All Stars Nail Salon

I previously reviewed All Stairs Nail Salon and wasn't impressed with the manicure, but have since been back a number of times and have had great manicures. I may have been unlucky the first time, or had a new staff member or something, but it's only fair to give credit where credit is due, and All Stars is a great salon now!

I go back every fortnight to have my nails re-done and it's only $30!

Approximate cost: $30

This nail salon has only been open for a few months, so I thought I'd try it out. I ended up waiting for an extra 20 mins or so but didn't worry too much about it, because the owner kept apologising and the salon staff were dealing with some really pedantic and annoying customers.

They have a new packet of manicure "instruments" (I guess they're called?) for each customer, so everything has been sanitised etc and comes in a little sealed packet. I haven't seen that in any salons that I can recall, so I was pleasantly surprised. Also, given the LOW price of this place, it seemed amazing.

I got a shellac manicure and a (non-shellac) pedicure and together, it was only about $60-something.. I often pay around $50 just for a manicure, so I was surprised how cheap it was! My pedicure was great, but my manicure is pretty shoddy.. if I'd just had a manicure, I wouldn't ever go back there, but I'm really conflicted about the place.

On one hand, the manicure was pretty blah. The shellac isn't well applied at all and a few fingers look pretty yuck. But the actual experience was really good - the staff are really lovely and as strange as it seems, given my so-so manicure, there is lots of attention to detail. I imagine that if I had a different girl doing my nails next time it could be great, and I think I'll give it another chance based on the business owner's clear desire to set up a great salon.

Approximate cost: $65