Orchid Nails Boutique - Nail Salon in Alamo Heights

Went in a couple of weeks ago for a pedicure and a full set. My existing gel X set had to be removed as it was poorly applied and very grown out. I showed a picture of the set I wanted to make sure they could do it: Gel-X with a clear tip, jelly polish, with french tips and black zebra stripes. The nail technician said she can do that but she may have to mix colors. I was fine with this, but i was not shown if they had any jelly polish in their samples. So we did the pedicure. The water in the pedicure bowl was not that hot, even after she turned up the temperature. My left big toe has been sore on the edge, where the cuticle was cut too close. Once i got to the manicure chair, i showed my reference picture again, and she started taking off my existing Gel-X set. She questioned why I wanted Gel-X and pushed for me to get acrylic, stating it would be stronger. I personally prefer Gel-X over acrylic for the health of my nails, and it was required for the type set i wanted due to the jelly polish. In poor judgement, I allowed her to do the acrylic and she proceeded to freestyle. She layered the colors so that it somewhat looked like my reference picture, but it looks completely different. She offered to add glitter accents; she was about to use silver, so i stopped her and asked if they have gold instead. She proceeded to put purple glitter which does not match at all. I tried to like the nails, but after a couple of weeks, I still find them ugly and it's nothing I actually asked for. My technician mentioned it's hard to be exactly like a reference picture, which i understand. However, the set would have been more accurate, (and I would be a happier customer) if I received the service I asked for. Instead, my request was disregarded and I was questioned out of it. Paid $230 for the deluxe pedicure, take off, new acrylic full set, special shape, special design, long nail, gel polish, and tip. Overall 1/5 for my experience, 1/5 not worth the money spent. First and last visit for me; money would be better spent with a nail technician that respects the client's requests and provides a more luxury experience. Please don't advertise Gel X on your website, if you aren't willing to fulfill the service.

This was my first time coming to this salon and I was blown away. Tamie did my nails and while it may appear just a standard dip manicure… her attention to detail is what stands, her and this salon, out from the rest. She expertly shaped my nails and my cuticles have never looked better. Every moment was considered - for example, there are comfortable cushions for your arms to rest on while getting your nails done and the luxurious massage at the end was *chefs kiss*. Prices were affordable and comparable to other salons in the area, but in this case you get far more bang for your buck. I also really appreciated her patience when the color wasn’t quite right. She adeptly came up with a solution and I left with the exact color nails I was imagining. Which, if you get your nails done regularly, you know what a feat this is. 5 stars are almost not enough! This is a 10/10 business and I will absolutely be switching to this salon!

I told them I wasn’t happy with my nails, and to their credit, they did not charge me for the nail service (I only paid for my pedicure). I appreciate that. However, I was very disappointed with the final result. I always wear short nails, but short nails can still look delicate and natural. These ended up extremely thick and bulky. In my opinion, they looked more like a turtle shell than a natural set of nails. It felt like way too much product was used. I’ve included a photo so others can judge for themselves. Everyone has different tastes, but this was definitely not the look I asked for or expected.

We had a great experience!! Everyone was very friendly and kind. We choose this Salon because it was close to downtown where we were staying on vacation. We called them and they were able to accommodate us the same day. Very clean!! One tech was a bit slower but the others jumped in to help and we didn't mind. They offered us beverages while there and they were very accommodating. We were happy with our nails and enjoyed the pampering. Highly recommend!! Averaged about 150$ price per person for mani pedi.

I went in with high expectations, but unfortunately this was a very disappointing experience. I specifically asked for a simple French tip, but the technician repeatedly tried to upsell me to more expensive options and insisted on using pink glitter polish even after I said no multiple times. The service itself was uncomfortable. The water was extremely hot and actually burned me. When I mentioned it was too hot, she proceeded to turn it hotter . I was also cut during the service, including underneath my nail, and it remained painful afterward. To make matters worse, the quality of the pedicure was poor. My toenails weren’t even cut evenly, the shape is uneven, and the final result looks nothing like what I requested. The technician even started adding decorations I never asked for. I paid for the service because I respect people’s work, but I left frustrated, uncomfortable, and disappointed. I would not return based on this experience.