This review is long overdue! And also long, sorry.
I have very mixed feelings about Honey.
I live an elevator ride down from their Myrtle Ave location and work 4 blocks away, so it is extremely convenient for me to come here every other week for my nail services. Unfortunately, my first visit was about a year and a half ago, and I stopped going after I noticed that their service was never consistent. I always get gel manicures (every 2 weeks) and a basic pedicure (once a month). Sometimes I would get a quick massage at the end and sometimes I wouldn't. Sometimes they would charge me for quick dry drops, sometimes they wouldn't. The inconsistencies forced me to look for nail salon alternatives.
Sadly, after a few months trying out different spots, I found that no other places on Myrtle provide the same amount of safety when it comes to tools and cleanliness. I appreciate that Honey invests in IBI single use files and buffers and the space just feels much cleaner and more upscale than your average nail salon, and the prices reflect this.
Once I returned to Honey about a year ago, I found more frustrating inconsistencies. These were easily avoided if I simply saw my favorite nail tech, Emma, so I always made sure to book ahead and plan my schedule around my appointments. Fast forward to post-COVID-reopening in July and things went downhill again.
Due to scheduling conflicts, I had no choice but to try a slew of different technicians (Joy, Lisa, Mia). Unfortunately, they all provided the same service in very different ways. Some would not use the cuticle remover, some would not trim my cuticles well, some painted the gel on so thin that even with three coats it was completely see through, some would not use a hot towel after washing my hands, some didn't even ask me to wash my hands, period... during COVID! Unfortunately, any time any of these techs did my gel manicure, it would start chipping mere days after. I work during the week and am away on weekends, so this began to get very frustrating. I had to walk around with chipped and broken nails a few days after paying $45 + $10 tip and had to come in weekly. When Emma does my manicure, it still looks perfect when I come in after 2 weeks, no chips, no breaks, and I only come in because you can see the growth at the base of the nail.
I am happy that I am now able to see Emma regularly again, but I do wish and suggest, as a previous Upscale Nail Salon Manager, that Honey invests some time into re-training all of their staff. Service should consistently be amazing, no matter what tech you see. We are all paying a premium for a luxury service. We should all leave relaxed, happy and confident that our gel manis won't chip (for at least 2 weeks). We treat ourselves to this!
Until they re-train their current staff, I suggest you request Emma if you want your moneys worth. She is FANTASTIC.
5 stars for Emma, minus 1 star for inconsistent service. read more