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    Universe Nails and Spa

    4.2 (740 reviews)
    ModerateNail Salons
    Closed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Services - Universe Nails and Spa

    Manicure

    Manicure and pedicure

    Nail fill-in

    Nail polish change

    Nail polish removal

    Universe Nails and Spa Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Universe Nails and Spa

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    This is how they left my nails.

    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.

    View from waiting area.
    Jeannette S.

    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!

    GelX nails
    Mayra C.

    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

    Gel X set with 3D art
    Abby C.

    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.

    Nail art done by Annie
    Debra B.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!!

    Gel x fill
    Jacqueline P.

    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!

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    4 days ago

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

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    3 months ago

    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!!!!

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    Page 1 of 19

    Universe Nails and Spa Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Universe Nails and Spa

    Julie was very knowledgeable and removed my corn and the pain was immediately gone!

    Mentioned in 99 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

    4.3(475 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Walk-ins welcome
    Free parking

    Moving back to the Bay Area from Utah meant I had to leave behind my nail girl of 4 years so…read morefinding someone new for my Gel X era honestly gave me anxiety lol. I found Linda on Yelp, loved her work, called the salon, and she just happened to be available that same day -- which already felt like fate. And of COURSE... before driving there, I tried swatting a fly on my porch (don't ask ) and somehow broke my thumbnail literally in half. By the time I arrived, I was anxious, embarrassed, and fully preparing myself for pain and disappointment. But Linda immediately made me feel comfortable. If you're someone who gets nervous walking into a new establishment -- whether it's a salon, restaurant, or even a medical office -- you know how important energy and kindness are. Linda greeted me so warmly, reassured me instantly, and handled my broken nail SO carefully that I barely felt discomfort. I genuinely thought my nail was doomed, but she saved it beautifully. The whole appointment honestly felt like hanging out with a friend while getting your nails done. We spent the visit talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. She shared stories about her salon and her team, and you can genuinely tell these are hardworking, humble people who truly care about what they do. That part especially stuck with me. I've always been a neutral nail girlie, but Linda started showing me different styles and ideas that actually got me excited to branch out and try new things again. That's the kind of nail tech you want -- someone who not only does beautiful work, but inspires confidence and makes the experience feel fun and safe. Finding a new nail tech after years with the same person can honestly feel weirdly emotional lol, but I left feeling SO relieved and happy that I found her. Safe to say... I found my Bay Area nail girl

    There are so many nail salons in this area, and I used to come here regularly 2-3 years ago. Since…read moremy usual manicurist in Burlingame is currently on vacation, I decided to give this place another try. Unfortunately, this visit reminded me exactly why I chose to find a new salon. I got a gel manicure and regular pedicure, but the quality of service was disappointing. The technician repeatedly bumped my freshly done nails into towels, then blamed me by saying, "Don't touch the towel!" Overall, the experience felt frustrating and unprofessional. With so many better options nearby, I won't be returning.

    Photos
    Soleil Luna Nail Spa - Gel- X with sparkles and 3D chrome

    Gel- X with sparkles and 3D chrome

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa - Beautiful service

    Beautiful service

    Soleil Luna Nail Spa

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    Bella's Beauty Spa - Chipped on the top

    Bella's Beauty Spa

    4.7(91 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    I came in today for a hard gel fill and spa pedicure. I made an appointment which got me seated…read moreright away. All of the employees I interacted with were super friendly. I was asked if my foot bath water was warm enough, and also if I needed a water to drink during my treatment. Their spa chairs have a relaxing massage feature which I took advantage of. I also noticed that all of the nail techs were speaking in English with one another. Candy did an excellent job on my pedicure. She was extremely gentle and very thorough with her painting technique. The spa pedicure comes with a complimentary sugar scrub, paraffin foot wax, and quick hot stone treatment. My toes came out beautiful! Lyly did an incredible job on my hard gel fill. Honestly it was one of the best, if not the best, manicure I've had in a very long time. We noted that the builder gel from my previous service (not from here) was too thick, and she took the time to make sure that didn't happen today. She was meticulous with making sure my nails were the shape I desired as well as matching on both sides. She was very friendly to chat with. Nail services aren't cheap these days, so it's nice to know you're getting the best of the best here for your hard earned money. I highly recommend Candy & Lyly for your nail techs. Love this place!

    I suggest making an appointment as they get really busy. I got gel mani and pedi. Great service,…read moreclean environment and friendly staff. They definitely know what they're doing. If you bring inspo color and photo, they can help you pick out the perfect color. Definitely coming back here

    Photos
    Bella's Beauty Spa - Top of nail broke off

    Top of nail broke off

    Bella's Beauty Spa - A view of the color wall and waiting area from the chairs

    A view of the color wall and waiting area from the chairs

    Bella's Beauty Spa - Chipped all around the edge

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    Chipped all around the edge

    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

    4.4(113 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$
    Certified professionals
    Women-owned & operated

    I have been going for gel nails for a little over a year. It's important to me that they use…read moreminimal products which means less chemicals. If you have problem nails, soft gel is a great solution. You can't safely fix everything but you can safely have beautiful nails. I enjoy my beautiful nails. If you just want a beautiful manicure with minimal chemicals The Gel Lab is the place to go.

    I recently moved to Foster City and was looking for a good nail salon in the area. This place had…read morehigh ratings, so I decided to try it for a Gel-X removal ($30). Martin assisted me. He was polite, quiet, and gentle with my nails, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the removal technique was not a great experience. My fingers were placed in a tub of acetone and I was told it would be about 5 minutes, but it ended up being about 10. My fingertips became very dry and pruney. In my past experiences, other nail techs typically use acetone-soaked cotton applied directly to my nail and wrapped with foil, which better protects the skin. After the removal, I was asked to wash my hands and was told the service was done. However, I noticed gel residue left on my skin and some still on my nails. When I mentioned it, I was told "no worries, it'll come off in the shower". Well it felt uncomfortable for me! The remaining gel was only wiped after I requested it, and there is still visible residue. For the hour that he spent removing it off, it definitely was not worth the price at all. I've had many Gel-X removals before and they were usually much cleaner and more efficient and cheaper priced ($15) and took only 30 mins. Giving 2 stars because Martin was kind, but I wasn't satisfied with the overall result.

    Photos
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care
    The Gel Lab Nail & Body Care

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    Levit8 Lounge - Visit our luxurious salon for the pinnacle in opulence and luxury

    Levit8 Lounge

    4.7(33 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    I've always passed by Levit8 Lounge, but never actually checked it out until I was surprised with a…read moregift card from my hubby. Upon walking in, the place looks incredibly welcoming and luxurious. It's so aesthetic and the vibes are relaxing. The staff is helpful without feeling you're being upsold or bombarded with services they want you to do. I've had 2 appointments with Sumiya so far. She is amazing at what she does. Sumiya made my experiences so enjoyable and relaxing. I've done the facial sculpt, hair refresh and foot massage. She also checked my scalp with the magnifying device to see how it looks. It's neat to see more head spas in the Bay Area as it's such a popular thing in Asia. I feel happy with all the services I've received so far and can't wait to come back again! The spa is clean and spacious. It's located on the edge of downtown Burlingame. There is easy parking in this area and the location is ideal, close to so many cute restaurants and shops. I would highly recommend anyone come here for a day of relaxation and self care.

    This is my second time coming to this salon for a Russian manicure. The overall experience the…read morefirst time was better than the second time I went. The second time I went, I was done by Cassandra. She was nice but a little rough. She ended up cutting me two times and after 1.5 weeks lately it's finally not swollen. She also kept talking about how bad my nails done were before coming, I know they were bad that's why I was coming here. For the price I paid, they only lasted 8 days, when usually they last 4-5 weeks. One of my hands has already started chipping on 3 of the nails. While they overall do an ok job and maybe I had an off day or off color, I don't think I'll be back.

    Photos
    Levit8 Lounge - Parallel face sculpting + pedicure services available

    Parallel face sculpting + pedicure services available

    Levit8 Lounge - Parallel mani + pedi services available.

    Parallel mani + pedi services available.

    Levit8 Lounge - Relax in a warm and inviting environment. Children's services available too.

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    Relax in a warm and inviting environment. Children's services available too.

    Universe Nails and Spa - othersalons - Updated May 2026

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