This was only my third gel nail experience so I only have two previous (with different salons) to compare. I selected HbyH salon for the excellent ratings on Wahanda so my experience is clearly an exception rather than the rule. I like my salon experiences to be in luxurious surroundings, mood music, candles etc. HbyH decor is too shabby chic, almost industrial, for me with lots of old reclaimed, upcycled furnishings and timber. The decor style and ambience obviously appeals to many other patrons so this is purely my personal view - just not my cup of tea.
For the actual treatment, I didn't have my specs on in the salon so when asked if I was happy with the finish, I said yes. Even without my glasses the finish did look a little patchy but, after being perched on an old wooden bar stool for 1.5 hours, I was in so much discomfort I'd have said anything to get out. However, when I got home and looked closer, the finish is very poor with areas of very noticable transparency around the cuticles and the gel has 'bubbling' which, when I press, moves an air-pocket around under the gel so obviously about to pop off when I shower and get water under it.