The Nail Lab

I was pretty excited to do my nails today. I saw a lot of awesome reviews and if they weren’t, it didn’t look like it was the nail tech’s fault so even if the prices were steep, I thought I’d rather go to a small place if it meant I’d have gorgeous quality nails so I booked my appointment the night of. I submitted an inspo picture of the shape and design I wanted and picked from the 2 stylists offered (Kimora or Re’Kya) and picked Re’Kya due to the overwhelmingly good reviews for a 1:30 pm appointment. I arrived early because I didn’t want any issues. Not that it mattered because the nail tech ended up arriving almost 10 mins past the appointment time. Someone else in the building had to call her to tell her that I’ve arrived. But, whatever, right? It’s not that big of a deal. Then the person arrived and asked if it was for an appointment with Re’Kya, I said yes and she takes me to her booth. We got started and I told her that my inspo changed (I had submitted both but only 1 got loaded idk if that’s how it normally works or if it’s something on my end) and that I wanted my nails slightly longer than what my natural nails were and asked what she recommended. She wasn’t very engaging. I prompt the question again because I was looking for advice/recommendations and we ended up going for a full set. This was when I found out that the person doing my nails was not Re’Kya but the other nail tech. Ok, weird. At first, I thought maybe I booked the wrong person but when I checked my message confirmation and screenshot of the appointment, it was for Re’Kya. I was just never notified of the changes but I thought that maybe it’ll be fine and I don’t know if saying no to the lady would mean that I’d still get charged 50% of the service I booked for so I stuck around. That ended up being a mistake because my nails were not the shape I wanted (my right hand had a different shape from my left hand —attached pictures) and the lengths were all different. I was filed to the skin on some fingers (pictures attached). I corrected her twice (once for how thick she applied acrylic and second one for the shape—but when she tried to fix it and filed my nail almost raw, I didn’t bother again because it hurt and it would do us both no good.) So, here’s my feedback after my experience here: 1. I think my nail tech could have afforded to be more engaging aka asking throughout the service how I’d like it instead of just bulldozing through and hoping I wouldn’t say anything. That would’ve worked in her favor because then we’d at least come to a compromise. Especially when it comes to what you can or cannot do 2. I was told that although my request was for Re’Kya to do my nails, for them it’s whoever wants to do it/available in which you should communicate with the clients to see if they’d be fine with it and if not, they should be able to cancel their appointments. 3. If you are new and need someone to practice on, that’s fine but those people should know that and they should be given an option to refuse. 4. If the work is not satisfactory aka it’s a really shoddy job and not just the customer being a Karen, then either refund the amount or provide a discount I shouldn’t have to pay $70 for the results I received). 5. COMMUNICATE & BE TRANSPARENT!!! So that everyone is on the same page. Walk them through the prices, what different options there might be (if they’re open to it) for their nails. Overall, this was a long winded way of saying, I was not satisfied by my nails, customer service nor the price. I hope you take my feedback into consideration and not blindside your future customers.

Re'Kya was amazing and quick! My nails turned out great for my first time trying structured gel nails. They are really pretty and last quite a while. Thank you!! Update 6/10: Just updating this review, still love Re'Kya and my nails are longer than ever!! I can't get enough of them, and can't believe they are mine!

You guys have to RUN to Re’Kya to get your nails done by her. She does an exceptional job every time. I pretty much let her do whatever with my nails since I truly have no preference half the time. She delivers 24/7. She’s the only nail tech I’ve been going to since moving to Charlotte. And because of that she’s been marinating my natural nail growth!!! Thank you Re’Kya for always being professional and kind during the service!

I’ve come to Ra’Kya a couple of times. This experience wasn’t the best. I sent her a picture of what I wanted. Once I arrived to my appointment I showed her a different picture with similar nail designs just with a different color scheme because I didn’t really want the colors in the first photo. I did not get half of the designs that were on ALL 10 nails, no where near. I’m not sure what the issue was as to why I didn’t get what I wanted. She never explained or said anything and I didn’t realize it until after I got in my car and looked back at the photo. It was very basic And felt a bit rushed through. Once I got home I had my 14 year old daughter go behind and add to my nails what Ra’Kya didn’t do as my daughter is self teaching herself to become a nail tech and she did an amazing job and they look exactly how they should have looked. However I still paid an overpriced amount for a full set that wasn’t executed and I tipped her! I will not be going back in the near future. She has a nice personality, handles her self in a professional manner, but as a customer I just was not satisfied. I’m also going to add what I wanted, versus what I got and how it looks now after my daughter added what was missing photos and my daughter still isn’t done on the hand with the star. She will finish once I’m back from out of town.

I’ve been getting my nails done by Kya since May 2023! After an unsuccessful DIY attempt on my nails lol, I contacted Re’Kya to see if she could squeeze me in the following day and she did! Ever since I’ve been hooked 😍 Re’Kya has outstanding customer services, is super professional and reasonable prices. I have recommended plenty of clients to her. If you are looking for a nail technician who is kind and attentive, please look no further!