Woman Asked for the $35 Gel Option To Save Money for the Beach. Then the Nail Tech Used a Product She’d Never Heard Of
Lack of transparency.
A woman’s recent nail salon visit turned into a frustrating lesson in hidden fees and unclear pricing, sparking a bigger conversation about transparency in the beauty industry. Allison, known as @urfav.allisonn on TikTok, shared her experience in a video posted in May 2026, where she detailed how a simple request for a $35 gel manicure ended with a $60 charge for a product she’d never heard of.
Her story quickly went viral, adding fuel to an ongoing debate about salon pricing practices and customer trust. Allison’s ordeal started when she sat down for what she thought would be a straightforward gel manicure. She explicitly asked for the cheaper option, $35, to save money for an upcoming beach trip. The nail tech initially agreed but then pulled out products for acrylic nails, which cost $60.
When Allison corrected her, the tech switched to gel, but the final bill still came to $60. The reason? The salon claimed she’d received ‘Builder Gel’, a more expensive product Allison didn’t ask for and had never heard of. Even worse, the salon’s website listed regular gel polish at $45, not $60, and made no mention of different gel types or pricing tiers.
The situation escalated when Allison tried to dispute the charge
The salon offered a $15 gift card as compensation, but she refused, pointing out that the difference between $35 and $60 was unreasonable. “I said I wanted the $35 option because I’m going to the beach and don’t want to spend that much on my nails,” she explained in the video. The tech insisted the Builder Gel was stronger and more durable, but Allison argued that she never agreed to it in the first place. In the end, she paid the $60 but left feeling misled.
Her story resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom shared similar experiences. Hidden fees, last-minute upcharges, and unclear pricing have become common complaints in the nail industry.
Walk-in salons, in particular, have been criticized for adding bogus fees for basic services like shaping or cuticle care, which are often already included in standard manicure prices. Some customers report being charged $120 to $270 for basic sets, far exceeding the initial quotes they received. Experts say the lack of transparency is a growing problem, with many salons failing to provide itemized menus or receipts before starting work.
Allison’s video is part of a larger trend of consumers calling out salons for questionable practices
In 2025, another TikTok user, Breanna Iglesias (@breannaanicole_), shared her own frustrating experience at a salon she’d frequented for years, per The Daily Dot. Iglesias asked for a chrome French tip manicure but ended up with a solid color and a $120 bill for what should have been a $75 service.
The nail tech also made insensitive comments about Iglesias’ hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes sweaty palms, and even laughed after accidentally cutting her skin twice. Iglesias left without tipping and vowed to stick with a specific nail tech in the future to avoid similar issues. The incident left Iglesias feeling shocked and frustrated.
“I’ve been coming to this nail salon for seven or eight years, and when I tell you, I’ve never experienced somebody this rude, this unprofessional, and just bad at their job at this place,” she said in her video. She later explained that the experience was especially upsetting because she’s a stay-at-home mom with limited time and resources, making salon visits a rare treat. She plans to return to the same salon, but will request a specific tech to ensure better service.
Iglesias’ story highlights another common issue: inconsistent service quality within the same salon
While some techs are skilled and professional, others fall short, leaving customers feeling disappointed and overcharged. Her advice to others? Research salons thoroughly, ask for itemized prices upfront, and, if possible, book appointments with trusted technicians rather than walking in blind.
Allison’s experience takes this a step further, showing how salons can manipulate pricing by introducing unfamiliar products or services mid-appointment. The lack of clear pricing on websites or in-salon menus only adds to the confusion. Many customers assume they’re getting a standard gel manicure, only to be hit with unexpected fees at checkout.
The broader issue here is transparency. Customers deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for before any work begins. Itemized receipts, clear pricing menus, and upfront discussions about product options could go a long way in preventing these kinds of disputes. For now, though, the burden falls on customers to ask questions, do their research, and push back when something doesn’t feel right.
Allison’s video ends with a plea for advice: “Let me know if I got scammed or not because I’m like appalled.” Judging by the comments, many viewers agreed that she had. One user wrote, “This is why I always ask for the price before they start. Salons will try to upsell you on everything.” Another added, “Builder Gel is just a fancy way to charge more. Always ask what’s included in the price.”
(Featured image: Soana Beatriz on Pexels and @urfav.allisonn on TikTok)
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
