I rarely leave negative reviews, but I felt this experience was disappointing because it could have been avoided with better communication. I called on Wednesday to schedule a manicure and pedicure and specifically requested Leo, who has been doing my nails for about the last year. I also asked if builder gel was available because I’ve been growing out my natural nails. The owner told me she was the only one who did builder gel and asked me to come in at 8:30 a.m., saying she would do my nails herself. When I arrived at 8:30, the owner wasn’t there. Someone else started my pedicure, and another technician was assigned to my manicure. I showed her several photos of the builder gel look I wanted and specifically asked if they offered builder gel. She initially told me yes, but once I sat down, she pulled out acrylic powders instead. I showed the reference photos again, and she reassured me she could achieve the same look. Before I knew it, my natural nails had been cut, tips were applied, and I ended up with acrylic instead of builder gel. To be clear, I have nothing negative to say about the technicians who worked on me. They were kind, and the finished nails look nice. My frustration is with the lack of honesty and communication. If builder gel isn’t a service your salon offers, or if no one available that morning knew how to do it, I would have appreciated being told that upfront. I would have either rescheduled or gone somewhere else instead of paying for a service I specifically did not want. What made it even more confusing was that Leo arrived around 10:00 a.m. with no clients waiting for him. Since he has consistently done my nails for months, it seemed odd that I had been reassigned without any explanation. He even appeared surprised to see me with another technician. I’ve genuinely enjoyed coming to this salon because of Leo’s work, and that’s the reason I’ve remained a loyal customer for so long. Unfortunately, this experience has completely changed how I feel. It wasn’t about the quality of the nails. it was about not receiving the technician I requested or the service I specifically booked, and not being given an honest explanation. Sadly, this experience has left me not wanting to return, which is disappointing after being a loyal customer for so long.
