Legend Nails

I just moved from Pacific Beach to Carlsbad and needed a new salon to go to. I’ve tried two in the Carlsbad area and wasn’t very impressed. I work in Del Mar and found Legend Nails through Unilocal,and because of their reviews I figured I would stop by. I’m so happy I did!
At first it took me a while to find the salon because it looks like it’s in a residential area– this is literally a small hole in the wall salon and it is easy to miss. Everyone was super friendly and attentive. There are only about 4 or 5 pedicure chairs (I can’t really remember) and 4 nail stations so even though I didn’t make an appointment I would recommend calling. Great OPI color choices! Also, I am never bothered by being in salons where the technicians speak their native language instead of English, but I didn’t realize how nice it was to have all of the nail techs speak English! I could have conversation more easily and also felt more confident that I could communicate what I wanted for my nails.
Overall a great experience and I would recommend this place to anyone in the area!

What a wonderful nail salon! It was very peaceful and extremely relaxing! I had a manicure and the attention to detail was amazing! My nails look incredible and I look forward to going back!

Same day appointment made this place very worth it. Very friendly staff and good quality for a local nail salon. Very cute little spot.

This nail salon got me in quick. They were super friendly and did a great job on my toes. Everything they used on me seemed properly cleaned. The atmosphere was your typical Asian salon. Why the 4 stars? Not very modern décor, and slightly cluttered

Everyone who works there is friendly and knows what they are doing! There is a really positive vibe there and employees are happy, get along and like what they do. It is a family business which I love to support. I have Loc every three weeks and my nails are strong and hold up well, even after swimming in chlorine daily for an hour. Even though it takes a little more time, it is worth it! Very reasonable prices too!

I love them!
Everyone that works at Legend pays so much attention to detail. My nails always looks awesome and they last forever (I get gel usually). It was so hard for me to find a quality nail salon at a reasonable price.
Highly recommended :)

I have never loved a gel manicure more than when I go to Legend Nails. Tracie (not sure on spelling) makes my nails look so good and uniform, which is a big thing for me!
Gel mani and regular pedi lasted 2 weeks with no chipping or lifting. I could have waited longer but wanted a fresh mani/​pedi for a trip. They have a good selection of colors to choose from from.
I always make an appointment and have never had a problem being seen right away. It’s so nice going to a family owned and operated business where you receive personal attention every time.
Legend Nails you’ll be seeing me soon!

A bit more Expensive than the other nail salons I’ve been to in Encinitas.
Came in last week and noticed it was Unorganized and my experience was not relaxing. The lady who did my pedicure did it very fast and sloppy. She was also talking to the nail tech next to her MORE than she was with me. My polish is also uneven and some of my toes were not completely covered in polish after the second coat! It was kinda busy so maybe she was in a rush, but still the sloppy service is unacceptable.
Only 2 stars instead one because the lady was nice… Hmm maybe it was a bad day, I will try again with a different nail technician for my pedicure.

This family run business is the best. Clean and they remember your name. Maybe more expensive but the nails are always even and tips painted. Many years later and no complaints ever.

I have been going to Loc for 13 years! There’s NO one like Loc!!! He is an amazing manicurist, we always have fun creating art on my hands together. I love the family atmosphere in the shop.

This is hands down the best nail salon in San Diego/​Los Angeles!
Loc is a nail god… he keeps my nails looking great with gel manicures… they always last at least three weeks. Susan does great pedicures/​polish changes. They truly know how to treat their customers and make sure that they stay happy! Call ahead to make an appointment and you won’t be disappointed :)

Good mani/​pedi. Spoiled by my usual place but was in area with friend. Nice staff. Average ambiance.

I just moved to Encinitas and I’ve tried 5 other nails salons and I think Legend Nails is the best. It is family owned and all the employees are so friendly. Best of all they do a great job!
They do take walk-​ins but be sure to make an appointment because they seem to be busy all the time. Which is probably a good sign :)

I. Am. Legend. — said my nails, after every visit to this nail salon.
They do a great job! I get gel manicures and gel pedicures. My fingers and toes once again look suitable for social outings. The pedicure chairs have massage functions that can be activated with a remote control.
They’re very nice and accommodating. Popular nail salon, so call ahead! I’ve been able to get in as a walk-​in appointment, but might as well make an appointment so you don’t have to chance not getting in.
Across the street from Darshan Bakery! (And that means I can pick up one of the bakery’s amazing lemon tartlets before my nail appointments. SCORE.)

Got right in, clean, friendly, nice staff. Lots of locals, so must be good place! Just had a pedicure & polish, fell asleep in the chair! Small saloon, however, efficient & plenty of staff!

While the pedicure was average, the reason this place get 2 stars is pretty simple…
They encourage you to make an appointment, which is fine. I did make an appointment for 5:30, arrived at 5:27 and wasn’t even in the chair until 5:55. Very annoying. Everyone apologized, but it was still annoying.
The place is small, 4 manicure chairs, 3 pedicure chairs…
A bit more expensive than the places around me.
I won’t return simply based on their location and the appointment mishap.

Disclaimer: I don’t get fancy manicures, just color and topcoat, so I’m not an expert on techniques.
When I get a manicure/​pedicure, I’m basically looking for a good quality result and cordial friendly service at a reasonable price. This place is exactly that for me.
I’ve gone to a different person every time, and each has been really nice. Friendly without being artificial, conversational but also allowing me to read. The quality of the manicure/​pedicure is great (good color choices, attention to detail, quality result and long-​lasting). On top of that, the people are all really nice, and that makes a huge difference. (You even see a bulletin board filled with holiday cards from people who are regulars, now that’s the spirit of a local business.) That’s more important to me than a fancy place. This place isn’t über-​spa like, and I don’t need that. Most importantly it feels clean, does quality work and is run by great people.
PS — I’ve always called the day of, and since I don’t mind who I get, I’ve always been able to get an appointment. It is good to call ahead so that they can tell you the best time to come and minimize or avoid a wait.

Walked in after finding the place on Unilocal,immediately realized it was the type of salon that typically you need to make a reservation for (everyone who walked in after me had one) They were friendly and fit me in anyways which I really appreciated!
My nails lasted about 4 days which is 2 days longer than most (i’m pretty rough on them) so I was pleasantly surprised. The quick dry topcoat actually made the nails solid enough after just a few minutes so that i didn’t mess them up on my entry back into my car (pretty typical for me)
The salon is small, just a couple of nail and pedicure stations each. The prices were medium/​average. I would recommend making a reservation :)

My nails look flippin awesome — this place rocks! I made a mani/​pedi appointment for me and my cousin at 12 noon and they started EXACTLY on time. Although it took half an hour to scrape off my gel mani, the manicurist diligently removed all traces of red. If it wasn’t for her, I would have probably peeled it off myself which is NOT healthy for my already unhealthy nails.
The mani was only 13 bucks (including hand massage)! Can you believe that? Plus the manicurist went above and beyond by helping my cousin get to her car (which was a block away) so that she wouldn’t screw up her nails. Now that is what I call excellent customer service!

Called for an appointment, they said they could take me in 45 min.
I showed up, and was seated right away. Making an appointment and being able to keep it is a big deal for me. Already I was pleased with this place.
Khai gave me a great gel manicure. I choose black onyx. It took about 45 min and cost $ 32.
She was very gentle, not once was I hurt, even during cuticle removal.
They have a rewards card, after 9 services, the 10^th is free.
I’ll definitely be back. Thank you Khai!