
Nails By Vivian
Quick info
About Nails By Vivian
Nails By Vivian is a nail salon on San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito. The salon operates daily, giving flexibility for scheduling a visit throughout the week. Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins are also accepted for those without a set time. The location serves the surrounding El Cerrito area along San Pablo Ave, making it accessible for regular upkeep or one-off visits. With no fixed closed days, clients can plan a trip around their own schedule rather than working around limited operating hours.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gel polish peeling/cracking, cat eye nail design, dip manicure and gel pedicure.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gel polish peeling/cracking, cat eye nail design, dip manicure and gel pedicure.
Customer Review Summary
Gel manicures and pedicures with cat eye designs draw regulars back repeatedly, with several praising specific nail techs by role for consistent, friendly work and fast service. But recurring complaints weigh heavily against this: multiple reviewers describe gel polish cracking or peeling within days of service, one reporting a costly fix that still failed before an overseas trip with no apology offered. Others describe sloppy design work, including a fur cured into a nail bed that could not be buffed out as promised, and a cat eye design that came out looking nothing like the requested style. Several also describe unprofessional treatment at checkout or the front desk, including a card tossed onto the counter rather than handed back, a refusal to remove nails done elsewhere, and a color mismatch that reviewers say the salon wanted to charge extra to correct. One long-time customer describes ending a fifteen-year relationship with the salon after a final disappointing visit.
Customer Review Summary
Gel manicures and pedicures with cat eye designs draw regulars back repeatedly, with several praising specific nail techs by role for consistent, friendly work and fast service. But recurring complaints weigh heavily against this: multiple reviewers describe gel polish cracking or peeling within days of service, one reporting a costly fix that still failed before an overseas trip with no apology offered. Others describe sloppy design work, including a fur cured into a nail bed that could not be buffed out as promised, and a cat eye design that came out looking nothing like the requested style. Several also describe unprofessional treatment at checkout or the front desk, including a card tossed onto the counter rather than handed back, a refusal to remove nails done elsewhere, and a color mismatch that reviewers say the salon wanted to charge extra to correct. One long-time customer describes ending a fifteen-year relationship with the salon after a final disappointing visit.
Featured reviews
- Christie love
“Today I stopped in to see if they would be able to remove my Nails I really needed them off because I have a typing test to do in a couple days and I can’t type with Nails on however I get my nails done monthly and half for many years anyway, the Front Desk Lady had the audacity to stand in my face and tell a ball face lie about how if they didn’t do my nails then they don’t remove them because she doesn’t want to be sued Lady just say that you don’t make much money off removing peoples Nails and you don’t wanna do it? That would’ve been more professional than telling a ball face lie I will say this because of that lie that was told to me I will never step foot in your salon again. I’ve came there with my daughters multiple times and got my toes and waxes done when I shouldn’t even done that because you guys are not using gel nail polish on people. I’ve never been to a nail salon where I’ve gotten my toes done in the polish came right off a couple days later you guys are unprofessional so anybody who wanna get your nails done? Take your business somewhere else and spend your money somewhere else, don’t waste your time with this place go to Nails by Ken Wright next door the owner seem to be really sweet and professional and went out her way to help me because of that I will be dealing with them going forward”
- Cecilia L
“Loved this place until today, I had never had a problem. They dont believe in customer satisfaction and the owner was extremely rude. Painted my nails a color that didn't match what I wanted then said it's $25 to change it. I was there for my nails and a pedicure and was there from 10am to almost 1pm. Will not be back”
- Norma Rodriguez
“Always get my nails and pedicure done here. Fast and friendly service all the time. I’m always greeted at the front. Nails done by Tim! He always does great work.”
- Alexa L Kurmanov
“I really wanted to keep supporting this business but after this I will no longer be returning to get my dip manicure and gel pedicure. This past Sunday I went to Vivienne’s to get my nails done before going to my cousins wedding in Central Asia. Unfortunately the gel polish began to crack and peel only 48 hours after my service (I paid $178). I went back on Wednesday, the day before my flight, to get my nails fixed. They told me that they couldn’t do the same design and just repainted the nails that were cracked one single color. I wasn’t happy but I didn’t have any other options. The next day the tip of my nail chipped of and the new polish also began to peel. I’m supper disappointed because now I’m on my way to a wedding on the other side of the globe with cracked and chopped nails. There were no apologies by the way, honestly I think I should be able to get a refund at this point— $178 is a lot.”
- Terry
“Always pleased when I leave Vivian’s. Their nails are so sweet and kind, and the Nail Techs are amazing, especially my Nail Tech, CHAU. He does wonders on my nails with no questions asked. If you need a place to go where you can get great quality nails go to Vivian’s nails they will have you leaving with the biggest smile on your face”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- On-site services available
- Has toilet
- Appointments recommended
- Accepts walk-ins
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
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