Essence Nail Studio

Amazing service, love the place but just a little more on the pricey end. If you want your nails done by the best in town this place is a must.

Since I started working in Irvine I have been looking for a new nail joint to kill time after work and avoid traffic. Tried a couple spots which were either unclean, unskilled or unkind– or all of the above! Trolling Unilocal for my next try, I decided to give Essence Nail Studio a try, called for an appointment with either Van or Amanda based on the awesome art I saw in client photos. My appointment was made and I started looking for special designs for an upcoming 90’s concert. The shop was comfortable, clean and classy. When I came in I got lavished with attention by both Van and Amanda– how lucky was I! Amanda gave me the best pedicure (and especially massage) I’ve had in ages, with extra TLC for my dry hooves. Van, though– WOW! She looked at my photos, took my challenge for a stained glass, cross-​colors design and positively nailed it. Better than the pics, or my imagination and had everyone in the shop including all the designers ogling her work. This was all done efficiently, with pleasant attitudes and obvious love for the art. I will gladly see these ladies agIn soon and finally found my spot!

First Time here they did a great job! It’s a very relaxing environment. A bit pricey but the quality is great! I will defiantly be back.

Everything is over priced and they don’t tell you how much it costs until the end. The prices aren’t listed anywhere either so if you don’t ask they just do whatever. I paid $ 72 for a pedicure and $ 45 for a mani and I never even got a foot massage with my pedi. First time here and it’s also my last. Horrible customer service.

This place is so clean! The prices are not cheap but you absolutely get what you pay for. Lynn, the owner is constantly going to nail shows and things to try new products which is cool. She always has new stuff! She does an excellent brow also! I’ve been going to Essence for 4 years and of course I will keep it up twice a month! Huge fan!

I discovered this place last month and am in love with it! It is a bit more expensive than other nail salons, but it’s worth it. Why?
1) Service is great. They make an effort to assist you even if you don’t have an appointment. They also have water and tea.
2) The atmosphere is very nice. Most of these salons are just depressing sometimes, but not this one. The place is always clean and put together, and their manicure tools look nice and new. The music is not bad either! They don’t play those cheesy romantic songs — instead, they have great and relaxing instrumental music going on.
3) They’re truly professionals. Bebe, for example, has ample nail knowledge and would happily assist you achieving the color and shape you want for your nails.
4) They have great nail polish. They offer a variety of brands and prices — my favorite one is the Japanese gel. My nails stay pretty for almost three weeks, it’s incredible! Very nice quality.
It’s located in a plaza with plenty of parking. They also just do cash tips, so be ready for that. If you don’t have cash on you, just go to Albertsons right next to the salon and ask for cash back.

Kalvin is amazing!!! He did my acrylic French manicure and was so sweet, professional and did an exceptional job!!! Best French manicure and hand massage I’ve ever gotten! Make sure to ask for him :) his days off are Sunday and Monday! Thank you Kalvin for an amazing job! I’ll be sure to come back for you!

I’ve gotten gel nails done by MiMi twice now and what a difference. I’ve had gel off and on but she claims that if its done right it doesn’t damage your nails. Mine lasted 3 WEEKS !!! And both times when she takes it off my nails are so healthy.
I came in both times telling her what I want but she suggests a slight spin that I always like better.

Great service… but I don’t think that I found the right nail stylist for me. I read the Unilocal reviews for this salon several months before and based on the great reviews, I brought my daughter and her friend for manicures. They did a great job. I didn’t get the names of the stylists then.
I came in today for a pedicure. I made an appointment about an hour in advance and was asked if I had a preference for a particular stylist. I hadn’t reread the reviews so I didn’t know anyone’s name. I just asked for someone «good». My stylist today was Lisa. She was a lady of a few words, which I liked. I don’t really like meaningless small talk. I was able to fully relax and enjoy the experience. I was kind of surprised when she asked if I wanted a drink. At first, I declined but when I looked around at the wine & champagne glasses, I said «yes» to a glass of red wine. To my surprise, it was really nice. It may have only been 2 Buck Chuck but it was newly opened and not oxidized. Pleased.
After my feet were soaking for a few minutes, Lisa handed me a card with the different packages. The basic pedicure is $ 25. The next one up is $ 35 and the première package is $ 40. Lisa encouraged me to get the $ 45 one because I would only pay $ 40 with a Unilocal check-​in. I usually don’t fall into peer pressure, but I felt like I needed a little pampering with a callous treatment, sea salt scrub, paraffin treatment, leg massage… and of course, a good manicure. Everything was wonderful!!!
I came in with my toenails freshly clipped from the night before. I am very particular about having my nails STRAIGHT across, regardless of the shape of my nail. It’s my hang up. Lisa only filed a little, per my request. It’s hard to tell what the shape of the bail exactly looks like until the paint is on… and then it’s kind of too late.
After 2 glasses of wine and hour later, my toes were painted. Initially, I thought there were mini bubbles from the nail polish being old and thick, but then remembered that Lisa said that she would put oil on my nails. Not sure what that was for. My nails? Not perfectly painted. I could see some residue from the red nail polish on the skin of the big toes. There were also little specks of nail polish on my skin, despite the repeated strokes with acetone laced brush. Nominal because showers will flake this off… but still. My nails which were cut straight to my liking by me the night before are a little slanted. Also, if you look at my right big toe, there’s a faint little window where the second coat wasn’t applied evenly.
Even though Lisa was super nice & the service was excellent, like a wedding, you can have a great time, but in the end, all you have left are the pictures… or in this case, the resulting manicure. I didn’t say anything to Lisa but tipped her generously for her hard work. I will give this salon another try and hopefully find a stylist that is a match for me.
Tip…the chairs for the pedicures all have back massage functions. No one ever told me about this. I had to figure it out on my own.

Always very friendly. We came not knowing they have winter hours and closed earlier and they stayed open just for us.
Daughter and I had a great time and loved our dry pedicure. Will be back soon!!!

Found this place on Unilocal when I was in a hurry to get my nails done for a party this evening. They were able to take me immediately, which was awesome. They serve mimosas, also very awesome.
I really like how efficient my tech (Van) was. Someone was going through the color swatches so instead of just making me wait, she started prepping and shaping my nails while we waited for the swatches. She did a GREAT job of shaping my nails. Other salons I’ve been to didn’t even bother to ask what shape I wanted. My nails came out awesome and perfectly painted. After the manicure she gave me a scrub massage of my hands and forearms that felt so nice. I left feeling really pampered and I will definitely be back!

I’m probably being too generous with the 3 stars but he did give me a decently shaped nails. But for $ 50 and all the great reviews, I guess I expected a little more.
I had gone to another place two days prior and was not happy with my nail shape or the color I chose. The color was my bad but the shape of nail was hers. They were just way too wide and super thick. So I soaked those off yesterday and came here today for a new full set. I got clear tips with pink powder. I opted to get only the pink because I wanted to be able to change up tip color. The tip he painted gold cause my initial design was too difficult for him to do. I’ll post a picture of what I wanted, which was not difficult at all, along with what I actually received.
The shape of my nails looking at them from above is great. Exactly what I wanted. Looking from the side, they look terrible and my simple gold French manicure is hideous. Remember people, I spent 50 dollars for 90 minutes of pain, a bleeding cuticle and The worst paint job I’ve ever seen.

I came here with a friend and have come back on weekdays… then have to drive home on the 5 North. That’s how much I like this place — I’m willing to sit in traffic to go home. They are efficient and have someone to manage all the techs’ schedules. They also are very thorough, take their time, and provide you with a drink — tea, coffee, mimosa even! I always get into a good conversation with my techs too.
Most importantly, my pedicures last a month when I come here as compared to other places. They have the major brands for polish.

I used to come to this salon regularly when I lived in the area. After I moved to Mission Viejo I have not been able to find a nail salon as great as Essence. They are very professional, it is easy to make an appointment, they offer various price point packages, $ 5 off check in on Unilocal (over $ 40), they offer a beverage (water, tea, wine, champagne (!)), and there is accessible parking (it is never a problem).