Beauty & Wellness
The art of living well, from Asheville spas to Charlotte salons.
The Appalachian Apothecary Tradition Finds a New Audience
Rooted in generations of mountain folk medicine, Asheville's herbalists are bridging old knowledge and modern wellness — carefully, and with a botanist's rigor.
Torn Cuticles That Still Hurt Two Days Later, and a $90 Bill for What Was Quoted as $60 at Fashion Nails & Spa
A client says a full set and eyebrow wax left her nails and cuticles sore two days later, and that her bill came to $90 instead of the $60 she expected. A look at technique, transparent pricing, and treating every client the same regardless of how they book.
Charlotte's Fitness Scene Discovers That Recovery Is the New Workout
Cryotherapy, compression, red light and contrast pools: the city's boutique studios are selling what happens after the exercise, not during it.
A Poor Dip Set, Pressure to Tip, and a Promised Discount Met With Irritation at Luminous Nails & Spa
A client paid $45 for a dip on her natural nails, left with work she felt she would have to pay to redo, was pushed to leave a tip, and met with irritation when she asked for the 10 percent discount the salon had texted her. A look at quality, letting tips be a choice, and honoring your own offers.
Told the Fix Would Be Free, Then Charged $65 After a Gel-X Set Failed in Days at Alpha Nail Spa
A returning client whose Gel-X set began popping off within days was told over the phone that the removal and a natural-nail service would be complimentary, then was charged $65 after sitting through the whole appointment. A look at durable work and honoring what you promise.
Regular Gel Instead of the Requested Builder Gel, a Surprise Removal Fee, and No Apology for a Loyal Client at Modern Nails
A client of a full year asked several times for a strengthening builder gel, received regular gel instead, was charged a removal fee, and left without an apology. A look at confirming service requests clearly and handling mistakes in a way that keeps loyal clients coming back.