Nailsation

I moved to Oakland in December and as someone who loves getting her acrylics filled every few weeks, I’ve been in desperate search of a new salon. I tried one in Oakland (the nails looked great but were too thin and broke easily) and another in El Cerrito (they were thicker and more durable but I just didn’t like them as much).
I finally came into Nailsation for a pedicure because I was having a rough day, and their service was impeccable! Free wine, amazing attention to detail, and friendly service. I noticed that Diane was known for amazing acrylics so I came back the next week. She did the most incredible job. I decided to go with gel polish because I like that it dries faster and remains super shiny.
I can’t wait to come back for my next fill!

Here for the first time and they were really polite and offered me tea, water, or wine. I preferred wine of course. The music was making me feel like I wanted to unwind and relax. Other than the peaceful atmosphere they do a great job on nails and take their time perfecting it just like how you’d like it. I would advise those who have a day off or just got off of work to come here. If you want to relax and get pampered this is the place to be.

So in love with this place! I feel like I finally found my nail shop. Dianne and Donna did amazing jobs. The deluxe Pedi was worth every dollar. Dianne was an amazing hostess, she offered me something to drink like every 20 minutes and refilled my tea 3 times! I just feel like royalty. I will definitely be back.

I came in with a photo of what I wanted my nails to look like (very simple design) but the lady still didnt understand what I was asking for and she kept fucking it up. I was getting gel and another lady had to redo my thumbs. then i asked her to do a simple stripe on my middle finger and she gives me zebra stripes! I was too fed up with that place to have her fix it, i had already been in there for well over an hour and just wanted to leave. Now i’m annoyed every time I look at my nails, which by the way, are chipping after less than 1 week.
A week and 2 days later, my gel polish has all completely chipped off.
Sigh…i miss my nail tech in SF. The search for a new one in oakland continues :(

Been coming to Diane for years. She does a good job with nails. On the last two occasions, I’ve come close to closing (today my arrival was 5:40 closes at 7) prior to that I’ve come during the weekday at 6 she closes at 7:30. I ask can you do my nails only a fill and a pedi. She says yes we can get you. *note* I’d rather someone turn me away to come back tomorrow then do a half a** job.
I waited for roughly 15 – 20 min to sit in the chair. The lady who attempted to do my pedi did the same thing in my last visit and was doing it today. A half a** job, she took the pumice stone once across my foot and went to the other. Then she cut me and wasn’t even going to say anything. I’m like did you just cut me. She says «oh», oh my a**. I had to tell her to just stop. I wasn’t in the chair for 10 min before she’s asking me what polish I’m putting on. Huh?! You haven’t stopped the bleeding and you’re asking me about polish. Like really just go home your day is finished. I don’t appreciate half done work. I asked for the guy to finish my pedi.
Next we move on to my nails, I had red polish. It took a while for it to somewhat come off but I could still see it. After several attempts it was still there. Um no, put some more acetone on my nails please. How horrid to have a nude color with red polish around and in your nail bed. I’m sorry where do they do that at? Not here no ma’am!
It was past closing and Diane says to me last customer at 5/5:30. Okay I was there at 5:40 and asked could you do it. Diane said «yes, pick color» Like really?! Don’t come at the customer when you stated you could do a service. I’m not going to pay anyone for a half done job. Period.
I didn’t leave until 8:15. I’ll be giving this place a break for a while. Didn’t appreciate the service today at all.

After numerous compliments on my Mani-​Pedi, I returned to Nailstation. Like I emphasized in my prior review, I was quite pleased with the nail services I received. The nail technicians here are very professional and the shop is über clean. The shop smells of lotions and that amazing citrus foot scrub they use. Pricing is neatly posted on the wall, as well as their Wifi password. Their selection of OPI nail polish surpasses my expectations, the options are literally endless. It is evident that the owner keep up with nail trends and looks out for what customer wants.
Wanting my experience to be the best possible, I made an appointment about an hour and half before I planned on being there. They accommodated me no problem. I arrived 10 minutes early and asked to use the restroom (just as clean and beautiful as the rest of the shop btw.) I waited about 5 minutes and they were ready to see me. The same male nail technician who handled my Mani last visit went to work on my full set. I came prepared with a picture because I have a hard time explaining exactly how I want my nails to look. We agreed that I wanted a «coffin» shape. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily and precisely he executed my nails.
I enjoyed a nice cup of complimentary tea while I received my nail service. My nail technician finished up with a hand massage and a warm thank you. I’ve never been so pleased with acrylic nails in my life, they are gorgeous. I can wait to experiment with other shapes and colors and when it’s time a relaxing massage. I already plan to bring my mom by next week.
Nailstation is definitely my new favorite nail spa.