This spring I went on a nail odyssey! I tried out different nail shapes, colors, and styles. I visited different salons in San Mateo County to find the best nail salons in Silicon Valley and I learned about the San Mateo County Healthy Nail Salon Program. The Program was launched in 2013 due to health concerns for nail technicians and customers exposed to hazardous chemicals found in nail salon products. Salons that are part of this program use less toxic products, safer practices, and better ventilation. Currently there are 15 salons that are part of the program in San Mateo County with more across San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Alameda counties. Want to learn more about the San Mateo County Healthy Nail Salon Program? Visit smchealth.org/healthynails.
Below is my list of where to get your nails done in Silicon Valley!
1- Ele Ela Nail Salon in Pacifica
Ele Ela Nail Salon was my first stop. This was around Valentine’s Day so I decided to do a fun heart set. Additionally, this was my first time trying out the longer, acrylic almond shaped nails. Once these were done I was surprised by how much I liked them! The full set with design cost me $75 plus tip (they accept cash only!). Pro tip is to get there early to find parking and if you are too early, stop at the cute coffee shop two buildings down!
2- Alpha Nails in Millbrae
After looking through Alpha Nails Instagram, I decided to try something trendier at this salon. Alpha Nails is definitely the salon I recommend you visit if you want a fancy nail design like the ones you see on Instagram. They have a ton of color options so it was very hard for me to choose exactly what colors to do. My fill with design cost $75. My biggest tip for this salon is to make your appointment two weeks in advance. They tend to book up very quickly! Additionally, to reserve your appointment you do have to make a $25 deposit that then is applied to the cost of your nail services.
3- Mani-Cute Nail Spa in San Mateo
Mani-Cute Nail Spa in San Mateo was the third salon I tried. For this salon I wanted to try a different type of nail, so I soaked off my acrylic tips and went for gel nail polish on my natural nails. I initially came into the salon wanting just one sparkle accent nail but then Chau, my manicurist showed me the marble nail design and I knew I needed to add it. Chau did a great job removing my acrylic nails (with no pain I may add) and an even better job making my vision come true. For the removal of my tips and the gel nails with the design, it was $65 plus tip. Like the other salons, my nails last for a solid month. Another big pro tip for this salon is parking is very easy with a big parking lot!
Want to try out any of the nail salons I mentioned above? Enter to win a $25 giftcard here!
Thank you San Mateo County Healthy Nail Salon Program for allowing me this opportunity and collaborating with me on this project!Want to see some more of my nail content? Check out my Instagram.