5 Underrated Salons in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 8 salons in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five salons and nail studios in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA that have a Google rating of 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews. They are ranked by rating and are meant for people who want nails, hair or spa services close to the center of town, and who are willing to try a well-rated place with a smaller review count. Eight qualifying businesses were considered. Hours, attributes and review notes are taken from each business's Google listing, so confirm details before booking.
#1
Angels nail & hair
★ 4.8 (83 Google reviews)Nail salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Angels nail & hair is a nail salon at 1825 State St, open Tuesday to Friday and Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and closed on Mondays and Sundays. It has a 4.8 Google rating from 83 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention a mani-pedi with massages, a same-day appointment for an out-of-town visitor, and nails that came out as requested. One reviewer noted the visit took a long time.
Best for: Mani-pedis with a full massage
- Address
- 1825 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8:30 am–6:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8:30 am–6:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8:30 am–6:30 pm; Tue 8:30 am–6:30 pm; Wed 8:30 am–6:30 pm
#2
Rainbow Nails
★ 4.8 (36 Google reviews)Nail salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Rainbow Nails is a nail salon at 10b W Calle Laureles, open weekdays from 9:30 am to 7 pm and Saturdays until 5:30 pm, with Sundays closed. It has a 4.8 Google rating from 36 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention that it takes both appointments and walk-ins, that a gel manicure takes about an hour, and that the team is attentive and professional. Reviewers also describe it as family owned.
Best for: Quick gel manicures and walk-ins
- Address
- 10b W Calle Laureles, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9:30 am–7 pm; Mon 9:30 am–7 pm; Sat 9:30 am–5:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 9:30 am–7 pm; Tue 9:30 am–7 pm; Wed 9:30 am–7 pm
#3
Frenchies Modern Nail Care Santa Barbara
★ 4.6 (123 Google reviews)Nail salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
Frenchies Modern Nail Care Santa Barbara is a nail salon at 3421 State St, open every day from 10 am, with Monday and Tuesday closing at 5 pm. It has a 4.6 Google rating from 123 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention a clean, contemporary space with no strong product smell, careful work for clients who avoid harsh chemicals, and a dry polish upgrade for pedicures.
Best for: Natural nails and gentle products
- Address
- 3421 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–7 pm; Mon 10 am–5 pm; Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun 10 am–6 pm; Thu 10 am–7 pm; Tue 10 am–5 pm; Wed 10 am–7 pm
#4
PAPILLON NAIL STUDIO
★ 4.6 (61 Google reviews)Nail salon
Representative photo, not of this business.
PAPILLON NAIL STUDIO is a nail salon at 3528 State St, open weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturdays until 6 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and it is closed on Tuesdays. It has a 4.6 Google rating from 61 reviews. Google lists a wheelchair-accessible entrance and on-site parking. Reviewers mention clean and efficient service, a good color selection, massage chairs and online booking with digital tipping.
Best for: Dip and gel nails with online booking
- Address
- 3528 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–7 pm; Mon 9 am–7 pm; Sat 9 am–6 pm; Sun 10 am–4:30 pm; Thu 9 am–7 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 9 am–7 pm
#5
Mishay Salon & Spa
★ 4.6 (31 Google reviews)Beauty Parlour
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mishay Salon & Spa is a beauty parlour at 1126 Santa Barbara St, open Monday to Saturday with Saturday hours ending at 3 pm, and closed on Sundays. It has a 4.6 Google rating from 31 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention haircuts that suit curly hair, a reminder call the day before appointments, and stylists who are skilled and listen well. One reviewer advises confirming prices with the stylist when booking.
Best for: Haircuts and colour with a named stylist
- Address
- 1126 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–6 pm; Mon 11 am–7 pm; Sat 9 am–3 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 9 am–6 pm; Tue 9 am–7 pm; Wed 9 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 8 salons in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Angels nail & hair opens at 8:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated salon on this list?
Angels nail & hair ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 83 reviews. Rainbow Nails is second at 4.8 from 36 reviews.
Which salons in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Rainbow Nails, at 7 pm.
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