MP Nails & Spa

Depending on the day, this place is hit or miss. I have never walked in because it always seems to be packed, so I always make an appointment. That said, I have had days where I have waited 30 minutes past my appointment time to start on me.
Once I am finally seated though, I am generally pleased with their work. My go-​to is a gel manicure, but I have also had both acrylic sets and manicures, and for the most part, each of these easily lasts 2 – 3 weeks.
Prices are very good, particularly compared to Oakland and San Francisco, which is why I keep coming back. But beware if you make an appointment and are under a tight schedule, because they may or may not be able to honor it in a timely way.

Good first experience at this shop. Had my nails done by Sam. He took his time with drilling but missed some spots on my nails when painting them. Paid 20 for a full set of acrylic nails.

The first time I went into MP nails to get my gel manicure it was great! I had the man whom I believe is the owner along with his wife, who I think is Nina. He was very slow, but thorough. The manicure lasted the normal 2 – 3 weeks.
The next time that I went in and had my nails done by someone else, they started peeling after just 1 week, so I went back to tell them, and they totally got upset with ME, as though I had done something wrong! The husband timidly asked his wife what they should do, and she said they could fix them, but they had to charge me $ 5. I was not happy about it since the whole idea behind gel nails is to last a lot longer than regular nail polish. When it happened again a few days later, I tried going back and complaining, but they didn’t get it, and so I left and went elsewhere.
Several months later, when I couldn’t get into my normal nail place, I tried them again. They were ok.
But when I went back 2 weeks ago, I had the same issue with the peeling nails within just a few days! So this past Monday I went in for a pedicure, and explained my issue with the peeling nails, and the lady who did my toes said she would fix them, but was totally rude, and extremely rough. After talking to the same woman owner, very rudely in their language, she went on to fix my nails. But after noticing that they were all beginning to lift, she decided to fix them all. Then, without being told ahead of time, they charged me $ 5 extra for the repair of their gel Nail polish that lasted just a week! I again paid it and said nothing, since I knew it would be a big deal!
Anyway, this morning, JUST 5 days LATER, 3 of my nails started to peel again! And mind you, as a fibromyalgia patient, I rarely even do any chores, like dishes to cause them to peel so quickly! So I went back to tell them. And again I explained it to the timid man who is the owner. Again he called his rude wife Nina, to handle the situation, and she began yelling at me, saying that I always have a problem with my nails, opened her drawer, and gave me my $ 5 back and basically told me to leave and not come back! I have NEVER been treated so rudely! I cannot possible be the only person with gel nails that last just a week or less!!!
If there was a way to give them 0 stars I would, just based on the owners behavior let alone the problem with their polish!
I just couldn’t believe it!
From now on I will stick with Julie’s Nails also in Pinole. They are very good!

There was a time when this USED TO be my go to nail shop, but since there was a change in staff, I stopped going because the service went downhill for me.
My now go-​to nail shop was closed today so I gave this place one last shot. I went in for a regular mani/​pedi with an acrylic removal. Off bat the lady who was assigned to me had the worst attitude, practically tossing my hands and feet left and right, huffing and puffing, and overall irritated TO DO HER JOB. I feel like if it were someone else in my shoes she would’ve gotten told off, but she was lucky that I had enough patience to deal with her stank attitude.
Also, when it came to my mani, her attitude and mannerism GOT WORSE when she realized she wasn’t removing gel but acrylics (mind you she examined my hands before the pedi and I clearly told her as well).
Side note — why constantly offer to do gel manis on customers when you have problems removing them when they come back?!? Don’t make no damn sense.
Anyways, officially done with this place. You had your glory days, but bye felicia. Forever.
If you’re curious to know who the lady was — she had mid-​length wavy hair with a bad ombrè and the only lady in there wearing heels. Puts on zebra glasses while she works.

This is by far, my absolute favorite nail salon. I always try and make appointments but even when I drop in pretty often, I’m always seen to with hardly any wait. The entire shop is very clean and organized. There are a lot of stations for both manicures and pedicures and several workers. I don’t have a specific favorite manicurist but that might be because I’ve had amazing and efficient manicures done by almost all of the workers. They’re all pretty nice too. I never feel awkward or intimidated (or have that feeling where you’re sure they’re talking about you). I’ve tried (and failed) by trying out various different nail salons. I don’t get pedicures usually but I’ve had friends get them done and they always leave happy. If you’re looking for a good nail salon, definitely try this place out!

This use to be my go to place when I first started to get gel manis. The cheap 20 for a mani and 20 for a pedi is what pulled me in. They do a good job but will only take appointments now.

Spacious clean orderly atmosphere. Nice chairs. Excellent pedicure for my daughter and me. Smooth polish application! Going back for sure!

Review #001 — 2016
Due to the fact that my usual nail spot has been so busy the last few times that I needed a gel mani and regular pedi, I had to seek out a back-​up plan.
I ended up at MP Nails a few times and each time was a different experience. My first time was great, a 5-​star experience, that’s why I ended up coming back again a second and third time. But after the third time, I decided it was time to move on.
My younger sister and I came in together on my third visit and my manicurist was fine, but the lady who helped remove the gel polish was quite rough when she was buffing down the old color to prep for removal. When someone causes you to bleed, you kind of get a little upset because it shouldn’t be that way.
My sister had a tough time with her manicurist because he didn’t know what he was doing. He pretty much just made her nails look like a 5-​year old painted them because she had bubbles in almost every single one and it took forever for him to finish up.
Too bad they don’t hire just the good manicurists because the bad ones are the reasons for these bad reviews.

I was in desperate need to get my nails done. I usually go to another place but I was just being impatient and read the reviews of this place so I thought it would work out. It didn’t.
I called for a same day appointment with Nina who I saw based off of the pictures did a decent job. She was busy. The woman I spoke with on the phone said she would be able to do my nails «right now» and that she was the owner so I said «great I’m on my way» As soon as I get there I’m told to sit in a man’s chair. I honestly do my best to stay away from being extra picky, naggy, or just THAT type of client since I’ve worked in retail for years so I understand.
I sat in the man’s chair and he started on my nails. I thought to myself well you’re obviously not the woman I spoke with over the phone but hey whatever. My usual nail tech is a man at the other place so why not take this chance!
My nails ended up looking like huge bricks (literally block shaped) on my fingers when I asked for them to be narrow acrylics. I sucked it up thinking whatever I can handle it. But as soon as I walked out and was able to actually see my nails in some light since it’s so dark in there, I had to get a second opinion and FaceTimed my bf — he even said they looked weird. A man who knows absolutely nothing about nails.
I went back in asked if they can fix it Nina said to come back 3 hours later. Luckily I had the day open so I did. Nina who was working on fixing the blocks on my fingers seemed to have a serious attitude regardless if I kept thanking her for fixing my nails 3HRS LATER. She kept asking what my name was, turned around to write it on the front desk and rushing me to pick what color I want.
I personally won’t come back even if they’re the only shop available. Hopefully someone else has a better experience.

I usually only go to the same lady and love the way she does my nails and pedi. I had to go there a few times before finding my lady. But they all have ATTITUDE they RUDE. Unfortunately im going to habe to find another place. Ive heard too many complains from others and felt it one too many times from them. =[

I’ve been getting my nails done here for a while now. I usually get my nails done by Andy, he’s always hooking me up but today he was busy :(.
Got my nails done by one of the lady techs, she took real good care of my nails didn’t cut me at all, she was very nice. I would of given five stars but once people start showing up they sometimes kind of forget about you. Nice spot in Pinole, friendly staff and good prices.
P. s. Sometimes it gets busy so make an appointment just in case!

I’m always willing to try new places for pedicures. This one wasn’t such a hit. I don’t know how I feel about pedicures done with gloves on. The whole time.
I don’t find my feet disgusting! But it makes me feel like they are. And the massages aren’t the same with gloves on–
Anyways, I came here because it’s nearby TJ, so I thought I’d try it. My nail lady, not sure her name, was nice– she greeted me & that was it.
I asked for a round shape, but instead, she gave me a crooked square shape… Ok…
And I got a broken salon chair with an malfunctioned massage remote. Out of the 6 chairs, I get a broken one…
2 stars for the cleanliness of the place and the fact that they accept credit cards (minimum charge:10 $)

I’ve made my final decision not to come back ever again. Gave them several chances to make it rite but the last visit couple days ago was far beyond unacceptable.
I had a pedicure n menicure. this young tiny bitc# stuck her sharp metal thing so hard into the corner of my left toe. Bitc# did not even apologize even after i expressed the pain. The pain lasted couple days, it got puffy n hurts more as I felt on it. I squeezed the puffy toe and suddenly a few drops of pinkish liquid squirted out! Immediately the pain lessen.
wat i hated bout this place:
–tat dum bitch tat poked my toe
–they dun clean their metal tools
–the metal tool organizer box looks dirty
–dun hv variety of shellac colors
Likes:
–spacious
–wifi
–lounge sofa for kids to sit

They’re nice and funny. Trinh is so cute and awesome and everyone who has actually done work on me has been pleasant.
Trinh did my full set this time and usually I don’t get it since I can be finicky about the shape and thickness so I just usually tell myself forget it no one wants to deal with my picky ass. Lol. But I wanted to try it here since I’ve been coming for a while. I asked her to make it thin which is quite difficult to do since no one can manage yet to do a decent job on it. She said ok. Patiently she managed to work with me and it came out exactly how I loved it. I told her I loved her multiple times and that she is now mine haha. But thanks Trinh for being awesome!
Also Lien did my pedicure. She is funny and a goof ball. Really meticulous with my feet and took good care of them.

Not going back until they clean up their act! I just found out that CA board of health requires nail techs to use a NEW pumice and file for EACH CUSTOMER. Every time I’ve been here I didn’t really pay attention until after a lady next to me walked bc they were trying to charge her an extra $ 5 to buy her own nail file! I feel gross… I wonder what other short cuts these ppl take

Really enjoyed the service here.
I am not the type of person to get a mani-​pedi every two weeks. I can barely remember the last time I got my nails done before my visit yesterday. It was definitely before «gel» was a thing.
But anyway.
I ended up calling the salon around 2 in the afternoon and asked if I could schedule an appointment for later in the day to take three of us. They gave us a 5:30 appointment and it worked out perfectly.
When we got to the salon, we were greeted right away. They asked us if we were the 5:30 people and we said yes. They immediately started the water for our chairs. If you want gel, you don’t have to pick a polish from the wall. Just sit down and they will hand you a little book of colors that you can choose from.
I just got a pedicure because I needed it really bad due to my work shoes butchering my feet. The lady I had was very nice and she did my feet very well. I suggest getting the salt scrub. It is a little more money but definitely worth it. You can pick from two scents: lavendar or orange. I got orange and it was very refreshing.
Overall, the experience was great. I would definitely come back again if I ever decide to pamper myself. The salon is very big and they have plenty of chairs to cater to a lot of people. There were several people that just walked in and were helped right away. Their prices are a lot cheaper compared to the competition around Pinole and Hercules. And they have a very friendly staff that takes their time and makes sure you get what you want.

I visited this salon to get a pedicure and a natural looking acrylic manicure.
Andy did a PHENOMENAL job on my toes. I am seriously so in love. However, I think there was a communication issue between him and the female manager as to what I wanted for my nails. I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she said Andy would do it. When explaining to Andy that I want to keep as much of my natural nail as possible so they could grow our, I think that’s all the information he received.
He finished doing my nails and I asked for an underarm wax. When getting the underarm wax, I really took a look at my nails and they looked awful. They were already lifting and parts of my nail didn’t even have the acrylic on it. They were so uneven and thick. On top of that, this location DOUBLE DIPS WITH THEIR WAX STICKS which is so unsanitary. For the nail part, I just disregarded it until it was time to pay.
When she walked me up to the front, she informed me it was $ 23 for my nails $ 20 for the fake acrylic and $ 3 for the gel top coat. I could swallow $ 10 but $ 23 for this job was ridiculous. I showed her my nails and said that the job does not reflect the price and she told me to come back on Sunday at 1030 to get them fixed.
Well, today I walked in and she totally forgot about my appointment. I waited an additional 25 minutes before being helped. Shan redid my nails for me — not to what I wanted but it was close enough and satisfactory. When he was finished he tried to charge me $ 10.99!!! For what! For you fixing a bad nail job that your manager previously acknowledged!!! I was going to top him but first I asked him what is the charge for and he told me to forget it. He just walked off and started explaining the situation to the other nail techs. Super rude and embarrassing. At least explain your stance to me and we can come to an agreement.
I am torn between coming back to this place again for the amazing pedicure job or just kissing it goodbye. It’s probably not worth the hassle or bad business practice.

I found this place via Unilocal.Tried it with my daughter for Mothers Day mani/​pedi for me, pedi for her. Although I made appointments well in advance, I had to wait 45 minutes and my daughter waited an hour. First red flag as our time is too valuable to wait that long after having made appointments so long in advance. I took it in stride as I figured it was Mothers Day and they took more appointments than normal probably. When the manicurist did the base coat, color and top coat of my nails, she rushed through and did not cover the whole nail with the color or base/​top coat. I pointed out a couple of the more obvious spots to her to fix. I wasn’t too happy with it. Two days after the manicure, the color came off in quite a few spots.
Today, one week later, my daughter came back for her manicure to match the polish on her toes as she has her prom today. I made an appointment for her at their opening time to make sure she wouldn’t have to wait as we have lots to today. We arrived at 10:30 when they open; despite the appointment we made, she had to wait 35 minutes. And then, during her manicure, while trimming her cuticles, the manicurist cut her and made her bleed.
We definitely won’t be coming back to this particular shop. Maybe it’s picky, but my pet peeve is having to wait once I’ve made an appointment. I gave it two tries as I like to give the benefit of doubt, but to wait that long after making an appointment at opening time is absolutely ridiculous.

I was pleasantly surprised with this place. I usually go to Julies down the street, but they were booked, Unilocal directed me to this place.
My BFF and our little girls went in for a pedi, and they fit us in right away. My manicurist was very thorough, and cleaned my nails right up.
The place was clean, the people were friendly, and the price was GREAT.

Ugh… MP Nails. Please take your appointments seriously.
I discovered MP about a year ago when it was fairly new. I can’t even tell you who I prefer anymore because my recent experiences have been a hit or a miss. I usually get a pedicure and a full set or gel mani. As time has progressed and they’ve gotten busier I feel they have hired any relative they have to keep up with the volume and I hardly ever see them take walk ins. However, they do allow anybody over the phone to just come in. The problem with this is I called for an appointment so you can take your time with ME.
I’ve been cut about five times, hand and feet, in result to them rushing or being so involved in their own gossip. My acrylics don’t last longer than a week now and sometimes they’ll neglegantly put on a tip that doesn’t even cover my whole nail. I’ve asked whoever is doing my nails to correct the mistake and they have no problem with it but really… I no longer can watch TV while sitting back for a pedi/​mani without being anxious about being cut or making sure that each nail is done right.
Two stars for the owners and their hospitality but I’m no longer settling for aunt or cousin to do a sucky job.