I'm attending a 90s themed birthday party tonight, and decided to get something bright and over the top for the occasion (especially now that my new work environment isn't nearly as formal). I've never been to this salon but booked an appointment online for a gel manicure listed as $38 (see attached appointment confirmation and online screenshot of the website below). I left work early and arrived two minutes late due to an unexpected downpour hitting the area.
I come in and upon entering, the staff of the salon collectively looked up and for a second no one spoke. Finally, a technician asked me how she could help. I told her that I have a 4:15 appointment for a gel manicure and gave her my name. She seemed confused by my overshare, gave me an odd look, but then said someone would be with me shortly.
The place was lovely and I did not have to wait long. My technician, overall, was just fine. I don't name her because she was nice (she did scrawl her name on the receipt but I've cropped it out). We exchanged smiles and brief small talk but it seemed a quiet place so I remained mostly quiet - but for smiles and answers to her prompts.
Soon, I began to notice that she was flying through my manicure. Between the time I arrived and the time I left, I saw people enter but very few exit. I found this odd but let her continue. This isn't my regular beauty service, and I have only gotten a gel manicure one other time (2 weeks ago, at another location near my parents' house. It's about 45 minutes away so not the most convenient) so maybe that is the normal pace.
Then, I noticed cotton leftovers on some of my nails, most noticeably on my thumb. I waited to see if she'd properly clean it off, but no. Layer after layer, she could not be bothered to remove it. The reason I am giving 2 stars instead of 1 is because I chose not to speak up.
I did not speak up for two reasons. 1) I plan on changing the polish color to something more everyday and was unwilling to nitpick and 2) I often feel like as the only black woman in a space like that, that I must be careful not to make waves. I was already stared at like I was lost as I entered, with no one speaking for an uncomfortably long 30 seconds and no acknowledgement of the appointment I booked. I also did not want to make waves by seeming difficult. And again, my tech was perfectly nice.
When I went to check out my tech gave me a price of $40. The website lists $38. This is a two dollar difference and not significant...accept for when combined with the rush job on my nails, cotton visible on my thumb, and being blatantly watched as I'm being checked out - I tend to think it was deliberate. I asked her if I could tip on the card and she and another tech - who walked up to watch me like I was there to steal nail polish - both seemed startled.
As an aside, my brother works in a restaurant and tips make all the difference. No one in my family leaves anything less than 20% because we believe it's disrespectful to the person giving the service, yes, even a shoddily done service. Also, prior to working at my current job as a legal editor, I was a labor and employment attorney - so I really do believe in tipping. What I don't believe in is unexplained charges even by just a couple dollars to, I guess, make sure the tech gets something for her work.
So, I just subtracted what tip I was planning to give and added it to the total. All of a sudden my tech is interested in seeing me in 2 weeks. She keeps repeating, "I'll see you in two weeks? I'll see you in two weeks!" Now everyone is all smiles. I wish I could say this is the first time I've been offered shoddy service because someone believes I'll tip poorly due to the darker color of my skin.
I've been looking to keep gel manicures a regular treat and considered returning. But as I walked away it just didn't sit right with me. I should be greeted like I'm welcome, like I made an appointment ahead of time, which I did. I should not be on the receiving end of a rush job. I also should not be charged more without an explanation. I should not be watched as though I do not belong.
I'm happy with my overall manicure. I was going for Lisa Frank vibes for this party...and again, it's a lovely place.
I'm sure those of a lighter hue will enjoy it even more.
Below, I have attached pictures of my nails, the price as it is listed on the website, my appointment confirmation, and my receipt. read more