I moved to the area recently, arriving on Labor Day 2012. Had a very important appointment the following day, so went in search of a nail salon and Cindy's was the first place I came to. Went in, initially just to find out about their pricing, and they told me that they would be able to assist me immediately.
As I have 'weird' nails, I only get GEL and I usually use extreme curved tips. When I asked about the tips, Cindy assured me that she could help me out. Unfortunately, she neglected to share with me that she did not in fact have the tips that I needed, but assured me that she could help me out all the same - that should have been a sign. She proceeded to give me a specially shaped curve nail, which was not what I was looking for, but I went with it, as she evidently was trying. Once the service was done, I paid and tipped her (generously), and left.
Within one week, two of the nails had come off - completely and I needed a fill-in. The shop I used to got to in the DC Metro area, there were times that I could go almost 3 weeks w/out needing a fill-in and my nails have NEVER broken off completely. I go back into the shop, show Cindy the issue, she apologizes and so I sit down to get a fill-in, (and a pedicure). I am then asked to go and get my pedicure first - confused are we? As I'm getting the pedicure, a gentleman ("Sweet Tea"), starts on my refill, and immediately tells me that I shouldn't get Gel nails, as my nail bed is too small - as to the reason why the nails are coming off. When I share with him that I have been getting gel nails for over 5 years, with no issue, he says "OH" and proceeds.
Once completed and prior to the polish application, I present him with my credit card and he asks me, "so are you going to tip me?" To say that I was a bit taken aback, is an understatement, and I responded, "maybe we should focus on getting my nails done instead of the tip?" He shrugs his shoulder and walks off to process my card. I reach in my purse and take out some cash in which to tip him with, and tuck it under my phone. He comes back, eyes the money, gets a big smile on his face and starts the polish application. About 5 minutes later, Cindy turns to me and tells me that they forgot to charge me for a service (having to do with the pedicure), so I reach into the cash I had taken out for the tip, and pay them for the missed service. "Sweet Tea", completes the polish application, takes me over to the drying station. I grab my phone and the money, and he turns to me and says, "Did you pick up the money that was on the table?" I said, "Yes, as it's mine."...."Oh, I thought you were going to give that to me". (Really? You're begging for a tip? I had $10 to give to him and the woman who did my pedicure, did he really think he was getting all of it? He ended up getting NONE of it!)
Needless to say, two days later, I'm back in the shop - again. This time, another nails has broken off, and one is lifting. Cindy sits me down and attempts to glue the nail, with the gel back on to my nails has if I had gone to CVS and purchased some nails from there. When I confront her about what she's doing, she tells me that that's how her other clients prefer it done - REALLY!!?!?!? I let her know that that was not how *I* preferred it, and either wanted a refund or for her to fix my nails. Of course she 'fixed' them. It is now a few days later, and I have another nail that is lifting, which confirms for me that the folks at this place do NOT know what they're doing.
I only gave this place 2 stars, because of Cindy's initial attitude - so friendly/warm/accommodating. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone - especially those who demand a higher level/quality of service. I guess my nail spa search continues! read more