Mani-pedi perfection: The best Bay Area nail salons
San Francisco:
Vanity Beauty Lounge
Located on the second floor of Embarcadero Center, steps from Embarcadero Station, Vanity Beauty Lounge supports your inner (and outer) diva. Unwind in this opulent red and black salon adorned with flowers and nail polish-lined walls when you’re in need of a relaxing session in Downtown SF. The product menu includes both shellac and Zoya natural polishes, and the heated neck wraps and warm tea add to an all-around soothing experience.
Mani-Pedi
Their name may not be very creative but Mani-Pedi gets the job done more than just well. Rose petal-laden foot baths precede the gel and acrylic mani-pedis (with dip powder technique) at this Guerrero Street salon. In addition to the beloved nail polish mastery during traditional services, Mani-Pedi is also known for its friendly staff and alternative takes on the French mani-pedi (think diagonals and multi-color arrangements).
Sophia’s Beauty Lounge
Sophia’s Beauty Lounge knows how to clean up those cuticles and transform your nails into blank canvases ready for the next artistic polish. Mani-pedis, waxing and facials are delivered in a setting that is both pristine and boldly dramatic (red walls and red chairs contribute to the warm, welcoming scene). Sit back, close those eyes and relax as your worries melt away in an herb mineral bath.
Thi Nail Salon & Spa
Regulars sink into large and comfy gray seats with red velvet pillows at Thi Nail Salon & Spa, where nails get the star treatment in a sleek environment near Powell St Station. Chandeliers, black tile flooring and greenery in a bright spacious salon set the scene as Essie and OPI polishes are carefully coated onto clients’ nails during the popular mani-pedi sessions at this Mission Street staple. Facials, waxing and massage treatments add to the full menu of me-time services.
East Bay:
Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Nailphoria
The motto at Nailphoria Day Spa is "peace, rejuvenation, relaxation" and it's easy to see why once you've set foot in the well-kept salon. Regulars say the staff is attentive and friendly, and services include massage, aromatherapy, waxing and nails, of course! The salon is just around the corner from 19th St/Oakland Station in the heart of Downtown Oakland.
Photo courtesy of Yelp/Lavender Dreams.
Lavender Dreams
At Lavender Dreams, everyone is treated like a princess. The Downtown Walnut Creek salon is decorated with pink and purple accents that will help you sink even deeper into your massage chair. In addition to the standard services, the salon offers lavender, mint and cucumber mani-pedis that each offer different benefits.
Photo courtesy of Pandora Nail Spa.
Pandora Nail Spa
The opulent environment at Pandora Nail Spa matches the opulence of the spa's services. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a wall of OPI polishes and luxurious massage chairs with gold-colored footbaths. The longstanding business began in 2013, but changed ownership in 2021, undergoing a top-to-bottom makeover at the time. Call in for an appointment or use the spa's online booking tool for extra ease.
Photo courtesy of Bougie Babies.
Bougie Babies Nail Spa
Owner Monica Whitely said she was inspired to open Bougie Babies Nail Spa during the pandemic lockdown when she witnessed children losing their social lives in the blink of an eye. "I thought to myself, how cool would it be to bring something luxurious and classy" to the area, Monica writes on her website. The salon specializes in pampering children ages 3 to 13 with the goal of teaching youth to "learn the value of self-love and self-care at an early age."
Photo courtesy of Saunder and James.
Saunder & James
Saunder and James sets the standard for nail care in the Bay Area. The salon is "nail-care focused" with emphases on personalized service and seasonal nail art. The salon was founded by Michelle Saunders James, a celebrity manicurist with more than 30 years experience in the industry. "This is the kind of nail salon I've always dreamed of working in," she said.
Let's talk about it.
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