Hillcrest Nail Spa — Attraction in Daly City

Update: I hate to write this updated review, but I believe in being transparent. Before discovering this nail salon, I used to go to a place that consistently honored appointment times. They wouldn’t take walk-ins if it meant delaying a client with a scheduled appointment. The only reason I stopped going there is that my usual manicurist only does dip powder, and I’ve moved away from that since I can’t have long nails anymore.

I found this salon while searching for a new place just before giving birth. Initially, it was a great experience (see my original review below), so much so that I wanted to make this my new go-to salon. Thao is incredibly talented, which is why so many people specifically book with her. However, the downside is that she often takes on too many clients—both with and without appointments—leaving those with scheduled times feeling undervalued.

Today was the second time my appointment wasn’t honored. For context, at my old salon, I was always in and out within an hour, even with multiple services like dip removal, a new dip set, and a pedicure. I appreciated not spending 2+ hours getting my nails done, but unfortunately, that’s not the case here.

The second time I came to this salon, I had an appointment, but when I arrived, Thao had just started on another client’s nails. She asked me to start with my pedicure, but I had hoped to have both services done simultaneously to avoid a long wait. However, after my pedicure, Thao had to leave due to a family emergency, so she couldn’t complete my nails. I was frustrated, but I understood that emergencies happen, so I didn’t hold it against her.

Today, I decided to give the salon another chance because of Thao’s talent. Unfortunately, when I arrived for my appointment, it was clear she had started a pedicure on another client just 10 minutes earlier. I ended up waiting 30 minutes beyond my appointment time to begin any service, despite also having a pedicure scheduled. While I understand that gel removal takes time, it shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to soak off.

When Thao finally started on my manicure, her next client walked in, and I felt bad knowing they would have to wait as well. In conclusion, while I hate to write this review because everyone here is so kind, I can’t continue to support a salon that doesn’t respect appointment times.

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The staff here are soooo friendly!!! A lot of nail salons tend to rush you but they did the exact opposite. They took their time and made sure you are ok with what they’re doing. I really appreciate Wendy and Thao taking care of my mani/pedi and also making me super comfortable! Hopefully I can return soon after I give birth 😀

I also really appreciate Wendy telling me that parking is free despite the...

second time getting a hard gel mani from Cindy and i’m in love! her work is amazing. i’ll always come back here when i’m in San Francisco ☺️ the services here are very detailed and the staff is very friendly. definitely try to make an appointment as every time i’m here its a bit busy.

update 6/7/24:

I wanted a break from hard gel on my nails and got them cut shorter. Paid basically $60+ (including tip) for removal + a deluxe manicure. It might be a polish issue or something because I know the staff was doing their best but I feel that its unfair I basically paid for them to take off the gel that they put on and to get a manicure that only lasted 3 days and have had 3 broken nails. I know my nails are weak and I asked for them to be shorter but the staff suggested a longer length. It’s Friday now and I got my nails done the end of Tuesday. Next time I’ll know not to get a deluxe manicure and just pay to have...

After bad experiences with previous nail salons making me feel stressed, the ladies at Hillcrest Nail Spa, particularly Thao, made me feel comfortable and welcome. The massage chair was much needed and I got exactly what I asked for. She took the time to give me options, recommendations and works efficiently while paying very close attention to detail. Periodically asking if everything looks good, my cuticles have never looked so great, and my nails are perfect. As she states, her work is not complete until her client is happy.their prices we’re already great but there’s also a 20% discount at the time and a 10 day guarantee where they’ll fix anything for free within that time.she’s super nice, takes pride and joy in her work and is amazing at it. Online booking was the selling point, I finally found my go to salon. Will be recommending Hillcrest to...