Pink & Pretty — Local services in Boston

I am reporting on an [incredibly] disappointing experience at PRETTY AND PINK SALON. On 11/05/25, the salon advertised a $70 special for French tip services - I made an appointment online and it was confirmed. However, when I inquired about the special, they refused to honor it and declined to provide a final receipt—more on that later.

Orely (or Areli? She’s the manager) informed me that I needed to have bare nails to qualify for the Gel-X French tip special. This was perplexing, as I assumed a nail salon would be able to remove previous product. Instead, Mari (the nail tech), did not complete the removal and decided to give me a fill instead, despite being a first-time customer. Now, Orely (or Areli?) is demanding that I pay $145 for a premium design, even though they are advertising a French tip special for $70 on the same day.

Confused? So was I.

I sought clarification. Orely (or Areli?) claimed that my nail tech, Mari, was never eligible to participate in the advertised French Manicure Special. There is no mention of nail technicians being, “excluded from performing specials,” on the website (or in-store).

Reviewed their site again; as of 11/07, I found no evidence of this exclusion anywhere on their website.

Here’s a breakdown of my experience: • Inexcusable Wait Times: I was held in the salon from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM without any clear communication about delays or explanations for the nail technician struggling to complete their work. Unacceptable!

MARI DID NOT USE SANITIZED TOOLS. Mari did not remove the prior product for a first-time client. She asked a colleague to “bring her dull pliers” to remove the jewels (where did those come from?). A random nail file was used for shaping, along with cuticle cutters from her tray that were caked in glue and other products. None of the tools arrived packaged or clean; Mari did not get up to find any sanitized tools. Don’t do the math—it’s scary.

• Discrimination and Poor Management: I noticed that my treatment was markedly different from another customer who arrived after me and was also serviced by Mari. During my appointment, I disclosed that I was African American and from out of state. However, when it came time to pay, I was unexpectedly told to wait for the manager. In stark contrast, I witnessed another customer (also, serviced by Mari) leave [before me] without any conversation with the manager. This disparity felt like bias in how we were treated, raising serious concerns about ethics and the overall management of the salon. I was made to feel uncomfortable, and no one made any effort to rectify that.

• Services Not Rendered: I paid the deposit of $40 to set an appointment and Mari refused to complete a full removal of the prior product; for reasons unknown. I could have been eligible for a Gel-X set, but Mari only did a fill on a first-time client and sought to charge me for a “premium” design.

• Issues with Transparency: I was not informed about which nail artists were “eligible for the special” when I booked online. This lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration, all stemming from false advertising. Orely (or Areli? She’s the manager) provided no clarification.

• Refusal to Send a Receipt: I asked a final invoice multiple times before leaving the salon; my requests were denied. I had to call the salon two days later and demand that Orely (or Areli? She’s the manager) send a record stating the total amount I...

I was extremely excited to see that there is a black-owned salon in the area. I booked my first appointment a few weeks ago to do some nails. This was my first time and the girl who did it was nice and they came out okay, there was a issue afterwards with the nails that i brought up but the girl brushed it off, seemed like she didnt care. After three days 3/10 nails popped off completely from my nails and unfortunately it was not within their 72 hour policy for free nail repairs. I glued back some of nails but kept on encountering the same problem with the other nails coming off so it was clear the girl didnt do a good job with the set. The following week i went back for a nail repair and it was fixed by the owner. I really loved her personality and she really helped me out with my broken nail.The nail she repaired has been extremely sturdy and i wasn't worried that it was going to pop off/break like the others so she clearly knows what she's doing. After a week the remaining nails have all popped off expect the one the owner repaired. I was extremely disappointed with the set as i have spent over $100 for the nails that practically lasted 3 days. I plan on giving the place another try as the owner left a positive impression on me but i'll definitely make sure to make an...

Update 5/27/22 I went to see the lovely Jayla for a refill and a basic design, gel polish marble with 5 small diamonds on 4 fingers and the total was $125. I never paid that much for a refill. You try to give your money to black owned businesses and they want to over charge you. Looks like I’ll be searching for a new nail salon or learning to do my own!!!

First visit in April 2022 This was my first time going here as my nail tech moved to Florida months ago. Everyone was extremely friendly. My nails did come out nice but I do feel that I over paid for what I got done. I had Gel X full set with half of the nail blinged out. I paid a total of $220 which I would not mind paying if my all my nails were fully covered in bling and a few has fallen off.

I will be going back to see Jayla (I will bring my own bling🤣) as I got a chance to see at her work and I love it. Please check them out and just confirm the price for what you’re asking for before they get started.

Update, I ended up going back to see Jaylen but once again, I cannot deal with the owner and the ridiculous prices. Found an awesome nail tech and he is amazing and will be keeping him to myself....