With Christmas round the corner, Sunday Dec. 1st qualified as an ‘official’ nail day! Only two hours after my appointment call, I found myself unsuccessfully trying to locate the perfect nude tone for my skin among their nail polishes. I was asked whether I’d like acrylics or gels, however instead of agreeing on gels I am pretty sure I got acrylics. I’m not a nail rookie and I’m positive that when the nails do not need UV cure, it’s all acrylics. Going to a salon to get ‘almond’-shaped nails without the staff knowing what you’re talking about is scary enough. After all, ‘almond’-shaped nails is a last year thing! Also, no cuticle pushing/cleaning and wrong tips placement(not size-wise, but angle-wise they looked like lifting before having the acrylic put on yet!). No gel-top coat either. My nails looked as flat as a piece of paper, no ‘natural-looking’ curve at all… As for the colour, I ended up with a dark pink-y nude overlay. Oh, needless to say that two of them broke the next day! Not cool… To their defence, there was minimum natural nail buffering! My technician was very cool, yet lacked of skills and trend knowledge. Affordable price, even though it seemed suspiciously cheap. Turns out that fake nails are not their strong point. UP: — Full set of acrylics for 29£. — Getting an appointment only two hours after calling. Feels like a walk in! — Minimum natural nail buffering a.k.a. no unbearable damage after taking them off. DOWN: — No trend knowledge whatsoever! — Lack of skills! At least regarding ‘almond’-shaped acrylics! VERDICT: Suggest it to the b**ch that bullied you in class!
C C.
Place rating: 4 London, United Kingdom
Imagine that everyday in London was just as sunny as the coastline of California. People would wear tank tops, don sandals and have perfectly manicured hand and pedicured feet– 24 hours a day! However, since this is not a reality, California Nail Bar is there to help and let you pretend as though everyday is summer! This nail bar offers nail extensions in either acrylic or fiberglass, along with simple manicures and pedicures all for under £35. Good service and atmosphere along with a touch of glamour!