Allure is very close to my house, so I was hoping it would be my go-to spot. This visit was a much needed self-care Mother's Day gift to myself (a fill and pedicure), and I was looking forward to a relaxing pampered experience. The manager's greeting was friendly and welcoming. As I sat down, she explained they'd do both services at once. I was ok with that. I wanted dark blue or gray cat-eye with blue tinted chrome on top. She said they could do that. They brought 2 trays of regular polish and 4 trays of cat-eye choices. The manager told me to take my time. I was happy to be there.
After about 10 seconds the 2 nail ladies came and asked me what color I wanted. I took another 5 seconds to decide my toe color for the pedicurist. I hadn't had time to look at the cat-eye choices, when the nail tech, Tammy, asked what I want. I told her I need a second to look at the choices. She said to "go ahead and look but I'm going to start your nails", and she took my hand to start removing my old gel polish with the Dremel. It was very difficult to look through all trays piled in my lap with one hand, and I thought it was rude not to allow me at least 60 seconds to properly browse. They didn't have what I wanted, so I needed a minute to decide on what to settle for.
I picked something satisfactory, but was feeling turned off by being rushed. She was rushing with the Dremel too and cut the edge and side of my finger- which hurt, even though it was minor. She apologized, sprayed something on it that stung slightly (alcohol? water?) and walked off. As I waited, my cut bled and was going to drip, so I asked the pedicurist if she had something to take care of it. She said the nail lady would do it. Tammy came with a tissue, began to put liquid from a green bottle on my bleeding finger without explaining what it is or asking if I was ok with it. I had to ask, and they said it was a sanitizer.
At this point my happy, pampered expectations were blown. I was in pain and will have to deal with hangnails and the ugliness of the cut. I felt disrespected, rushed. That preoccupation clouded my focus on the pedicure. I couldn't enjoy that because I was internally upset and just looking forward leaving.
Tammy could see I wasn't happy and made small talk. I really didn't feel like conversating in my frustrated state, but I obliged. I asked to view the chrome colors and the pedicurist said Tammy chose one that matches my polish. I would've preferred to see options, but I was ok with what she selected. I was happy with the turnout of nails and toes.
When finished, Tammy asked me if I wanted paraffin wax. I thought it was a gift offer to make up for cutting me and to improve my satisfaction- which would have been appropriate, however she said it would be $5 extra. I passed.
I asked if I could wash the chrome glitter from my hands, but instead she got a warm washcloth to wipe most of it off and then applied oil and turned the massage chair back on for me. She said I can sit an relax-which I appreciated because I was feeling tense by all the mistreatment and my toes still needed to dry. By this time, the place had several empty chairs- so I didn't need to rush... But LITERALLY, they came back after LESS than 2 minutes and asked if I was ready to leave yet! I asked if my toes were dry enough yet, and the pedicurist said, since she put 4 coats of polish, I should be careful for the next 30 minutes. I was so offended to be rushed out, but it was definitely time to get out of there!
I explained my dissatisfaction to the manager. She took $5 off for polish removal. I should have insisted on more time to view polish choices, and should have requested for Tammy to slow down and take more care with the Dremel- because I deserve that. The problem isn't being cut- mistakes happen and it was minor. The problem is the reason it happened- it could have been prevented if they cared. Not caring is what changed my whole experience- even before she started on my nails. Customer service is important. I won't be back. read more