It has been years since I've had acrylic nails, and the shop where I used to go is no longer open. I got a full set at a shop in Oakland this winter and was disappointed on a number of levels from the cleanliness of the shop to the quality of the job. The acrylic was put on too thick, and the polish was never painted on smoothly. Also, my fingers were sore, because the nail technician was very rough when filing the acrylic down when doing a fill. I stopped in Styles by Cardamone because it's close to my home and and am so pleased that I did. My nails were in such bad shape that Ashley, the salon's nail technician, suggested that we start over from scratch. What a difference! Ashley is a perfectionist, and my nails always look marvelous. I wouldn't go to anyone else now. The acrylic is applied so that my nails are strong but not thick. She shapes and polishes expertly and adds a clear gel on top so that my nails stay shiny in between fills. She is personable and professional. The salon itself is clean and decorated very stylishly...a very pleasant environment. I recommend Ashley and the establishment wholeheartedly!