New Zen Spa

The friendliest people work here! I feel welcome each time I come in. The seats are so comfortable. I get the dip and it is always done perfectly! Also, you get a massage at the end, MY FAVORITE PART! Highly recommend this nail salon!

They charged me twice for a pedicure by adding themselves $38 to the tip option. When I noticed they had done this I asked to get a refund. They said they had canceled the operation and wanted me to pay AGAIN $38. I said no. They said I would see my money back in my account within 24h. Not true as they never issued a refund. I had to call again to get back my money and finally they venmoed me the extra $38 they had charged me. Would not recommend this place.

I have been to every salon in the Marina and Cow Hollow and this is the only one I go to now. The girls are so kind, so efficient, and so great at what they do! Every single time I come in, they know exactly how I like my nails, and they're perfect every time I leave! Thank you!!!

The ladies are a dream. The owner's daughter is so cute. Vivian has provided me excellent service for over 15 years. Highly recommend!!

I have been coming here for years; it’s my absolute favorite nail salon in the bay! I always feel so at home and they do an excellent job.

For anyone who may have seen my previous post - I ran into Vivian and it was completely a misunderstanding! She was so kind and understanding and fully compensated for what happened!! I would 100% recommend this salons as it is so clean and everyone is so well trained. I get some of the best acrylics in the city done here and would recommend Vivian for acrylics as the shape is always perfect and they are so well done! It is so easy to schedule an appointment or just walk-in :) So grateful it was just a misunderstanding and will now be returning - love this place!!

Finding a good nail salon around San Francisco is harder than one would expect, but I cant say enough good things about new zen spa! For one, Vivian is best nail tech I've ever had. Her ability to replicate any look i show her, the attention to detail and time spent on making sure everything meets client satisfaction, and her willingness to make herself available for her consistent clientele make me never want to go anywhere else. She's the best and so is New Zen spa! Anyone looking for their go-to nail salon should give here a shot

Great nail place. Staff is friendly, attentive, and can always get you in. Highly recommend.

I've been a regular here for years and consistently receive top-notch service. The staff is always friendly and their work is exceptional. Great atmosphere in the salon as well.

I have been to A LOT of nail salons, and New Zen is by far my favorite spot in the city. I typically get only dip and Vivian and Lily are both incredible! My dip typically lasts the full 3 weeks, and sometimes even 4. My nails are always perfectly shaped, and never too thick or too thin. This place is very clean, which is a big factor for me, and they just take extra care to make sure you're comfortable. They have tons of snacks/cookies and water/tea. They recently got these warm bean bags to go around your shoulders during your treatment (for free) and they spend their time and don't rush. The quality of service, and attention to detail at this place is what makes it top notch. And when you are a return customer they recognize and make you feel so welcome. Highly recommend!

I've been a regular at this nail salon for over two and a half years now, and it's become my go-to spot for consistently excellent service. The have water and or tea available for customers. Typically I get a dip manicure which always turns out great. Vivian or Lily usually do my nails and the dip is never too thick. They check the shape, length, and color with me before moving on to the next step. I've had a handful of pedicures over the years both regular and gel there too. The pedicure chairs are massagers which is a bonus. They take walk-ins but on busier times I will call and check in if there is availability for me to come in. I've never been in the salon more than 1 hr 40mins and that was doing both mani and pedi. My roommate and my best friend now exclusively go here as well.

Stopped by on a whim to remove my old gel polish but didn't have time for a full manicure. It was such an easy and pleasant experience. The technician removed the old polish, trimmed and filed to shape, plus cuticle oil and a warm towel. Definitely coming back.

New Zen does great gel manicures. They always last with no chipping until time to remove the polish. The staff is so kind and attentive!

New Zen Spa has very detail-oriented nail service! I made an appointment for 5:30 and upon arrival was promptly sat down. Getting a full set of acrylics entails cuticle service, hot towels, a hand massage, and cuticle oil on top of shaping and painting. I'm really happy with how detail oriented the manicurists are. I have very sensitive skin and have been cut before at different salons by the spinning tool, but not here. They took a lot of time to shape the nail to exactly how I wanted, which I really appreciated. I also like how dip powder is used here; my nails don't look as thick coming out, which is another nice detail. The total came out to $85 for acrylics and gel color on top, which is pricier than normal; I have to assume it's because I got a design in my nails more than just regular color, as well as getting gel. However, with tip the total came out to around $100, which is a bit pricy.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, STAY AWAY FROM THIS NAIL SALON!!! The rudest and the unfriendliest nail salon ever. I have been a very loyal customer of Lily and the salon for a year. I have treated these ladies with respect and kindness. I have been treated very poorly several occasions and today I experienced the worst experience ever. I kindly asked my nail technician lady, Lily to start applying my gel color from the top of my nails and don't leave an empty space between my nails and my cuticles. This is my personal preference and I asked for this very kindly. She not only denied my request but cold heartedly told me that I should find another nail technician. She didn't even bother to looking at me while she was making these rude comments. When I mentioned to her that it's really unkind she raised her voice and repeated the same thing again. She had an argument in the back with the owner lady, Vivian. Vivian came to me and I shared the way Lily talked to me and I showed her my nails that were painted unevenly. She wasn't apologetic about my experience she rather confirmed that Lily doesn't like me as her customer because I ask her to apply the color the certain way I prefer it. I believe that it's not an extravagant request. I think this treatment is more than unacceptable. It's absolutely not professional. You should treat your customers equally kindly and with the respect that you receive from them. No owner should allow their employees to make rude comments about their customers and to let them raise their voice on anyone. I left my appointment in tears. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!

(2.5 STARS) Ok. Honestly.... :( This is one of the HARDEST negative reviews I've ever had to leave... To where I tried to just ignore it and say I'll just go to the other spot, across the street. As a man. I walked in, in DESPERATE NEED of a mani/ pedi. It's been, (less just say), AGES since my last one. 1) THEY HAVE MASSAGE CHAIRS! Automatic seller! Until... I'm sitting there fiddling with the remote. And.... NOTHING! No one said anything, (even if it wasn't working), or offered to assist or even offer me another chair... but ok. Whatever. The massage is a plus but the nails are the main priority. 2) I didn't feel out of place walking in. And didn't feel uncomfortable to sit. Especially as a man... THAT's HUGE! Customer service is one of my biggest things. ***That was for the good*** The "NOT SO" good... Remember, "ages?" Ok. So I can cut my own nails and clean up my own cuticles. I just never really have and prefer to have someone else take care of all of that for me while I relax. Well... let's just say, THAT's ALL I RECEIVED... (yikes!) $55 Later. There was no "manicuring," so to say... or really and MORE IMPORTANTLY "pedicuring." I needed some real, ok a lil, TLC for my toesies. They've been sorta neglected, ya know! So fast forward about a week or so later. I wanted another one. Already knowing it would take at least two sessions for my feet to be presentable in flops again. I was looking for another nail shop to give a try, but got impatient looking so decided, "What the hell," I'll just come back here.... Well on Monday they were closed. (Not a reasoning for the review). So I go across the street to the nail shop across from the dispensary I always forget about... AND... "MY DAMN!" Did I receive THE SERVICE, I've been longing for!!! The time that shop spent on shaping and cleaning up ONE OF my big toes on round two... COMPLETELY SURPASSED the ENTIRE SERVICE, I received at this shop for my HANDS & FEET!!! BY FARRRRRRRR! Sad to say. But... Very true. :( I don't know if here was prejudging of me at first glance, or because I was a man, or just lacked the skill level needed, (which I doubt). But not the service AT ALL, I expect for $50 and a $30 tip, knowing my nails was in desperate need.

They do a good job but Wayyy too expensive. I feel like every time I try to come back they charge me more Used to come here all the time for gel manicures - $38 but then decided to try dip one time - $90!!! You've been warned lol

I'm very surprised to see any negative reviews! If you're looking to get a full color in gel, dip, or regular polish--look no further. Seriously. Save yourself the trouble. I've had my dip done here and it lasted over a month. They have such high attention to detail, it's amazing. My gel manicures have always looked flawless. I've gone to other nail salons when Zen wasn't open and regretted it. They've never lasted as long. Nothing compares!

GREAT service and quality here. Walked in pretty easily and was greeted with a water bottle, tea, candy, and a madeleine. Ladies working are so sweet and service/experience was super! I got a regular mani pedi for the cash price of $50 (non cash is $55 so remember to bring cash!) and the polish lasted for much longer than usual - probably 2.5 weeks with no cracks. One of my friends even thought I had gotten gel because of how great they looked :) I think the mani pedi pricing is slightly on the higher end (I usually get a normal mani pedi in NYC for $36 from my regular salon) but I would definitely go back for the service and quality! Can't wait to come back when I'm in the area.

Swung by on a rainy Saturday afternoon around 3pm for a dip manicure; they have about 30 color choices. When I arrived, I luckily didn't have to wait too long. I probably waited 10 minutes before someone came to grab me. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is a lack of tables. Most salons have a bunch of massage chairs + a tub for pedicures and then a row of tables for people to get their manicure. New Zen Spa only has chairs and they give you a pillow + towel to rest your hands on. I lucked out and got seated at a massage chair! Whoo! Free 20 minute massage! The manicurist who helped me was super gentle and very detailed oriented. She brushed the leftover powder from my hand after each round and kept making sure nothing was sticking to areas outside of the nail bed. It's a level of attention I was definitely not use to for dip polish. After 1 week, my nails are still going strong + no chips. For $45 ($45 for dip + $5 for removal + 10% discount with cash) I will definitely come back!

This review is long over due! I don't really write reviews but the salon definitely deserves a shoutout. All the girls here do great work and are super professional. This has been my go to spot and Lilly kills it every time! She listens to what I want and takes the time to make sure everything is perfect. I always l leave the salon obsessed with my nails

Always do a great dip manicure and pedicure! Comfortable, clean environment. A little on the expensive side for dip but I always love them, they last about 4 weeks and there is a discount if you pay in cash! My go to nail spot around Pac Heights/Cow Hollow.

I have been coming here for a while now and it is still the best nail salon in the city ! The results have always been outstanding , no complaints. The staffs all do great work and are welcoming. Definitely recommend to anyone who hasn't been here before !

So I walked in for a service during my lunch. They took me right away. When they took me for my service, the owner was telling me I can't tip with my credit card, because it's a illegal. Ummm no it's not illegal. I'm a hairstylist, and I get tipped on card all the time. Other than this, the service was great no complaints. But please, if you PREFER cash that's fine. But don't make things up, and say it's illegal to tip in cash. I'm in the industry. I know.

The ladies here are so nice and meticulous! I got a gel mani and regular pedicure which were perfect. I will definitely come back here again!

Honestly my dip powder manicure came out great, the woman who did my nails was very detailed and did everything perfectly in my opinion. The reason for only 3 stars is that she basically lied to me! I came in with a picture of ombré nails and she said she could do it, but then instead of doing it with the dip powder (which I know you can do, and she said she could) she started painting with the gel like light stokes with a brush!! I wish I took a picture y'all it look HORRIBLE I was very upset but she was nice about it and we ended up just doing a solid color. But damn, it took an extra 40 mins and like wtf? Why say you can do it if it's not going to look anything like the picture?! In conclusion, don't go there for ombré or designs unless the girl has some proof she can do what your asking for!

I just had the loveliest powder dip manicure (by Lily) and pedicure (by a gentleman whose name I did not get unfortunately)! There was so much attention to detail from both technici. This is hands down the best powder dip mani I've had! Unlike other nail salons, New Zen actually includes the manicure portion with soaking and cuticle trimming. Amazing work, I am so happy and will definitely be back!! Thanks Lily!! Keep up the good work, Zen Spa!

If you're looking for a natural dip with tip look, Lee is amazing. It is on the more expensive side of what I would typically pay, but she did a great job. Not too thick and evenly shaped.

Post covid this place is still awesome. It was so easy to book an appointment and they were so flexible. Lee did my manicure and she was so detailed oriented. Quan did my pedicure and sent a good amount of time massaging me. Overall great experience!!

Had dip powder nails done here for the first time. The wait to be seen was kind of long but it was pretty busy & it was well worth the wait. The nail tech paid close attention to detail, was gentle and friendly. I can't wait to go back.

I was in the area and needed to get a pedicure, so I turned to Yelp to help me find a nail salon. When I saw New Zen's high rating, mostly positive reviews, and pictures of lined pedicure bowls, I decided to make an appointment with them. They were pretty busy on the Friday evening that I came in, but I was able to be seen right away. The salon is narrow but long with plenty of stations, or seats rather as there are no tables. I was directed to a chair all the way in the back which faced the front, where I had a view of the salon and the street outside. There were only two chairs back there and the one next to me remained unoccupied, so I was pleased to have some space to myself. After I sat down, I was brought a small bottled water and some mini chocolates (of the Butterfinger variety). I thought that was a very nice touch. A lined bowl with flower petals and cucumber slices was also brought out, and I thought it looked really pretty. I didn't have to wait long for my nail tech to come over after that. I liked how she had a light touch for the most part, and I thought she did a good job of cutting and shaping my nails. While she worked on me the longest, a second person finished applying my polish. She seemed to be more experienced as it seemed like she was directing my original nail tech on how to apply the French tip, but she did not have a light touch. It wasn't nearly as bad as the previous salon I had tried, but she held down my toes hard and scraped polish off one of my toes with her finger which did not feel comfortable at all. A third person applied my top coat later. My polish was neatly applied by all three of the ladies. A drying machine was brought over to me, so I got to stay in my chair which I prefer over having to walk to a separate drying station. The chair was pretty comfy and leaned back, with slow songs playing in the background, so I could have fallen asleep. There was plenty of chit chat in the salon though as there were girlfriends getting their nails done together. I thought the price was very reasonable at $25 for a basic pedicure, plus $5 for French. That is $1 less than what I pay at my regular nail salon. (FYI they prefer cash tip if you are going to pay by credit card.) Overall, I had a good experience, and if I'm ever in the area in need of a pedicure again, I would return to New Zen Spa.

This was my second time at New Zen Spa. I am extremely, extremely disappointed, given the price. I knew this spa was more expensive than most (almost $65 for a gel manicure and a regular non-gel pedicure). But, I was leaving for Bali for 2 months, and wanted to start off with a long lasting mani pedi. I was shocked if the price to begin with - I don't remember it being that expensive the first time. Then, 10 days in Bali, my pedicure is almost fully chipped off, and 3 fingers of my gel manicure have chipped off. Extremely disappointed. Not worth the money.

Took me right away. Fast. Clean. Great job. Polite. Just moved to the area & will return.

The dip was way too thick which means the bottom of the nails were peeling up within the first week. When I went in to ask if they could fix it, the lady was really defensive and told me my nails were too thin and that I "do dip too often" which is why they were coming off....which just isn't true because I've never faced the issue. They were nice about getting me in to fix it, but it is hard to find time to get back in when you're busy. Had they been more apologetic about it in the first place, I would've had a better experience. Hoping they work on their quality of dip because they do have awesome colors

Highly recommend I've gotten a dip manicure here twice and they did an amazing job both times. A dip manicure from here lasts 3 weeks, probably more if I didn't get tired of a color ;-) They greet you with a water bottle and snack. Polite and professional. They give a 5% discount if you pay with cash and another bonus is they have an ATM so it's easy to tip in cash. I'd recommend making an appointment unless you're okay with waiting an hour.

I love getting my gel mani here! 1. It's clean and tools are sanitized. 2. Le is gentle with filing and cutting my cuticles. 3. She does an amazing job shaping my nails and always checks to make sure shape is good.

I've been coming here for about a year for the dip manicures and I've never had a bad experience. While they do take walk-ins, it's very easy to make an appointment ahead of time. Everyone is incredibly friendly and very efficient. I've had dip powder manicures at other places, and this is by far the most professional and highest quality work I've encountered (usually lasts 3+ weeks). Some things to keep in mind: (1) all tips must be paid in cash, (2) they do offer a discount if you pay for your services with cash, and (3) they have an ATM in the salon.

I had a great experience here. Super clean (my top priority) and they do a great job. One week out and my pedi still looks great. I got a pedi + 15 min massage for $40, worth it! They put flower petals and citrus in the water. Really good. I had Lynn as my technician, came as a walk in and they took me pretty quickly. I will definitely be back!

This is by far my favorite place in San Francisco to get a mani/pedi. It's very cute and welcome how they always greet patrons with water, a candy and biscuit. I either get gel or do dip powder and they always do a great job!! It lasts and looks great for weeks to come! Remember, bring cash to tip or otherwise there's the ATM. :)

I came in as a walk-in. I was always used to having my nails done the traditional way, I get a full set of gel nails where they usually brush on the acrylic I was surprised when this place painted on the liquid and dipped my fingers and powder! See photos I think the woman tried a couple new things with me so in the end it took a little longer than usual but my nails were perfectly done and she added the flower on free of charge. They offer you snacks and candy, and treat you a little better than most places. A full gel set was only $40 I ended up tipping the lady seven dollars more I couldn't of had a better experience.

I've tried out 3 salons in Cow Hollow, The Marina, and Pac Heights for dip powder gel manicures, and New Zen Spa is hands down the best salon. I've been going here for about 6 months now and they always come out amazing, they have the best color options and carry OPI powder, and it's lasts so long! I always get compliments on my nails. Ask for Vivian when you book for dip powder :)

LOVE New Zen Spa!!! The only place I've found so far in SF that does powder dipping. My nails are short so I got tips to get a nice elegant look. All of the ladies are so sweet! Each chair has a little side tray with complimentary candy, Madeleine cookie, and mini bottle of water. I had a little cough so one of the ladies brought me hot green tea to help with my cough. They were nice enough to take me and a few other ladies super last minute on a Sunday since they are closed on Mondays. Even though they are across town from me, I would definitely come back!!!

After the pandemic hit one of the things I missed most was going to go get mani pedis. When the city reopened, I was a bit hesitant to go, but nevertheless I did- and it was a great experience! New Zen Spa takes Covid really seriously, providing shields/barriers between the manicurists and customers, offering private outdoor services (really unique opportunity in this city), taking temperatures/symptom checks upon entry, making every customer hand sanitize, sanitizing every surface and everything after use. Their employees are also super great too! Super friendly, and masters at their craft! There are also so many colors to choose from here for your mani pedi. Overall great experience, would definitely return again.

One nail tech just ruined this place for me. Refused to let me look at any of the polishes when I was picking a color for my toes and took them away from me twice. Said she was worried I'd drop them but I'm pretty sure she was worried I'd steal them. Later while I had another tech doing my manicure I see that same tech tending to another woman who literally has 6 polishes in her hand but she didn't take them away from her. Apparently she wasn't deemed likely to "drop" them. Exact same feeling you get when being profiled in a retail store by employees following you while you shop. The best part is that I'm a regular here. I come every two weeks. Oh and even though I get the same service here every single time - the price mysteriously changes depending on who rings you up.

What a find!! My daughter just moved into the neighborhood so is great to find a fabulous spot so close to her. Huge attention to detail on my treatment by Lily. I got a dip manicure with French. Many places skip the manicure part with trimming cuticles but this was the full process. I will definitely not get my nails done before arriving in town next time.

I would give it four stars, but my experience was not "zen" at all. I came Easter weekend and there was this awful older woman there. She was extremely loud. She was calling people and talking to them on speaker phone, COMPLAINING about Easter weekend to everyone she knew how upset she was that there was a parade being held in her neighborhood. Acting entitled. She took no consideration to her surroundings, and everyone in the room kept glaring at her. I wish the staff would've told her to keep it down. But also the staff was loud too! I came to get my nails to relax and pamper myself. And couldnt even enjoy one second of silence. I left that place feeling stressed, and probably will not go to that salon ever again. I'll just go back to Zen Spa in west portal SF, where it's actually Zen.

My absolute favorite nail place! Love New Zen Spa, especially Vivian & Lee. Every time I get gels here they last for a full 2 weeks. Highly recommend!

Love this place, Lee does an amazing job with my nails every time!! I have gone all over SF to find someone who really does my nails the way I like.... finally I found Lee, who really listens, take her time, and always fits me in even if last minute. Love the selection of nail colors, and all the ladies who work there, very inviting environment... highly recommend!

First time here, and will definitely be back! Vivian did a FANTASTIC job with my dip manicure very pleased :)

More expensive than other salons in the area so I thought it would be high quality. They also take a very long time, so again, I expected them to be done well but they chipped immediately. I went back in to get them fixed since I had already spent 2 hours there. They made me wait 30 minutes, which I thought was fine, until they demanded I pay them for a chip fix (???) Boo. Go somewhere else.

New zen spa is one of the best places to get a gel manicure in the marina. They always do a great job (my nails always last two weeks) and what I love most is they get you in and out. Need a mani pedi in less then an hour? This is your place. At the same time, they won't rush you if you want to relax (just ask for a massage of the stone pedicure) I always call ahead for an appointment and I've never had a problem getting in. I always try to go early on the weekends to beat the rush. They ado SNS nails too. People love SNS but for some reason I wasn't a fan, just personal preference. They also always give you water, candy and a cookie. Part of me wished they did it upon request because half the time I don't even eat it, but it's a nice touch. If you pay cash they give you a discount (can't remember how much) but don't make you feel forced to pay in cash like other nail salons. You can also tip on your credit card if you don't have any cash which is nice for someone like me who rarely carries any.

Love this place! Have been coming here for over 2 years now and I get the best, most natural looking nails job (and I am very particular with choosing nail salons). I get acrylics and gel on top and they still come out very natural! Recommend it very highly! Lilly does my nails

I absolutely love this nail salon. Everyone who works there is so sweet and very attentive. My nails always look amazing when I leave, especially when done by the male who works there (totally forgot his name). Definitely recommend coming here especially for the super relaxing pedicures!

I love this place They know how to make my nails the best look So amazing, thank you guys

I want to like this place. I've come here many times and it's convenient. But they aren't great. I find they actually beat up my nails and cuticles. If you just want something fast, they are fine. And everyone loves the little treats they give you when you sit down. But if you want nice, healthy nails and cuticles...and consistent work, this isn't the ideal place.