and Curry Pizza is. They are currently taking card, cash, or venmo. read more

My go to nail spot. I discovered this spot when I was desperate for a mani pedi before an event. I was is happy they had an opening in their schedule for me. Ever since then I keep coming back. Sundays they're schedule is pretty open for walk ins but always better to call ahead and schedule if you can. But overall they welcome walk ins and will do best to accommodate you. Hope to see you there! read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Inside the nail studio - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This was my 3rd time here, the first two times were fantastic. I unfortunately didn't get the name of the guy who did my nails the first two times. - No cuticle care - Instead of filing down the lifting, she used a LOT of NAIL GLUE , so much so, it got onto my skin - Look at the polish - Look at how uneven it is - Look at how my nails are shaped. I don't understand how this is acceptable. I've to go somewhere else to get them fixed now. read more

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I was visiting my daughter in Irvine and she recommended this place. I made a reservation and when I arrived I was taken immediately... no waiting around ... loved that. The lady did a wonderful job on my nails. The fill looked great. read more

I can't recommend this spot for a couple major reasons: 1) during manicure, the technician used a buffing block quite fervently and broke the skin under my nail, 2) during pedicure, the technician got out a microplane (essentially a cheese grater) to remove callus - these tools can't be cleaned properly and are a big no. During my visit, two people came in requesting a nail repair which was also not a good sign. They are nice here, but I wouldn't come back. read more

Great service. Lauren did my nails and she was great! - good price great experience. I got a design and my boyfriend had is cuticles cut read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great service! Great outcome! Did gel nails and pedicure it was $65 total. Worth every penny. read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Tammy Tammy Tammy has done it again. I came here after seeing someone with great nail art. I have gone to Sugar Coat for three years but art and extras is off the table. Tammy is a visionary and a true nail artist. She accepts design requests with enthusiasm and problem solves with a can-do approach. I've officially changed salons. read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Center radial dip ombre by Queen Tammy - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I had a nice experience at Tropical Nails. It's not the fanciest place, and there's not endless polish color options, but I do appreciate the printed menu that makes choosing your pedicure service easy! My tech was very professional and gave a good massage (obviously the best part), and I was even offered bottled water. Love the massage chair, too. I got the deluxe pedicure for $35, which seems reasonable. read more

This is our favorite nail salon in Orange County. The staff is so sweet! The pedicures are by far the best we have tried in years! You select your choices off of a menu. There is no pressure. They line their bowls. Clean and nice music. Highly recommend. read more

After 5 days... I spend 3 hours with them, and only keep for five days. Give 2 stars is because the lady was nice, but to be honest, her technique was not that good. read more

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This salon is really excellent has care and great skills with my nails and pedicures. The women are all very nice and fun. You can make a appointment. My facials and eyebrow wax with Christine are really great her big skills. She is a fun lovely woman with a nice personality very fun and friendly. read more

This is the 4th time I come to this salon and unfortunately it will be the last time I go here. I am a dental hygienist so I can't have long nails because I work on patients so I have to be sanitary. I went in today and asked for a simple gel manicure. What I expected was to just have my cuticles cleaned and my nails painted and a hand massage after. What I got was a poor nail paint job and she kept blaming it on my nails being "too short" when I get gel on my natural nail bed all the time. She also cut me pretty badly twice and when I was at the sink washing my hands I noticed and started wiping it, then went back and told her that she had cut me. She started blaming me saying I cut myself at the sink when I have no nails or anything sharp to do so. When I went back to sit she said I was done. I asked her there is no massage? Then she's like oh yes and started doing an effortless massage that lasted less than one minute before she put Neosporan on my cuts and dismissed me. I'm extremely upset with this experience considering this place is right next to my new house and I have as looking forward to coming here more often. I just hope they don't do this to more people. I paid for a manicure when I only should have paid for gel color because the manicure part was not done correctly. After all this I even tried to tip her because I always tip and she refuses my tip because she know she was in the wrong... Please be careful if you go here read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Where she cut me I kept bleeding even after she applied neosporan. - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

So addicted to dip powder! I called around to see who could take me in at such short notice and found Tropical Nails through a friend who comes regularly. They're the cheapest, too at $30. It was a little out of the way but after having had Allen take care of my dip powder manicure, it was well worth the drive. Never had a male do my nails ever before but this guy knows what he's doing. He's detailed and does a clean job. Tammy was also awesome and fun to chat with. A nice entertainment while I was there. Told them I was in a rush and they did their best to get me out of there as fast as they could and with quality work. Removal of old gel or dip powder before getting your nails done is also free and just $5 if removal only. What a gem this neighborhood nail salon is! read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Dip powder manicure by Allen - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love love this nail salon. Tammy is so good and takes pride in her work. All the women are so sweet and if you do happen to get someone else and for some reason your nail chips - Tammy makes it right. Thank you Tropical Nails for a job well done. read more

Very nice ladies that work here. I always come right after work at around 5:15 but they are always welcoming and accommodating. Nancy and Lisa always do my nails, and they are always pull through with the designs I requested. Recommend this place 10/10. read more

I'm probably the most picky customer when it comes to nails... this Salon was AMAZING in EVERY Way!!!!! Not only did they take me at the last minute (literally 1 minute before 7pm) but the work that they did, my nails were a full set, and I also got a pedicure and that was such a great experience too! They even have me leaving in slippers that match the color of my toes! Wow!!! Customer service is EVERYTHING now a days! It's refreshing when I can find a business that does Quality work without OVER charging me. They even offered to give my young daughters a great polish / experience when they came with me.... & the designs are so PRETTY!!!! I recommend this place to anyone reading this who needs to find the best nail shop in Lake Forest area!!! Hands down (pun intended)!!! ~Reyna read more

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I don't usually write reviews at all, but this place is really not that good. I had my nails done last Tuesday which is exactly one week from today (Monday). The nails started to flip since day 2, the techniques of the manicurist that did my nails were not the best. I don't know her name though, she never introduced herself or talked to me at all, she was very quiet. See the photons attached, I can easily peel off the nails today, she didn't even file my nails before applying the gel color (so that the gel would stick), and she colored all the way to the sides. It was just a horrible job done... the two stars are for the wait time, didn't have to wait when I arrived at my appointment time. read more

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First time here. Booked because it's close to home and reviews are good but unsure if I will come back. Pros: 1. Called and was accommodated immediately. 2. Prices are good: $40 for dip. 3. they have a wide selection of dip colors. Cons: 1. No massage or lotion with my manicure. 2. Nail tech (a male; probably Andy based on other people's reviews) nicked me three times: once during my dip nail removal, once during the automated burr filing, and once during the manual filing part. I didn't bleed, but the sharp pain did make me jump each time. 3. Strange and scary dip nail removal process. He literally pried off the old dip by sticking an old thin file in between my natural nail and the dip polish on top. I'm pretty new to dip nails, so I'm not sure if this is common practice, but I'm pretty sure I've seen other dip nail removals where they soak and file off the dip on top instead of this prying method. Not only was it really scary, but I'm pretty sure it's more damaging to the underlying nail bed. 4. Lastly, I didn't like the final shape of my nails. I asked for rounded square and the final result was very square and unevenly so. See photos for reference. Most noticeable on the thumbs where my left thumbnail was almost perfectly 90 degrees square at the edges while the right thumb nail was longer and more rounded at the edges. I fixed the shape of each nail myself when I got home because I didn't want to go through another filing. May come back again to try another tech since this place is so close to home and decently priced and maybe this is a one off bad experience. read more

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They are friendly and have had great experiences here, last two gel pedicures I've gotten have chipped immediately. I most recently gave a last shot and got gel x mani on Sunday 6/2, it has been 5 days and 2 nails have popped off within minutes of each other. So disappointing what a waste of 60$ read more

Tropical Nails & Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Tammy always know the way to make myself look better. She recommended me do dipping nails. And that's how I stop doing acrylic. My nail bed not damage anymore and grow out healthy. The nails in this picture are my real nails. If you're in this area. Come here and give Tropical nails a try. Highly recommended read more

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Cleanliness 10 Talent 10 Customer service 10 This place is truly top tier ! Everyone is so refreshingly welcoming. I felt like I've been coming here for 10 years and it was my first time . I removed my old set and got a full set and my wife got a pedicure. The nail removal process was so gentle and she used the drill . My nails look so natural and the atmosphere was so great the entire time . A man cleaned up 2x in the hour I was there . They welcome walk ins and they aren't too busy. My wife's feet look good and she enjoyed the pedicure massage. read more

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