Island Nail Lounge — Local services in Cypress

I really dislike giving bad reviews unless absolutely necessary. This is one of them. To make a long story long, I came from out of town. My friend and I thought it would be cute to get matching FRENCH tip nails together. My toes were already done. I just wanted PINK FRENCH TIP nails. The nail tech who served me today was “Helen”. I was asked several times by at least 2-3 nail service providers on what service I would like to obtain today. Each time I replied FRENCH TIP NAILS. Each time Helen and I talked, I mentioned the French tip nails. Helen kept trying to sell me on multiple things like the new jelly nail polish they have, or suggesting I do builder gel for my base and then shellac for the French tip portion of the nail. She stated having shellac on this portion of the nail would make it easier for refills/color changes. I reply, yes that works as long as it’s French tip. Mind you she was trying to sell me on these different things and we were talking for nearly 10 minutes. We arrived around 3:20pm and didn’t leave until 4:40pm. Do you know Helen took all this time just to not give me the French tip I asked for? And once I saw her attempting to put oil on my cuticles I said, “Wait, the French tip?”. She says “ooohh” and looks at me and says she’s sorry. And I say yes I wanted French tip, she apologizes but makes no advance toward even fixing it AT ALL. I look at my friend thinking she was almost done and realizing we have to be somewhere before 5p. I say pink French tips.. Helen makes no moves and looks frantic and shocked. But doesn’t get up to fix it or attempt to. And I sadly say “it’s ok”. Because I don’t have time and you clearly did NOT want to fix it, which is very upsetting because I tip and give good energy everywhere I go. It’s really hard for me to dislike a service. But you clearly did not want to make this right. After I go to attempt to pay, the man says I owe $65. To which I ask is that the price for FRENCH tips, because I did not get that due to the nail tech Helen. Mind you, she is given another opportunity to make this right… at least a discount, anything at this point since she wasn’t going to add the French tips. He comes back after speaking to her and he says “Helen said that’s the price without French tips”. I say “wow ok” obviously not trying to make a problem. However, I later learn this is a lie because my friend went to pay 5 minutes after me and told me hers were $65 as well. However, SHE ACTUALLY GOT THE FRENCH TIP NAILS. What sense does that make? I’m being charged $65 for a base and something I did not ask for and spoke up about multiple times before paying. And no one made it right! How frustrating! Word of advice: stop trying to sell a customer on something they do not want! Just do what they ask. Do not talk about the service they want multiple times and then not even do it??? Are you serious?? A simple discount or even putting the French tips over this plain base would have sufficed! It would have saved a one star review. I hope this doesn’t get deleted because you all need to hear this. Very...

I’ve been a loyal customer here for 2 years and come every two weeks without fail. The atmosphere is great, drinks are great, and most of the technicians are extremely kind and friendly.

Unfortunately, my very first experience was with Tony & Holly, and it was rough. Tony told me the color I picked (blue for my baby shower!) wasn’t good for my skin tone and refused to shape my nails square-square because he said they were “too short.” I was so upset I ended up crying. When I was referred to Holly to fix them, she also refused and agreed with him. Thankfully, Kathy (not even a nail tech) stepped in and filed them perfectly for me 💜 and I’ve been coming back ever since because of Kathy’s kindness that day.

Since then, I’ve found so many techs here who are AMAZING: • My – Super sweet, accommodating, and gives a great massage. • Pauline – Absolutely hilarious, with the best vibe and conversation. Her foot massages are unmatched! (She doesn’t do acrylic or powder, though.) • Ha – My go-to! A perfectionist, kind, thoughtful, and honest about colors. Her shaping is always on point. (She doesn’t do acrylic or powder either.) • Kim – Another perfectionist. Kind, detailed, and consistently does beautiful work. • Harry – Excellent shaping and polish application, very skilled, but on the quiet side. He’s perfect if you want a peaceful appointment. He does dip as well. • Tracey Love – I haven’t personally gone to her, but she has a big loyal following. She does beautiful manicures only (no pedicures). • Nick – I’ve seen his work and know he has many loyal clients. Always provides great...

Disappointed with My Recent Experience

I have visited this salon three times because I previously enjoyed the service and results. However, my most recent visit on March 12, 2025, was disappointing and uncomfortable due to the way I was treated by the staff.

During my appointment, Helen (pedicure) and Elsa (manicure) openly commented on the length of my toenails and how I don’t visit often. Instead of making me feel welcome, they spoke about me in Vietnamese and then directly stated in English, "Well, you know, Ma'am, Helen said your toenails are too long—you need to get them cleaned more often." This was said loudly in front of other customers, creating an embarrassing and awkward moment as everyone in the room became silent and looked at me.

As a paying customer, I came for a service, not to be judged or made to feel uncomfortable. If my toenails were too long or required additional care, a professional and discreet approach would have been more appropriate. It’s concerning that customers may be talked about in another language without their knowledge, only for comments to be repeated in a way that feels shaming.

Businesses should be mindful that customers may be going through personal struggles and are taking time for self-care. Negative or unprofessional remarks can create an unwelcoming environment. I hope management addresses this issue to ensure a more respectful experience for...