The Nail Bar — Attraction in Bailey's Crossroads

I’ve been debating whether or not I should post this review for quite a while now but it has been really bothering me for months. I live in the apartment building above where they are located. My mother owns nail salons as well but I had heard such great things that I really wanted to give this place a try. I went to get my nails done for vacation. Everything started fine. The lady that was doing my nails liked that I was Vietnamese and we were having a really good conversation. I was told that the owner was out of town on a trip and that business had been doing well. I asked her why she left her last salon and she told me that black people in Maryland don’t know how to leave a good tip. I was shocked but kept quiet. I’m a highly anxious person and sometimes have a hard time keeping my hands still. She was really mad at me because my fingers were moving and I kept profusely apologizing because I felt awful. At one point, she literally slapped my hand to stop it from moving. She was also literally speaking poorly about me to the nail tech next to her in Vietnamese even though she knew I was fluent. She kept threatening to stop doing my nails and I was on the verge of tears apologizing because I swore I was doing my best to remain still. She told me she would never do my nails again after she finished. I walked up front to pay and again, I kept apologizing. The young girl working the front desk was really sweet, told me she’d love it if I came in again, and started to ring me up. The nail tech told her not to forget to charge me. I asked the nail tech for her cash app so I could tip her and she literally glared at me, shoved her phone in my face, and didn’t say a word. I was so scared and sorry that I gave her a $50 tip before I even knew how much my nails would cost. (They were $90). She never once thanked me and stormed away. A month after my vacation, my birthday was approaching and I really wanted to treat myself to a nice nail design. I called the salon a few times and I believe that she had had my number blocked. Every single call went to voicemail so I called on my boyfriend’s phone and someone finally answered. I explained to the technician on the phone my situation and asked if I was no longer welcome for some reason. She said she didn’t know anything about that would she’d be happy to make an appointment for me. She told me to text that same number with the appointment time that we agreed on with my info and we would be set. I called two days before that appointment to confirm that it was good to go and the person who answered the phone asked me, “well did someone text you back?” and I said, “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize someone was suppose to.” even though this was clearly an error on their part. They told me, “then you don’t have an appointment.” and didn’t even offer to reschedule me. All of this really is a shame because I liked how my nails turned out the first time and how long they lasted. I really wanted to be able to support the business downstairs but I don’t know what I did that was so bad to this nail bar. This entire situation has made me really emotional, caused me a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety, and I am truly too scared to walk in...

Update: I went back today and scheduled with Tammi. I was able to book a same day appointment. I arrived just a little bit before the scheduled time. She finished up with a client and was able to take me right on time. I really appreciate that. I showed her a design and she was able to help me pick a base coat that would coordinate with the toe polish l brought with me. I'm 1,000% happier with the end result. Different nail tech did my pedicure and it was fine. I will go back, as long as I can book with Tammi for my nails.

Original: I really debated whether or not to write this, but here goes. This is my second time coming and this last visit was mediocre, more like horrible, at best. Like most, I found their work on Instagram and thought I'd give them a try them. The pedicure during the first visit was rushed, but they did stay open later to finish my nails and I really appreciated that. As I was checking out I asked if it would be better if I scheduled an appointment next time because they were so busy. I was told that would be the best option, so two weeks later I called and booked an appointment. Well, when I arrived today at my appointment time, I was told I would have to wait because there was no one to start my nails. I was irritated to say the least. I saw people on the check-in list that said they had no appointment but they were being worked on. I asked the person at the front how long, she said they were waiting on the nail tech to come. I asked how long and they said "5 mins" but that was not true. I have no issue with walk-in but if you are going to take walk-in before those with appointments, what's the point? Then I sat at the pedicure bowl with warm/cold water for 30 minutes until the nail technician finally arrived. She came over smiling and happy as if it was okay that I had been sitting there for 30 minutes. She quickly realized I was irritated and got to work. The pedi was decent, but the gel mani is subopar. I picked a very simple design - neutral color with a little bit of glitter at the nail base. I showed her a picture of what I wanted. I am beyond shocked with how bad they are that I don't even want to take a picture to show them. The polish color is patchy and the glitter is uneven. I hear everyone raving about Tammy and I guess that's who I need to schedule an appointment with next time, if I decide to come back. Oh, and I do want to add, the nail tech did apologize for being late towards the end of the appointment. I appreciated her acknowledging her tardiness, but it doesn't make up for the poorly executed nails. All in all, I'm out $120 (I did still tip) but the reality is I'm sitting here trying to decide what color to paint over my nails because I'm so unhappy every time I look at my hands. So for me its hit or miss, and can't say I'd actually...

I’m writing this one-star review due to my disappointing experience today.

First, the receptionist lied to me, saying the lady who originally did my nails was off, which she wasn’t. Upon arriving, the receptionist informed me that they couldn’t do very detailed designs at the moment so asked for something simple ( Please see the photo I asked for). Despite this, I explained to the nail technician the design I wanted, and she assured me she could do it for $115, which was fine as long as my nails were perfect.

I specifically wanted chrome nails, but the technician, knowing she had another appointment, tried to rush me by using metallic nail polish instead of chrome. This was dishonest and poor customer service. She then changed the price to $130. Additionally, she interrupted my session to attend to her other appointment.

I drove an hour to get my nails done, and if they couldn’t accommodate my design request, they should have told me upfront so I could have gone elsewhere. I left the salon with nails I didn’t want, just to satisfy them.

Moreover, I noticed a significant difference in her energy towards me compared to a Caucasian lady who was treated much more warmly, even being offered water.

I will not be coming back...

TO ADD TO YOUR REPSONSE...

I am very amazed that you would respond back one month later and still decide to lie regarding my service here. Yes, your front desk receptionist did lie. I drove one hour away, and she told me the person I requested was not there, when in fact, she was. To say I was being rude is an insult, as I literally did not say anything to anyone there. If you knew you could not do the design I sent you, why have me come and rush me? (AGAIN, BECAUSE I AM BLACK, I GUESS I WAS BEING RUDE WHEN I WAS VERY POLITE) versus the Caucasian lady who came in after me, who was offered water and professional treatment. I will not be coming back here. Additionally, did the nail tech let you know she cut me? I didn't even...