Nu-Image Nails & Spa

I love Kim! She is the acrylic QUEEN and truly a nail professional. Nu Image is definitely my new spot!

Two stars because…“Meh. I’ve experienced better.” Much, much better.
Nu-​Image Nails & Spa is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara very near my office. I pass it daily and though I never see it full with customers and the overall 3-​star Unilocal rating is not incredibly enticing, a couple of my trusted Unilocal sources, Mark F and Kinga H, give it high marks, so in a pinch on my lunch break I decided to venture from my beloved nail salon, Angel Nails on mid-​State, for the sake of convenience. Not a good move on my part.
The salon itself is clean and somewhat inviting. The spa chairs operate properly and are comfortable. They have a comparable selection of nail polishes to their competitors and a nice UV nail drying station for hands and feet towards the front of the salon.
I walked in and was seated immediately with no wait as there was only one other customer being served. I received a manicure and pedicure. My pedicure was fine — no complaints there. They had a menu of add-​ons to choose from, callus removal, etc — I opted for the standard pedicure because my feet were in good shape.
My manicure on the other hand was awful and uncomfortable. It was done simultaneously as the pedicure and because it was so bad it took away from the pleasure of the pedicure. The woman who worked on my manicure was kind and friendly, but unfortunately — not too competent. She was very old and frail. I felt so much empathy for her working because she seemed so delicate and fragile. Her small, thin hands trembled and shook as she struggled to hold onto the tools she was using. Despite her large, thick glasses, I think she had a difficult time seeing where my cuticle stopped and the skin on my fingers began because she repeatedly cut into my flesh. Each time I would reflexively gasp and pull back my hand, she would just look into my eyes and smile the sweetest smile as she pulled my hand back to her and commenced the butchery again. Her presence was calming as she inflicted the pain and I though I wanted to run, I did not want to offend her so I stayed and let her do her thing because it seemed to bring her such joy. I’m strange.
When it was time to massacre the right hand, she stayed in her seat on my left side — forcing me to draw my right arm across my body and hold it up for her for 15 minutes. Again because she was so old I did not want to ask her to move and just resigned to the task. By the time she was done my shoulder was aching and my back too. Better me than her — I thought. My body should be able to hold up.
When it came time to paint my nails, the final product was reminiscent of the days I played dress up with my 5 year old cousins. Nail polish everywhere. On the cuticle. Beyond the cuticle on the fresh red cuts that had been made. On the side of the finger. Sloppy brush strokes in all sort of directions. Now that I think of it, perhaps she is not licensed at all? I don’t know, that’s just speculation, but there did not seem to be much skill involved. She smiled proudly when she was done again looking me straight in my eyes with a captivating warmth. I was relieved. Now I could get the heck out of there and never return! Which I haven’t, imagine that.
So based on my experience, I can’t recommend Nu Image. Perhaps it was out of the ordinary. In truth, this appt was about two months ago and I still pass by everyday and have yet to see my sweet punisher in there again. I hope she’s okay.

Walk-​in mani/​pedi. Decided to go with «luxury» treatment. Too expensive for a mediocre job. Streaks on both thumbs where polish is uneven and «foot and leg massage» was terrible. Rude customer service. Also, polish color selection was poor– disappointed and will not be going back.

It’s been 3 weeks and my gel mani still looks good! Obviously I have growth but absolutely no chips or lifting! Thuy is awesome, only wish she was up in sf so I could see her more!

My favorite nail salon in SB. I always ask for Kim to do my nails. I’ve never had a nail technician be as precise and detailed as she is.

Best service and amazing work! The only place I go for my nails it’s so fast and inexpensive! Get Kim she’s the best!

Great location, spacious comfortable beautiful room with plenty of stations. Convenient parking in the city lots very close by if nothing on the street. Fun shopping all around if you have to wait a few minutes. Great prices. Kim the manager always up beat and timely and in fact does excellent work with my acrylic nails. Have been a steady customer for years and years and expect to continue.

My best friend and I found this nail salon while walking by after craving some relaxation. Shopping can be exhausting! We selected our nail colors and proceeded to our massage chairs.
After what felt like 20 minutes, someone came over to begin working on my pedi. She just cut and filed one foot and then disappeared for another 15 min– soo bizarre. I selected the basic spa pedicure and paid the extra $ 5 for callous removal. In retrospect I would’ve skipped the callous removal because it lasted about 2 min and I didn’t feel that it was up to par with other $ 5 removal treatments that I’ve had. You want to be scrubbed and see the aftermath. It was more of a buff.
This nail tech was on a mission to get my nails as short as possible and file them aggressively. I’m pretty sure you are not supposed to file nail beds– ouch!!! She was also not afraid to use another tool to try an dig out an ingrown… Did someone pay her to torture me?
The polish job was about average so I can’t complain. Overall the place seemed about what you would expect for a $ 25 pedicure. I wish someone offered us water or managed our expectations as far as wait time or asked what shape and length I wanted my nails to be before diving in and going on a cutting rampage.
I honestly thought my tech did not know English until at the very end she said– thank you so much and have a great day!
Any place that I leave saying a little prayer that I don’t get a nail infection is a place I cannot recommend. Maybe it was just the nail tech I got, but I’m not going to go back and take any chances.

They did a pretty good job on both my nails and my fiances toes. There were a few bubbles on my gel manicure and a few of my nails the color didn’t quite cover all of the nails. But both of our toes look great and overall I am happy. They do have a lot of up charges and upsells but they do have the ten percent off with checkin. Also they charge a $ 1 credit/​debit card fee.

I must say I am pretty disappointed in this nail salon. I first came here about two years ago to get a gel manicure, the colors I picked were white with a gold accent nail, which my manicurist said «those are ugly colors» but I insisted that those are the colors that I want, that automatically turned me off. Fast Forward to a week and a half ago. I was in need of a fill and my pointer nail was coming off, I asked her to please fix the nail while I was getting the fill, but here I am a week and a half after I spent $ 40 on a fill, (they are the ONLY salon I’ve ever been to that has charged to take off gel polish) and that same nail that I asked to get fixed is coming off again. I’ve had acrylics on my nails for about 2 and a half years and I’ve never had a nail start to come off a week after having them done.

Went in for a pedicure a few weeks ago before going out of town. I went with the basic $ 25 pedicure and paid extra to remove my callouses since it had been a while since my last pedicure. When I got home I realized she didn’t cut all of my cuticles (only some) and I still had callouses.
Fast forward to yesterday, I went back because I needed to fill my acrylics and I was able to walk over after work. I decided to give this place another chance and it was in a convenient location.
I asked my artist for a dark red polish and to please re-​shape my coffin nails. By the end of it I hated the polish color (way too bright) and my nails were more straight than coffin shaped (even though I asked her half way through to file them more.) She also missed the sides of my nails with the polish.
Sadly I went home to repaint and reshape my own nails. Time to look for a new place :(

They do a decent job but beware they have lots of add on’s. Even when you say no they still do it and charge you for it!!! Won’t be going back anytime soon. Angels does a better job and is friendlier. Or check out One Carat if you’re not in a hurry. They are by far the best in town but book up.

Born and raised Santa Barbarian, been to every nail salon in town, literally… And aside from the excellent service, friendly staff and great location (especially when you’re shopping and in the mood to fit in a little pampering) — I’m a klutz and an avid hiker and at every other nail salon my mani/​pedis would last no more than a week or two before getting chipped!
Yet miraculously, EVERY single mani/​pedi I have ever had at Nu Image Nails has lasted for no less than a month to two months in near flawless form no matter how much my tomboy ways would aim to chip or mar their work. This has been my experience for over 6 years and counting now!
Great prices too btw… Just sayin’
***Oh and apparently I get a 10% discount just for checking in today! Love this place!

Staff was very friendly. I was searching for a specific color and was unable to find it but they took the time to find it for me. They did a good job!

The best nail place in Santa Barbara! Very clean and very nice! Sometimes they are busy but if you make an appointment you are guaranteed time! Ask for Kim for acrylics! She is the absolute best! Especially if you want pointed nails! She makes them nice and sharp (just how I prefer them)… I’ve been going here for almost two years and I’ve never been disappointed!

My Mom, Aunt and I found ourselves in Santa Barbara on a recent gray, overcast day… it felt like the perfect day for pampering. So, we wandered into this establishment and Mom and Auntie had pedicures while I had a manicure. The salon is clean, nicely laid out and has this very relaxing mural that makes you feel like you are swimming with the dolphins. The staff was super nice and we all left feeling rejuvenated and with cute toes and nails! Prices were very good.

Couldn’t use the 10% off check in on «any service»
They were awkwardly quiet & spoke a different language to each other (which I HATE)
My nails look OK. Nothing special.
Very small polish selection.
Kind of disappointed…

I’ve given this place about twenty chances since they’re so close to my house. I think at this point I would rather do my nails myself. The managers and technicians are extremely rude and have terrible business skills. They’d rather soak their feet all day than take paying clients. The last time I was there they allowed homeless people to scream outside for an hour and didn’t bother to close the door or say anything.
In addition to the business issues, the mani/​pedis are the biggest joke ever. They put on so much polish that it bubbles up and can’t dry before it gets ruined. They throw disgustingly scented lotions on, slap it around your arms and legs, and call it a massage.
Since I’m a regular, I asked the manager if I could get a foot soak and callous removal after my manicure. I had to practically beg three times before he agreed to it. Seriously, all you have to do is run some hot water and use a callous remover. I guess they don’t want regular customers.
I’m now a happy regular at TLC Nail Salon on East Cota (by The Palace Grille). You’ll pay about $ 5 – 10 more per service but it’s SO worth it. They are awesome.

Written by my fiancée:
I have been going to Nu Image Nail for almost a year now, and can definitely say it is the best nail salon I have ever been to, specifically because of the owner Kim. She is very friendly and efficient, and keeps the salon running smoothly and professionally.
I have had multiple services done by many different people including pedicures, pink and white tip, regular acrylics, and regular manicures. I have never had a bad experience, however I personally always make my appointment with Kim. She is the quickest, does the best job, and I genuinely enjoy my biweekly conversations with her.
Additionally, the price is reasonable, especially for Santa Barbara. If you are looking for a local consistent nail salon, this is the place.

Yet another nail salon review… What can I say, this girl loves to indulge, a biweekly gel manicure is A MUST!
Located on lower State Street, this salon’s ambiance sets the bar high for the rest of the salons in Santa Barbara. Matching, in great condition, massaging pedicure chairs along the left wall. Manicure stations to the right. The blue paint with an ocean scene on the left and clouds on the ceiling provides a relaxing atmosphere. Very clean!
It is always busy and there are a variety of technicians working. I have yet to wait long and I do walk-​in, not appointment. Due to the high volumes they are efficient at time management, a plus for me as I like to relax while being pampered however do not have hours to waste. Skill level varies with each technician, as with any salon, so that can be bit of a gamble. I’ve lucked out apparently :) Price is average for the area, although there are a few salons which charge $ 5 less however this place is open later than most, until 7pm Mon-​Sat and until 6pm Sun.
TIPS:
* $ 1 up charge to use a debit/​credit card.
* Check-​In on Unilocal for 10% off service.