Being new to the city and in need of a nail tech I came across a nail today, and I WILL NEVER COME BACK. I scheduled an appointment for a full set and pedi, was on time, and still had to wait 35 mins before anyone began my service.
The lady that did my pedicure didn't really speak to me but I assumed it might've been a language barrier, and left it at that.
When it was time for my full set I showed the manager a picture that I got from this Yelp page of their previous work that I wanted. At this time she was from phone call to phone call, and really wasn't paying much attention to what I was saying or showing her. Aware of this, I grabbed her attention and I asked directly if the design I wanted could be done, she said yes. As she began to build the acrylic she said she could not do the style anymore because of discoloration on my middle finger. I said ok, I'll need to look for another design, and she immediately got irritated and began to complain about her time, wasting her products, and my "lack of preparation". I was absolutely mortified, shocked, and embarrassed by her reaction; and other customers began to look in concern, which only made me even more uncomfortable especially being the only black person in the building.
In an effort to remove the discomfort I quickly asked for a solid yellow polish and showed her the a picture of the color I liked. She said she had the color and began my nails in silence (with me), grumbles, tuggs, lack of care, and tons of phone calls. At that point my patience and consideration began to dwindle and my embarrassment turned to irritation, and then it got worse. She proceeded to apply a yellow that was nowhere near the color I asked for. So I immediately stopped her, and changed it to a green that was nearby and requested one nail design. Now we both have an attitude, but she finished.
I was not pleased with the polish as some were lumpy, and I was charged the same rate that I was quoted for the original design but at that time I couldn't care less because I was OVER IT ALL and just desperately wanted to get out of there. I could not believe how I was handled. I honestly still can't believe it, because it was truly unwarranted and everyone else that came after me appeared to be handled with care. The level of unprofessionalism, the lack of attention, nasty disposition, lack of BASIC customer service, and audacity I experienced after wasting 35 mins of my time at my "scheduled" appointment was unacceptable. For those reasons, I do not recommend this salon to anyone. They need serious work, a secretary for their calls, and real training on customer appreciation, flexibility,and customer service.
Since that experience I have not tried another nail salon in Oakland, does anyone have any recommendations for good salons or nail techs with great customer service in the area. read more