Cute T Nails

I called to make an appointment and the lady tells me they’re closed for maternity leave?! Seriously? The whole shop is closed? Do they only have one person running the place?

They did a really great job on my pedicure. The woman helping me really took her time and appreciated my business. My pedicure looked awesome and she even took out two ingrown toe nails I didn’t even know I had lol my only problem is they don’t do acrylic so I have to go to a separate salon for that.

Tracy is very rude. I made a appointment and still had to wait 30 mins after the time I scheduled. The nails came out bumpy she said it was my nail beds. I said that’s a impossible I never had this problem and that it was gel color that was the problem. I would neverrrrrrrrr go back here!!!

Going to a nail salon should be a relaxing, friendly, spa like experience. Not at this salon. Been there twice. The reception was kind of hostile like I was intruding, the lack of hospitality and effort put into making me feel welcome was unacceptable. The woman who worked on my pedicure was fine, yet the boss of her, who worked on my manicure, spent about 7 minutes tops on my hands and gave me the shittiest, most careless manicure ever. It was literally so appallingly bad that I have to warn you on Unilocal to not bother with this place. Also, the chairs do not recline, no massage mechanism, and the décor is hideous. However, I am always willing to overlook all that… since most salons do an okay to good job. In this case, I have to mention it, since it’s part of the package. With endless nail salons in the city, why bother throwing out your money to get a hostile mediocre hurried mani pedi. Seriously, skip it! I give 2 stars because the woman who worked on my pedicure seemed nice, yet she was being hurried by the bossier more Americanized Vietnamese woman. Really an awful experience on a lot of levels.

They lost a customer today.
I have been a regular customer for a very long time. I got gels from this ‘Tracy’ girl at least for a year, once in 2 – 3 weeks. Quite amount of time.
Having a long experience of working in service industry, I know how it isn’t easy to make new costumers come, especially making them into regulars.
Knowing their difficulties, I always try to be helpful-​pay in cash (not only tips but regular service charge), if I don’t have enough to pay it all I would put down everything I got in my wallet and let them charge the least amount of money on my credit. Or sometimes I would let her help someone first if that person was in urgent.
So today, I made an appointment and went to get my nails done, like my normal Saturdays. I felt like doing French tips today. So picked colors and got seated. Shimmer tips on white base. Felt funky.
Tracy thought my idea was bad and won’t look good. But I just insisted to get it.
No big deal there.
Anyway by the time she was removing my old gel, one girl walked in for mani pedi. They got her seated right away, even though there was only one other person except the one who was doing mine. Figured that’s how they usually do.
So that customer started getting pedi since it’s always a silent rule that Tracy is the one who does nails, never saw her touching anyone’s feet. And in the middle of my session a guy walked in for mani pedi, of course they couldn’t seat him since the two and only technicians were busy.
As EVERYONE knows, French tips take about, what, 3 minutes longer because you have to paint another layer. And the customer who didn’t get her mani started refused to get the mani service since she was in rush. Maybe she thought I was getting finished when she walked in because she got seated with no wait, or any notice to be waiting (but I was just getting mine removed)
And now Tracy started to accuse me for losing those two people, literally saying «you see, because I spent too much time for you, I lost business. For each customers I only can spend 45 minutes. but I spent more than 1 hour and 30 minutes for you.»
Okay…I can even prove this is wrong because the phone call I made for the appointment was at 1:30, went to the shop at 1:40 and my card receipt says I paid (again, the bill minus what I had in my wallet ($ 40)) at 2:40.
But this isn’t even a point. Even so, I fxxxing paid extra for the French tips and I fxxxing had a right to sit until my service is done. What should have I done, set the freaking alarm and leave 45 minutes later?
And she was even asking me, ‘do you remember the guy who had to walk away? I lost business from him to! I can’t spend this much time for you’
Even did she have to double check when my service was done ‘you understand what I’m saying?‘
When did it become my fxxxing fault? Since she had realized I’m an easy target to release her resentment? Well guess what, with that disrespectful attitude you’ve lost a regular. Gotta remember those who come regularly and support your business non stop also pay you bills.
Asked plenty times before, if Tracy was the owner of the place. She says no, if it’s true the owner has to pay attention to the employees’ services. If she was lying I’m very happy because I could with a fraction of amount affect her business.
I left the shop very upset. And I won’t go there again. It’s not a big deal there’s a nail shop every block.

Decent enough place and service, but why advertise your open until seven if you close your shop down every night from 6 – 6:30? I love around the corner and get home after a long day of work and bam closed at 6:33? This is the third time I’ve experienced an early closure with this place. In the outer richmond the salons stay open and accommodate later walk-​ins. Lesson learned to ride the bus a bit further for better services and. accommodations

Simply not a good job. Other places around Clement do better quality work. The staff are nice and the place is comfortable.

I made a appointment for a gel manicure and was finished in an hour!
These ladies do a great job :)

Absolutely NO complaints about this place. The staff were SO nice and welcoming. I got a pink gel manicure with silver glitter and I’m in love. I like how they didn’t comment about the condition of my nails/​fingers/​hands like most places do.
$ 36 for hand, arm, shoulder, and neck rub, plus taking my old gel polish off, plus the gel manicure with glitter. Great deal!
I walked in and the first thing I noticed was how small it was. I liked it. The only place to sit we’re in big, comfy chairs for manis and pedis. I’ve never seen that in another salon before. They politely asked what I wanted done and told me where the gel selections were. It wasn’t very busy, but I waited about 15 minutes for someone to take care of me. Since I had no time limit, I really didn’t mind because I was trying to decide what nail color I wanted anyways. Eventually, the older woman came over and started the massage. She did hands, arms, shoulders, and neck with warm lotion. It felt great and it was very relaxing. Afterwards, she proceeded to wipe the excess lotion off with a warm towel. Then she started to remove the gel polish. Another girl took over a few fingers in. Once she got all the polish off, a third woman came over and finished my nails. The pink I chose was a little lighter on my nails than it was in the bottle, which is completely normal, but what I liked was that she added a 3^rd coat of color to my nails. Everywhere else I’ve been always tells me the can’t out more than 2 coats of color on nails. In addition, the third woman even painted the very tips on my nails so everything is all covered. Major plus: the machine they use for gel is LED lights.
I am in love with the end result and I would return in a heartbeat. Thanks for the great experience!

Poor quality gel polish; customer service sucks; and grossly overpriced for the easiest nails design.

Terrible customer service! Told me to wait 15 min, then changes it to 30, takes my name and phone number, tells me she will call me but to be back in 30 min. So when I come back 25 min later for my app she tells me she has booked somebody else!
The whole point of her taking my number was to call me when she was finished! Why take my number and not even bother Callin!
Will not come back!!! Go some where else, get better service! A lot of good nail salons in the neighborhood!

I’ve been here two times. This is a small nail salon and both times I came there were only two people doing nails. They somehow managed to do my nails and four other people that came right after me.
They give really good massage with a mani or pedi! I love the warm rocks! It feels really nice. Jenny did my pedicure last time, she was super nice and gave me an awesome foot massage! The only downside is that they don’t offer a big variety of colors, but I can still find some colors I like. And you can always bring your own polish!

I came here every time and luv this place so much! Tracy and her stuff r both very skillful and save my nails every time when I almost give up my nails!!! Thank u and luv you, Tracy!

I wished I can tell my employer/​company to pay my salary cash only so that I could avoid taxes but I don’t and I don’t want to avoid taxes because that is my responsibility as a citizen of this country. Ok let me get to the review.
The minute me and my friend walked in to this nail salon the lady who is the owner barked on us about tipping in cash or paying in cash only. I was about to turn my back and walk out the door but I was with a friend so I pursued to get my gel manicure here, my friend had her pedicure.
The place was empty when we arrived they only had one customer and we had to wait 20 mins because they only had 2 people working.
Long story short-​my gel manicure looks great in fact I really think they did a great job! I like my gel manicure and my friend loved her pedicure too… now let me fast forward to the payment system: the sign they have outside promoting «Grand Opening $ 25 Gel Manicure» that is a total lie!!! Tracy the owner charged me $ 30 for my gel manicure she said it’s because I didn’t make appointment and that I walked in, the price for $ 25 gel manicure is only for customers who call and make appointment ahead of time. I was surprise to hear her excuse but I didn’t want to make a scene so I agree to pay $ 30. I usually do make appointment at my regular nail salon that I go to at Outer Sunset but now days nails salons in San Francisco often lie to the customers. When the customers call to make appointment they take the call but when the customers arrive they usually end up waiting 20 – 30 mins before they get their service, this is because nails salons don’t honor appointments made by phone anymore, they take walk ins and let the customers who made appointment wait. Then what is the point of making appointment???
Let’s get back to the payment process: I handed her my credit card and Tracy said «You don’t have cash?» I said «No I never had cash anymore I hate carrying cash» which is true! To my surprise she made a comment «Next time carry cash, and for tipping too is better for us if you carry cash, if you hate the government you should carry cash» I was sooo stunned and shock to hear her respond! Really? That’s what you said to your customers? I know why you want us to pay cash cause you don’t want to pay tax geeeee!!!
Anyway, I will not go back to this salon even they do a good job but I hate the principal they have, I am a customer, I can pay using my credit card or my debit card if I want to! And for having promotion for $ 25 gel manicure and not honoring it!!! That’s bs!

$ 25 for a gel manicure that has lasted for three weeks before one small chip? You really can’t go wrong. (And I have a job where I’m constantly typing, writing, and working with my hands extensively)
The place isn’t super fancy, nor do they have a large selection of gel colors, but the ladies working there were very friendly & I enjoyed my experience overall.

This place isn’t all that big or fancy. However, their service is what makes all the difference!
I wanted to get a walk in and non of the nail places had any (even here!). But the owner had an opening because all her appointments were running late. She actually ran after me down the street!
The prices are really good and I only got a manicure. I think I’ll have her do it next time instead of her assistant AND I’ll get a pedi next time!

This is my second review of Cute T Nails. My first one was filtered by Unilocal because Tracy (owner) decided not to advertise with them. In fact they have filtered 15 of her positive reviews.
I’m writing another one because this is by far my most favorite nail salon in the city!
I understand everyone can have bad days and bad experiences but to judge a place after 1 visit is unfair.
I have brought numerous friends to Cute T and they have all loved their experiences and come back!
Tracy is funny, kind, talented and genuine.
A regular mani pedi is only $ 25! The tools are always sanitized. They take time to ensure quality service! This place rocks!
Yes I know I only have positive reviews on my profile because I believe in giving people second chances after an off experience. Or I just won’t go back.
So Unilocal.Stop filtering! This is someone’s livelihood you are messing with.
Thank you for your time.

There are some positives — the place is very cute and clean, and the girls are super sweet.
Unfortunately they tend to overbook, at the cost of the quality of the work and the service.
I’ve gone here several times out of convenience and to give them a chance to do proper work, but it’s only gotten worse.
Once I booked a mani/​pedi — my pedi was cancelled because of a drop in client. I was told to come back the next day — I usually work long days, so finding the time is a hassle to begin with.
The gel manis have been rushed, with poor detailing. (Sloppy angles, parts without overcoating etc.)
Once the gel removal was so rushed and rough it hurt really bad and my nails got really damaged.
Not happy.
Addition: I’m really troubled by the fact that people from this salon are calling my home number to argue with me because of this review. I know where I went, and the fact that they have my phone number should prove it. You guys are nice, but you rushed and were sloppy. More than once.
Very unprofessional. Unilocal has ways to get in touch with people.

B*TCH RANT.
I rarely write 1 star reviews and very hesitantly do unless I get food poisoning, service inexcusably sucked, I get ripped off or a combo of all three.
For weeks, I debated whether to write this review because I know how much a negative review can impact a small business. However, I feel it’s only fair that others be forewarned about Cute T Nails.
I’ve been a loyal customer of both Sensi (Inner Sunset) and Recharge Spa (Nob Hill) for several years. I adore both owners and their staff but I was getting bored of my nails and wanted to spunk it up with some nail art.
My friend sent me the Unilocal link to Cute T Nails because of all the cutesy nail art pictures she saw posted by the business. With the stellar reviews, I decided to make an appointment after work for a gel mani that day. If you look further, you will find that most of the reviews are from people who haven’t Unilocaled in years prior to posting their 5 star review of Cute T Nails (hey, just saying).
While making an appointment, I asked how much the nail art would cost. I was told it’s $ 3 and up per a nail but she (the owner) couldn’t quote me over the phone unless she saw the design. Ok, fair enough.
When I arrived for my 5:30 pm appointment, they were busy (only two workers) so I waited for about 25 minutes.
When my manicurist/​owner was ready, she told me that it’s always busy in the afternoons and I should come in the mornings next time. Umm, I did make an afternoon appointment with you over the phone didn’t I? AWKWARD.
Anyhow, I showed her a picture of the nail design I wanted. It was a hello kitty with a 3D bow. She said that she didn’t have the 3D bow and that I would need to pre-​order the 3D art up to a month in advance. Ummm ok, why would you post pics of Japanese 3D nail art on your Unilocal page without disclosing this info on your business page and/​or on your website? Instead, she offered to draw the hello kitty bow on which I agreed to.
I tried to make small talk and asked how long they’ve been open, blah blah blah. She told me they use to be located on Geary but wouldn’t disclose the name of the nail salon. That in itself was a red flag to me but I ignored it.
She asked where I normally go and I told her that I’ve been going to Sensi and Recharge for years but I wanted to change up my nails. She told me that I had come to the right place for nail art. Funny thing is, after three tries, she couldn’t draw the hello kitty bow and asked her assistant to do it.
The hello kitty design was cute but the bow was noticeably crooked (
) but I bit my tongue and didn’t say anything as they were closing soon.
The kicker is when it came time to pay…
Owner: «Your total is $ 55.»
Me: *awkward pause*
Owner: «$ 30 for the gel, $ 5 for the gel removal and $ 10 for each nail design.»
I was stunned at the cost but it was my first time doing nail art so I didn’t think much of it. I paid the $ 55 plus $ 10 tip (I always tip well regardless).
Surprisingly, the gel started peeling on day 7 which has never happened to me in the 2.5 years I’ve been doing gel manis. They normally last at the very least 2 weeks without chipping and peeling.
Despite all of this, I still wasn’t going to write a review until…
Friend #1: «Ohhh your hello kitty nails cute! Did you do them yourself?»
Me: (- _​_​_​_​_​-)
(All my friends know I can’t draw for shit.)
Friend #2: «Ohhh cute, how much did you pay for that?»
Me: $ 10 for each nail design.
Friend #2: «WTF! Each nail design costs as much as a regular mani?!?»
Me: *sigh*
Now what broke the camel’s back is when I went to another nail salon last night in the bougie Nob Hill. Yes, I cheated again…
I showed the owner exactly what I wanted (they turned out awesome but that’s for another review) and asked for a price quote. I told her I had previously paid $ 55 for the gel I had now which was pricey so I didn’t want any shockers again when it came time to pay.
Owner: «$ 55!!! Where did you go in the financial district?»
Me: «I went to a place on Clement and 10^th… it was $ 30 for the gel, $ 5 for removal, and $ 10 for EACH nail design.»
Owner: «Awwww honey, you got ripped off. That is an easy design; I would have charged you $ 5.»
Me: «$ 5?»
Owner lady: «Yes, $ 5 for BOTH nails»
I.GOT.HAD.
END OF B*TCH RANT.

I’ve completely fallen in love with this place. Besides the fact that they do AH-​MAZING nail art, they’re all super super nice. Today was my first time at Cute T Nail Salon and they DELIVERED. I decided to do the Peppermint Spa Pedicure and test their nail design. Everyone was genuinely sweet and kind.
The Peppermint Spa Pedi includes an awesome foot massage, a nice hot stone massage and the peppermint «facial» for your legs and feet. Then after all that is done, the awesome nail art! They did exactly what I wanted AND then some!
The prices are all reasonable too (Unlike snooty spas downtown that charge twice as much for way less!)! 50 $ for all of it!
I almost didn’t want to write this review cause I would love to keep this place all to myself and the locals in the neighborhood but this kind of place MUST be shared!
ps. Don’t forget to make an appointment, just in case they’re super slammed! Summer is here and toes are out ;]