The Blue Giraffe Spa & Salon — Attraction in Ashland

The interior is gorgeous, it’s in a beautiful location and the City has provided lots of parking close to the entrance, their notion of customer service seems to be based on the principle, “Our business is always right!”

I needed to have my nails redone and am only in town on business for another week so I thought I would get them done over the long weekend, preferably on Sunday. Their website said they are LGBTQ+ friendly so in the interest of supporting the cause I made an appointment for a mani/pedi for today, even though for me it’s a workday.

When I arrived I was told that they wouldn’t be able to do both because the receptionist who made the appointment isn’t a regular employee. When I expressed my upset I was told they had tried to call me. I told them I hadn’t received a call, to which they replied that maybe she had been given the wrong phone number. Now who would have done that but me?

They said they had time for one service but not both. Figuring what I really needed was the mani- part I decided to take that and make the best of the situation.

As the manicurist started working on my nails she asked if they were my natural nails. I said, well underneath and showed her where my real nails ended and the extensions cantilevered out. Even without that, there is a distinct ridge on the top of the nail between my nails and the glue ons.

It wasn’t until she had demolished the the topcoat and color from my previous session that she realized, ‘Oops! Maybe I shouldn’t have done this.’

So she brought in the general manager who first accused me of “being mean to everyone.” When I asked the manicurist if I had been mean to her she confirmed that I hadn’t.

Then the Queen Bee tried to tell me they don’t work on nails like mine because they’re “an LGBTQ+-friendly place.” Well, I fit into the Q-category and she hadn’t been terribly friendly to me! But more to the point, what’s that got to do with anything we were discussing?

Then the excuse was they’re “a natural nail salon.” As I told her, no one had told me that, there’s no signage or placards that effect. Nada.

When I tried to suggest they make that clear with signage, etc.; she dismissed the very notion with “Why should we?”

Evidently, in her opinion she’s running a perfect operation and if anyone feels otherwise, it’s obviously THEIR...

While the place had a great environment nice staff I can't help but feel their communication skills were quite lacking and when it comes to massage... communication is key. I get at least 3 to 4 massages a months due to a past car accident. When calling to schedule and give the Blue Giraffe a try I specifically said "I am in need of an experienced massage therapist with great communication skills. Someone who understands how to transition from Swedish to deep tissue."

While the therapist did an ok job she was 6 months out of school and english wasn't her first language so communication was not ideal for an injured back. Had the massage been 50% less in cost I wouldn't be writing this review, I don't mind paying well for a fantastic massage but it has to be worth the rate. I do not believe the massage was worth $130.00 and had they listened to what I requested I would be there 4 times a month. Again, the therapist was very sweet and will probably do well with a couple more years under her belt. I am sure sh'e treat you well however I cannot recommend the establishment since I couldn't have been clearer with my request. After telling them I get regular massages I also would have expected at least a call asking how it was or if there was anything they could have done better.... but nothing. Sorry, you may want to check out Chozu Bath and...

I am generously rating the Blue Giraffe a three star for a few reasons. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the ladies who helped were very sweet and made the experience pleasing. However, I had gone in to get a perm, I have had 2 perms before at a different salon that turned out great, and this time, it did not turn out well at all. My hair is stick straight but never had issues taking. She had only allowed 12 minutes of processing instead of 20 minutes per instructions. Not even 2 hours later there was hardly any curl at all and the ends were straight. She assumed it was postpartum hormones (I was 16 months pp) and graciously agreed to re-perm my hair without charging. I went in again with smaller rods and although my hair is much more curly, the ends are still straight because she did not process the amount of time it needed. She again said it could be hormones and the weight of my hair... Again, the atmosphere and care is wonderful, but if you are looking for getting your hair permed, this is not the place I would recommend. I am sad to even write this but I don't want someone having the same experience. I wish them the...