I really don't want to leave this review. Van was lovely. I am not a small talker, but I found our conversation sweet and not draining (as I normally find small talk). I hadn't gotten any sort of mani/pedi in three years, and was looking forward to the pampering of a gel manicure before heading to Burning Man.
There was no hand soaking to soften my cuticles before starting. There was no hand massage or lotion of any kind - maybe times have changed since I last received one, but this was surprising considering this is the most I've paid for a manicure (but I guess that's inflation for you). The polish itself wasn't great and I did ask her to go over it a few times so the color came out better, more evenly... one hand looked better by the time we were done, but the other not so much. She told me the extra polish would come off after a few hand washes, but honestly I was still embarrassed to show my friends what I had paid to get done. My cuticles are still in rough shape, and I had to come back to my hotel room and clip some more of the dead skin off myself.
As for the tools - there was no indication of sterilization or a new pack of tools. She simply picked up tools that were just sitting on a little shelf on her table, all looked used and dirty. I wish I had said something in that moment, but I was just speechless and I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Now, all I can think is, "I hope I don't get an infection."
As soon as I walked out the door, I thought to myself, "I'm never doing that ever again." I really wish I hadn't had this experience, and I hate to leave this review, but the last part feels too unsafe to not share. Sigh. read more