Nail Service

Our girls come here regularly for our nail sets. The nail guys, Kent and Jimmy, are excellent , super careful and amazingly precise. We have tried all kinds of new sets since we found this place, about 2 years now. My favorite is the pink and white set. My other friend likes the glitter-powder set. And other girls just have regular sets with designs on top. They are excellent nail setters, on top, they have very good materials. Our nails stay transparent, shiny and chip-free for up to 3 weeks. While having our nails touched up, we usually have our pedicures done also. Our favorite pedicurists are Lana, Diane, Amy and the new girl Sydney. Lana and Diane usually talk more than the other two.

There are lots of parking places around, just make sure to look at the signs if it's ok to park from 4pm to 6pm. We never use their validated lot. We always use the Japanese Village lot on Central and 1st, so we can get our favorite Italian ice-cream inside the village whenever we come for the nail works.

Pros: The guys i had were amazing!!!

Cons: small boutique salon, get crowded sometimes, so make appts.

Posted 11/02/09

We bike here every few weeks. My wife is completely satisfied. As for myself, i have no complain. You guys surely will have a nice service on either your hands or feet or eyebrows, which my wife has them done once a month.

Pros: good nail jobs every time!

Posted 11/02/09

I used to go there until I went there one time and asked the young girl with alot of makeup if she was available to do my nails. She RUDELY declined and I was shocked!! I used to go there because it was quiet and simple. Now I will never return because of the very rude girl who works there. Unprofessional and quite frankly, pathetic!!!

Pros: quiet

Cons: rude personell

Posted 09/17/09

Prior to living in downtown, we lived in Sherman Oaks where there are hundreds of salons in close distance. We now live in downtown, we see lots of salons as well in all major streets. We have had our mani-pedi done at all these places. Nail Service stood out as the most quality salon we have been to. We are their focus every single time. They consistently perform fantastic job on every thing from cuticle, massaging and polishing. They do not gossip while working. Very respectful and professional salon !!! They recently have a new parking garage at the Weller Court, which is better than the previous one. We get our service time validated entirely. FYI, we do small grocery at the Japanese market, purchase a magazine or just get some lunch at the Weller Court and we do get validation as the same value as Nail Service does.

Pros: OPI polish, lotion and other Italian body scrubs... Great!

Cons: Happy to see Nail Service in downtown, no cons points found!

Posted 09/14/09

I usually go to a place in a small strip mall, very inexpensive and nice but I wanted to try NailService...esp after a great rating. WhAT'S SO GREAT? The pedicure wasn't as good as what I usually get for $12.00 at my reg place. There was some woman who was the owner maybe who was scowling and the entire place seemed uptight. My place offers you some water or a magazine...I guess it was a good experience to keep me going back to my usual, NICE, cheaper place.

Pros: clean

Cons: not friendly atmosphere, so-so pedi, what free pkng?

Posted 07/24/09

I called ahead and made an appointment for a mani-pedi. When I arrived another woman walked in without an appointment, and they were able to take her as well for the same thing. My entire mani-pedi took 15 minutes! The woman who came in at the same time as me was still getting her cuticles trimmed. By the time my polish was completely dry she was still getting her hands and feet massaged. Even though it was inexpensive, I still feel ripped off.

Posted 06/29/09

took my date to little tokyo and had a fantastic time, best food, great shopping then nail service!!!
i got 5 stars!!!

Pros: great work

Cons: parking

Posted 03/17/09

NAIL SERVICE provides me all personal beauty needs: bikini wax, mani/pedi, facial and lash extension. I first spotted this salon in February, 2007. I was so pleased after that first visit. I love the artistic creativity, cleanliness, dedication and professionalism from Lana, Diane, Amy, Emily, Jimmy and Kent. These are just the few names who work on me for the past 2 years. Polishes are the top quality, no thinner ever. They can do amazing nail arts. Lashes are so natural and beautifully done. They use the kind of wax that do not dry out my skin and the job always well done. I have monthly maintenance facial with Emily. My skin feels great for weeks. Yeah, I love all the works done here!!!

Posted 03/01/09

Beautiful work on my nails, and I'm very picky - with no pain involved! Close to all the downtown office buildings so you can sneak out at lunch for a fill. Very clean. Nice people, good choice of nail colors.

Posted 02/03/09

i had french manicure with Tony. He did a nice shape, clean cut, beautiful. i keep staring at my french manicure fingers. For low pressure time, i usually have my nails done in the afternoon around 2, quiet, and nice music, and no traffic on the 110 to J town.

Posted 02/01/09

this salon offers eyebrow waxing for guys. nice shaping job. I have been coming here since last May. Emily and Lana both worked on me. The shaping and waxing is only $13. They do take time to measure and shaping before waxing. Great. Guys try it out. You won't be disappointed. Parking is on San Pedro, free with validation. Oh, another thing, pedicure with extra feet massage was awesome as well. I paid $20 for work on feet and 10 mins massage for $8. The older women, Lyn was good with feet massage.

Posted 01/27/09

Why is it so hard to find a salon that can build acrylic nails just right. There are thousands of salons, and i tried over 20 salons in my years of wearing nails. I had Michelle worked on me for 7 years at her own salon in Studio City until she retired from the business. Then i found Peter in Van Nuys. he was great. But he just suddenly left. Well, it was unprofessional not to tell your customer in advance. But who knows, he might be asked to leave or something. I asked the owner but she would not tell me where he went. Then, i found Sheila in Sherman Oaks, 7 months later she told me that she could not work on acrylic any more because she was pregnant! Oh la la. And now i am here with Nail Service. The guys Jimmy and Kent are both great. I am completely satisfied with these guys. Well, i hope they stay for a long time. I told the owner my story and she assured me great work regardless. I trust her. My many times of coming here have been great! i wholeheartedly recommend this reliable stop to everyone.

Pros: fantastic works!

Cons: absolutely not!

Posted 01/25/09

What can I say that over 100 reviewers haven't said? Very cool, this place does great job and classy. I can walk in, get my hands and feet done any time i feel like doing so. I had to wait a few times, but really, i do not care. I have to bring some green for the tips, they do not take tips on credit card, but really, i do not care either. Yes, there were a few times when they were packed, i was asked to dry my nails at the table instead of staying on the spa chair, but come on, i understand. My nails are great every time. So what rating: between 4 stars for recommended and 5 stars for highly recommended in term of getting a good nail work done for you. I say highly recommended which is equal to 5 stars here. i think my math is right ;)

Pros: cool very time

Cons: bring some green for tips. you may think it's a cons, but for me, i do not care. they have atm inside.

Posted 01/25/09

Yeah, i highly recommend the pedicure works here. I have to say it's the best pedicure i have got by far. Positively, they are very efficient. I have seen them immediately and meticulously clean and sanitized their tools right after each service. I never had to wait long and the experience was always pleasant. There are lots of good restaurant on first street as well. it's quite convenient for me to grab a bite on my way back.

Posted 01/03/09

My friend has been a regular at this salon for over a year. And now i will be their regular customer for sure. My satisfaction is based on the facts that they are totally clean, trustworthy and welcoming. I came in a week ago for a brazilian bikini wax, it was fast and easy- the wax stick was never double-dipped, new wax stick was used on me every single spread. She was so fast and so gentle at the same time that i was like wow you are done!!! She asked me to double check before applying the oil on my skin. I checked front and back and it was perfect!!!

Posted 01/02/09

I had a really good mani-pedi at Nail Service. There were probably three male manicurists. I had the youngest one for the pedi with added massage and scrub, and had the older guy for manicure with acrylic overlay. It has been over a week and my nails are still in really good shapes all around. The polish on pedicure is still perfect and shiny. The acrylic work still wraps artfully within my cuticle edge, no lift, perfectly even and very shiny as well. I plan to go back for a fill in ten days and may ask for a facial wax this time.

Pros: very good job over all

Cons: close early on Sunday

Posted 12/03/08

wandering in Little Tokyo area one day, i found this cute nail salon at the most unexpected place. it was unexpected to me because i have been coming to Little Tokyo for special occasion now and then for a long, long time, about ten years or more, and I know there are serveral nail places within hair salons in this whole town, but did not know about a nail shop on this block. The place seemed pleasant from the first loook. So i decided to try a service. I needed some works anyway. It turned out excellent, shiny and flawless. I enjoyed it as much as the tasty mochi ice-cream in the village.

Posted 12/02/08

The first time, i came in with my wife. I was reluctant. Guess what, i have been coming here without her now. Yeah, it's totally comfortable and well worth the time and the budget for me. I no longer spend time at bars. So i come here often to pamper both my hands and feet. i learned to call for a pedicure, which i did not know such word before. It's absurb. But it was for real. I highly recommend this place the guys. My advise is just relax, enjoy; these people do a really good job ;)
I love to cook. Conveniently, there are two nice Japanese markets, one block east and another one, one block west. Prices at the salon and at these markets are good, and both have great qualities. I park at Kajima auto park, free with validation for salon visit, and then move my car to Japananese village garage one block from Nail Service, free with validation as well. Have fun!!!

Pros: great service. High quality. Courteous. Clean, sanitized equipments every time.

Cons: none for me

Posted 11/27/08

This is THE "IT" DESTINATION for the flawfless pink and white and THE PLACE for the most natural eyelash extension. I can't go any where for either pink&white or the lash retouch. On my business trip, i did go to one salon when i was in New York, and they ruined both my perfect pink and white and the lashes. And the other time I had them done in LA at another city because Nail Service was packed that day; i must have them done for the presentation meeting the next day, and they did not turn out nice at all. So this is my craving place for the perfect works!
One block from Nail Service is my other must-go place for sushi, the Frying Fish. i always order the dynamite and the spider rolls.

Posted 11/09/08

Prior to being a loyal customer at this sweet salon for several months, i had my good and bad experiences at close to two dozens salon in town. But this one has me holding a 5-star rating at a heart beat. They greet me by name, know my polish choice and even recognize my voice on the phone whenever i call in for appointment. I had my trials on gel nails for 3 months, then switched to pink and white acrylic for a couple of month, and now back to gel nails. I am satisfied at both choices. i like the shininess from the gel, and the toughness from the acrylic. I like the fact that every technician i have had so far has been very attentive and skillful. One may file faster than the other, but they are all great. Their tools, their files, their tables are clean and neat. They are cheerful and fun to chat with. So, yeah, it's defintely a great place to get my beauty treatments done with a sure satisfaction.

Posted 11/04/08

A good friend at work told me about this place. So i came and tried out the services. I had both hands and feet done, then a good 80 minutes facial. The level of performance and the prices were just such a bargain. I was totally happy with the hands and feet works, and the facial work was sophisciated at simple and pleasant level. My skin appeared to have an even nicer glow a week later. Keep in mind, this salon is more on the quality of service and products; it's not a high-price spa decor. But i could breath easily and relax happily.

Posted 10/04/08

i have my nails done at nail service before and i think they are not really professional at they say. because i just get gel nails full set for one day, and the next day 2 nails started to break in half. and pay almost $70 for my nails service. the lady name emily a very bad job . so really dont like this salon. i recommand not to go there

Posted 09/06/08

Nail Service is my escape spot. I have been to this salon for almost 2 years.

I am a female with hunger for great fashion, beauty and money. Hahaha. I only come to places that can satisfy my appetite.

Nail Service has great staff who knows how to satisfy my needs. I have to walk out happy. If i am not happy, i will not think of going back to any given place ever in my life. So thanks God for Nail Service.

Atmosphere is just right. Fresh, new tools every time. No thinner in their high quality OPI polish. Fresh air, no chemical smells. The service menu is lengthy and full with varieties of services just right for my bodily need. I love, love the bliss pedicure. OMG! YOU MUST TRY THE BLISS PEDICURE. If you are in a tight budget, let go of the manicure and try this. It will make you spur!!!!!

As for this BLISS experience, I always talk to Emily before my pedicure. And she usually arranges a good one with expertise that serves me well. I had Lana, tony, Diane, Tracy, Amy, Kent, John, Lyn & so on. They were all excellent. But there are many other manicurists that i did not have a chance to get to their rotation. I will let you know next time.

Over all: everything has been just great for me. This is the only place that i can feel so comfortable to be in and close my eyes letting the manicurists doing their job.

The massage chair has really good massage features. I can position to either the middle of my back, upper back, or the lower back. I throw out conversations here and there and these manicurists are good companies to chat with. Tony and Lana are my buddies. They are all young, up-to-date and fun. I am very impressed that despite their youth, they are very professional and polite. They talk to me in quiet manner and even among themselves. I just relax, make phone calls, read magazines after the service completed.

I come here pretty much every week. My body has to be just as the way i want and all the way.

Pros: ladies and gentlement, i am extremely satisfied. You will be too.

Cons: i come here every week for everything. i am too expensive.

Posted 08/19/08

This salon is a hidden gem. It is located in an average-looking block in little tokyo in downtown los angeles. But the salon itself is a not-so-average: a really nice, modern decor, super clean, friendly, refreshing, and really good polishes to choose from. i just want to pause here: the manicurists are very urbanish and the pros in what they do. Another pause: Never in my 12 + years of having my nails done, i never had a really non-chemical lotion for my hands and feet at all the nail salons i went to; this is the only salon that perform regular mani-pedi for $28 with a real organic lotion. Great price, Great value. In the past, i visited other salons such as Tinzee nails, Elegant nails, and so on. But this salon is way beyond the places i mentioned at a much better value all around. The Very Best Salon in town is Nail Service.

Pros: Great place to have high-quality looking hands and feet. Waxing has been great as well.

Cons: If only this salon can be a little bigger to accomodate more, i could have a party here.

Posted 08/03/08

Finally, a nail spa that really gives a spa experience. I've lived in LA for a little over 2yrs from NYC, this is the first salon I've found in LA (and I've tried many) that has the quality of work and the spa experience I'm used to. From the moment you walk in the door it is relaxing, from the lite music, to the friendly greeting it all says welcome. All products used are top of the line (not that cheap polish etc) and the attention to detail is superb. I've even ventured out and tried the Eyelashes...... LOVE THEM! Emily the owner is a doll, and all the technicians are very skilled, never disappointed. My regular manicurist Lana, does an amazing job, but please don't let this comment discount the work of the other techs, I've watched them all and not once have I've seen someone walk out with less than amazing work.

Thank you Emily for bringing such an incredible spa to downtown.

Pros: uses freshly sterilized equipment on each client

Posted 07/03/08

I love, love everything gel. And this little place amazed me. First of all, i demanded to see the gel they use, just to make sure they are not the cheap kind. Great, they use high quality products. They were very helpful bring the stuffs to me too. At this point, i learned some thing new: there are 3 different shades of white for the p&w!!!! Hey, i was very excited. I chose the middle shade and at the end the set was well done to perfection. I love my nails!!! I noticed they have about 8 or 9 workers, but they seemed to be busy every time i was there. I had to wait a little here and there, but that's about it. I was ok with the wait, because i know my nails will be done nice.

Pros: best p&w gel job.

Cons: gas money for me. Westside to downtown, not too far, but not too good either...

Posted 06/28/08

I got the best pedicure ever at this salon a day prior to my surgery. The girl, Diane did such a wonderful job with a really, really nice added massage. I am recovering and browsing and enjoying my still-perfect feet. I will surely visit this salon often eventhough it may be a llittle far for me. Another note, i had a chat with a nice lady who was sitting next to me. She mentioned facial treatment that she receives every 6 weeks. She seemed very happy with it. I may give it a try soon. I really like this salon: small, simple, no thing fancy, just simply great jobs, really good products, very good people.

Pros: really wonderful job!

Cons: the only really "cons" point for me will be the drive.

Posted 06/22/08

Great selection of colors, friendly staff, did a really good job even though they had to stay an hour past their regular closing time. I got a full set of acrylic nails with special tips done by Kent?the man's an artist! Paid 60 bucks for them but was worth every single dollar of it. French tip acrylics cost only 28, which is really cheap considering the service and quality of the work done.

Note: They accept tips in cash only, but accept cards otherwise.

Pros: Seriously, everything. Service, skill, cleanliness, decor, etc.

Cons: Had to wait even though I had an appointment.

Posted 06/22/08

A very positive experience and positively worth checking out.
I have experienced only good things at Nail Service: no attitude, great value, great job, calming interior, very clean, no acetone odor, totally worth every penny.
They have a full menu of goodies for my mani/pedi. I alternate the treatment from basic to blissful. I love the 3D acrylic designs on my big toes and my ring fingers. Recently, they have new summer collection which i love to try. Facials are great value as well; the result is obvious. I usually have the facial before my eyelash extension touch-up. I love the eyelash extension quality here, and it's a lot cheaper than my previous salons in Ktown and Beverly Hills. They have a nice parking garage, at the Kajima building which is just around the corner of the salon on San Pedro. Relax and unwind, this is my place even when crowded, i can easily find my space to have some calm thoughts.

Pros: A very positive experience and positively worth checking out.

Cons: all services i can pay by credit card, but tips are on cash only.

Posted 06/13/08

To clarify, I've only been to see Emily for gels, but I'm sure that the others are fantastic as well. They are all sweet. If you live or work downtown, you really have to come here! I'd even make the drive if I didn't!!
Emily fixed an awful fill that I got at a salon in Sherman Oaks. My nail has recovered, and they have never looked better. Thanks!! :)

Posted 05/12/08

A very relaxing atmosphere greets you at Nail Company, and with owner Emily and her staff, you are in good hands. I've gotten manis/pedis for 10 years or so, 1 year at Nail Service, and I honestly have not had more consistant service than at Nail Service- some other places I would have someone I could not use, but never with Emily's crew. I always get an extra 10 min. hand or foot massage to make it a good quick getaway. Don't let parking scare you, as there are a couple of options within a block- Little Tokyo is not as bad as other areas of downtown.

Pros: Consistantly excellent service, nice clean, relaxing atmosphere

Cons: none for me

Posted 04/30/08

cheers!!!! i am happy that finally someone was brave enough to venture a nail salon in downtown. Not just that, this place is fantastic: very welcoming environment, very clean, very sanitary, very friendly, reasonably priced, highly skilled and no foreign language gossipings. i felt totally at ease there. My polish still lasts beautifully going to the 3rd week. I have been voluntarily telling everyone about this salon. My friends and co-workers have tried this place and really like it too.

Pros: welcoming, clean, friendly, good value.

Cons: no air brush

Posted 03/18/08

These gals were great. I had a fantastc pedicure with unbelievable reflexology footmassage and a wonderful facial treatment at this salon. The price was such a bargain and the service make me craving for the next one very soon...ahhhhh.

Pros: fantastic service

Cons: traffic to downtown, i'd go at off traffic hours

Posted 03/16/08

Totally trust worthy! the environment is always clean, organized and friendly. The staffs are always supper cute. They carry great personalities and are very skillful. i come to this salon every three weeks from skin to nails. The quality is exceptional every time. The price is soo reasonable. i have high respect for this place.

Pros: great staffs, reasonable prices, consistency in quality

Cons: i have to drive to this salon from west covina

Posted 03/09/08

i'm really happy with the service i got. my friend and i got manis and pedis. my toes and hand are pretty. before Amy started on my hand, i told her my nails are really bad (mis-shape nails, dry cuticles, etc) but after she was done, they look amazing. the acrylic is thin too, so they look natural. i forgot the one who did my pedicure, but she also did a great job. love looking at my toes and hands. its been awhile since my hands and toes have looked so pretty since i've become a mom.

this place is clean and very friendly. although living in san fernando valley, where i'm surrounded by nail shops, i will come back to nail service again. Thank you and see you soon.

Posted 02/18/08

I am so torn as to what rating to give to this place. I have been going there for a while now, and it's great that it is right next to where I live. The first time I went there and had Emily do my nails, I vowed to always go back because the experience was simply wonderful, to say the least. However, ever since then, I feel like the service I've gotten had been very inconsistent and mediocure at best. This may be due to the fact that the salon has become very popular and busy, hence it seems like they're always rushed, less detail-oriented, and less friendly than before (which I understand). I think the quality you get really depends on which technician you get. Twice already a technician (will not name names) had filed my nails too short and grinded my already weak nails so much (despite me weakly telling her not to do so) for acrylics that they hurt to touch. I understand that it is absolutely necessary to grind you nails for acrylics, yet I feel that that specific technician seemed to be on a nail grinding high when she did my nails; she just kept on grinding and grinding and grinding. When Emily had done my nails before, she had never grinded them to the poor state that they are currently in. I am very disappointed but I don't know how to voice my frustration. I will gladly go there again and again for EMILY'S service, but that seems to be impossible now. For the amount that I pay ($60 +), I expect something that is of good quality instead of inconsistency and PAIN. With so many choices in Los Angeles, I am very sad to say that I will most likely choose another salon in the future.

Pros: Sanitary, very clean, Emily is great

Cons: Takes a really long time, inconsistent results dependent on technician

Posted 01/10/08

I love the acrylic works at this salon. Amy worked on me, and it was just great. she was totally dedicated to make a great set for me. The salon was also was very clean and friendly.

Pros: convenient evening hours

Posted 01/08/08

I have been coming here for the last 8 months, trying all the services, the recent one is eyelash extension. I am enjoying my new lashes a lot. They have the best prices in town for their exceptional services. The place is clean. The staffs are friendly. They are all good. But i always make sure to get either Amy or Emily for my nail set. They are very particular, patient and professional.

Pros: variety of services

Posted 12/27/07

Love this nail salon, the people are always so nice and remember your name. It can be a bit pricey sometimes. And it also seems like they charge you what they feel like that day because I have never had the same price charged for the same service. But overall, very good! Totally recommend and it's nice because there is parking in the back and star bucks right next door! Very relaxed, and a great pedicure and nails. Definitely have the guy do your acrylics, he is the best! And Lana is great for waxes, makes it a lot less painful than most places.

Pros: great environment, good location, awesome staff, great nails and toes! great with fitting people in for appts whenever you want it

Cons: can be pricey and inconsistent

Posted 12/25/07

I've been going to Nail Service for my gel nails and pedicures since I moved to downtown, and have never been disappointed! Emily (owner) is gracious, does a fabulous job, and holds all of the nail techs to a very high standard. ALL nail services are very well done, reasonably priced, and relaxing! I recommend this salon to anyone in the downtown area. As a bonus, there is free parking with Nail Service validation in a lot behind the salon! I have been to many nail salons in L.A., and am always satisfied with the work done at Nail Service.

Pros: Great work, great service!

Cons: Make sure you give yourself time for the quality service.

Posted 11/28/07

The atmosphere was very positive. The techs' attitudes were pleasant. My nails were done so well that my fingers seem to be longer and more slender. My pedicure was also so well pampered that i love to at my toes all the time now.

Pros: exceptional quality

Cons: close early

Posted 11/27/07

I have been here more than a dozen times. It has been very nice every time. The music is always soft. Today, i listened to Jazz. It was nice and romantic. I always feel so relaxed and well attended at Nail Service. My husband did not mind to wait for me here either. He too enjoyed the nice atmosphere.

Posted 11/27/07

This salon is managed by Emily, who presents the business with love. She listens and offers what i need with best intention. Just like anyone else, i have up and down days. Emily noticed a few times when i did not feel good and offered the kind of pampering that my body needed so bad. Her technicians were such pro at what they do too. Emily was like my personal therapist. And the nice thing is that it does not cost much at all for such wonderful soul sharing experience.

Pros: it's not just the service, it's the personal attention.

Posted 11/27/07

My manicurist was just fantastic. I came in cautiously asked for just a manicure, just kind a see if they are as good as the reviews stating they are. Fantastically, the manicurist just proved every thing on the reviews. Her skill was exceptional. So i gave her a derserving tip and immediately made an appointment for next week for a pedicure. I look forward to trying this out too.

Pros: excellent manicurists

Cons: rear parking

Posted 11/17/07