We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful! We had such a great experience at Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo! I got the cutest Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny OPI nails, and I am absolutely in love with the color combination. Jennifer, the manager, was so warm and welcoming. she brought us tea and a brownie, which made the experience feel extra special. She was also super knowledgeable and immediately knew the exact colors I wanted. The service was amazing, great massage in the pedicure the atmosphere was relaxing, and everyone was so friendly. I left feeling pampered and happy with my nails. Highly recommend Universe Nails Spa, and thank you Jennifer for making my visit so wonderful! read more

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I've been going here for many many years. I'm so pleased with the treatments, nails and brows. The girls are so friendly and efficient. The salon is always impeccable and welcoming. From a very friendly greeting at the door to end of treatment. Adding the hot wax to my hands has really helped keep the moisture in when the cold sits in. I've had a lot of surgery around my neck and the girls may give me a little extra massage which makes my heart warm. Happy holidays to All the wonderful staff. read more

I've been getting my nails done every 3 weeks for the past 8+ years.. this was the second time I've been to Universe and I decided to get Gel X which usually lasts 3+ weeks but some how after just 1 week, 3/5 nails just popped off?? I decided to remove the remaining 7 nails and they all came off super easily, and super fast which is pretty much unheard of for a week old Gel X set. Considering how expensive they were, I'm pretty upset. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Adhesive wasn't properly attached to the nail - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Been coming here regularly for a couple of years now. Julie is amazing! Detailed, gentle, and patient. She also gives amazing foot massages! Salon is spacious and clean. read more

I rated this low because they had NO empathy for me and blatantly just didn't give AF, about me after what happened. I went there as I have previously, to get my gel polish removed and new gel polish put on but today the stuff they used to try and take my gel polish off was really stinging my fingertips. I couldn't handle the pain so much so that I took a break and was just going to use the scraper tool and file myself for awhile until my fingertips calmed down. The lady wouldn't let me use the manual tool she had been using on me so I was left to just use the big file. Then I asked if she could finish them for me and another lady said no, it takes too long. I said I'm willing to pay for the extra time it would take her to take the gel polish off. She refused and also added, because I was using the file they wouldn't be able to do the polish pretty for me. They had a handful of workers not doing anything and it was before 6, still and they close at, 7. I already had taken off the gel polish from six of my fingers myself. They were just going to leave me in the distress I was in with my fingernails looking terrible and were more interested in trying to get me to come back another time. The owner and the person I like to do my nails Jade, was not there that day. The lady I was talking to didn't realize I had been there multiple times before and had the same way done to take off my gel polish before. I will NEVER go back to this shop again and how F'in dare they treat me like shit! My daughter's graduation is this weekend too and for human beings not to care like this, they no longer are human beings to me. I now have no care for these objects. Whatever happens to this business is what they deserve. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - This is how they left my nails. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Love coming here! Excellent work and fast! Very reasonable prices, clean, and efficient.

I always come back to Universal nail spa for many reasons. Location, cleanliness, friendliness and professional, manicures and pedicures that make me feel like I was actually pampered! Jennifer (owner) makes sure that everybody is well taken care of. Rose was my pedicurist today. She was exceptional in making sure I felt relaxed with a long foot & calf massage. And perfectly polished Nails! $45 for a spa pedicure within an hour or just a bit over. Bargain! I highly recommend you go to this "universally" wonderful nail spa on 25th Ave in San Mateo! read more

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I had an amazing experience with Julie and Trinh. They were both incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they gave the best hand and foot massages I've ever had! So relaxing! Julie did a fantastic job taking care of my ingrown nails. I usually get them pretty bad on my big toes, and not many techs know how to properly handle them, but Julie really knew what she was doing and took great care of me. Trinh also did an excellent job on my Gel X nails, this was my first time ever trying them and I was not disappointed at all. This is my second time coming to this salon, and it will definitely be my go-to from now on. Highly recommend! Great customer service. Mind you they offer you water and or tea as soon as you get seated read more

Universe Nails and Spa - GelX nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Top notch service-Very clean and friendly. Julie did my pedicure and I have no complaints. She took her time and I was able to relax and enjoy the moment. I decided to try the GelX nails while sitting there. I was not disappointed, I waited to write this review I wanted to see how long everything would last. It's been a month and I'm still going strong. Definitely recommend this place. read more

I came here as soon as the salon opened at 9 on a Saturday morning. The shop was cute and very clean. I was seen right away by the first available nail tech. To start off, the nail tech went straight into buffing my nails before prepping the set. I'm used to other salons trimming my natural nails and filing before buffing. The tech was a little rough. I showed my reference photo and my original tech had someone else do the floral design for me. The tech who did the floral design, Tina, did a great job and paid good attention to every detail. She was meticulous, efficient, and if she didn't like something she'd start over. My set came out so cute I was excited. My sister was helped by another nail tech and did not like the service. She explained in full detail that she wanted an ombré set with a coffin shape and the tech continued on. The color, the blend, and the shape weren't to my sister's liking. The nail tech started over again on the set and added filed the nails more then added more sparkle than what was asked. My sister was not pleased with the set and tried to explain what she wanted and ultimately left to another salon after. For my set, I was satisfied. However for my sister's set, she was not. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Gel X set with 3D art - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I have never been disappointed at Universe Nails. It's always so clean. The people are so nice and professional and always do a good job. read more

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Been to a few places in San Mateo and this spot is definitely in my top favs and will be coming back. I came in and got a Universe Pedicure and Jay took great care of me. They really took their time and attention to cut and clean up my cuticles and the massage was sooo relaxing. They definitely don't make you feel rushed here :) read more

I got Gel X by Jennifer and they are the best nails I have ever gotten! She made sure to catch every single detail and I left with the most clean and perfect nails. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Staff is nice but the lady doing my fingers, kept filing my skin around my nails and the pedicurist kept picking at my toes with a cuticle remover and made me bleed, then put polish remover or something on the cut. no one has ever picked my toes so much, nor do i think i required that much picking. Not sure I will be back. read more

Best feature of this nail shop is the later than average store hours. The nail color selection also diverse enough I can always find a color that I find cheerful and happy. I one time tried the GelX nail and liked the results. I love getting foot massages. Never disappointed. read more

I love this place and have been coming for a while. However today I went in and the technician over filed with the drill and went right through my nail, didn't notice, and continued as normal. I said it stung, and called over the manager to show her and she said she didn't see anything. I clearly had a hole in my finger nail. Photo attached. She said to just put builder gel over it... an open wound. I said no. Ended up getting regular polish not gel to avoid contact dermatitis. Then to top it off nobody apologized, and I got charged fully for the service, $10 over what was clearly stated. She lady ringing me up said $30 and i said ok. My bad for not checking before i tapped my card but I ended up getting a $40 charge on my bank account. Sadly will never be coming back. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Universe is the only place I go in the area. They put the most effort and detail into the service. My cuticles are always extremely clean. Julie has absolutely saved me with a terrible ingrown nail. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I always have an amazing time at Universe! Tiffany did my gel x set and i'm obsessed with them. She was kind and so talented. Mai did my pedicure, and was also amazing. Cannot recommend this place enough!! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've been going here for manicures and pedicures for quite some time and finally writing a review. Julie gives one of the best pedicures I've ever had. Everyone is friendly, it's very clean, and Julie is spectacular! read more

I have been going to Universe Nail Salon since it opened its doors 20+ years ago. They have always been accommodating to walk ins. Over the course of the last few years I've been dealing with fragile nails and they gave me recommendations on getting the stronger. I've been getting fills on gel x nails for the last several months and love the look and quality of work. They have been kind and do great work! An hour of some quiet time to myself while getting pampered has been a treat. The salon is clean and you can tell that they use good quality products. Thank you to the team for always making my nails look pretty! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Gel x fill - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

First time at universe nails and I was really happy with my service today! Jennifer was so nice and really paid attention to detail. Such a relaxing experience will be back I'm sure read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I was desperate for a pedicure but as the sole of my feet were hurting from a corn. My usual nail salon was closed and I stumbled upon this place. They were reasonably priced and clean so I gave it a try. I was thoroughly impressed with the service. Julie was very knowledgeable and removed my corn and the pain was immediately gone! The foot massage was also amazing, they slather your feet and calves with scrub, oils, lotion. The works! I walked out with pain free, soft and smooth feet! I'll definitely be back! read more

Quick summary: * $105 for gel mani pedi - fair price point and they look great (especially my white toes) * Kind service - providing tea/water and treat * Comfortable massage with oil & lotion * Nice and clean interior with soothing instrumental playing in the background A bleeding cut on my nail bed while trimming cuticles, but it's okay it happens - the lady apologized. One thing to note is that is that the LED lights for gel mani pedi BURN - they're quite strong. Overall enjoyed the results and would come back! read more

I would leave less than 1 star if I could! STAY AWAY! They buffed my nails so long and so hard the completely DESTROYED MY NAILS!!!!

My husband and I are elderly and can no longer easily trim our finger- and toenails. We read Yelp reviews for nail salons in San Francisco and found too many negative reviews. We actually tried several salons in San Bruno and Millbrae and had terrible results: nails were trimmed unevenly and polish on my toes was applied sloppily. We checked Yelp reviews further down the Peninsula and decided to try Universe Nails Spa in San Mateo. The salon was bright and clean, music was calming, and the staff was attentive and friendly. They did an excellent job of trimming and smoothing our nails. A leg and hand/arm massage is included with the price, and we left feeling relaxed and happy with the results. We plan to visit them again every 2-3 weeks. There was plenty of parking and it is zoned for two-hours free. read more

extraordinary massage and super sweet ladies! Kim is so kind! great nail place such kind people and no wait and excellent gel read more

Just had a pedicure from Julie at Universe Nails. She is very thorough and gives an immaculate pedicure. I couldn't be happier. Highly recommend! read more

Helen did an amazing job! I'm very particular about my nails and she didn't mind making any adjustments I asked for. I can't wait to get my next set done by her. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Color: "mother earth" - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Amazing place! Highly recommended! I was passing in a few salons around I wasn't happy with the work. Thank goodness I found this amazing place! The girls are very welcoming and professional . Place always clean. Jin is my girl for manicure and she is the best! The pedicure here very spoiling and professional! I really love coming here! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Jin work - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

This was my first time going to this nail salon and I was mind blown! I had asked them if they were able to recreate a nail design I had seen online and they were able to do so. I was very impressed I would definitely recommend them! 100/10 They were also very friendly! read more

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I came in for what should've been a simple, no-polish manicure and pedicure--and left with damaged nail beds, thin peeling nails, and deep regret. Let's start with the pedicure: the technician was gentle and did her job adequately, but for the bare minimum (no polish, no extra services), the price point was absurdly high. $90 for both mani and pedi should come with at least competent technique, if not some level of polish or massage. The real issue was the manicure. The technician who handled it was aggressive, careless, and clearly rushing. Rather than using proper soaking methods or a gentle file, she resorted to aggressively dremeling down my natural nails three times. She had me soak my entire hand in a plastic bag of acetone (which is not only outdated but damaging), and then went back in with the drill again. I experienced repeated burning sensations on my nail beds to the point where I had to physically pull my hands away. What's worse--she didn't even shape my nails. At all. No smoothing of edges, no evening out. Just brittle, uneven, raw nails that are now visibly damaged. I left with my hands looking worse than when I walked in. See attached photos for evidence of the completely avoidable trauma inflicted on my nails. It's clear they prioritize speed and turnover over proper technique. Until they invest in proper training and customer care, this is a hard pass. I won't be returning--and neither should you. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Absolutely Not Worth the $90 - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This nail salon runs seamlessly by a team of professionals who are extremely efficient and talented, and all work together to keep the premises pristine. The comfort and hospitality is definitely noteworthy, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. read more

I was very happy with getting a fill done with Tiffany. I showed her a picture to give her an idea of what I wanted to get done. I let her do her thing and they came out really nice. I have been looking for a permanent nail person and I think I found her. I will be making an appointment with her next time. read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nails by Tiffany - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

That is such a bad nail. I was going there for about 1 year. And when I went there 2 days ago, I wanted to have acrylic gel nails done. It is important for me that the gel on my nails looks thin and natural, and I always remind them of this. And since the person who did my nails did not speak good English, I translated it into his own language so that he could understand. Speaking the second language is difficult when you're just learning. I have great respect for this. After I turned on the translator and put my phone to the microphone to understand him, my phone showed me how rude the staff were talking about the customers among themselves in their own language. This is very rude! I felt really bad. I just waited for him to finish my nails and wanted to leave. The worst nails I've ever had in my life! I made my payment with tips. When I saw the manager at the register and told her I didn't like the nails, I saw how sad she felt. But that is what it is. she offered to fix it for me next time. This is okay, but no matter what, she shouldn't have sent a customer with these terrible nails i paid 100$ for that. read more

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I have yucky hands but my new XL gels have me feeling so festive and hot! Lovely place and owner..nail artists are so talented and sweet. The atmosphere is so welcoming and beautiful. And drop ins are always welcome! You always feel pampered there but not paying high spa prices. Xoxo read more

Universe Nails and Spa - New gel xl nails... love. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Out of town and came across this place. It is Very clean and friendly staff. I came in before closing and they were hospitable. Thank you David and Jennifer! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

I just went today for a last minute manicure and pedicure. It was the best experience I've had in a long time. I've not been able to go to my place of choice because my schedule doesn't allow it due to my commute. I wish this place were closer to home but it is not. It was a very relaxing hour plus. read more

My whole family came here this week to get pedicures. We all loved it! I have been coming here since high school many years ago, but it was my husband's and in laws' first time. They had a great experience. Very relaxing, and wonderful job done. The polish looked great. I had Annie, my mom had Be. They're both so sweet and we loved them! Definitely coming back! read more

Jennifer was wonderful and paid close attention to the details. Definitely have my new nail place in the Bay Area!! read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Builder gel set - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California

Thank you Hannah and Nina for a great day of treating myself for my birthday! Hannah did gel x for me while Nina gave me a gel pedicure. Hannah is very detailed. She took her time with prepping my nails and was very sweet. Nina not only did great with my all white pedicure, she gave an amaaazing lower leg and foot massage. Much needed after my 12 hour night shift, as an RN, last night. Thank you ladies! Will be back to see you again read more

Universe Nails and Spa - Gel X by Hannah - Nail Salons Near Me - San Mateo, California