California Nails

Not one to contribute to online reviews, my sister and I felt this has to be written: beware. Unfortunately, we cannot give zero stars. I completely understand people from different countries and walks of life coming here to try running a business but many of us here expect basic things like decent service, a smile, a greeting, and the ability to communicate with the person servicing us. Apparently California Nails/​Princess Nails (why do they have two names) is unable to comprehend that concept.
No idea how long they’ve been around. It was a very teeny-​tiny cramped salon of stone-​faced employees, visibly unhappy and perhaps working for slave wages and being held against their will. Perhaps they’re being beaten and tortured with hoses in the back room. They will look at you blankly as though you are lost when you enter their hobbit hole. Perhaps you will receive a grunt from one of them. Most do not speak English and will not understand how you want your nails to look. Ladies, please be very aware of this. And aren’t we all tired of them talking in their language in front of us? An abundance of rudeness doled out there. They always have time to mention the tip but they rarely do anything to merit the tip and do not know the words «thank you.» A little too slick.
No wonder they’re called «chop shop.» This place was so unprofessional and creepy. Was that someone’s breakfast sitting next to us? Gross. We suffered through manicures on Memorial Day weekend (the hand and arm massage nonexistent for both of us). Never again. Good riddance, sad face bitter women. Unacceptable. We work hard for our money. You have to as well.

I went to this place for a mani based on friend’s recommendation, and I will not be going back any time soon. First of all, the place is tiny and cramped which I would excuse if the place was at least clean. I am very particular about nail salons and their cleanliness which I am sure most of us are. I expect to see a stray finger nail or two, but this place looked like it hadn’t been swept up in over a week. Also, they did not clean the foot baths between clients. They simply drained the water.
After I picked my color, I sat down for my mani while my cousin got a no-​chip. The woman was friendly but seemed extremely rushed. As she was filing my nails, I decided that the color I picked was a bit too neutral, and asked her to recommend a color. After she finished filing my nails, she picked a color which looked good when she tested it on one of my nails, and she proceeded to paint. As the color was going on, I noticed that the color was VERY uneven. I have seen this before, and it usually looks better after the second coat. As she started on the second coat, it was still extremely uneven, but again, I figured she would somehow correct it like I have seen other salons do in the past. However, she began putting on the topcoat, and I stopped her and asked if she could do anything about the unevenness. She started talking about me with the manicurist next to her in another dialect, and she said that it was because my nails have too many ridges which has never been an issue for in the past. If it was an issue, I wish she would have recommended a different color since she is the expert. She corrected the issue by putting on a third coat of a slightly darker shade all the while speaking with the manicurist next to her in irritated tones so I assume it was about me. She finished up and it did look much better, but she did a terrible job cleaning up my cuticles and the skin around my fingernails.
I went over to the drying station and as I was sitting there I noticed that the fan felt like it was not really blowing much air. I bent over and took look underneath and there appeared to be years worth of dust accumulated under there, so much so that I couldn’t feel the fan through the layers of dust. It was pretty disgusting so I just sat there while I waited for my cousin to finish up her no chip. As I looked around, I again noticed how filthy and cramped the salon is. At one point, they had a client prop her foot up on a small garbage can to work on her pedicure. That seemed unsanitary and uncomfortable.
When my cousin was finished, I asked her what she thought. She said she wasn’t happy with her no-​chip either and wouldn’t be going back. The only good thing I can say about this place is that it was only $ 15 for a regular manicure, but I would be willing to pay more for a cleaner salon that actually cares how their clients’ manicures look when they walk out.

Came in for an emergency Acrylic nail repair and walked out with the repair and a full shellac polish change on my other nails. Kim is a wizard and I am so thankful I found her. I only wish I was a local so I could have fly as fuck nails all the damn time. Five stars!

Love this place! It’s nothing spectacular but everyone who works there is always very kind and friendly and they always do a very careful job! It’s my «go to» salon (even after moving further away).

Just had my first no-​chip here. It was okay. Nothing spectacular. I guess I was looking for a more wow, spa-​like experience. Place is quite small. Nail tech was quiet most of the time and did a decent job. Price for a no-​chip is $ 35, cash tips only. Overall my experience wasn’t bad or good, just meh. There’s a lot of nail salons out here in the city, I think places like this should do more to make the customer experience memorable. I didn’t get that here. I will keep looking for a new regular place to go.

I haven’t posted in so long but I saw the weird reviews on here and had to.
Ive been here a couple of times (each time I’ve seen Denny) and it’s been great. He always makes sure I get the exact shape I want and pays a lot of attention to detail (e.g. making sure the acrylic wasn’t too thick, making sure each shape was perfect, painting each nail very carefully and then using a small remover brush to clean up every little speck of polish out of place). I seriously appreciated it because I’m usually very particular about length, shape, thickness etc. so having someone actually listen and fix every issue I had w/​o attitude was great.
He also was very patient with me while I decided between 4 slightly different nudes, I never felt rushed or like I was wasting his time. Such a pet peeve when I feel like I can’t have a second to choose. They also have an amazing selection of no chip colors! I was so excited.
All in all for your average nail salon this place is definitely a safe bet, it’s also so close to everything! If you’re not trying to spent bank on getting a fill or color change, I’d say try this place 100%.

Too busy & rushed. Just ok at best, if I’m feeling generous. Much prefer Elegant Nails!

This place is super close to everything but every time I have been there even with an appointment it has been over crowded and rushed. They even let other customers come up and disturb your getting your «spa service.» Place is good just had better and for less at other Chicago spots.

NEW LOCATION: 8 E Chestnut
Great updated, bright look with the same consistent service. Love this little gem. No gimmicks, just great nails at a pedi price $ 20 less than the other 2 great salons in the area.