Lately, whenever I turn on the fan (not even the AC necessarily), a tangy smell like Elmer's School Glue or caulk comes out of the vents. The mechanics at Firestone don't recognize the smell.
Many salon workers face low wages, so tipping is their means of making ends meet. (And on that note, if you suspect your salon has poor conditions for its employees, report it to your local public advocate's office.) Tip 20% for a standard manicure, more if you feel your service was exceptional.
To maintain healthy nails, my compromise is to get gel polish manicures at certain strategic times like before going on vacation, during the Christmas Holiday and on special occasions. I guess that means I'm back to getting manicures three or four times per year.