QuestionI just went a few days ago and had my nails done for the very first time. I've always had natural nails, but with 5 kids my nails have started looking pretty worn and not growing well. I decided to get artificial. It was difficult finding a place to get them done since we're not from the area. We're military so we move alot. Anyhow, I chose a relatively busy salon in the mall, based mainly on what the clients looked like. I saw mainly well dressed women of all ages using the salon. A set cost $40, so it wasn't the cheapest around. I thought that was a good sign. I was a bit uncomfortable because there were so very few techs that spoke English. Anyhow, I was pleased with the look of them after it was all finished, but... the young man who did my nails was pretty rough and hit my skin with the drill a couple times on 3 of my fingers. He said it was because the shape of my nail bed was difficult. It's now been 4 days and one of the areas has become infected. I see my doctor tomorrow.
My questions are...should I allow these people to do my nails again? can a different salon "fill" nails that are already done or would I have to start over? What is the best way to choose a salon? Was solar nails the right choice for me...I need durable, not incredibly expensive?
Just to say...I think the tech made me more uncomfortable beause he was a man than because he was Asian and difficult to understand.
AnswerYou had an experience in what is referred to as a "Non Standard Salon." They advertise enhancements as Solar Nail, Gel, you name it, but what they are using, isn't ANY of those things. What they are using is basically refined dental acrylic produced illegally, but that ISN'T usually illegal to USE.
Here are some quick things to share with you:
$40 is actually on the lower end of the scale for a new set. People seem horrified at this, but consumers spend 2x that for hair color, and what a tech does requires more labor, and for a good tech a TON of skill. I charged $75-85 for a set last year, and was never wanting for clients to fill my chair- And yes, that is on the higher end of the scale, but you should expect to pay around $50-60 for a good set initially.
Mall salons have all ages of well dressed women, because this is what most women think is the norm! Cheap sets produced quickly, and sometimes painfully, is what we see in the media, so we expect that all nails are the same, and go for the cheapest! Most wouldn't get their hair done, see a new doctor without a little research, and this industry should be NO exception.
I am a little guffawed that the man had the nerve to blame the shape of your nail bed for his mistake.
Getting your nails done should NEVER be painful!!!!
And unless he had a certificate in advanced electric file techniques, he should NEVER have touched your natural nail with the e-file!!!
I am so saddened that you contracted an infection. These shops are also notorious for unclean implements, using them and just shoving them back in drawers to be used again.
So to answer your final question, NO, I would NOT rebalance your nails in this salon. A better trained tech can indeed rebalance what you have, as when a proper rebalance is done, most of the product is removed anyway. Solar Nails is a cover name for unprofessional products that should not be used on human hands. A professional product is in a clearly labeled container, and can be researched!
Don't let the uncomfy part be that he was a man ;) Some of the most incredible and stylish nail techs I have ever known have been men, and the trend is growing here and there. ;)
e-mail me at hreynosa@hotmail.com with your city and state, and any surrounding cities you would be willing to travel to for a referral to a superb tech in your area.
Also visit my website: www.heatherdavisnails.com for more info about what to look for in a reputable salon.
Good luck! Thanks for your question. :)
