Shaina Bassan
Google
I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this review for a week now, so here we go. This was my second time ever going to Vanity Projects. For some background: I was raised in Miami but moved to New York a little over a year ago, around the same time I started getting nail designs regularly. In New York, I go to Krystal Oh Nails (they specialize in designs and are fabulous).
Since I was coming home to Miami for a month, I booked a “simple design” appointment at Vanity Projects for $175. This was my second time at this location. The first time, back in December before a big family vacation I was really excited for, I had booked their most intricate design option—the longest time slot available. But when I showed the nail tech what I wanted, she told me she didn’t have enough time. I was immediately frustrated. I explained that I booked the longest slot specifically so there would be enough time. The manager's excuse? “The tech you booked is really good, so we assumed she’d have time no matter the design.” I told them they should have texted to see the design in advance to confirm it could be done in the time booked. She just said, “Yes, we’ll do that next time.” I had to scrap my original inspo and come up with a new design on the spot.
Fast forward to last week. I’m in Miami for the month, had my design inspo ready, and figured it would be classified as a “simple design” based on what I’d booked. I sit down, show the nail tech the design, and she says “So cute!” and has me AirDrop the photo. Nothing about it being an upgrade. I sat in the chair for almost three hours, the nails came out beautifully, but when I go to pay, they tell me the total is $250.
I was completely thrown. I booked a $175 service. The front desk then tells me my design was actually “medium tier,” which costs $250. I was livid. In what world is it normal to be told at checkout that you owe $75 more than expected?
As a “courtesy,” they gave me a 10% discount, which barely made a dent. Look, the salon is beautiful and the nail techs are clearly talented, but Vanity Projects is run like a circus. The proper thing to do (which Krystal Oh always does) is ask for a photo of the inspo in advance and confirm the price BEFORE the appointment. The second I showed my nail tech the design, she should have either told me the cost would be $250 or offered a way to simplify it to stay within my $175 booking.
It’s just not acceptable. Incredibly disappointed. Won’t be back. Ever.