Remember that scene in Goodfellas? After Henry gets outta jail, Karen gets the house completely remodeled and it looks like the worst of the 1980s East-meets-West interior designers threw up in a room?
There’s that line where Lorraine Bracco’s like “Go ‘head…sit in it! The other one…ya couldn’t even sit in it…” (minute 3:39 – 4:15)
That cheesiness was the inspiration for my latest nail designs. I was so happy to visit Sakura on Sunday, to find that they had a NEW issue of Nail Up! Magazine. I got some great ideas for a design when I saw this in the issue:
I decided to try and re-create the look using Black & Silver Calgel instead…and also with an Oval/Pointier nail shape. (I’ve been getting more and more oval the more I visit Sakura!)
I’ve noticed that Sakura has gotten MAJORLY booked these past few months! It’s really hard to get an appointment these days! So unfortunately, I didn’t get to have an appointment with my usual gals. So this stylist shall be named “M”…
She mixed in a little black powder to the #49 Calgel (a light silver color), to create a deeper steel color:
She laid down 2 coats of silver first, then used 2 coats of Black Calgel (at my request) on top of it:
Then we added a silver line of glitter as an accent, but NO rhinestones (gasp!):
OK: the moment of honesty. Usually with every single nail design, I’m usually OVER THE MOON and super-stoked. Unfortunately, after this particular visit, I left really upset.
As much as I love getting my nails done, it’s an investment of both money and time. The reason it’s worth it to me is because they LAST for 2-3 weeks, and I don’t have to worry about chips and breakage.
Unfortunately, I walked out of my appointment with “M”, not a happy camper. The workmanship was a sloppy (at best), and to top it off, the top coat she applied was bubbly & thick.
There are a few personal preference I have for a Calgel application:
- I like the Calgel to be applied over the tip of the nail, so that it lasts longer
- A smooth application, so when I run my finger over the top of the nail, it doesn’t feel like it has ridges (unless, of course, there are rhinestones)
- I ask (and pay for) an extra thick layer of CalGel Clear on top: I like the sense of added re-enforcement and protection, and I like how secure it makes my nails feel.
Unfortunately, it was a big fail on all the above. If the workmanship had been better, I think I would be more SUPER excited about the design (which is actually pretty dope, in a cheesy, sequined 80s kinda way).
But I think the poor application spoiled it for me. Here are some reasons why:
- Chunks of calgel = sloppy
- Unfinished edges…didn’t apply calgel over the fingernail tips.
LESSON LEARNED FOR MYSELF:
While all the technicians at Sakura are very good at what they do – just as in life: not everyone is necessarily good at everything. I’m sure “M” is quite capable, but perhaps nail art was not her forté.
I was able to clean up the bubbly topcoat at home (removing the topcoat using my bottle of CalCleanse and re-applying it). So today, I can bear to live with it, and can FINALLY appreciate the cute design.
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Sorry to hear that… I learned my lesson and always stick with the person I trust. When it comes to my nails and hair, I can’t bear to risk anyone new. Btw, I found you via google search of Calgel. Thanks for the blogs! I like Calgel @ Sakura (especially Yukari)! She’s awesome~
I’m sorry you left feeling so unhappy! Did you tell Sakura about how you felt? They should comp you for the service, or at the very least offer a discount on your next one — especially since you are such a good customer!
Hey Ladies!
Thanks for letting me commiserate. It’s definitely a lesson learned for next time: if I have an appointment with an irregular, definitely stick to something simpler!
xx,
hp
Aww. That sucks. Definitely go to someone u trust next time. I haven’t been back to Sakura in a month. I’ve been spending to much money on other stuff. Been only doing them myself with nail polish. Founds some awesome colors though.
I like that nail design in the magazine. I think if I go with that design, I would have done it in pink and blue.
Yeah – I’m not really a “color” person…so I had to adapt it with Black & Grey. Besides, definitely more cheesy 80s like that!
That is horrible. Usually Hitomi helps me and she is great. I was thinking of doing an all black and with silver hologram circles next time…want to do something awesome but that too over the top crazy. I just recently got them down this weekend with a stone/pearl design. Let me know what you think of the black…and if you have any good ideas! Maybe even a red. Never done a color base before.
definitely also curious as to who helped you…and did such a sloppy job so I never use her/him EVER
Hey Emily!
Holograms are a great way to get the “bling” without the bumpiness or being overly shimmery. I love using the pearls they have there, too! Let me know what you go for at your next design!
Hi!
I found your blog while I was searching for reviews on Sakura. I had my nails done at the LES location this weekend, and I’m pretty pleased (they are solid color — nothing fancy!). I noticed the post you did a while back about how expensive the fill was… I know you are a loyal Sakura fan, but the salon I get my hair done at also does Calgel. I didn’t know it before I went to Sakura, but the base price at Hello Beautiful in Bklyn is $30 with $20 fills. I’m going to try it in a few weeks and post about it! Naomi, the nail tech at HB, is super talented with designs too, so maybe I’ll try one out! Thanks for all the cool pics!
Hey Kristen!
But please let me know if you like the job they do at Hello Beautiful! It might be a good place to let everyone know about!!
Please let me know about the salon! I know a lot of other nail places do Calgel or something similar (Dashing Divas does GelLive manis), but the reason I’m so fiercely loyal to Sakura is for their crazy-ass designs!!
xx,
hp
So I definately got M. this time, which is a shame because I haven’t gone in awhile and was super excited to go and now I’m not so happy. I’m going to try to redo the topcoat see if that helps but I’m upset about my design and her job. I’m going to see how long I can wait before I can change them.
OH NO – if you’re really unhappy, you should call them back and ask them if they can fix it for you!!
Hi!
I found your post helpful because I just got my nails did for the first time with calgel and I’m less than pleased with the results.. Its unfortunate because I was really looking forward to getting them done after waiting 2 weeks for an appt! I went to the LES location and I didn’t catch the name of my nail tech – maybe I got “m” too? Anyways, the woman left the edges really and I mean really sloppy, there’s a black hair that got stuck in the topcoat, and she didn’t get close to my cuticles to the point where it looks like I have about a weeks worth of growth. Needless to say I had to perform nail CPR when I got home, but my whole point in posting this was to get recommendations on nail techs you’ve gotten good results with in the past. Any suggestions would help for either Sakura location!
Hey Meaghan!
I’m so sorry to hear you had a bad experience on the LES. Honestly, it’s such a time & $$$ investment, so when you get them done, you wanna make sure they’re done right!
Personally, I adore Manami and Megumi — I’ve never EVER been disappointed. Same with Yukari (but she went back to Japan for a few months).
Maria and Mikki are also incredibly talented, and excellent at flat art! Also, Junko is one of the managers at the UES location — even though I’ve never had her myself, I’ve seen her work and it’s impeccable!
Most of the good technicians rotate between UES and LES, so I usually have to call both locations to see where they are (a little bit of a pain, but worth it!)
Let me know if this helps at all!!
xx,
hp