Lilac Nail Salon — Local services in New York

Update: because she drilled and did not soak off and had to re drill, my nail became thin and has since broken. I was inconvenienced because of terrible training and not offered a discount like a white customer was given. Did they not know I was paying attention to their entire conversation?

I don’t know what it is about places, but the way that my Black time was not accounted for while a white customer was graciously given a $10 credit disturbs me. I arrived, without an appointment for a gel removal and pedicure. A woman that was sitting and available called me and I picked my color. Wasn’t aware that they didn’t use the dial off method with removing gel, she drilled the gel off.

She finished the last coat of paint and I made my way to the dryer where I sat for 15 minutes.

I removed my toes and the paint job was bumpy and uneven so I called the manager over and she agreed, it was a terrible job, I asked for a discount, the manager says no, she will re-do for me.

I allow her to spend another 30 minutes on my toes, filing down gel that had not been removed properly and she did a good job.

I ask for a 10 minute $15 dollar massage while I’m waiting for my beautiful toes to dry for the inconvenience and she signals over the same technician that did my toes that was once again sitting doing nothing. Gives a great massage as I overhear how one of the customers that had been complaining for the past 20 minutes be given a $10 credit.

I get up to leave and say thank you, the manager stops me and says oh sorry hi, I turn around, she says I have to pay.

What do you mean I have to pay? You gave this white man a $10 credit after huffing and puffing about his dissatisfaction. Meanwhile me, I don’t live around the corner, I have a long ride ahead of me and it’s dark. I was inconvenienced 30 minutes and i don’t see how patrons will continue to thrive like this.

Not sure if this has happened to anyone else Black, but my time matters as well as a white mans, a white womans. I should’ve just left but I paid her...

WORST EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE! Sammi, a nail technician at this salon, used a nail drill to take off my gel nail polish and she took off so much of my nail bed that my nails were burning when I left and I cried so much.

You can see the damage that has been done in the photos. If she had gone any further, I would not have any nails left. You can see the redness here. What happened to me is a threat to health and safety!

I came back to complain after 30 minutes becuase I felt like there was acid and fire on my nails. Instead of being offered a refund or being spoken to kindly, Sammi treated me like trash. She was not appologetic and cursed me in her language.

I called and spoke to the manager and she was nice on the phone and said that what Sammi did was wrong, but she did not offer to refund me. I was SHOCKED! My manicure wasn't even expensive, so I didn't feel the need to fight, but the least they could do for almost murdering my nails and putting me in so much pain is give me a refund. The manager was kind on the phone, but it seemed very fake. I really don't trust this nail salon. I don't think these nail technicians have been trained properly and the are not kind.

UPDATE: My nails even after 3 weeks later have been weak and destroyed. I have to wear gloves to do anything, otherwise I will feel pain or they will break.

The photos with the white background were taken 2 weeks after the incident and you can see how weak my nails still are, the other photos included were taken just after Sammi destroyed my nails. :(

HORRIBLE...

Look, you're not walking into the most exquisite nail salon here, and you're also paying slightly higher prices, but one thing that's always consistent here is the service and I've been going for almost seven years. Out of several of the salons in the area, I always find myself back at Lilac because they are quick, efficient, clean and friendly.

I will admit, I rarely get polish done. The few times I've had regular polish done here, it has chipped after a couple of days. I could pay extra for the long-wear, but I don't need it. If I am getting my nails done, it is literally for some day-of event.

I like that they have massage chairs for the pedicures, and also actual chair massages if you want to add on to your manicure or pedicure. The ladies are always nice and never pressure me into taking a more expensive package. They also always remember my preference of never having cuticles cut or having my nails painted and it's the little things...