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| - I've been seeing Candy and her staff now since the late 90's. Since I'm fairly new to voicing my opinion on Yelp, I wanted to help boost the ratings of a place I genuinely believe in.
I am currently a licensed nail stylist with almost 20 years in the beauty industry. I have knowledge in all areas of a salon, from the front of the house to the back. I decided to write this to elaborate on the differences of a walk-in nail salon vs. a specialized nail "experience", since there seems to be much confusion of the two.
First off, it is incredibly ignorant to refer to walk-in salons as "Asian salons" or "chop shops". While it is true most walk-ins are owned and operated by people of Asian descent, this type of description has stigmatized and devalued hard working and incredibly talented people. Quite frankly, there are some downright offensive reviews on walk in nail salons in general, so I truly hope this review is seen and considered.
Walk-In nail salons offer quick and affordable options for people who are budget conscious. Their menus, product, and pricing are no frills and often times, "a la carte". A basic pedicure consists of nail shaping, cuticle care, foot filing, massage, and polish application. It is the client's responsibility to ask for add on's such as exfoliation scrub, spa products, and additional massage. The main complaint I see from clients on Yelp is often times they feel add on services have been charged to the bill without their knowledge. My advice is: PAY ATTENTION and ask how much everything will be, before starting the service.
BE KIND. Yes, we all know how funny Anjelah Johnson's nail shop stand-up routine was, but in reality, it is a hurtful stereotype. Yes, there are language and cultural barriers in a walk-in atmosphere, but it is 2014 in America. If you have not come to terms with these barriers, I'm very sorry to hear that. No, they are not talking about you in their native tongue like you've been conditioned to believe. If anything, they're asking to take a break (considering these people work their asses off 10 hours a day, seven days a week).
Cleanliness and sanitation are virtually the same in both walk-in and "upscale" nail salons. Both use soap and water, plus a hospital grade disinfectant (which is tuberculocidal, fungicidal, and virucidal aka kills everything) solution for metal tools. For the record, I have worked for a very popular, upscale nail salon in Phoenix who had an on-going roof rat problem which resulted in abnormally large "flesh flies" invading the gel lamps. DISGUSTING. But again, sanitation is always an issue for walk-in salons, strictly because of sensationalism, media coverage, and misinformed idiots like Dr. Oz. If you are truly a "fungiphobe", go to the nearest Sally Beauty Supply and purchase your own set of tools. Be accountable!
DO YOUR RESEARCH. What is it that you want from a nail service? Vibrating massage chairs? A beautiful retail space? Luxury spa products? Be aware that conceptual nail salons (Nail boutiques, Nail Studio/Spas, Nail Bars) are popping up everywhere. They are being built to bridge the gap between walk-in and resort experiences. They offer highly stylized spaces, intricate art work, and an edgier appeal. And with that, a heftier price tag. If you ever feel you can "get a better deal" at another salon, by all means, go there.. And stay there. No one likes a haggler (or poor tipper, for that matter. If you don't know tipping etiquette, do the right thing and just DIY!!)
Throughout the years at For Nails Only, I have seen Candy, Tina, and now Nick. I visit them when I'm pressed for time and save my upscale experiences for days off. I always let my own clients know that having two places is a good option, specifically if they're on a budget. Each staff member is friendly, remembers you right away (and over time treats you like family) and is beyond kind to clients' kids (who in all honesty, should not be running around a salon). The salon itself is pristine in cleanliness, never stuffy or hot, and has never suffered a rodent infestation thankfully.
The bottom line is know what you want before going on a tirade. Know what to ask for and know who you're dealing with. If you don't know what you want, how do you expect to actually get it? Furthermore, the phrase "The Customer Is Always Right" is untrue. Oftentimes the customer is a prejudiced pig who takes pleasure in abusing service industry workers and can't wait to unleash their anger on a public platform.
Candy and For Nails Only, thank you for twenty years of impeccable service and for inspiring me to get my nail license :) You're truly the best!
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