Came to get my Solar/Gel Mani Nails done because mine were starting to grow out and separate. I've seen Vivian several times before but she was on vacation when I called in so I had "Cathy" as my nail tech. I also had a Regular Pedicure done. I wanted a Lavender Color similar to the one I already had so I chose a lavender hue #253 but a pinkish/mauve tone came out after the 1st coat looking translucent like #057?? Even the tops of my nail were translucent, not even looking like they were covered? I don't know if it was an old bottle, if the UV light interacted with the gel or what was going on? I told Cathy that's not the color I wanted & showed her the color of the brush which was a deeper lavender color?? She said it would be darker after 2 coats but maybe questioned it as well? Amy was sitting next to her as she was without a client & said some things in Vietnamese so they took out the color books again & asked what color I wanted? Amy mentioned that sometimes the color isn't what's in the bottle & they won't know so I said "Is it old then?" I didn't get a definitive answer? It's never happened to me before so perhaps it was the brand they were using? Who knows? I picked another shade #81 & Cathy brushed it on my finger & I said "That's the color I want!!" She proceeded to brush the 2nd coat and that was that? I thought since the first coat was mauve that she'd put 2 more coats? We'll see what happens?? After the mani, Cathy put some lotion on my arms and massaged it in. If you don't like a flowery-powder scent, skip it.
I chose the same color for my Pedi and since it was a non-Shellac/Gel application, there was no UV lamp to possibly interfere plus it may have been another formulation since it's non-gel?? After removing my nail polish & leftover gel, she proceeded to clean, shape, soak, apply polish. I appreciate that she was gentle and never hurt me on both the Mani & Pedi. She was meticulous and careful, not rough so kudos to her skills. I paid $35 for the Shellac Gel Mani and $32 for the Regular Pedi and was charged an extra $10 for filing down the Gel that was on my nails before. So technically $40 for a Shellac/Gel Mani and $37 for Regular Pedi, both that had some Gel removals. I didn't have much Gel leftover on my toes, really. The young & friendly receptionist in the front told me that she usually files down her Gel before coming in to get her nails done so she doesn't get charged. That's never happened to me in prior visits nor at other salons where there's an upcharge to remove either Gel or Dipping Powder. I will remember that about this establishment because other nail salons don't upcharge. read more