LULU NAILS — Attraction in San Diego

I had my first visit today and it was great! I called to ask if they take walk ins and the customer service on the phone was so kind and welcoming, asking my name and looking forward to seeing me. Turns out it was Lu Ann (Lou Ann? Not sure spelling) on the phone, the owner of the salon! She greeted me at the front and was so kind and attentive and helpful for it being my first time in. I'm not sure how the whole check in/line process works for walk ins, but I was even seated at a pedicure chair before the girl who was in front of me. Yay! :) I rarely get my nails done since I typically do them myself, so the whole experience was awesome due to the customer service! As someone that does my own nails, I can get a little picky about the painting, but I primarily went in for care on my feet. For a $35 pedicure, my skin feels great, my toes are clean and tidied up for the new year. Thank you to the nail tech that did my toes!!!

I docked a star for a few reasons: there was a 16 year old guy next to me and with minimal context I thought was being a jerk to the nail techs, talking down about what they were doing to the woman next to him, I presume his mom. Turns out though, Lu Ann came over and explained to the nail tech he was burning her feet. I'm truly not sure what the whole story is, but I will say that seemed concerning to me. The salon smelled strong of nail supplies - which duh, should be expected. I don't go to salons often, so maybe this is just the norm, but I was getting a little light headed by the end. The nail tech doing the 16 year old guys nails kept pointing out I was sweating. I know it was harmless, but I'm aware I sweat a lot, easily. I could be putting on a t shirt and break out in sweat. I appreciate that she tried to open the front door, but I was at the last chair at the end of the store and I didn't like being told how sweaty I was. All minor things, but I just like to be thorough on sharing...

This was my second visit to Lulu’s- I made a same-day appointment online for a DIP service. I highly recommend booking a time because they are very popular. I was greeted warmly by the manager/owner, Lulu. I was seated close to the front desk and saw every client interaction with Lulu- She treats every person who walks in like family and listens to exactly what you want for your service and answered all questions you may have. I’ve never seen such genuine interest in clients at any other salon. I showed a few photos for inspiration- I wanted a very light pink, translucent, natural look- and Lulu spoke with my nail tech, Tammy, to decide the best products to use. Tammy did an amazing job, I have never had such good attention to detail! I left with a smile on my face because I have never had my nails look exactly like the photo I bring in. The service was $55 and I tipped in cash- you can’t add tip to the credit card purchase so bring cash with you, or they have an ATM.

My first visit few weeks ago- I went in to get a broken nail fixed. The man at the front desk was very kind and called Lulu over to look at the broken nail and help decide what the best fix was. They had it repaired quickly and I was very happy with $7 for one nail. It looked great and matched the rest of my nails which I had done at another salon.

Very satisfied with both...

Absolutely terrible experience… a second time in a row.

I went there for a gel removal and regular manicure. They left my nails paper thin. The lady kept passing on and on the machine file, even after there was no trace of gel. Now I can bend my nails inwards very easily. This will take at least six months to heal.

Going on to the manicure, they didn’t even bother in pushing my cuticle (or cutting it), not to mention they didn’t clean the sides of the nails by removing dead layers of skin! So more than a manicure, this was a change of colour, although I paid for a regular manicure. The lady kept saying on and on how I should get a gel, and how a regular manicure chips after a few days (well… here it chips while you’re still inside the salon)! I guess gels makes their lives easier lol

But the worst part, is to witness how manicurists speak in a different language and laugh between them about the clients. Completely disrespectful and very uncomfortable. They’re all about the gossip.

They were rude after I asked them to repair nails they have chipped after hitting them accidentally with their own acetone cleaning pencil. Look at the picture, this is my “manicure” after a few hours. Never again!

P.S. the last time I got an expensive French gel manicure and the bottom part unattached from my nail after only 3 days. Had to remove it...