Level Up Lafayette

Level Up is a European-style nail salon with two locations: 3581 Mount Diablo Blvd in Lafayette and 1537 N. Main Street in Walnut Creek. The salon describes itself as the first European-style nail salon in the East Bay. Both locations are open seven days a week from 9am to 7pm.

Services center on e-file manicures and pedicures done with the Russian manicure technique, alongside cuticle care, nail shaping and a wide range of custom nail designs. Pedicures come in regular, Smart Pedicure and spa versions, and the spa versions add a scrub, massage and hot-towel wrap. Hard gel prices depend on the technician's level, so the same design costs more when a more advanced technician performs it. Gel nail extensions are available for added length, and men can book a manicure or a pedicure.

Tools go through a three-step sterilization process. According to the salon, it uses premium polishes from leading brands that are non-toxic. The salon also says more than 30 professionals have been trained, and that it has served 1,000 clients and performed 3,000 manicures over two years.

Nail courses are taught at the salon in groups of three to five students, and materials and equipment are provided. The Beginners 5 Day Course, at $1,999, is for people with little or no nail experience and combines 45 academic hours with supervised practice on live models. The Advanced 3 Day Course, at $1,499, is for technicians with at least six months of experience and is mostly hands-on, with a handbook and personal feedback on each student's work. The Pedicure 1 Day Course, at $499 per module, teaches the Smart Pedicure to people who want to offer professional pedicures or refine their technique. Students may bring their own models and receive ongoing mentorship after completion.

To book, clients need a valid card on file, which is not charged at booking; payment is taken after the service. Changes made at least 24 hours ahead avoid a cancellation fee, while later changes and no-shows are charged the full service price. Clients more than 20 minutes late may need to reschedule. Reminders are sent by text 48 hours and 24 hours before the appointment. Payments can be made by Zelle, Venmo, credit or debit card, or Klarna, and gift certificates are available for any service. Lafayette can be reached at (510) 365-7967 and Walnut Creek at (925) 360-3578.

Focuses on e-file manicures and pedicures using the Russian manicure technique, with sterilized tools and, according to the salon, non-toxic polishes.