Universal Nails & Spa

I’m not going to be very popular with the hob nobbing Oro Valley elite with this review. Unlike ‘normal’ Oro Valley residents, I live on a thriving 97-​year-​old horse ranch and NOT in one of the pre-​fab, over-​priced, newly sprouted houses the scream, «I don’t really have LOADS of money, but I live in Oro Valley… so you all THINK I have money.».
I’m a massage therapist with one of the top ten spa resorts in the country that’s located in Catalina. I usually have my pedicures done where I work, but I’ve been off for a few weeks and needed my toesies done.
I’m most definitely, and gratefully, a unique looking individual… purple hair and all! BUT I should be treated fairly and equally to those clients that ‘have money’.
That being said and gotten out of the way… on with my review.
Universal Nail Spa is very clean in outward appearance. The employees are all neatly dressed in white lab-​like jackets… but only a few are fluent in English. That’s ok. Not a HUGE deal.
After I was told to pick out a nail polish, and was almost given a manicure instead of a pedicure because my nail tech didn’t understand me when I said pedicure… I was brought to my pedicure station. The pedicure was fine. Really… my lady was very sweet. We didn’t talk much and the other clients in the nail spa were having very bold stares at me and my hair… whatever. Probably jealous that I have style and individuality, while they all looked like cookie cutter yoga divas.
My issue was when my tech had finished my pedicure, she sat me at this table that blew air onto my toes and then promptly forgot about me.
After 15 – 20 minutes I got up, grabbed my shoes, and went to the front to pay.
Be advised… they only accept cash tips, which I didn’t know and checked their website for… it’s not listed. So my poor little tech got a $ 2.00 tip, and I left completely embarrassed.
Will I be back?
No.
I’ll keep getting my pedicures at the luxury spa resort that I work at where my personal style is celebrate and I’m not made to feel uncomfortable.

After going to Universal three times I have to say I’m impressed. I’ve tried almost every nail salon in Oro Valley and north Tucson. But, this salon always does an amazing job.
They are friendly, offer appointments, and able to get you in for a mani/​pedi during a lunch hour if you call ahead.
Universal is my new go to salon. I’m quite pleased!

I went here because it was close and looked like it got good reviews. I took my sister here to get her nails done before her wedding and I got a manicure as well. When my sister asked how long a basic manicure would last the guy said 3-​days. Seriously?! My nail polish lasts longer than that. I had a feel he told her that so he could upsell the shellac. She opted for the shellac and I stuck with a basic french. During my manicure my lady kept talking with another worker during most of my treatment. To top it off my nails chipped all of 6 hours later on several fingers. I am going to call but I am unable to come in even if they offered as I work 12 hour shifts. I have never had a manicure chip so quickly and there customer service was very poor. I would not go back.

Massage chairs: A+
Pedicure: A+
Leg & foot massage: A–
Fill & color: A+
Cleanliness: A+

Great nail spa. Ann was great. The salon was very clean and I watched the staff as they cleaned the tubs and tools. Prices are competitive. I will visit this salon again.

I recently relocated to Oro Valley from Illinois with my husband. Of course one of things on my «to do» list after getting settled in was to find a nail shop! After reading the reviews on here I decided to give them a try. I seen Tina’s name mentioned in one of the reviews so I called the day before to set an appointment with her for the following day. Well… I must say she is the BEST! Not only is her work TOP QUALITY… She is personable, patient, and all about making the customer happy! I have been getting Pink and White nails for about 8 years and this is by far the best! She has a loyal customer in me!

I came here for the first time and Rose gave me the best pedicure I’ve had in a long time! She took her time and I didn’t feel like she was rushing, like most places make you feel. It was totally worth the $ 27!

Hands down the best nail salon around! I tried 3 – 4 different places before they opened and it was always an average or poor experience. I’ve been coming now since they opened and just love it! Super clean, always, always, always friendly, and great job on nails, toes, and brows every time!

Wanted to try a new place for a pedi. WAY too expensive for what you get. $ 27 for a pedicure gets you a mediocre pedi with a quick leg massage, no scrub, and no hot towel. When I get a pedi (and pay almost $ 30) I expect the whole experience to be good. Most people get a pedi at a nail salon to get a bit of pampering and to relax. Wasn’t very relaxing. I will say that she did a great job on my toes and took her time shaping my nails, but I still don’t think I would go back here.

I got here about 345pm on Saturday and was greeted warmly and offered a drink. There were tons of people working so they got me right in and she did a beautiful job on my nails. I have had problems in the past with nail techs putting the top coat on so thick that my nails don’t dry and then are gummy enough to smear them hours later. This wasn’t a problem this time at all; and the massage was terrific. The salon is clean and set up nicely and I will definitely go there again. One thing to note is that you cannot add the tip onto the credit card, so bring cash.

I have always shopped around for a perfect nail tech, and I have finally found one! This nail salon is beautiful and the owners are so friendly and welcoming! I always recommend it to others! Tina is my go to girl for my nails! She is perfect at what she does!

The shop is cute and I love the color scheme and décor. So much better than some of the other nail salons I’ve been too!
A wide variety of nail colors and I love Tina the owner, she did a great job on my nails.