A last minute manicure and this came recommended from a neighboring shop worker. First impressions being all important, I liked what I saw and heard upon walking in.Clean, pretty, high end products and friendly staff at the reception desk. So far so good, I must add that this is really a hair salon so, keep that in mind if you decide to give Connolly's a try for a manicure. Their website only minimally mentions manicures and pedicures.
http://www.andreaconnollyhair.com.au/
That said, I did watch the hairdressers working on clients and they all seemed pretty talented. I was a little surprised to be seated at a hair station rather than a manicure table but not a big deal. Lee walked over and introduced herself and set up for the manicure. She is definitely friendly and knowledgeable. I liked that immediately. And she did a great job, too!
3 stars you're asking? Well, there is a downside. While Lee gave a good manicure, it was also the longest manicure I've had that was just a basic manicure. By that I mean, Lee charges what seems to be a premium to give a manicure, a basic manicure. IMHO, $35 for a basic manicure is a bit on the high side. At the end of the service, when I asked, she said that a manicure/pedicure 'with her' is $90 and lasts 90 minutes. Also on the high end though I can only guess that this is for a basic pedicure.
My view is 'live and learn'. And I say that because 1) basic manicures are 30 minutes and this was definitely not 30 minutes. I'm sorry to say I don't know how long it was exactly but guessing between 45 - 60 minutes. IF the manicure offered a longer than usual massage, or some other incentive, then I'd be ok with the price and the length of time but since it was 'just' a basic manicure...................................... 2) At the end of my manicure, Lee said she would be putting quick drying drops (drops of oil is the norm) on my polish to help dry my nails faster. I think she got sidetracked or distracted because no quick drying drops were applied. 3) My polish is lifting up off my nails. So I have been replaying my manicure over in my head wondering why and the only thing I can come up with is..after the massage, I don't think she removed the oils and creams from my nails 'before' she applied base coat and polish. The polish is just lifting up off my nails. 4) Having a manicure while sitting where clients are getting their hair blown dry seems wrong. 5) Lastly, Lee does not accept plastic. Cash only. Naturally, this tidbit was not shared until after my manicure was done.
Will I go back here for a manicure, or even a pedicure? Unlikely, since $90 seems exorbitant to me for a manicure/pedicure that are basic services AND services that are done at a hair station. I might consider coming back for a manicure but first I would definitely call to find out the price range with someone else. Of course, the downside is no matter who does the manicure, even at a better price, it still is done while you're sitting in a chair at a hair station. Believe me when I say that I'm sad about that because Lee is friendly and did basically a good job. But no matter how much you charge, a basic manicure is still only basic and should be priced accordingly.
All in all, Andrea Connolly is staffed with very friendly and talented people and is kept very clean. But at the end of the day, no matter how much one pays for a manicure, the polish should not be lifting off the nail. read more