SL Central Nails & Spa — Local services in Phoenix

Dear Central Nails Management,

I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding the service I received at your salon on July 3, 2025. While I was greeted and seated without issue, the remainder of my experience was frustrating and uncomfortable due to the unprofessional behavior of the male technician who assisted me. He was the only male working in the salon at the time.

I came in with an inspiration photo for a French tip acrylic pedicure. I explained that I wanted acrylic applied to my big toes and, if needed, on the other toes to ensure they matched. He only applied acrylic to three toes and did not make the rest look uniform. When he pointed out that my nails weren’t even, I replied, “Well, I asked you if you needed to put more acrylics—like fake nails—you could do so.” His response was, “Well, I can still do it now. More money for me,” which I found extremely unprofessional and dismissive.

Throughout the appointment, he was pushy and insistent about me getting gel polish, even after I clearly declined. He kept repeating that regular polish wouldn’t last and that it was drying too fast, blaming that for the poor application. He seemed annoyed and impatient, making the whole experience uncomfortable.

Additionally, he did not provide the full treatment that was included in the pedicure package I selected. He rushed through the process, barely gave a proper massage, and skipped parts of the service. Most concerning was the issue with the pricing: he initially quoted me $65, but once everything was done, he suddenly charged me $71, without clearly explaining the increase—especially when the work was not completed properly.

I was so disappointed with the service that I did not leave a tip. Ultimately, the owner of the salon had to step in and finish my nails herself because the technician refused to continue due to the fact I chose regular polish instead of gel.

I want to be clear that this is the first time I’ve ever had a poor experience at Central Nails. Typically, I receive excellent, friendly, and professional service, which is why I’ve continued to return. This visit, however, was a major letdown, and I hope that this situation is addressed so that future experiences reflect the high standards I’ve come to expect...

Don't go here! Not only did the lady slice my finger open with the file, but she was not even sorry and messed up my nails. The most unqualified manicurist she should not be doing nails. I went for a fill in and had to paint over my ombre powder it was such a bad job.

The machine was used so heavily on my nails. Felt like she tried to take off my acrylic probably to Make me get a new set. She dug the nail file into my finger and told me thats what I get because of the shape. What? She did not ask me what shape I wanted!

MY HAND WAS BLEEDING AND I WANTED TO WASH IT BUT SHE SAID TO PUT CRAZY GLUE ON IT INSTEAD! I looked at her and said NO. Then she tried to tell me it's like a papercut and and crazy glue is like stitches. THE NAIL FILE WAS SAWED INTO MY FINGER it wasn't a papercut. How incompetent!

She did not massage or moisturize my hands. No cuticles cleaned up or pushed back. I had to ask to buff my nails because the acrylic was still bumpy and she agreed the nails needed buffing. I needed opaque nail polish to cover the horrible fill in she did. The nail polish she painted is messy. I posted pictures.

20 years of manicures all my life and anyone can be a nail tech now including her who is not good. I dont think she has a license because worst thing everyone knows is cutting the customer's skin. Plus not being remorseful nor offering compensation means BAD BUSINESS.

There are so many better salons in Phoenix, find another place than this hole in the wall. Go to AK Nails right next door, Tiffany's, or search Camelback. There is a reason why the place looks terrible the management is terrible.

This manicurist answers the phone and does not pay attention while doing nails, she tries to be a multitasker but is very bad at it! Dysfunctional don't waste your money...

I just had the worst experience ever at this nail salon and I would leave ZERO stars if I could. I walked in and IVY was my nail tech. It was my 1st time there and I went to relax on my one day off. First red flag : Nail tech told me I could have a seat in the chair but when I sat down and put my feet in the water, it was scorching hot. I screamed and yanked my feet out. She barely apologized.

I decided to let it slip as she regulated the water temperature.

Red flag #2 . I wanted regular Polish and she kept trying yo upsell the gel Polish. I had gel on 4 toes from my previous Polish and she charged me $10 to remove just that.

Red flag #3. Ivy, had the nerve to start lecturing me on how “dry” my feet were” and how I “needed” the deluxe treatment instead. Then she proceeded to tell me that I should take better care of myself. Like you do NOT know anything about me lady. My feet were not dry at all, as I exfoliate my feet every night and get them done at least every 2 weeks. I could tell she was just trying to upsell the deluxe treatment.

Red flag #4 I told her I didn’t want gel and she kept asking me over and over, even saying it’s “better” for me to get Gel, since that is what I had before! She seemed mad that I refused gel.

I was so annoyed and just wanted to have my service completed so I could leave!!! But she just kept tapping my feet to get my attention to talk rudely to me and try to upsell me. I am so disappointed and I will not be back. I wanted to like this place so much because it’s beautiful in there but looks can be deceiving. She barely scrubbed by feet and there wasn’t even any soap in the water!!!!

I wish I read the reviews before I came here. Go at...