I was excited to try Lumos since it's a new salon, but unfortunately I left very disappointed with my shellac manicure.
I specifically choose shellac/gel manicures because my natural nails are extremely thin and weak. Lately, I have only had shellac manicures in the surrounding nail salons, because a shellac manicure provides enough structure and protection to help prevent my nails from bending and breaking.
After my appointment at Lumos, my nails felt almost exactly as if I had regular nail polish on them. There was no noticeable thickness, strength, or protection. My nails felt paper-thin and vulnerable to breaking almost immediately. While the manicure looked fine at first, it did not provide the durability and reinforcement I expect from a shellac service.
What was most disappointing was my attempt to resolve the issue the next day of service with the salon. I explained my concerns and asked whether an additional layer could be added to provide more structure. Instead of working toward a solution, I felt my concerns were dismissed. I was told that their shellac is essentially like any other polish, and when I continued asking questions, the conversation became defensive rather than helpful.
I understand that shellac does not actually strengthen the natural nail itself. However, a properly applied shellac or gel manicure should create a protective coating that adds structure and helps thin nails resist bending and breakage.
In my experience, the shellac application at Lumos was noticeably thinner than those I have received at other salons in the area. The difference was significant enough that it felt more like regular polish than a shellac manicure.
Perhaps management could benefit from evaluating how other local salons perform shellac services and the level of protection and structure those manicures typically provide.
What made this especially frustrating was that the price was comparable to other salons where the shellac manicure leaves my nails feeling substantially stronger and more protected, almost like a lightweight acrylic overlay.
I decided to try Lumos because I wanted to support a new local business, but I regret not returning to my usual salon.
Based on my experience, I would not choose this salon again for shellac manicures.
Update after Owner's response:
Thank you for your response.
I understand the distinction between Shellac, BIAB, and Builder Gel. My review was never intended to suggest that Shellac and Builder Gel are the same service.
My concern was simply that the Shellac manicure I received at Lumos felt significantly thinner and less protective than Shellac manicures I have received at numerous other salons over the years. As someone with naturally thin and weak nails, I specifically rely on Shellac because it typically provides enough coating and structure to help prevent bending and breakage. This particular manicure did not provide that experience.
While you state that you wanted to explain the differences between services, my experience during our conversation was that my concerns were being dismissed rather than addressed. I returned because I was unhappy with the result and was hoping we could find a reasonable solution. Instead, I left feeling that the issue was being explained away.
I fully respect that every salon may have its own techniques and standards. However, customers also have the right to share their experiences and compare them to services they have received elsewhere. My review reflects my honest experience as a paying customer.
I genuinely wish Lumos success as a new business. Unfortunately, the service I received did not meet my expectations, and I stand by my review. read more