I want to start by saying that the person at the front was very nice. Unfortunately, the rest of my…read moreexperience made me extremely uncomfortable, and I will not be returning.
I asked for clear polish on both my nails and toes. When I said this, they seemed genuinely surprised by my choice. The woman doing my toes continued trying to convince me to get gel, telling me that it lasts a long time. I had already decided I did not want gel, and I don't think a customer should have to keep explaining or defending what they want, especially when they're paying for the service.
What really made me uncomfortable was when the woman doing my nails started speaking to the woman doing my toes, looked down at my nails, pointed at them, and then they both started laughing. I obviously can't say what they were saying because I couldn't understand their conversation, but I can say exactly what I observed, and it made me feel like I was being laughed at. I even considered pulling out Google Translate, but ultimately decided I wasn't going to bring more negativity into what was supposed to be a relaxing experience.
I've been going to nail salons for years, and I've never had to specifically request two coats of clear polish. The woman doing my toes initially applied only one coat. When I questioned it, instead of simply addressing it, she made me feel as though I was unreasonable for expecting another coat and told me I should have communicated that beforehand. Her demeanor afterward also felt visibly irritated, which made the remainder of the service even more uncomfortable.
There were also little things that added to the overall lack of care. I was wearing a black dress, and while my nails were being worked on, nail dust and debris from the filing and trimming ended up all over my dress. There didn't seem to be much consideration for keeping it off my clothing or cleaning it afterward.
I was also wearing heels. At other nail salons I've been to, especially after a pedicure, they've helped me put my heels back on so I don't mess up my nails. No one offered to help here. Obviously that's a small detail on its own, but those little touches are part of good customer service, and combined with everything else, the experience just didn't feel attentive.
I was already frustrated with constantly feeling like nail salons try to upsell or charge more for everything, which is part of the reason I specifically chose something as simple as clear polish. If I'm spending my money somewhere, I at least expect to feel comfortable and respected while I'm there.
I also ordered a drink. Even before flies ended up in it, I barely wanted to drink it because it tasted overwhelmingly sugary. I couldn't taste the alcohol at all. It essentially tasted like very sweet lemonade, which wasn't what I ordered.
Ultimately, I go to a nail salon to relax and enjoy myself, not to feel pressured about my choices, uncomfortable, or like I'm being laughed at. I'm 29 and have been to plenty of nail salons, and this was simply not an experience I would want to repeat.
I won't be returning, and my hunt for a nail salon where I actually feel comfortable continues.