So in reading another knotties post, I came across Embellish. Looking at their website, I was very intrigued and decided to make it the spot for our wedding party to visit for a little day before the wedding pampering. It was really easy to book a party with them and they even have the option of you bringing in finger foods & drinks to the Westlake location (although we won't be doing this).
Now, fast forward a few months, it's a little over 2 weeks before my wedding and my nails have suddenly decided to start breaking, and I'm not talking just little chips off the end, I'm talking breaking down where you have no choice but to cut the nail with a pair of clippers. So, I decided to pay a little early visit to Embellish by myself to see if a manicure would help me stave off the overwhelming feeling that I was needing to go get acrylic nails, so here's my review.
I called to book an appointment for the shellac manicure and to my surprise, they had no appointments available that day, but they were able to get me one the very next day. At first I thought this was crazy, but when I went for my appointment I realized that they follow a pretty strict appointment book because they don't want the salon over crowded. It was nice to walk into a place that wasn't so full you wondered how they would possibly fit you in.
When you walk in it is a very serene and pretty environment. The huge chandelier tells you right away that this isn't your typical nail salon. I loved that everything was so clean and vibrant. They also only do natural nail services, so there were no chemical smells to deal with. You're greeted almost immediately and the hostess asks if you'd like something to drink. They have a variety of sodas, but I opted for the cucumber water. It was really refreshing since the day I chose to go happened to be one of the 80 degree days this week.
They ask you to take a seat wherever you'd like at their nail bar, which I have to say was quite a treat compared to the typical nail salon station. The hostesses also come by to see if you need anything and offer you a warming neck wrap, which I also declined due to the 80 degree weather. Oh another thing I should mention is that they have M&Ms there to munch on. I didn't partake but what a nice treat for their patrons.
The person who came to do my manicure was very nice and the metal tools she used had been sterilized in an autoclave, similar to what the dentist office uses. They use a new smoothing block & emery board for each client (which they even offer for you to take home when they're done). Everything is very sterile. Even the ladies who were getting pedicures were seated in very comfortable looking recliners and each time a new person comes, they get a fresh clean huge copper bowl of sudsy water to soak their feet. Now granted there are no jets involved or massage chairs we're more used to seeing, the plus side is no chance of getting a weird infection or fungus!
The shellac service was great. My nails look wonderful and now I no longer need to get acrylics. The shellac service involves a special nail polish where your nails are dried with a UV light between coats, so you're completely dry when they're done. Another plus! I've had my manicure a few days now and still no chips or cracks. I'll be excited to see just how long it will last.
Granted it was a little pricey, but the fact that they use new boards for each client, it was a nice peaceful experience, and that the manicure is supposed to last up to two weeks, I think it was worth it. Now it probably won't be a peaceful & serene environment when my whole bridal party is there, but I have no doubt the service we will receive will be excellent.
