1 /5 Colleen Doelger: I have gotten my nails done many times at Gel nails since the salon first opened. I made it a point to support his business as it was new in town. I was impressed by the one man job. It didn’t even bother me that I had to wear my winter coat throughout that first winter at my appointments because I figured the business was so new and city electric ain’t cheap. Nevertheless I continued supporting his business because I really love seeing downtown Plattsburgh thrive. Eventually his partner who I want to make clear is an incredibly kind, skilled, hardworking woman began working in the salon which I thought was awesome. The very first nail appointment I had at gel nails was excellent. Dave and I talked about our lives and what brought us to Plattsburgh. I admired the story he told me about being a taxi driver downstate and now owning his own business. He took so much time with my nails and they lasted weeks. I wrote a review as soon as I got home which I have now deleted today because I don’t want people to be fooled. I can agree with others reviews that he charges fairly and that it is more affordable than other salons in our area. However I have now come to realize it is worth spending a bit more for way better service and care. The past couple of months I have seen a major decline in the services he offers. His priority at this point in time is filling chairs and running the place like a factory. He rushes through manicures and pedicures, is rude, sloppy with his work, lies to clients about wait times, etc. In the past few months I have left a little unhappy with how my nails looked but brushed it off thinking it was my fault I didn’t have an appt, etc. Fast forward to today, I will admit I did not have an appointment but figured I’d see if the salon was busy and if they had time to see me which I have done in the past. He said no problem and had me sit for a second. I had no problem doing so and told him no rush as I knew others were ahead of me. I got into my pedicure chair quickly and began soaking my feet. Shortly after I arrived three people with appointments entered the salon. Two for 10:30 one for 11. He told them it would be a moment before he could start. This is normal for most business and I want to believe that most customers know that appointments don’t always mean the exact time. Today him and his partner were working. The three ladies before me were mid way through what they were getting so I kicked back and relaxed. 40 minutes later the water was cold and feet were getting super soft. Eventually the pedi started and it was so painful. He used a tiny dremal that has not been used on me b4 and turned it to high speed. I closed my eyes and breathed to get through it. I suddenly felt a shock up my foot, pulled it away and told him that it was hurting me. He was pushing into my nail beds super hard. My mani followed and I just wanted to get my old gel polish off and a new coat. He hopped around customers, put my hands in cold water (no acetone or even just warm water…confused by this). He was distracted the entire time, work area was beyond dirty with other people’s hair on the towel my hands were on. Used tools that had other peoples dead skin stuck to it. I paid $85 w/ my debit card which included tip. I rushed to my car where my fiancé was waiting for me because we were leaving straight from nails to a wedding. About 10 min into the drive I finally took a second to look at my nails & was shocked (see pic) I called the salon immediately & spoke w/ Dave. The conversation went no where & he continued to tell me to come in for it to be fixed. I asked for a refund & he said no but that I can come & get it fixed. I repeated I am out of town now & just want a refund. He then said no refunds are offered even tho I paid with my card and my name is on it. I ended the call because it was going nowhere. I told so many people about this salon and how nice it is there since it opened. Shame on me, I will not return or refer his business from here on out. Take caution.
