I had one of the worst nail salon experiences I've ever had. In over 10 years of getting my nails…read moredone, I have never left a salon feeling this uncomfortable, frustrated, embarrassed, and disrespected.
This was my first time coming here. I had a male nail tech, who I'm not sure was the owner or related to the owner. I asked for an ombré on my natural nails. Anytime I tried to explain something I wanted changed or adjusted, I felt like I was being told that I didn't know what I wanted. Instead of simply listening to me as the client, nearly every concern turned into a back-and-forth conversation.
What made it even more uncomfortable was that whenever he would say something, other employees would immediately join in or make comments as well. It created an extremely uncomfortable environment and made me feel like I was being ganged up on simply for speaking up about a service I was paying for.
At one point, I genuinely felt like the employees were talking about me, so I started recording. Shortly afterward, it seemed like the conversation shifted to why I was recording, which only added to how uncomfortable I already felt.
The part that bothered me the most was when he was filing my natural nails with the electric file. It became hot and was burning my finger, so I pulled my hand away and told him it was burning. Instead of acknowledging what I was physically feeling, he told me that it "shouldn't be burning." Whether it was supposed to or not, it was burning me. I should not have to argue with someone about what I am physically feeling on my own hand.
I was also surprised to be charged separately for shaping my natural nails when they were already essentially the shape I wanted and only needed minor cleanup. I understand nail services can become expensive, and I have no problem paying for services, but I do expect charges to make sense and be clearly communicated.
By the end, I was visibly frustrated and embarrassed from repeatedly trying to communicate what I wanted. I understand there may have been a language barrier, and I tried to remain patient and respectful because of that. However, a language barrier does not excuse making a customer feel dismissed, laughed at, or uncomfortable for expressing concerns about their service.
Despite the entire experience, I still kindly tipped him. What really bothered me was that even after I tipped, I heard what sounded like side comments followed shortly afterward by laughter. After already feeling like I was being talked about throughout my appointment, that was extremely uncomfortable and honestly felt disrespectful.
I wasn't asking for anything unreasonable. I was asking for small adjustments to the service I was paying for and communicating when something physically hurt. A customer should be able to do that without feeling like they are inconveniencing the nail tech or becoming the topic of conversation among the staff.
For a first-time customer, this experience was extremely disappointing. I came in wanting to get my nails done and enjoy myself--not leave feeling embarrassed for speaking up about my own nails. I still remained respectful, paid for my service, and tipped despite how uncomfortable I felt.
Unfortunately, based on my experience, this was far from anything close to "luxury" I will not be bringing my business or money back here again.