After two bad experiences, I should have known better than to come back? but since this salon is new, clean, and close to my apartment, I gave them another chance. That was a mistake. Here is what happened to me: My first bad visit was for a French tip builder gel set on my natural nail, a very standard request in most salons. I clearly explained multiple times and showed inspo photos, asking for a thinner, deeper French tip instead of a thick stripe. The tech still did it incorrectly. I left unhappy but tipped anyway for her time feeling bad that I kept asking her to fix it when it was a skill issue, not intentional. When I called a few days later to ask for a French repaint because the nails were honestly embarrassing and I could not wait until my next fill, the manager said the repaint would be complimentary, yet the front desk employee tried to charge me $30 for their error.... Because they had to repaint the French. lol
Despite this happening to me I decided to try again and booked a different service, GelX full set. social media photos seemed like their quality was getting better and the convenience of being so close to home I wanted to give a different tech at the salon a chance. I brought inspo photos and clearly requested a short almond shape, specific color, and shorter length. Nothing crazy, pink base, light sparkle overlay. Should be basic right? Despite repeating what I wanted several times, the tech ignored the details and went in her own direction. The color, shape, and length were not what I asked for. When I raised concern for the length issue, she had the audacity to say I "just need to explain the length next time" even though I had already asked multiple times and even said the length she had on her nails would be perfect so she could understand what I wanted. She tried to justify it by saying her nail beds are shorter, which has nothing to do with the length I requested. It's wild that you can show inspo photos and clearly explain what you want and still not be listened to. I eventually just gave up and wanted to get out of there because they were decent enough. It's so hard to have a relaxing experience when you are micromanaging someone who supposedly has a license. I assume she did not want to go shorter because she didn't want to take the time to reshape the gel x extension nail.
THE BIGGEST ISSUE: 24 hr after my appointment EVERY single GelX nail has lifted on both hands and the extensions are now pointing upward with a gap between my real nail and the gel x extension and glue. That points to improper prep or curing and creates risk for moisture from water and serious risk for infection underneath. After paying $120, I now have to go to another salon to have them fixed. If you know anything about nail infections, I am at risk for loosing my real nail beds or worse, amputation if I didn't catch the issue early. A different salon I went to for advice, told me it was the worst application they have ever seen and the prep under the nail was entirely too thick / improperly prepped likely contributing to this issue. They booked me for an immediate appt for removal the following day and told me not to wait due to risk of infection and to go to urgent care if it is painful. I also believe I may have gotten contact dermatitis from their product and improper technique because my entire body has been itchy since.
I will say the space is very cute, but the technical skill, communication, and quality control are not there. It is a chop shop at best. They need to invest in training rather than doing customer giveaways for purses. Do not come here for GelX, builder gel, or detailed work. They might be fine for very basic services or pedicures. Photos attached to this review proof. read more