It’s a tale as old as time: you go into a salon with a vision, and you leave with… something entirely different. For one beauty enthusiast and model from Chicago, what was meant to be a glamorous French tip manicure turned into a viral social media spectacle—complete with comparisons to candy, medication, and even pregnancy tests.
Welcome to the curious case of Kayla and the now-infamous Squashie nails.
Who Is Kayla? Meet the Woman Behind the Viral Manicure
Stylist, Model, and Fashion Fan
Kayla, a stylist and model based in Chicago, is no stranger to beauty trends or fashion-forward looks. With an eye for aesthetics and a clear vision of what she wanted, she walked into a nail salon with a simple request: a sleek, classic French tip manicure.
Instead, she left with a full set of acrylic nails so brightly colored and thickly tipped that her first reaction was pure disbelief.
Taking Her Experience Public
Like many Millennials and Gen Z beauty lovers, Kayla turned to social media to share her nail nightmare. Posting under the TikTok handle , she uploaded a short clip showing her new manicure up close. The caption read: “I asked for French tips,” followed by a sobbing “This looks like candy corn.”
From Glamorous to Gaudy: What Went Wrong?
The French Tip That Wasn’t
The classic French manicure is typically defined by a pale pink or nude base with a clean, white tip. It’s timeless, understated, and elegant. Unfortunately, Kayla’s nails veered far from that polished ideal.
Instead, the base color was a vibrant, borderline neon pink, and the tips were not subtle slivers of white, but thick slabs that overtook nearly half of each nail. Far from sleek and refined, the end result had the unmistakable vibe of something edible—and not in a good way.
Messy Application and Poor Finish
Beyond color choices, the execution also left much to be desired. The base of several nails appeared messy and uneven, with inconsistencies in shape and application. Kayla, who clearly expected salon-quality precision, ended up with what looked like a rushed set by an amateur.
Internet Reacts: The Squashie Nail Scandal Goes Viral
Over 3 Million Views and Counting
The video exploded almost immediately. Within days, Kayla’s clip racked up:
- 3 million views
- 336,100 likes
- 12,100 comments
- Over 111,000 shares
Clearly, something about her nail fail struck a nerve—or a funny bone—with viewers.
Hilarious Comparisons and Commentary
The comment section became a comedy showcase as TikTok users unleashed a torrent of jokes, reactions, and savage burns. Some highlights include:
- “Those are Squashie sweets.”
- “It’s giving paracetamol.”
- “Looks like a pregnancy test.”
- “Those are Iceland Ideas.”
- “Those ain’t French tips, they are American assumptions.”
The creativity of the commentary didn’t stop there. Others questioned how Kayla could have sat through the appointment without speaking up or asking for corrections. One user asked incredulously:
“You watched her do that to ALL five fingers?!”
Another chimed in:
“You sat there, watched her do your nails, KEPT QUIET and PAID for it?!”
Why Are Nail Fails So Relatable?
The Universal Struggle
What makes Kayla’s experience resonate with so many people is its sheer relatability. Who hasn’t walked into a salon, excited for a beauty transformation, only to leave with a crushing sense of regret?
Nail salons can be hit-or-miss, especially when communication breaks down or expectations are misaligned. Whether it’s a haircut that’s too short, brows that are too thin, or nails that scream “DIY gone wrong,” nearly everyone has a beauty horror story tucked away.
The Pressure to Be Polite
One big reason people end up paying for bad services? Social pressure. Many clients feel too uncomfortable or awkward to speak up mid-appointment—especially if they think the damage is already done. There’s a sense of “I’ll just deal with it later,” and unfortunately, that can mean walking out unhappy and out of pocket.
The Price of Beauty: Why People Are Shocked She Paid
Should You Pay for a Botched Job?
When the final look is nowhere near what was requested, the instinct to demand a refund is natural. But in Kayla’s case, many were stunned she paid at all. Her followers voiced their disbelief loud and clear.
But salons often have inconsistent refund policies, and some even refuse to make adjustments without a fight. Unless the customer is assertive and confident in challenging the outcome, they may feel trapped into paying.
A Lesson in Knowing Your Rights
Consumers in many countries, including the U.S., are protected under consumer rights laws that allow for complaints, refunds, and dispute resolution. However, few people know how to assert these rights in real-time—especially when the salon is independently owned or doesn’t provide a clear service agreement.
When Beauty Trends Go Awry
The Danger of Overly Trendy Designs
French tips may seem straightforward, but modern adaptations—colored tips, ombré fades, and bold shapes—can sometimes lead to confusion. What a client sees on Instagram may not translate well in the hands of every technician.
And when bright pinks and thick whites are involved, a stylish French manicure can quickly veer into candy corn territory.
The Role of Nail Tech Communication
The key to a successful beauty treatment? Communication. From showing reference photos to confirming shape and color before application, both client and technician need to be on the same page.
Misunderstandings can lead to embarrassment, wasted money, and viral TikTok fame—for all the wrong reasons.
The Bright Side: Viral Fame and Internet Stardom
Turning a Nail Nightmare Into Content Gold
While Kayla’s experience was undoubtedly frustrating, she’s gained thousands of new followers and media attention thanks to her humor and honesty. Her willingness to laugh at herself and share the outcome openly has turned a negative experience into an opportunity.
A Platform for Cautionary Tales
Beauty fails like these serve as important reminders to others: trust your instincts, speak up early, and know what you’re signing up for. Kayla’s video has encouraged others to share their own horror stories, creating a growing online space for transparency in the beauty industry.
How to Avoid a Nail Fail Like Kayla’s
Do Your Research
Before booking an appointment:
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media.
- Look for photos of actual client work (not just stock images).
- Ask friends or locals for recommendations.
Bring Reference Photos
Visuals speak louder than words. Don’t just say “French tips”—show exactly the kind of design, color tone, and nail shape you want.
Speak Up During the Process
It’s easier to correct an error early than fix it later. If you see something going wrong, voice your concerns. A good technician will adjust before it’s too late.
Inspect the Final Look
Before paying, take a good look at your nails. If something feels off, say so. Don’t be afraid to request fixes—or even refuse payment if the job is completely unacceptable.
Final Thoughts: When Life Gives You Candy Corn Nails
Not every beauty appointment will go according to plan. Sometimes, you walk in hoping for luxury and leave looking like you dipped your fingers in melted taffy.
Kayla’s viral nail mishap may not have given her the glamorous French tips she wanted, but it did offer something else: a moment of internet stardom, a shared laugh with millions, and a cautionary tale for anyone planning their next salon visit.
Let her experience be your reminder—trust your gut, speak up, and always double-check before you leave the chair.
