Vivian’s Nails Bar

I went here on a recommendation from a fellow classmate. I went in to the salon for a walk in with my friend and we were both sitting and beginning our manicures within 10 minutes of walking in. I didn’t get the name of the nail technician who helped me but she did a great job and paid a lot of attention to detail. I would come back anytime.

I was «in the market» for a new nail salon. There was no real reason that I stopped going to my favorite, Perfect 10 Nails. I just wanted to branch out and try other locations. Big mistake.
I came to this location exactly 6 weeks ago. I called and booked an appointment with Vivian, the woman that everyone recommends. I came in and asked for Vivian and she was busy with another client and asked what design I wanted. I wanted to get a new set of acrylics with the pink to white ombré affect. She said she was busy but another technician could do it for me. Since this was my only day off, I decided to just take the appointment with the other woman.
I will get right to it: she was rough on my nails. I had about 4 acrylic nails that needed to be removed and this was the first person that rushed the process which in the end, hurt my fingers. Like I mentioned before, I needed a new set so my nails were already shaved down pretty well. She went in and shaved my nails to prep them for the new acrylics.
I left the salon with all 10 fingers hurting which lasted onto the next day. Ok, in my past experiences, whenever I had acrylics, they would begin to lift and loosen by the 3^rd week. It was already the 4^th week and NONE of them budged. At first I thought, «Wow, this is awesome, these nails are lasting forever!» That was short lived when my middle finger began to ache. This pain was not the same pain as slamming your finger in a door. It was a constant, throbbing pain.
I removed most of the nails off on my own with clippers, a nail file, and acetone. My middle finger nail would not budge and I couldn’t even touch it because it hurt so much. It was as if the acrylic nail’s glue was stuck on my skin (which is what happened because she shaved my nail waaaaay more than she should have) I was really close to getting into my car and driving to the location to take a second look at my nail tech’s license so I could file a health complaint. This had NEVER happened to me in the past so it HAS to be because of her.
Yesterday, after six weeks, I finally was able to remove the acrylic nail but only to discover this: (look at the photo) I have a slit in my nail and it has a greenish/​yellow color to it. I am most certain that it is infected. This experience is enough to tell people to stay away and find another location. I would recommend Perfect 10 Nails. I will never step foot into this location even if it is the last nail salon in the world. You have ruined my nails and caused me weeks of pain.

Diane was my nail technician — was going here for 2 months and got a horrible fungus under 3 nails. She should have seen this and put a new set on. So gross!

Came in for a fill and recolor and they were amazing. Diane is amazing, this us definitely my new nail place. Much quieter than the busy packed salons, and clean. Their pedicure area is cool, and they work with your nails very well

HIDDEN GEM IN SAN JOSE!
I used to go to perfect 10 and they were so rude and over priced. And they never did what I wanted. THEN I found Vivian nails and Vivian did my nails and they were PERFECT! I’ve never been so happy with my nails until she did them. I walked away feel amazing after she did my nails. I’ve never gotten so much compliments on my nails before everyone loved my nails.
Vivian is the best nail artist in San Jose. Hands down.

First: the good. I have been doing my nails at home for a few years now to save money until my friend turned me onto Vivian’s when she was in town. I’m not sure of the name of the girl who did my nails, but she did a pretty good job. The shape is good (I got pointy almond) and it’s been a week, I use my hands a lot in my everyday life, and they haven’t lifted or chipped despite me having jammed two playing volleyball. The quality of the work is very good, hence the 3 stars.
The bad: I asked for her to trim my cuticles. That’s it. Not a manicure, no cuticle oil, nothing. And she wanted to charge me $ 5 for trimming my cuticles. I argued that and she finally dropped it. A different woman who was working on my friend cut my friend’s cuticle area with the Dremel. Would I go back? I would like to, because I liked the work. However their attitude has made me hesitant.

Dirty!
Grumpy staff
Gal doing my nails trimmed hers while mine dried. Her nail clippings were flying over my shoulders and one flew in my face. Yuck.
30. gel manicure with no standard massage after just a quick, «wash your hands; its 30.00»
Uncomfortable pedicure chairs
Wouldn’t recommend at all

Still so in love! Great job by Amy! 55 bucks for a full ombré set and two finger design, including rhinestones! Amazing place. I drive all the way down from SF to see her!

Hi Sandra,
I don’t think I have time to do for you. Please let me know when you can stop by so that I can return the money for you to get your nail done somewhere else. I am very appreciated your business but every time I do nail for you, somehow it came off (lifted) the next day. It’s not the first time. I have been trying to make you happy but look like my skills has the limit. Thank you very much.
This from Vivian. I’ve been going to her since 2013. This was my first time where I have actually was mad about my nails lifting and first time they lift the next day. I told her I was mad and I guess she didn’t like me telling her that.
I’ve taken my nails off numerous times because I want to or I was doing something where I would break them. I’m rough with my nails and I actually use my hands in water and with chemicals. I’ve watched videos on how to properly prep nails and she doesn’t do that. Lately Vivian has been in a rush because she is behind.
Time to find someone who will take the time on my nails and not rush just to try and get more money.

This place is amazing as always! I’ve been coming here for about four years. I moved to San Francisco and haven’t found a nail shop as good as this one down there so whenever I’m in the area or have a special event to go to its worth the extra drive. Vivian is great, when she doesn’t have time she has one of her other co workers do it which they are all equally great and talented. love love love this place!

Although the nail art is gorgeous, the staff is neither friendly nor personable. Both times I came here I felt as if the women were stand-​offish and almost rude even. The prices were average for a nail salon but definitely on the pricier end. A couple of the girls were also dressed unprofessionally with shirts halfway up their bellies. All in all, just an okay experience here. Would go back but would not be a regular.

Vivian NAILED IT!!! I’m in LOVE with my nails! Never tried #neon colors and I’ve never tried #aztecnails #tribalnails until now! Love everything about this look! Thanks Vivian. You always amaze me!

Absolutely in love with my nails! I got a pedi and a new full set. They are better than I imagined and it was such a relaxing experience. I felt so pampered the entire time. Food prices too :)

I love my nails. Great customer service, and Mimi did a wonderful job. I’ve never walked out so happy. I will definitely go back. This place is super clean and the staff is professional they greet you as you walk in, and talk to you while you do your nails and they make you feel welcomed when you are in there.

The BEST nail salon around. With so many to choose from you just cant miss by coming here.
Niki is my go to girl and she never let’s me down. She quick and does the job right the first time. She listens and pay attention. And if you listen and pay attention you just might hear her sing too :)

Love the way Vivian does my nails :)

**4 Stars for Art design only!
**3 Stars rating for the salon
I have been to Vivian’s twice now and really like their design work. Shaping and painting skills are above parr. These girls make your nails look good.
Yes, their basins are kitchen sinks (metal) and the benches could use some wiping down from the nail dust. But if you are looking for some out of this world design you will find it here. Not much of a 3D fan but some of the stuff is cute.
Every one is good. I had Amy do my manicure and I actually saw Vivian in action, she’s amazing!
The salon/​bar is small about 6 sinks for pedis and 4 – 5 seats at the bar. Would like to see the place more tidy and all their tools in solution or autoclaved. So for now I’ll bring my own tools.
If you’re looking for a plain mani pedi my recommendation is to go somewhere else. However, if you want and need something different call Vivian’s and make an appointment!

Jenny or Vivian!!!
they’re both so amazing at what they do. I always leave there pleased and my nails don’t lift for weeks. I’m a hair dresser, so my hands are constantly in water and I NEED my nails to last. I’m super picky and always come in with crazy designs and pictures and they always get my shape and drawings on point. always very accommodating. I definitely recommend this place :)

Very talented ladies. I’ve had my nails done my Diane, Nikki, and Vivan. For regular fillings and simple designs I’ll see Diane or Nikki. But if you’re looking for something detailed or copying a picture Vivan is an artist on nails!
Very busy when it comes to appointments. You need to schedule 2 or 3 days ahead and come in a bit earlier so they fit you in the right time frame. Only down side is the gel nails come out very thick and I’ve had a hard time picking up coins off the ground :-/​ (a bit embarrassing asking for help)
The place has a nice small setup. Tends to have a strong smell of acetone sometimes but doesn’t bother me. On the plus side I like the hot rocks on the legs, warmed hand towels and the nice staff.

DO NOT go to this place!!! If I could give 0 stars I would! This was BY FAR the worst nail salon I’ve ever been to.
I made an apt for a gel MANI and a pedicure, I’ve been growing out my nails for awhile now so that it would look nice to have a gel mani. I made my apt with Vivian.
As I walked in I was starred at and sent over to the pedicure area to put my feet in what is basically a SINK. As I sat down I realized how EXTREMELY dirty not only the place was but the TOOLS used! All of the tools weren’t sanitized and had people’s old dead skin around it. Honestly I’ve never seen a salon this unclean I’m shocked they are still open.
As I was getting my pedi done, Vivian walked up, didn’t bother to ask me what I wanted to do to my nails and immediately took a clipper to my nails… YES my nails I’d been waiting for so long to grow out! I didn’t even get a chance to stop her before she was halfway done because she was in such a rush and cut them so fast! I was so upset I almost walked out but waited around to see if MAYBE she’d be able to fix it. Boy was I wrong.
To make a very long story short, I’d asked for NARROW fake nails, even though I didn’t want fake nails at all but had to since she cut them so short, and then completely ended up with flared out nails.
My pedi looks like a child did it and my nails are the complete opposite of what I asked for. I wasn’t listened to once and the place is completely dirty. In the end, my total was EIGHTY DOLLARS… are you f***ing kidding me?! I paid them and went on my way.
I will obviously never be back but hope to write this so I can spare someone. Good luck to you if you decide to go here!