I had been a regular customer here for nine years, through its different iterations. Lam was a…read morewonderful owner, and Danny and Jeff, who recently took over, seem great too. Unfortunately, after our last two appointments, I won't be returning.
At our second-to-last appointment, our daughter needed her acrylics removed, but there was a scheduling mix-up. The receptionist ended up removing them and damaged her nails, leaving significant glue behind. We spoke with one of the owners, who was very kind and understanding, and agreed to give the salon another chance.
Unfortunately, our most recent visit was another disappointing experience. We booked two pedicures and requested Chi, Bom, or Nina of the receptionist (the same one who we had the issue on the prior appointment). Only Chi was available, so I booked her (she is fantastic), while my daughter was assigned a new technician. The water temperature alternated between scalding hot and too cold, her clothing got sprayed with water, the massage was underwhelming, and the polish application was streaky and smeared.
What made this more frustrating was that Bom appeared to be available when we arrived, and she herself seemed surprised that the receptionist hadn't booked her for us. This was my daughter's last weekend home before returning to college, so it was especially disappointing that what should have been a relaxing mother-daughter outing turned into such a poor experience.
I was bothered enough to call and ask to speak with the owners. Danny kindly called me back to apologize, despite being out of town, which I appreciated. He mentioned the technician my daughter had was brand new (given it was a $68 pedicure and we tip $15-20 it was an expensive appointment for such a bad experience).
I was still willing to overlook these issues because Chi, Nina, and Bom are fantastic. However, I recently tried a salon much closer to home that charges the same amount. After three weeks, I removed my polish and noticed that my nails looked healthy, unlike after my last two pedicures at Hoa Sen, when I removed my polish at the same point my nails appeared dry and yellow. I can't say what caused the difference, but it was another reason I've decided it is time to move on.
I'm disappointed to leave after nine years, especially because there are technicians here I genuinely like. If you do visit, I highly recommend Chi, Nina, or Bom--but I'd suggest bringing your own nail polish!