Friend nail technician

[Spied]

I have a friend who is local to me and who is a beauty therapist ( mobile)
We see each other most days and often go for coffee, pop to each others' homes etc.
Since the beginning of our friendship (3years) she has been doing my nails and actually charging me much more than most of the local salons. Last time she used really cheap products and used a gel she had ordered in for herself rather than what I'd told her I wanted, she rushed my nails and basically I wasn't happy with the result.
Well, I've now decided to book an appointment in town to get my nails sorted out.
She will see me the day after with my new nails!
She is a bit overbearing and tbh a bit of a bully at times.
Would you just say you wanted to try the salon as it was cheaper and you're skint?
Won a voucher?
Wwyd

Would you be happier with her doing them if she charged you less?

She's not really a friend, is she?

Saying you have a voucher will only get you a pass this one time, so I'd avoid that.

Say as much as you'd like to support her, you are watching your money and the salon charges much less for the products you really like.

Is she actually a friend? Friends do not overbear, bully or ignore your feelings about your own body.

She doesn’t care about hurting your feelings so be candid, you were unhappy how she did the nails last time and got them fixed at additional cost somewhere else. You’re not going to have her do your nails again as you prefer to keep friends and your custom separate from now on. If she objects, just repeat that it suits you better now that you get the nails done elsewhere.

I’d give her the heads up before you see her to avoid that awkward moment. Send a text saying you’ve tried somewhere else as recommended by a friend as it was good value and was convenient. Say you hope she won’t be offended as she’s such a good friend and so great at nails but for the above reasons you might go there in future.

Unfortunately, from my experience people do take this stuff personally. If she does you’ll have to keep repeating the same answers and change the subject.

Out of interest, why are you so close to an overbearing bully?

I'd just be honest and say what you said in your op. As she's ripping you off and doing a shit job. So isn't really a friend! You shouldn't be so concerned about hurting her when she isn't that bothered about you.

I wouldn't go so far as saying she's not really a friend, unless there are also other issues?

As for the nails, I'd maybe just say I fancied a change.

If she were a great friend, she would only be charging you cost price and possibly a teeny bit more. I had a piss-taking former friend like that. Did loads of very skilled work for her over the years, then she did a massage therapy course with essential oils all paid for by her parents for which she needed a volunteer to practice. I also helped her with studying and took a day off to be her 'subject' for her practical exam. After the exam was over and she got a pass, she turned to me and told me that now she would have to charge me for future massages and quoted quite an eye-watering amount, right at the top scale of local prices. Not even a thank you for coming along or paying for my travel. I was too genuinely flabberghasted to say anything at the time. A few days later, she called about my DH and I designing and making some custom furniture for her. She expected it all for free, not even paying for the materials. I gave her a normal quote. She flounced.

Thanks for the replies.
Grumplestilskin .
I guess I need to stand up for myself.
She's not really a great friend. Very grabby and you're right she doesn't care much about my feelings if she can basically rip me off.
I'm just going to say I can't afford her prices.
I know for a fact she wouldn't lower it for me.
I met her when I had horrendous mh issues and she befriended me. Now I'm feeling much better I've noticed she likes to take advantage of my good nature.

Ugh not a friend. I have no problem being charged the standard rate by a friend as it is their job,but I wouldn't give my custom to a friend if I could get it better and cheaper elsewhere!

This ‘friendship’ has run it’s course.

She befriended you because she saw someone she could easily manipulate

Not a friend