Simply Unique Nails — Local services in San Francisco

Today will be my last visit. I've visited many times but I don't know what made me really pay attention to my service this time. Hygienically speaking, I was unnerved by a few things... the technician dipped the brush she used to apply a clay mask to my legs in my foot basin (yes my feet had already soaked in the basin) then proceeded to dip that same brush into the clay mixture and painted my legs with it. Ummm, that would be cross contamination. How many others had that been done to? The other cross contamination issues were the fact they actually touch your toes with the tips of the bottles of cuticle lotion, and the oil dropper. It also appeared the technician reused her gloves, or at least did not change them when she had to leave another client and return to me to complete my service. I'm bummed because I liked going there. Plenty of chairs, I rarely had a wait even if I just walked in. The staff is pleasant and do a great job on your feet... minus ...

S.U.N. is on par with most other nail spas in the city, which is to say that it's disappointingly average. It's located at 14th & Church, right behind Churchill. You can make appointments but you should expect to wait if they're busy. The polish selection is decent (almost exclusively OPI). The buffing leaves MUCH to be desired (I had to ask to have the outsides of my big toes buffed, and even then, it was one quick swipe and done). The quality of the work varies, so don't be afraid to speak up if they missed a spot or you ended up with polish on your skin. They'll cheerfully fix it. On the upside, it's clean, they serve free water and soft drinks, and prices are reasonable ($25 + tip for a basic pedicure).

Tip: Rainbow Nails on 24th St in Noe is similar in price and execution, but they include a paraffin wax treatment that keeps callouses off for...

Good, but not great. Nail salons are tough to rate, because it's the nail tech that is responsible for your experience primarily, not necessarily the salon. Lots of staff, some are really sweet and personable, some are all business. The prices are fair, $40 for a pedicure and french mani, pretty standard for a major city.

This place is great for a group if you book ahead of time. I've been here twice for two surprise birthday celebrations, including my own, and those two times it's definitely felt like we were taken care of and pampered just a little bit more. The quality of the service is okay, nothing phenomenal or outstanding, but good enough if you need to get a...