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Time for Nails
Category: Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Nail Salons [Edit]
2816 Telegraph Ave(between Oregon St & Stuart St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighbourhood: South Berkeley
(510) 540-4874
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Time for Nails
59 reviews in English
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Review from Liz O.
Oakland, CA
Ok, so this is definitely a bare bones type of place. No frou-frou decorations (save for 2 80s nails posters high up on the wall) but that is absolutely ok with me. This place is awesome. Seriously. No pink frilly crap or cucumber scented water, just business, and they are good at their business! I came in on a Saturday, and the place was basically devoid of customers, so much so that I was the only customer there for a lot if my pedi and acrylic full set. I was desperate to get my nails done, I had bitten them all off and was leaving the next day to go to Miami to see my boyfriend and my hands and feet were a mess. They did a GREAT job turning the disaster I gave them into presentable nails!
I have notoriously peels nails, not the nails themselves, but rather anything put on them. Nail polish on my nails peels off within a day (remember that tinker bell nailpolish from when we were kids?) and acrylics and every thing else lifts off my nails super fast (sometimes within the day). But somehow, I don't know how, Katie, at time for nails, managed to give me an amazing, natural looking, full set of acrylics that HAS NOT LIFTED ONE SINGLE BIT. Now, granted its only been a few days, but this is unheard of for my nails! My pedicure was also great- you know it's good when they check to see how they're doing on the calluses as the slough away, and don't just go at it blindly for a certain amount of time!
I'm am DEFINITELY happy I went here, and will be back regularly!!! -
Review from Kathy K.
San Francisco, CA
I went in here recently on a girl day with one of my BFFs. She had done some Yelping and found TFN was close and the mani/pedis well reviewed.The space is small but clean and mellow, nothing fancy like a spa but comfortable with their spa chairs and girly movies playing on the flatscreen.
I give TFN 5+ starts for the FABULOUS pedicure from Katie who gave me one of the best pedicures I have ever had!!! She filed the nails perfectly into the shape I love, which I always have to ask specifically for at other places and the polish job was beautiful. Even after a week and a half it looks like my pedicure was just done.
I do have to take 1 star off for the fact that they were going to charge me $10 for removing the gel polish from my hands before my manicure--which I understand the polish is a pain but I would have removed it myself if I had known I was going to pay extra!! They basically dunk your hands in polish remover for 10 minutes then just scrape it off, I am not sure it is worth an extra $10. Also, when I go to my usual places they never charge me especially if I am getting another gel polish done. I assumed (naively) that this would be the case here but it wasn't. But, kudos to them for charging me $5 when I expressed my dismay at only finding this out when I was paying.
I have my usual haunts in SF which are a better price point, but for the pedicure and the location TFN is a pretty good deal. -
Review from c p.
Oakland, CA
5 stars for the mani-pedi!
I rarely get my nails painted any noticeable colors, because I'm exceptionally gifted at smudging or chipping them in under 20 minutes. However after reading all the reviews here I got brave five days ago and got matching nails/toes in a really awesome OPI red. Yep. Five days ago. I have one tiny, tiny chip on my index finger. I put some of my own topcoat on it and it's been holding steady. There is a tiny bit of wear at the very ends of my nails that you can only notice if you are inspecting my hands. My toes still look perfect. They did a great job smoothing my feet and my cuticles look better than ever; no bleeding for me. Not sure about nail art because I didn't get any and the other girl that was there didn't either.
I also got my eyebrows waxed, and had irritation and even a couple tiny blemishes; it wasn't bad but I feel like I normally have less of both at the usual place I get my eyebrows done and I had a few to tweeze yesterday. So I probably won't come again for eyebrows.
Oh, and he kept an eye on my car and watched for parking enforcement but I was able to park right out front at 1PM on a weekday. I had a bunch of quarters (they aren't the pay stations, but regular coin meters FYI) and was all set but it was really nice to know he was doing that without even asking! AND they take credit cards and you can put the tip on the credit card. -
Review from Shawna R.
Oakland, CA
Very nice pedicure today!I just walked in.They
Took me right away!Prices reasonable and I love my
Blue toes! -
Review from G A.
Oakland, CA
Great nails from great people. I have been going to Time for Nails for over 4 years and have never had anything less than an awesome service. They are thorough, detailed, clean and friendly, all of which are important to me. There have been a few times I have gone elsewhere due to last minute needs or location convenience, but I have regretted it every time and mentally kick myself for straying. I don't have a car and live about 20 minutes away using public transportation, but it is well worth the travel.
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Review from Opal K.
Berkeley, CA
AMAZING. i've never gotten a better manicure done, ever. I'm the type of person that watches people paint my nails because I'm meticulous in that the sides of my nails aren't missed and my cuticles are perfect. Trust them so much that I don't even have to watch. They honestly do such a good job! (And all of them are so sweet!)
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Review from Kae D.
San Francisco, CA
You won't be impressed with the address or the decor.
You will be very impressed with the $20 Pedi by Katie.
She is a professional and does a great job -very thorough - including leg massage.
Yes, the chairs are new, have the massage option, and are very comfortable.
I'm very picky when it comes to salons- and, I am thrilled to find such a quality salon so close to home.
Easy street parking Saturday morning. -
Review from Theresa C.
San Francisco, CA
I'm a recent transplant to the Bay area, so I've been couch-surfing for a bit. It's exhausting, moving from place to place, searching for apartments, interviewing for jobs, etc etc etc. So tonight I decided to treat myself to a pedicure, since this place is literally next door to my friend's apartment.
First, they're pretty cheap ($28 for mani-pedi, which isn't the cheapest I've ever gotten, but less than a lot of places I've seen). When I tried to go in, I noticed the door was locked. The man (who appears to be the owner or supervisor) let me in, and I asked if I could get a pedicure. He said yes, ushered me to the selection of polishes, and then let me sit to soak my feet.
The woman who did my nails, Katie, was a sweetheart, striking up a bit of conversation with me. That's always nice, but what really impressed me was that she did an AWESOME job. We are talking, like, most intense pedicure ever. She took care of those cuticles like nobody's business, she scrubbed my feet to no end, and she gave me the best leg massage I've ever gotten. It was pure heaven.
The place was great, all the staff was friendly, and my nails look kickass. Will definitely come back!! -
Review from Nancy G.
Benicia, CA
I love my mani pedi! Very nice people, great prices. I had Katie who was so, so gentle in trimming my cuticles and shaping my toe nails. Very nice, relaxed feel to this salon. I like the free movie on a big flat screen TV, nice touch. It's a family business, I learned and you gotta love that!
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Review from Jen R.
San Francisco, CA
Love this place! Pedi includes the works: pumice scrub on the soles, salt scrub on the feet and calves, and artfully applied polish. They worked wonders on my nails, which are shredded from all my biting. All for $28. Oh, and they have those bake-lamps that set the polish.
The staff is extremely friendly, too -- the owner even fed the meter for my car parked out front with his own change.
This is what a mani-pedi should be! -
Review from Diana S.
5-stars for Berkeley standards (remember to bring CASH unless you want to be charged a $3 fee to use the ATM down the street!)
Berkeley has it's cons: bums, random funky smells, and unreliable nextbus times but when it comes to nail services, I absolutely love the prices in this neighborhood. Back home in socal, I can't get a manicure under $30, let alone acrylics. Here at Time for Nails, I can get a full set done for $32 without tip. Manicures? $25.
The manicurists are so friendly and gentle, in comparison to other salons in Berkeley. Tools, towels, seats are always cleaned after another customer goes before you making me feel safe and not worry about getting infections.
For the sake of checking other salons out, I've been to Nail Spa (across the street), Narcissus Beauty (on telegraph by campus), UC Nail Salon (on Bancroft), and T&T Salon (on telegraph by Buffalo Exchange). Every time I walked out of these listed salons, I remember thinking 'EFF, should've just went to Time for Nails.' Sure the prices at UC Nail Salon is cheaper, but they weren't as gentle and nicely manicured as TFN. Narcissus and T&T are closer but heck, walking two blocks down would have been worth the money instead of wasting it on crappy nail jobs here. And Nail Spa is a lot prettier from the outside than TFN, but it was so expensive and not all thattt great.
Don't waste your time and money, and just go to TFN. I promise it is worth the trip. You don't need to make reservations and they're open 7 days a week and til around... 7-8pm-ish on weekdays. They give you amazing hand and feet massages, and a movie is always on so you're constantly entertained while getting the Princess (or Prince) treatment here on Telegraph. -
Review from Laina V.
Oakland, CA
Still love this place and would recommend it to the ladies.
Although, today I had an uncomfortable situation that made me reevaluate my initial review. I made an appointment, and still had to wait an extra 10 minutes. No big deal.
When I was getting a fill ($15; unbeatable price!!!) I asked Nancy to cut my cuticles. When she finished (very briefly), she charged me a total of $18 (an extra $3). She told me that she typically charges $5 to cut the cuticles (implying that she actually gave me a discount). However, she never mentioned the additional cost until the very end. I thought that was done in poor taste.
It's not about charging me the extra $3-$5 dollars, it's about the integrity of giving me a warning about the extra charge.
Dislike.
But, still awesome prices and a great job overall.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2011
This place is clean and accommodating. The service is great and they do a fantastic job on fills… Read more »
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1/7/2011
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Review from Cathy L.
Berkeley, CA
I have tried two other salons since I moved to Berkeley last year, and this is consistently the best gel manicure (french!) I've ever had. Have been back a few times and tried a number of the manicurists and each manicure has lasted the full two weeks without peeling off my nails underneath. Love, love, love them!
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Review from Nina Y.
They just updated their salon which makes it look a lot nicer. They have new chairs, with better massage, and a little table for your items. This time around, we watched another chick flick - 27 Dresses. Now there are 3 different stations for manicures. There only used to be 2, but this is better for their business. They do still have a limited number of OPI colors which makes me sad, but I can always bring my own to use there. I do love their selection of reds, but disappointed in their selection of blues and other colors.
My experience was great this time around as well - getting a manicure and pedicure. I had a good time and would definitely go back. It's almost becoming my regular place to go. It can get a bit crowded, but it's not too bad especially if you call in about 15 mins before and make sure they have room. They will stay past closing time if they need to. They're really accommodating and it's kind of refreshing.Listed in: The Secrets of Beautifying -…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/24/2010
I came here yesterday because I needed a quick manicure before the forum with possible employers. I… Read more »
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9/24/2010
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Review from Curly B.
Oakland, CA
I have been a patron here for over 4 years. This is the best place for a mani pedi with great massage for hands and feet too.
This is truly a family run business and everyone is very nice and talented. I have brought in pictures of nail designs from magazines and they can always copy them perfectly or add ideas to make it better.
Even when it is busy, you never feel they are rushing through to finish unlike other places. It is also affordable - $10 for manicure and $20 for pedicure, $28 for combo.
It is also extremely clean. It is obvious they take care in ensuring all tools are sterilized and the foot spa cleaned before each use. -
Review from Natalia B.
Berkeley, CA
The quality of the work was very good, the young women were quite nice, the older lady just sort of blank but competent - but I can't blame her for being not happy and chatty after what I would guess is a long day of work. The chairs were comfortable. There was a captioned TV to watch. The prices were reasonable ($20 pedicure, $25 gel manicure). The light massage was good. The place seemed reasonably clean (although the soap in the soak seemed kind of industrial.) And yet I'm not sure we'll go back. It just didn't have the relaxation of a place like Joi Nails, Solemates, or Onzen, or the friendly buzz of Sara's...I think we'll keep looking for that ideal nail salon...
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Review from Katie S.
Dallas, TX
Went for a French mani pedi. Got talked into the gel on my fingers and I LOVE it. I've never had a manicure last so long. I got the gel again in Dallas and it did't last nearly as long as what these guys did. Nice work! And yes, the owner does feed your meter- they don't offer, they just ask which car is yours.
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Review from liz m.
Oakland, CA
My nails have never looked or felt this good. Amazing job and sweet family. I can't go anywhere else.... They are amazing!
ps: they just update the salon, new chairs, and a new tv... its super nice and looks soo good!!! my fav pic
pink and whites.... they last forever!!!! -
Review from Dutch G.
Oakland, CA
I concur with all the others on this list... this is a great frikken shop.
Why? Let me lay down the law:
1) I get fake nails and this is the place to get them. I've tried nailtiques, constant manis, and every other conceivable solution to nice looking nails and you know what? Fuck it. Not when you have Nancy. Woman is the one to see about getting some tips and acrylics. For serious. I don't keep my nails super long because that isn't my bag... but she does it so well and so thin that NO ONE ever suspects that my nails are fake. ROCK IT.
2) Pedis here kick boo-tay. For serious. So this isn't a super fancy salon... you want a pedicure or someone to suck your ass? Well if it is the later - good. Time for Nails is getting crowded and I need my weekend pedi, so go away!
3) Everyone who works here is awesome. I have never had a bad experience here and the one time I wasn't satisfied with the job one of the gals did Nancy re-did it for free the next day. FOR FREE people. They care about their work that much.
Seriously... this place is the bomb. I'm going there right now for a pedicure. You should too... but please, don't take my chair or I will claw your eyes out. -
Review from Katy O.
I'd really love to give this place a better review. Really, I would.
Their service was great. The guy in front (he's the one who'll take your call to make an appointment) was very courteous. My friend and I called in and were able to make an appointment for 15 minutes later. They don't take credit so be sure to bring cash.
This place isn't the most aesthetically pleasing establishment I've been to, but it's quiet and relaxing and they have a wide screen TV that they show romantic comedies on. My friend got acrylics and I got a manicure + french tip. The lady who did my nails gave me a very nice hand massage :)
And this place is DIRT CHEAP! I think it was $15 for my nail job and $26 for a full acrylic set for my friend.
However, after only a day of with my shiny new nails, I chipped the first one. I thought it was just me, but after the end of the second one almost all my nails had little chips in them. The products they use must be really cheap, because I don't do much hard labor. I'm a student, not a construction worker.
Like I said, I wish I had better things to say, but if the paint job can't hold up for more than a day I just don't see the point in going back :( -
Review from Shelly S.
Oakland, CA
For the last 2 years I've been looking for a nail shop in the east bay that does a decent job. I guess living in So Cal for the last 8 years spoiled me. However, TIME FOR NAILS does the BEST job of any salon I've been to anywhere.
I LOVE the pedicures and the pink and white nails with the "special gel" on top are too die for beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from jill p.
Wallingford, PA
I happened upon this place two mani/pedis ago, when I tried to go to The Nail Spa, which I found through Yelp. Although The Nail Spa claims walk-ins are welcome, when I showed up at 2:30 they told me they couldn't help me at all that day because they were fully booked. Frustrated and despondent, I walked out of the store and thought - "NOW where am I going to get my nails done?"
Just like that I saw the answer to my prayers - Time for Nails right across the street!
The nail salon is a family owned business and they are lovely people. They truly take their time to provide an excellent manicure and pedicure at a great price ($28 mani/pedi). Also, it is clean; I witnessed them thoroughly cleaning the pedicure tubs. They have a great selection of Essie and OPI colors and the massage chairs are vigorous.
You're welcome to call them to make an appointment, but it is currently not necessary. If people, as they should, start going there in droves you might need to make an appointment.
Such a nice family.
Note: They do NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS -
Review from Briana S.
Manhattan, NY
I love coming here! I started with an appointment to get pink and whites after reading so many great reviews on Yelp. Thank you fellow yelpers! Nancy is the best and I love that everyone that works here is related. The owner always sits and talks with me while I'm getting my nails done which some may find weird, but to me it shows that he really is interested in his customers and wants to make sure they're happy. I am always happy with the results.
I will continue to come here as long as I live in Berkeley. Normally I just walk in, but after this past Friday I'm going to start making appointments, in the hour I was there a good 15 people or so walked in for mani-pedis (that's pretty impressive in itself). Man, I know i said it before, but I really love this place!
Just make sure to bring cash as they do not accept cards. And if you go around the corner off of Telegraph there is plenty of 2 hour street parking that is free. -
Review from Sandra S.
I decided to go to this place after reading the many reviews on it. Seems like every one loved it so why not give it a try especially because I needed a pedicure BADLY!
So I call and get an appointment for after work same day which is great to me!
I walked in the joint and I must admit not my cup of tea! I've become somewhat a pedicure snob and I don't really care for Nail Salons and more prefer Nail Spas. Reason being I just can't stand the smell of acrylic in the air and yet alone of me breathing it for my entire treatment. But to no avail I chalked it up for the good of the service and my Yelp family.
I got there about 30mins early and there was only 1 customer in there. The place is small w/about 4 spa chairs in there and about 2 manicure stands. There's a small tv showing movies in there which is great.
Very relaxing since only 2 customers including myself was in there. I decided to get to a french pedicure. Oh to back it up a bit the reason why I decided to go here was not only cuz of the rave reviews on yelp but because the pedicures were only $20. So I got my french pedicure and it came up to $25. That is a STEAL!!!! The girl actually did a pretty good job on my feet.
Being the snob that I am, I prefer more of the scrubbing of my feet. Not that I have these flintsone/caveman feet but I like my foot scrubbed. I tend to wear a lot of sandals/flip flops and sometimes I do suffer w/the occasional rough heals. Anyway...the scrub could have been better but it was surely doable. The massage Nancy gave of my feet were great. They use this scrub and then the hot towel which was just what I needed. If only they scrubbed like they massaged!!! As I was getting my pedicure my spa chair was so relaxing and the movie that was playing was the Breakup. Everything was perfect so I surely didn't mind smelling the acrylic and after a while I couldn't smell it anymore.
Down fall of the place, it's still pretty much an old school nail salon meaning they don't take debit. Fortunately there is a Wells Fargo ATM machine across the street where I was able to withdraw some cash.
As I let my nails dry I spoke w/the man in the front who I'm assuming is the manager/owner because he was handling the cash and we had a great conversation about how I found this place on YELP! and he even pointed me to the sticker on the outside window of the Yelp reviews!!! Great guy!!
Oh...and another plus...they speak and understand good English! yay!!!
I would surely go back there again if I needed something in a hurry!!!Listed in: Mani/Pedi/Waxing, Relaxing Moments
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Review from Mikayla M.
Oakland, CA
i love em!
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Review from Ems K.
San Francisco, CA
W.O.W.
So why am I paying $35 for pedicures in the South Bay when a $20 pedicure here is 'OH SO AMAZING?!
My girlfriend 'n I walked in and was attended to w/in 15 mins. The owner is uber nice and his staff is quick/friendly. We settled in one of their AWESOME massage chairs (gotta get one!) and the water temperature was p.e.r.f.e.c.t. !
Pretty embarrassed about my post-winter hooves, my lady was fantastic in cutting, trimming, buffing, etc. . . . the WHOLE deal. AND you get a salt scrub 'n full-on massage after! Like, what?!?! OH .. and they wrap your legs in nice/warm towels .. ahhhh~!!
*sigh*
Moreover, repeat customers seem to visit as the owner knew many delightful ladies coming through the door. Street parking was abundant and they only take cash.
This is THE best pedicure I've ever gotten and placed all the others I've patronized to shame .. I mean, if you're in it for the decor/atmosphere, this likely isn't your place but .. for the skills, price, quick and friendly .. this place has everything that makes a great business & experience! -
Review from Dangerrr D.
San Jose, CA
There are many things that hinder my quest for a GOOD set of acrylics I can be satisfied with: 1) I'm cheap/broke most of the time 2) I'm constantly am on a computer, using my hands, or handling tools while my BF is stuck under the hood of a car, 3) I ALWAYS get the cuticle-murderers that grind my fingers to a bloody stump, 4) I am part OCD/ part perfectionist, and 5) I'm lazy and not into driving around looking for my "spot."
I went here years ago for a manicure... Today was the first time I got a full acrylic set here at Time For Nails. I forgot they were CASH ONLY, but there is an ATM across the street in the Curves building.
The gal in front was super friendly, and even translated a few things to my nail gal that I wasn't sure how to ask. The nail tech was quick but not rushed, and thorough. She did plenty of patting and wiping while the acrylic was wet, and thus avoided all the grinding and murdering I get most places during the file-down. She was perfect around the cuticles, and also filed by hand a 2nd and 3rd time to shape the tips to perfection (not ending up in what I call "duck fins" where the tip fans out at the end because they did not shape it right).
The "Special Gel" in lieu of regular polish top coat is TO DIE FOR. Normally by the time I get back in my car I have annoying sweater fuzzes already stuck in the clear top coat; not so with this gel coat, which is harder, glossier and cured quicker than a clear polish.
So I am home, without any fuzzes, smudges, bloody gashes, or need to re-file my nail job (SO ANNOYING) all for just under $40 including bigger-than-usual tip I gladly left her. Yes, call me cheap, but if I have to re-do the work when I get home, WTF is the point of tipping? I'll be going back here for a fill in a couple-few weeks, which is a testament in itself because I am normally so horrified I never go back to a place again, at which time I'll write another review. But in the meantime, I am thrilled with my acrylics.
*UPDATE* I went back the very next day for a pedicure, it was amazing. Yup. -
Review from skye M.
Huntington Beach, CA
Great place to get natural looking acrylics. Nothing fancy, but Nancy does a great job.Get the gel coating! Totally worth it.
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Review from stephanie v.
Cerritos, CA
Continuing my quest to find my beautification services as a newly transplanted East Bayer, I found this shop on Yelp (of course). I guess I can pretty much echo the sentiments of everyone that's already reviewed it. It's a no-frills nail shop with about 4 (?) spa chairs and 4 workstations. It's pretty small compared to other places, but yeah, they still do pretty excellent work. Only have had the spa pedicure, and they did a bomb job. Didn't feel rushed and have to listen to the technicians talking crap to each other in Vietnamese about people's ugly feet and ingrown toe nails (I have a friend who is a nail technician, and she said that's what they usually talk about, haha).
They've got a pretty good selection of colors and brands (OPI, Essie, China Glaze).
Its CASH ONLY, so remember to hit up the ATM before you get there. -
Review from Maku M.
Alameda, CA
I have been going to A Time For Nails for about two years now. I always get my nails and feet done by Nancy. She is the best!! Her husband Tom always makes you feel at home and everyone that works there is friendly and inviting. The nail shop is clean and they do your nails the way you want them to be done. I highly recommend this place for the quality of their work and the excellent customer service I have received there.
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Review from Rebekah H.
Foster City, CA
Small little shop on Telegraph. I came on a Friday morning, and it was absolutely empty. I got a regular manicure and pedicure, for a total of 28 dollars (without tip). The manicure comes with a mango lotion treatment and the pedicure gets you a sea salt scrub.
The girls who were there are very sweet. I was very happy with the job that they did in shaping my tiny, square little nails. There were none of the usual issues I have with some of the cheaper nail salons, namely that the ladies at Time for Nails did NOT rip off all remnants of my cuticles until they were bleeding, and they did NOT gossip to each other in Vietnamese the whole time.
The only issues I had were that they did my manicure and pedicure at the same time (with two girls). I don't know if this is standard practice, but it left me feeling pretty awkward with nothing to do except stare around the empty salon and watch soap operas on that tiny TV.
So minus one star for that, and also because the massages that came with my manipedi were pretty weak.
I would definitely go here again though. My toes still look great a week later, and on me, that is an enormous feat. Can't say the same about my now naked/chipped fingernails, but I live a hard lifestyle, folks. -
Review from Farrah N.
San Francisco, CA
I got a full set which Nancy does GREAT. They really let me relax and it's a small place and not too busy on the weekdays. The girl who did my pedicures was awesome. Massaged and scrubbed really well. They had a J.Lo Movie on which was kind of entertaining. Anyways... I dragged my boyfriend to get his nails manicured (just cut and managed) and he loves this place too.
They also have my favorite OPI nail color for my toes. It's a really really dark cream purple that looks amazing on toes. -
Review from Jen S.
Berkeley, CA
They have always done a great job for the price! Four stars only because they only take cash/check. Kind of a bummer if I don't have it on me.
Recommended! -
Review from Ruth W.
Manhattan, NY
Great work, professional, and clean. The pedicure came with a great scrub and massage too. The environment is relaxed and calm. My nails looked great -- couldn't ask for more.
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Review from Kate S.
Berkeley, CA
This place is just your average nail joint. I got a French tip manicure for $15 plus tip which is relatively cheap. The gel stuff was a lot pinker than I expected, making it look kind of fake. It lasted about 4 days then started chipping pretty badly all over.
The ladies were all nice and they had decent magazines. The arm and hand massage was really nice too. Overall I prefer one of the places down the street but if you're on a budget, this place is ok. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Davis, CA
First of all, I was very impressed with this place because I came in late but they were still willing to service me (Just in Time for Nails!) It was the day before my graduation ceremony and I really wanted my hands and nails to be in decent shape. Not only was I late, but I had just had my cast removed that morning after 7 weeks. So my right foot was horribly swollen, yellow, blue, and hairy all over. Not a pleasant sight to see to say the least. But Katie was so nice and reassured me that she didn't mind. She really cared about me! She gave the best exfoliation and massage smiling and saying, "You need it." I laughed.
They were really efficient and as soon as Lisa was done with one woman, she immediately came over to my massage chair and started working on my nails.
They asked if I would like to pay first before getting manicure and I said yes. But to my surprise, they don't take credit card. Instead of making me walk to the nearest ATM down the block on my crutches, the owner was kind enough to drive me there and back in his car.
The other women there were really funny and joked with the owner that he was only 72 lb when he first came to this country. None of us believed him. His wife showed me pictures of her daughter's wedding to keep me entertained while Lisa was finishing my manicure. They had the most beautiful enormous traditional Vietnamese and modern wedding I had ever seen. They have a beautiful family.
Also, I think their uniforms are really cute with embroidered names so you can remember who serviced you. Really professional.
I know my positive experience weren't part of their business model, but I think it still important to share my story of how the family that works at Time for Nails are really GOOD PEOPLE and put you first. I think for good quality service, you really need that care and kindness underneath your skill. -
Review from andrea s.
San Francisco, CA
Best foot massage as part of the pedi I have EVER had.
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Review from sarah d.
Soquel, CA
I would gladly recommend this place.
I was getting married and needed a place for me and six bridesmaids to get their nails done. The wedding was in the evening and we needed our appointments to start at 10am. I checked different salons in Berkeley and found that they were more expensive and unwilling to open at ten.
However, Time for Nails was willing to open early! I booked the appointment way in advance and called a couple of times to make sure it was still intact because I had read on Yelp that the guy who books the appointments gets it wrong sometimes. He actually remembered who I was after the first conversation and never got my appointment placed on the wrong date.
The morning of the wedding, I didn't know what to expect. Of course, I was nervous since I had never gotten my nails done there. I was pleased instantly the second we entered the room. The women were all calm and quiet which put me at ease right away. A woman who was in charge welcomed us and put a wedding comedy on the tv. From there, they all proceeded to do our nails beautifully and within our time.
Overall, I would give this place five stars by how organized and professional they were. They were friendly, happy and did beautiful work on all of our nails.
Thanks Time for Nails! -
Review from Rachel C.
Berkeley, CA
The reviews for this place are seriously over rated. I went there this last weekend because of all the raving reviews here. They did a decent job and the price was right but I was looking for some seriously nice designs and most of their designs sucked, frankly. My nails aren't ugly, but they aren't great either. You get what you pay for I guess.
If you are looking for a decent chop shop this is the place to go, but if you are looking for something unique and fun look elsewhere. -
Review from Courtney L.
Berkeley, CA
I absolutely love this place!
I admit, when I first walked in, I felt a bit awkward. I went at about 4pm on a Wednesday. There were no customers there then, and four employees were all looking at me as I walked in. Also, the decor isn't quite what I expected for a nail salon. I would consider this the one downfall of Time for Nails. I think a salon makeover would be extremely beneficial for them, buuut this isn't why I came! I came to get my nails did!
I wanted a pedi and a pink and white set. They got started right away, doing the acrylics while I was sitting in the pedi chair. They also put on a cute chick flick for me to watch, which was entertaining. The owners are very polite, and we talked for awhile about my hometown, but they got the hint that I really wanted to be watching Maid in Manhattan :)
I had read reviews about this place and especially Nancy before going in, and let me tell you, Nancy really is great! She spent about an hour and a half doing my pink and white set. It was an incredibly thorough and beautiful job! I seriously recommend this place to anyone who wants a high quality nail job. I will definitely be going back.
