As my mother-in-law was in town for the weekend, she wanted to get her nails done. I was due for a fill-in, but religiously get my nails done at a different salon. However, as it was a Sunday, and the nail salon I normally go to is closed on Sundays, we went to Candle Nail Bar instead. Upon walking in, we were seated almost immediately - which was great! I had a simple request for short, almond-shaped french nails. Although my assigned nail artist greeted me with positive vibes, her manner in which she did my nails was the exact opposite. To say she completely man-handled and rushed my nails is an understatement. What I have come to learn over the years, is that you have some salons/artists that value your time, their work, and your reception to the service. While others prioritize speed over efficiency in order to maximize profits during their shift. As my nail artist at Candle Nail Bar clearly prioritizes her time and profits over the service in which I am paying her to provide, I was left with a very disappointing result.
As the result of a rushed manicure, she cut me with her drill numerous times - even drawing blood on two of my fingers. The French white lines are so incredibly uneven and squiggly, and on some fingers, you can see where she tried to even out the line with an acetone-soaked brush, but ultimately streaked white onto the nail bed (see pictures for a clearer idea of what I am referring to).
Overall, I do take some accountability for not speaking up, and would not expect an "artist" like this to correct her own mistakes on my nail upon seeing it, as it would only keep her from her next money-making opportunity, but I certainly will not be returning to Candle Nail Bar. I was robbed $60 (+ $10 tip) for this lame excuse of a manicure.
(Side note: $60 for a simple French nail!?!? I asked the cashier what they normally charge for a fill-in, and was told that a "fill-in STARTS AT $40. Depending on the artist, the artist will then add on their personal fees." I got gel paint?? A simple French with no added tips or specialties, and was charged $60!? Theft.
For those reading this, please, save yourself the time, money, and pain because my wallet and proximal nail fold are still recovering from this appointment.
Lavish Nails & Spa, I will NEVER cheat on you again.
A note to Candle Nail Bar employees and management: Please seriously consider and absorb the advice I'm about to give. Slow it down with the nail drills. Although I'm sure they provide new nail drill bits with a softer outside that is not "supposed" to cut the skin, it still has the potential to (especially when your artist is going 800mph). It does not feel good, and totally kills the experience. read more