I recently moved to San Antonio and have been shopping around for a nail salon that I like and could go to regularly. I called ahead to find out if they do "CND shellac" nails and was told YES. I wanted a CND shellac mani and general pedi done. When I arrived I was pleasantly greeted by one of the staff stating the usual: how can we help, pick your color, etc. I repeated, I called earlier because I want CND shellac. The tech said OK.
I was seated at a pedicure station immediately - no waiting, which is always a plus! The salon appeared clean and neat. While my feet was soaking the technician started on my finger nails using an electric nail file to break the seal from the CND shellac I had on; then proceeded to the acetone soaking process. I've never experienced that process done that way by other nails techs, so I figured its just a different technique. Ironically he did the same thing to my toe nails, but I didn't have shellac on my toe nails...hmm? He didn't ask and I didn't say. So again, it must be just a different technique. OMG, the feet massage was painful - tolerable, but painful. I was so relieved when it was over. The only lotion used was the little that was put on my feet before he began the massage; then a hot towel. I guess that's what you get when you say you want a basic pedicure - bare minimum - absolutely no frills!
On to the nail station: he began cutting and filing my nails, again using a combination of the electric and manual file; then had me wash my hands. He nicked my cuticle, but said nothing. He proceeded to paint my nails using OPI/Gelish shellac. For those of you who've had CND shellac, you know there's a difference! I said nothing as this was the PRIMARY reason for writing this review.
Overall my experience was OK. Although the tech did a nice job painting my nails, I was dissappointed that I was told they do CND shellac, when they clearly DON'T! The massage WASN'T relaxing or pleasant. Lastly, when I arrived home I noticed my toe nail polish was not completely dried because it looked bubbly and the polish on my baby toe was messed up. Having to go back to a salon to have them fix something that should be right the first time around will always reduce the rating by a full star. Being lied to about the type of service you offer - deduct another full star. Having a painful massage and your cuticle nicked - forget about it. Find someplace else.
I can't honestly say that I'd recommend this place to anyone. With the stiff nail salon competition out there, you'd probably get your money's worth elsewhere. read more