KAI Nails and Spa — Local services in San Diego

I don’t usually write long reviews, but I honestly feel like Kai Nails & Spa deserves every word of this one. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place is special — calm, clean, welcoming, and full of talented, friendly people. I’ve been coming here regularly, and every single visit has been such a treat. They consistently go above and beyond to make sure you leave happy.

First off, location! One thing I love is how convenient the salon is — it’s super close to the airport! Every time I have someone visiting or I’m picking someone up, I stop by here because it only takes me about 10 minutes or less from the airport. It’s seriously perfect if you have a little time to kill before a flight or want to squeeze in a quick pampering session after travel. You’d never expect such a calm and beautiful spot to be this close to all the hustle of the airport — it’s like a hidden gem.

Now let’s talk service. Every nail tech I’ve had has been so kind, professional, and really skilled. They don’t rush you, and they always make sure you’re happy every step of the way. Whether I’m getting a gel manicure, a full set, or a deluxe pedicure, they always take their time and do everything so carefully. I’m very picky with nail shape and polish application, and they always get it right.

Their nail art skills are top-tier — I once brought in a complicated design and they nailed it. Like, even better than the photo. The lines were clean, the colors were perfect, and I got so many compliments that week. I could tell they really enjoy what they do and take pride in it.

I also love their pedicures — seriously one of the best I’ve had. The chairs are comfy, the scrubs and massage feel amazing, and my feet always leave soft and fresh. They don’t cut corners or rush you out the door.

Another huge plus: the salon is super clean and sanitary. Tools are sealed, stations are always wiped down, and everything feels fresh and organized. That gives me a lot of peace of mind — especially these days.

The whole vibe of the salon is relaxing and peaceful. It’s not loud or chaotic like some other places. It’s honestly like a mini getaway every time I’m here. Whether I come alone or with a friend, I always leave feeling so recharged.

And their prices are very fair for the level of service and quality. They don’t pressure you with upsells, and they’re clear about pricing from the beginning. Booking is easy, and they actually honor your appointment time — no long waits, no stress.

I’ve recommended Kai Nails & Spa to so many people — and now I’m recommending it to anyone reading this review. Whether you’re a local or just flying in, this is the perfect spot to relax and treat yourself. I’m so grateful I found them!

Thank you Kai Nails & Spa for always taking care of me and making my nails look...

Unfortunately a chop shop. I was nearby and it had great reviews so I popped in to see if they had time just to remove my acrylic set I had gotten done on vacation (which were still beautiful) as they were quite long and my job requires a lot of typing so I just wanted to take them off and have a gel mani done on my almond-shaped natural nails which were still present underneath the acrylics.

I probably should have gotten out of the chair when the nail tech asked me the price of my bracelet which I found strange but I decided to stay and proceeded to have my nails and cuticles be butchered. She chopped the acrylics off so short with no consideration for my natural nail underneath, and dremeled off the rest which is fine except that as she got closer to my skin she didn’t slow down at all and proceeded to nick my index finger (again, fine, it happens) and then just straight up dremel into my ring finger so badly I jumped. She then proceeded the press down on it while apologizing and put the acetone soaked cotton BACK on my finger to soak which hurt so badly and prevented me from seeing the cut, which I didn’t realize was as bad as it is.

She kept cutting my nails shorter and shorter and using the dremel a bit haphazardly but I eventually called it quits completely when she dropped the buffer on the ground by her feet and instead of getting a new one just starting to buff my nails and cut cuticles with that one.

I have no idea why she was rushing so intensely (I get I was a walk-in, but if you have no time don’t RUSH and ruin my nails, just say NO) but I ended up paying this place $16 to destroy my $250 Japanese manicure and ruin my natural nails. Eventually they’ll grow back out but I definitely will not be returning here once they do.

See pics to reference the gorgeous mani I walked in with (albeit two weeks grown out, but ultimately unblemished and unchipped) and what my nails unfortunately...

Just came in here. Pretty disappointed. Wanted to do a little pampering before my vacation. I got a pedicure and a shellac manicure. For $73 I should have felt like a queen. To start my pedicure was okay. Besides the water being freezing and my feet being all scratched and cut up afterwards. I have circulation issues so I have to be really careful with my feet. I had a spray tan scheduled right after so I specifically asked for no oil at all to get on my legs because my spray tan won't stick to any oil. She took this to mean to slather me in oily scrub and massage (if you could call it that) oil up to my knees. When I said I can’t have oil she laughed and put it higher on my leg. I wanted to cry but tried to let it go and breathe. I’m now about to have to sit in an hour of traffic to go home and scrub the oil off of my legs so I can get my scheduled spray tan. If that were the only thing it wouldn’t have made me that mad. It’s the fact that my nails are also a mess. Beat up, scuffed, and dirty looking just from walking to the car and the shellac line around my cuticles looks horrendous as well as the shellacnot being on my nails but all over my cuticles as well. If they are this bad before I even get in the car I can’t imagine how horrible they are going to look on my trip. The best part is she convinced me to get white! White is not a forgiving color. I don’t have time to get them redone before I leave tomorrow morning. Wish I never came here. The customer service was awful too. They talked to each other the whole time and from what I could tell were talking not so nicely about me. I tried to be as nice as I could throughout the whole thing but it truly felt like I was on an episode of “Punk’d”. I hate to write bad reviews and I have also never left a nail salon this broken hearted. If you respect yourself and your money stay away from here. They don’t care about their customers...only their...