Wilmington Nail Salon — Local services in Wilmington

I have long, natural nails and use a builder gel in a bottle to keep them strong. When one of my nails started breaking in the middle, I made an online appointment with Toni based on the positive reviews. However, when I arrived, I was greeted by Latonya instead of Toni. Latonya asked if I had specifically booked with Toni, and I explained that I was new to the salon and had only read the reviews. She didn’t provide any explanation for Toni’s absence.

Latonya and I discussed using a hard gel overlay on the broken nail to prevent it from breaking completely until it grew out. Then using regular gel polish on my other nails. During the service, Jen started talking to Latonya about how long it was taking her to complete my gel manicure. Latonya tried to explain the process, but Jen seemed uninterested and only wanted to ensure that Latonya charged me for the extra time. There was no other appointment or walk in during my entire visit.

Like regular gel polish, builder gel in the bottle comes off easily with an acetone soak. Since I have long nails, Latonya took her time to avoid damaging my nail beds, which I appreciated. However, my nails didn’t soak in acetone for 10 minutes like they usually do at nail salons.

Toni did arrive at the salon, but I only learned it was her when Latonya asked her a specific question and she called her by name. When it was time to check out, there was a disagreement among the three of them about the price. Latonya and Toni agreed that it was a gel manicure, but Jen disagreed, claiming that Latonya hadn’t discussed the price with her before continuing the service. Jen didn’t ask me for any input about the products I brought in, nor did she engage in any conversation with me when I entered or exited the business. I would have happily explained the situation to her so that she could understand. I was charged $50 for a gel manicure, which is higher than their standard pricing of $40. Given this discrepancy, I would have preferred to opt for a hard gel overlay on all my nails instead. To clarify, I believe Latonya provided excellent service and conversation up until Jen began questioning her about the time taken for the manicure. This change in the experience completely altered my plan for this to be my new salon home as it caused Latonya to rush and Jen completely threw off the good vibe. It’s unfortunate that I’ve been wanting to visit this salon for a while because it’s conveniently located near my home, but I don’t think I’ll be returning in the future.

When I got home, I tried to file and clean up my nails a little bit so you will see a little bit cleaner of a version than what I walked out with, but I will be going to get my nails done again at my regular salon this Saturday to fix these bulky...

So let me start by talking about the location. To some this may be minor, but others - it's major. If you appreciate historical culture and structures, you'll be pleased with the location. If you're familiar with the city's racial violence/slavery history & are sensitive to such - you're probably not going to be elated with the photos & historical markers throughout the building depicting non-melanated men trading/buying cotton. I'm not critiquing the owners for choosing this location, I'm just validating that such may matter to certain customers. Now getting into true pros & cons: PROs #1 there aren't many nail salons open on a Sunday. That was a major factor with me choosing to book an appointment. #2 the salon is quiet, clean & serene. The music was soft (contemporary pop hits) & the techs were focused on customers, supplies & hand towel laundry. They also have beautiful decor & modern tools. Only new/disposable tools were used on my nails. #3 as expected, my nails looked great! Jen was thorough, professional and courteous CONs: #1 the man who answers the phone to book appts. Presumably he's the owner but doesn't provide services. Or at least, I didn't see him in there. So on a "scale of customer service" - he wasn't egregiously brusque/curt, but he definitely wasn't warm & inviting. I hate to be subjective, but I later learned he's a New Yorker. With me being full of southern charm, it could simply be a difference in customer service expectations. There have been other bad reviews, but I'll say Jen and the other techs were very courteous. I'm happy with the 3 hours spent at their salon. I'll...

Wow- incredibly rude. Made an appointment. The gal (I believe was Jenn) was running late. She told me to pick a color. I reassured her that I was not in a hurry and she could take her time. She dismissed me and told me she was almost done. So much for being kind for her lateness. After I picked my number for my dip nails she directed me to the pedicure chair. She asked me if I picked a color. When I told her yes and gave her the number, she got irritated and then proceeded to “chastise” me like an 8 year old over my mistake on my color number and not picking my corresponding toe nail polish. As if that weren’t enough she then came back over to chastise me a second time. I’m a 54 year old woman who will never tolerate someone I am paying for services to speak to me like her child. I walked out. Didn’t keep the appointment. And the topper…Jenn was still with the same client when I left well into my appointment time. Zero apologies. Rude and condescending instead. Who in the world would pay for this?

Update: 04/06/2025. In response to the owners reply: It is verbatim exactly the order of events. I am 54 and have never walked out of an appointment until this day. The level of rudeness was a 10. The lack of apology in the owner’s reply and lack of accountability should tell anyone reading this everything they need to know. I predominantly leave 5 star reviews for great service; it takes a lot for me to leave a bad review. This one star reviews was earned. It’s time to stop paying and rewarding businesses for...