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Happy Nails & Spa
Rating Details »
Category: Nail Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pasadena380 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 304-9937
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
23 reviews for Happy Nails & Spa
I think Happy Nails is overpriced. There. I said it. And I'm not ashamed.
The place is clean. And I had a gift certificate. But my nail technician was SUPER rough and kept leaving and doing other things. Can you say ANNOYING.
I'll stick with my $18 pedi from Elegant Nails in South Pas. That's the Cheers of nail salons. Everybody knows my name.
I would have liked to given this place zero stars, because it sux so much that I couldn't bring myself to decieve the public by giving it something that it does not deserve. But Yelp won't let me post unless I have at least one, so my apologies up front. Truth be told, there has been enough deception spread by this place, and it stops now. Happy Nails = LIES!! Not happy!! Not even a little bit chipper!! Nothing!!!
Not only is this place over-priced, but the nail techs there are sooooo completely lacking in skills. They simply look sad, not happy, as the name implies. The polish on my nails looked like a blind monkey had its way with it. Besides that, the selection of polishes leaves much to be desired.
If I were physically forced to say anything positive about this place, its that it is conveniently located in Paseo Colorado, which is close to where I live. However, I would much rather drive to Tinzee's on Fair Oaks where the service and quality surpasses Happy Nails by quantum leaps. People - Beware of the Happy Nails!! Do not stop there!! Go directly to any other nail salon on the planet!!
BOO! My nails were NOT happy after I left here. I started this review ages ago but never got around to finishing it. Unfortunately, it looks like my review is one of many bad reviews.
Unfriendly service. Poor polish job. Rush, rush (and no I'm not referring to the Paula Abdul song . . .silence . . . insert cricket) job. The "manicurist" didn't even paint the entire nail bed (just the top) not the side of the nail bed. Um . . . you left my nail partly polished.
Unfocused nail technician just yaps away with another unfocused nail technician. Who knows what they're saying?!?? And can you PLEASE stop ripping out my cuticles?!??
Never will I ever go to these type of nail salons. Especially after I discovered that Queen Bee Waxing offers VEGAN nail polish and top notch service.
I wish I could give this place a better review, but morally I can't. When I went here the woman was cleaning the tub out while my feet were still over it. As a result, I had an allergic reaction on my legs (at least I hope that's what it was). The welts went away a couple of weeks later, but it wasn't pretty. I just wasn't happy. Their rent must be astronomical, so the service and the cleanliness needs to be stellar. Sorry guys.
When I lived in South Pas, I used to come here quite frequently. For LA standards, it's a lil pricey, but I always thought that the quality of service was worth the 30-35 bucks for a mani/pedi.
I just had a mani/pedi here a week ago and was thoroughly unimpressed. Quality has decreased exponentially. And it makes me mad that they don't offer OPI or Essie polishes. If I'm paying this much for your services, please offer more high-end polish choices, thanks.
The cold, stoic manager (?) walks around the shop constantly monitoring her sweatshop style nail technicians and criticizes her employees right in front of customers. So not cool.
Note to employees: Don't even try and talk on your blue tooth while painting nails in this shop because you will prob be fired on the spot. At least that's what appeared to almost happen to my nail lady.
The manicure lasted about 7 days (but I attribute that to the fact that i brought my own Essie color), and my pedi lasted about the same until its first chip.
I definitely will not be going back.
This place is NOT good. Seriously, not good.
I picked a mani/pedi for $35. Immediately, the manager tried to up-sell me, but I stuck firm with the mani/pedi. I didn't need the super duper deluxe blah blah blah. I just needed a simple mani/pedi. And $35 ain't super cheap already.
I sat down at the massage chair, and the manicurist tried to up-sell me. Seeing that I wasn't budging from the $35 treatment to the $65 treatment, she then asks me if I want the callus treatment. Confused, I thought all pedicures come with filing of the calluses -- that's the main reason I want to get a pedicure... if I'm just painting my toes, that's called "changing polish." So, a little annoyed, I stick to my guns with the $35 mani / pedi.
And what do you know, they really don't treat your calluses. They do shape your nails, cut cuticles, massage, put on color. But for them to add the callus treatment, that would be $5 more. It's not the money; it's the principal.
A few days later, my nails are peeling. I'm not talking about the polish chipping off. I'm talking about the actual top layer of my nail is chipping off.
Will I be back? No. Not Now. Never.
2 stars for friendly service and comfy chairs but $30 for a pedi where they don't do a good job on the cuticle, nail filing, callous removal, or the polish? My goodness, do these people get any training at all?
I live in the Peso and have tried to give this place a chance. But at 35 bucks for a Mani and pedi, I don't think so. The service is bad. They rush you, it feels like a factory in there and the women insist on you getting extra things and will ask you several times. I get tired of saying "no thank you." Its not worth it even for the convenience. I love my nail place just a couple of blocks down. Save your money!!!!
I don't really have any gripes about this place. Having said that I don't necessarily think it's amazing either. I've been to this Happy Nails because my lovely friend lives in the Paseo complexes and so she's a regular here (I would be too if all I had to do was ride an elevator down to fancy up my nails!). It's really nice just hanging out with her at her place and being able to literally hop on down to get our nails done. And maybe it's because she's a regular here, but service is always fast even when it's busy here. Never had to wait, never had to make an appointment. Sure, a bit on the pricey side and maybe if my friend didn't live above I wouldn't necessarily have gone here ... but like I said... definitely no gripes about this place and I will have no problems going back here!
When I first moved to Pasadena, this was my nail place. I wasn't getting my nails did as often as I used to when I lived in Westwood, so my normal mani/pedi schedule became:
1) Yelp event! I need to look pretty!
2) First date! I need to look pretty!
3) Booty call! Eff it, he can deal. I'm using my extra money for booze.
Like others have mentioned, the nail technicians are rarely the same ones from one visit to the next. I don't think this is because they leave; I think it's because there are so damn many of them. I had some good experiences (Annie!) and some bad experiences (the lady whose name I've blocked out who told me I had "real hairy arm, need to wax"...bitch).
I started going to Tinzee in South Pasadena, which is much smaller and more intimate, and also more expensive. (Though totally worth it!) However, I was short on time this past Saturday afternoon, so after picking up a few dresses at Reference, I stopped by Happy Nails for a mani/pedi.
My first clue that something was different was that they replaced all the (old, ugly, maroon) massage chairs with new, buff-colored ones. The next thing I noticed was a reduced price on a mani/pedi with spa treatments. (I think it was $29 including the exfoliating scrub and paraffin as part of the pedicure; these services used to be extra. I paid an extra $3 dollars for French tips on my manicure.)
Nina handled my pedicure and Tam handled my manicure. Both were very sweet and professional, even if I was a bit giggly because I'm so ticklish. I also let out a little scream when Nina dipped my foot into the paraffin. For some reason, I didn't realize that was what was about to happen and that stuff is HOT! Anyhow, be forewarned.
My nails still look great (I've gotten several compliments on them this week) and I plan to go back and ask for Nina and Tam again. FYI, the employees don't get paid if they don't have clients, so if you find someone you like, I encourage you to ask for them when you visit. You'll get better service and you're ensuring that the people who do a good job continue working there.
This place is always busy. Make an appointment before you go and even then expect to wait. If you plan on shopping at Paseo and getting your nails done, go to Happy Nails first and see if they can fit you in. Proceed to shop and plan on waiting past the time they gave you. There is ONE manager who coordinates all manis/pedis with all the workers. She is overworked and needs another manager to help her.
The reason for the wait? The clean, relaxing massage chairs. But that's about it.
I sort of feel like herded cattle from the moment I walk in the door. I'm rushed to sit and wait, rushed to my chair, then rushed out of my chair. I feel rushed the whole time, like they are hurrying the job to get the next paying customer in the seat right after I stand up. It is not a relaxing experience with the motorized hum of the massage chairs around you, including the yelling from the manager to assign manicurists to certain stations, not to mention the chit chat between clients and manicurists.
Yet, the facility is clean. New buffers and files are used on every client, and they clean out the pedicure tub in front of you. However, they don't use name brand nail polish (some mysterious brand) and mine always peels a few days later! Bring your own polish if you go!
It's on the expensive side (if you get a pedi, get the mani/pedi - it's only a few dollars more). Yet each pedi comes with a scrub, massage, and paraffin treatment. They really get you in tips though - you have both a manicurist and a pedicurist that you tip separately.
I probably wouldn't go back simply because you have to pay for parking at Paseo, the wait is long, the service is poor, and the quality of the polish is bad.
"Ouch" This is how it all began.
One evening while cuddled up with the Mrs. I inadvertently rubbed one of my feet up against hers only to have my claw scratch her tender foot.
"Ouch". That was all that was said, yet it implied so much more. I would need to have my talons clipped. That alone wouldn't be so bad if I weren't so ticklish. The mere thought of having my feet in someones hands is enough to have my squirming and sweating in moments.
My bi-weekly haircut had soon enough approached and while leaving 18/8 Men's Salon (my first review) I had to walk by Happy Nails in order to get back to my car. It was as though the sign in the window were meant for my eyes only..."Mani/Pedi Special $29". The sign and the lack of loving my sharp talons would leave me with were the only motivators I would need to step through the doors.
Truth be told, this would not be my first mani/pedi experience. My lil bobcat at home keeps me well groomed. But one thing I have not overcome are the looks you get from some of the patrons (all women) when a man enters their domain. Then there are the sneers you get from the knuckleheads who chuckle at you from outside. You would think a mature person could overlook it all...maybe I'm not yet that guy.
My only request was "sit me somewhere in the back". What did they do? They sat me in the front window. Next came the up sell; we can scrub this and that, buff and wax, hot towels, massage, etc. etc. I wanted to scream "enough!" Just clip the talons and file down the claws please!
There I was, next to an incredible cougar and a flamboyant queen. She looked annoyed that I was in her vicinity, he looked annoyed that I got the chair up in front and the mall crowd walking by made me feel like an exhibit at the zoo.
Thoroughly distracted I would acquiesce to the treatment for foot callous ...mostly because the technician seemed mortified by the texture of my foot bottoms. This was a huge mistake. I damn near kicked out her front teeth on several occasions (I am extremely ticklish). Even when she tried to be gentle my whole body tensed up so much it was as though my feet were being amputated without anything to numb the pain.
By this time I'm sweaty and surely beet red praying to devil and angel alike to end my misery. Outside a couple of wannabe thugs seemed amused by my contortions. I don't remember asking for the nail buff, but I got it on the hands and feet. By the time it was over I felt like I was being released from Guantanamo.
The bill was over $50 with tip! (I always tip, I hope I was supposed to) What happened to the $29 special? I was so happy to leave I didn't care.
As I walked away I'll be damned if I didn't feel like I was walking on air. It was like I had slippers on...very nice. Regardless, I would remain shamed and humiliated until later that evening when the love of my life told me in great detail how hot I looked and felt.
Though no thanks to Happy Nails, I would indeed have my happy ending.
This place is really over priced. It's located at the Paseo shopping center, and it's usually really packed on the weekends. I decided to give it a try since I mean they have such great business and everyone can't be wrong.
The place it self if decent in sanitation, or at least they try to make you feel that way. The tools are taken out of sanitized bags but then put back into them. As I have said they try to make you feel that it's clean. I came in to get a full set (french) and a pedicure (french) the nail technician was unfriendly and repeatedly tried to sell me the gel ($5) I declined about 5 times and she still insisted on how I should get it. She made me feel as if she was rushed to finish. When I requested that I would like my acrylics to be filed thinner she told me it wouldn't "look good", I told her I like it that way, and she still refused. Who is the customer here? The lady doing my pedicure kept trying to sell me the callus removal. Correct me if I am wrong, I thought pedicures usually have that included especially if I am paying $22 for the "spa pedicure". I got the "callus removal" for an extra $5 and she did not leave my feet baby soft as I usually feel after a pedicure. Fine, I am not that picky. After about an hour and $80 dollars gone. I gave them my tip in cash, which they suddenly became nicer.
My full set turned yellow which doesn't even happen at cheap $25 places I go. It chipped within the first 3 days. My pedicure on the other hand looked really good for a month. Which I was really astonished and I wear flip flops almost every day. I would probably only go back for the pedicure.
I live in the Paseo and I've got to say--it is so nice and convenient to pop into Happy Nails for a mani/pedi. I'm more interested in efficiency than pampering and no matter who does my nails at HN, I am always satisfied. They are quick and consistent. I have been going to different HN around Southern California for years, and for me, the McNails concept works.
The one thing I they could improve upon: polish selection. I usually bring my own...
One thing that can't be beat: Jenny (the manager)--she is really lovely
When I used to live in Pasadena, this was where I would go every two weeks. somehow though, I never got the same nail technician. Hmmm..must be a high turn over rate.
After my 2nd or 3rd time there, I finally got used to the roughness of the girls working there. At first I nearly jumped out of my massage chair and cried like a little pig..all the way home..but I stuck it out and found that it's just worth it. After the 3rd time I told the girl to be gentle on my feet. We were all in sync after that.
Oh if you like OPI - which I do - don't forget to bring your own color. They're colors are icky.
I had a "pre-wedding" ladies day here for me and about 12 ladies. I was not impressed.
We made an appointment, and when we showed up, the place was full. They made it seem like they understood that at least for when we arrived we wanted all 12 ladies to be able to sit and indulge together.
The manicure and pedicure was OK. No special treatment at all for the bride, let alone the bride who brought them 12 ladies who all shelled out big (overpired bucks) for the jobs. Lame.
The manicureist could not seem to grasp the thin-tipped french manicure concept and although i'm usually the opposite of finicky about such things given that so many photos would be taken i had her redo one nail. Which she did exactly the same and then sighed annoyance when i asked her to do it again. And again. Three times and she did it exactly the same way, despite pretty clear and simple instructions. So i gave up.
What's a girl to do.
They will try to upsell. I stopped her right away and said "please don't offer me anything else." And that seemed to work, so try that if you want to try and don't want the "one more thing" syndrome they are so infamous for.
$68 for a luxury pedicure and manicure? Normally I would spend maybe $35-45 max but I was in dire need of a mani/pedi and had an event I needed to attend to. (I was also walking around in high heels and my poor feet were needing some tlc)
I walked in without an appointment and was helped right away. From start to finish I was attended to and the service was excellent. The luxury pedi/mani included a little over an hour of bliss. The normal service is upgraded with cute dissolving flowers added to your water, paraffin foot and hand wax, lots of yummy smelling lotions, scrubs, and oils, warm towel wraps, and a 15 minute hand/forearm & 15 minute foot/calf massage. The massaging chair that you sit in turns off after 30 minutes and they even make sure to turn it back on without you having to do it yourself.
Although pricey for your regular mani/pedi, I highly suggest trying out the luxury package and splurging at least once. I will definitely go back and recommend others to check this place out.
This large nail salon is located inside the Paseo Colorado mall, and it's a definitely a few steps up from the hole in the wall nail places.
It's a good place to get a mani/pedi without an appointment. Even if there is a wait, you can wander around the mall for a little bit. The place isn't quite as clean as it previously was, and they really need to improve their selection of polishes. It's a good standby place for a no-frills mani/pedi.
I'm happy with this place. They do a great job with French Manicures & Pedicures. Its Great :) WAAAAY better than Rose Nails in Monterey park!
This place is just OK! For the poor/fast service and lack of polish selection, this place should not be charging their high prices. My fiancee and I went there one day while we were waiting for his glasses to get finished at Lenscrafters in the Paseo mall. Yes, we did not have to wait, which is very good, but as soon as we barely got relaxed, both of our pedicurists started to push these extra services onto us!! I kept telling her that I ONLY want a pedicure, no other services ... PLEASE!! The worst part was when i was sitting on the side waiting for my toe polish to dry, I saw two employees who were working on this lady that didn't understand a word of English. They started to push all these new services onto her and she just kept nodding her head because she didn't understand what they were saying!! What scammers!! I will never go back there again.
I went to this place a few days ago because my toenails were gross
So there was no wait which was good and the massage chair was nice but that was about all for the comfort. My pedicurist sat down and went to work all the while chatting in rapid chinese to the lady next to me. It was so annoying
Every so often i would flinch because she would dig under a nail extra hard. I was really mad that there was no callus treatment or foot massage even though the menu-thing clearly said relaxing foot massage
But my true horror was when she put the utensils straight into the SAME "sterile" pouch that she took them out of
I thought to myself "its ok nthing to worry about" but the next day i have the sharp throbbing pain in my big toe i bend down to check to my horror there is a scab (sorry for so much detail i just don't want others to go through this) all alon the side of my big tonail from where she worked on it needless to say i am never going back there again
I must say, I do go her often because it is one of the cleaner places I know. They are crazy with the up-selling, asking constantly (and I mean CONSTANTLY) every time I go I say "i want a regular manicure and pedicure, nothing else. If i get asked more than once for something extra I'm leaving, OK?" And they always say OK. Then they ask if I want callus treatment for $5, I say no and they don't ask again! :) I will say, the ONLY reason they got 3 stars from me is because I love how Lani waxes my eyebrows. Other than that, they are a last minute emergency pedicure place.
Looks good but services are poor plus I got my toes cut til they bled twice, and the upselling of services was rediculious!!! I also did not like that the girl did all the clipping of my feet with out gloves and kept touching her money shifting it from one pocket to the other and finally put gloves on at the end, those gloves are to protect both of us since she could have a fungus from other peoples feet in her nails and pass them to me. I would stay away!
