My Sanctuary Nail Salon 143 Terralong Street, Kiama, New South Wales 2533

"Please avoid this "sanctuary" because it is definitely NOT A SANCTUARY. When I arrived, the attendant was sitting in one of the pedicure chairs using her mobile phone. She looked as though she was totally disinterested in a new client and sauntered over to me BAREFOOTED. I asked if I could have a simple manicure with no colored polish. Because my nails are brittle, I also asked for a nail hardener to be applied under the base coat. The attendant applied the nail hardener and then put on a small fan, to dry my nails faster. Off she went to attend to other matters, leaving me for over 10 minutes. When I realized she was not coming back, I signalled her work colleague, who came over to me. I asked if she could complete my manicure and apply a base and top coat, which she did. Having paid earlier, I left when my nails were dry. The next day, I noticed most of my nails had no product on them, so I went back to complain. The person who first attended me said, the problem was, because I had asked for the nail hardener only??? (implying it was my fault) She obviously did not realize her colleague completed the manicure the day before. She then reapplied the necessary coats of hardener and base and top coat. I tried to explain that I always have this combination back home in Brisbane, when I have my manicure with no issues, however I could tell, she could not understand what I was saying. When my nails were drying under the small fan, I could see both persons on their mobile phones giggling and chatting and looking at me. I was under the impression they were discussing me. I left "the sanctuary" soon after. Again, the next day I noted the product peeling off in one piece from most of my nails. I decided NOT to go back there EVER AGAIN. They obviously have issues there, because I saw a note saying, they don't refund money for any problems with their work, but will re do your nails. I have never seen such a notice at any of the salons I have previously attended, and I have never encountered such problems as what happened at "THE SANCTUARY'. It was a WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME"

"Poor quality of work. My sister and I went to get a file, buff and application of shellac polish for our cousins wedding. My sister's nails were done so poorly they look as if a toddler had painted them. All over the cuticles, side walls and skin around the nails, uneven down the side of the nail and some nails weren't completely covered in polish. As mentioned in previous reviews, the staff were rushing and don't seem to care about their work or the fact that the customer is paying for a service which you expect to be better than what you can do yourself. A bit of a disappointment that's for sure. Do not recommend!"

"I found the woman who painted my nails unfriendly as she would not speak to me and I felt uncomfortable when she continued to speak to the other employee in another language while they both stared at me. She tried to avoid using a base coat and got frustrated when I asked for it. She also rushed despite the shop only having one other customer. She did not remove all of the original nail color and also did not paint the entire nail so as a result you can still see the old nail polish. I only asked for my nails to be painted, no manicure or buff or shape... just color and they charged me more then what it costs on their price list to get buff shape and shellac. They then rushed me out with wet nails. Won’t come back here again."

"I love getting my nails done here. The staff are extremely friendly, and are always ready to advise me on a change of colour or what shape of manicure to try. Helen always does my nails for me, I have very sensitive hands and nails, she is really careful with my manicure. It is such a fun, friendly salon. I receive heaps of compliments on my nails, so I would love to recommend them. It can get a bit hectic at times, with holidaymakers spoiling themselves, so try and book. Helen and her staff will always try their best to fit you in."