I decided to start getting my nails done again after a 1 - 2 year hiatus, but because of my VERY specific needs, I approached where to go very carefully. After noting that Lotus Spa has better reviews... Read More
I decided to start getting my nails done again after a 1 - 2 year hiatus, but because of my VERY specific needs, I approached where to go very carefully. After noting that Lotus Spa has better reviews than pretty much anywhere else, I called and made an appointment. Just to clarify the "specific needs" thing: I'm in a wheelchair (have been since I was a child) and because of the wear and tear my hands get, the meds I'm on, and some of the other medical issues I have, I can't grow my nails out naturally. They tear and chip within an hour or so after painting them unless I get sculpted acrylic to reinforce them. Even then, I need the acrylic applied MUCH thicker than most people get (because my wheelchair will destroy them otherwise) and (somewhat understandably) most nail techs don't want to do it. Before the hiatus I spent 10 years straight getting my nails done, and during that time, I figured out what does and does not work for my lifestyle, what lengths work, and what methods do and don't hurt. I also discovered that 99.9% of nail techs do NOT want to do it the way I need. (I totally understand that they ARE artists, and as such, don't want their work to look "unnatural," "sloppy," or "amateurish." In my case, I'm not going for the "natural-look" -- I'm going for Girly Nail Armour.) First of all, Lotus Nail and Spa is VERY wheelchair-accessible! I had NO problems getting in, getting my nails done, or browsing all the shades of nail polish available. In fact, even the pedicure chairs are disability-friendly...I'm looking forward to going back and getting the first independent pedi OF MY LIFE! (I've always needed to be physically picked up and placed into the pedi chairs before. Totally depressing.) Anyway, I got a full set with permanent white tips, nice crisp, clear acrylic, great conversation, and a renewed feeling of confidence. My nail tech was a WONDERFUL young lady who really knew her craft, and unlike so many before her, was completely fantastic about sculpting me a set of thick, strong nails. While 99.9% before her were uncooperative and grumpy about fulfilling my request, she's definitely at the TOP of that other 0.1%! Halfway through the first hand, I had already decided to become a regular customer. She even checked in with me to see if they were thick enough!!! No one has EVER done that!For those who like a warm, welcoming environment, this place is totally for you. I had brought my iPad and headphones, but I honestly never needed them. Everyone was having a good time, talking, and joking around. Within minutes of rolling through the door, I had joined in the store-wide conversation, and my assistant who was with me even got a list of movie titles from one of the guys who works there. He probably dreaded dragging along with his boss to a nail place, but he was just as welcomed. The ONLY drawback is that there is no WiFi there, so if you're like me and NEED to stay connected for work and business, be prepared. I had planned on getting some work done while I waited, but that didn't happen.All in all, here's my summary:Accessibility: * * * * *Friendliness: Β * * * * *Wait Time: Β Β Β * * * * Β (I took off 1 star for no WiFi while waiting)Quality: Β Β Β Β Β * * * * *Cleanliness: Β * * * * *I can't wait to go back!!! Β *^_^* Read Less