Universe Nails and Spa

First time here & wanted a quick manicure. As soon as I sat down they put a neck warmer in my shoulders that felt nice. I had some questions about maintaining healthy nails & Karen gave me some helpful hints. When she started painting my nails, I realized the color was too light. Karen walked me over & helped me search for a color that I would be happy with. And to top it off when I was there at the drying station, she gave me a 5 min. shoulder massage. There is so many nail salons on this street, but I would highly recommend this one.

I had a great experience at Universe Nails and Spa in San Mateo. I got the Shellac manicure and was treated to a warmed back massaging weight, sat down almost immediately and the manicurist who did my nails did not skimp on the coats.
I was quite pleased with the experience.

I booked a reservation for eight manis/​pedis for two days prior to my wedding. Everyone received the Universe mani/​pedi, which includes a sugar scrub, hot stone massage, and some kind of paste on your legs, and a nice massage for your hands and arms. Very relaxing, nice place, great staff. The owner went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, including my matron of honor who had a nursing newborn with her. Tea and water was offered as well to all the ladies, and the massage chairs were just what we needed.
My only issue was my manicure. Mine were painted well, though some of my girlfriends’ nails chipped by the wedding day. Four days later, my nails started to crack (see photo). I can do without all the fancy treatments if it means my manicure will last. I don’t expect much as far as longevity but the way the polish cracked was extreme. I don’t know that I’d go back unfortunately, and it’s a shame because everything else was lovely.

If you’re anything like me, you look for a nail salon that fares well in the following areas:
— Cleanliness
— Efficiency (I want to get in and out as soon as possible)
— Relaxed environment
— Techs that pay very close attention to detail
This spa fits the bill for all of the above. Universe nails is a sanctuary for a sustained level of peace and quiet (not completely quiet, but much less chatter here than any other populated spa I’ve been to). It’s clear that whoever runs this place knows what they’re doing because he/​she has done a great job of putting in place a method for keeping the noise down to a minimum. I felt so completely relaxed while I was here — the «quiet,» the fine attention to detail that the techs had with every thoughtful move that they made (I was asked to pay first so my nail polish would not get damaged, I was greeted upon arrival by everyone, not just the receptionist) and every action made was one that focused on great client care.
Best of all was my experience with Yen. When I return, I will ask to work with her. Sweet demeanor, relaxed, thoughtful as hell — Yen went above and beyond with the results of my nails (impeccable job, smooth paint right to the cuticles), and even went so far as to bag my shoes for me, place them into my bag, and helped me fish my keys out of my bag so that I would not disturb the polish on my nails.
The one star docked was due to the other person who did my other set (hands). She wasn’t as friendly, rushed through, and did not produce results as great. I would recommend that there is a check on consistency with quality among all techs, as it would be great to know that any tech that I end up working with will have work as high quality as Yen’s.
Thanks for the great experience! Kudos!

Very comfortable massage chair and hot neck packing bag.
I did pedicure and manicure. Leg and foot massage were so comfortable that I fell asleep several times.
The staff are so nice and friendly. They also received walk-​in customers.
The whole service was so relax. I have clean and shining nails back!

Universe rocks. It just gets better and better. Wonderful service, excellent quality products, terrific experience. Love the complimentary neck pillow, water, candy, and beautiful results.
To the annoying reviewers who complain about the place, just grow up. That’s what salon services cost in the Bay Area. If you can’t afford it, shop around and go somewhere else. News flash, genius: You can ask the price before you decide to make an appointment. If you choose to go here, then don’t whine about the price.
I personally continue to believe that this is the best nail salon on the Peninsula and I’ve tried many, many nail salons.

Came here to get my nails done (obviously) because I had hears good things. I came in knowing I was going to spend more then usual but ive always been curious to try. Everyone was super nice and everything was done in a timely manner. I spent 40 $ on my fill.
The reason I give them two stars is because the NEXT day my nails were chipped. The corners of my thumbs and a few other nails. I get acrylic because I’m an active person and acrylic handles my life style. I have gone to Johns creation for the past few months and my nails NEVER chipped there (also $ 15 cheaper…)
In the end, I’m very disappointed. My nails are driving me crazy and I can’t get them fixed for another 2 weeks.