To think these expensive gel nails were done wrongly?

[Botttled]

Maybe a bit petty but I’m quite upset, it’s a bit like the final straw after a stressful few months!

I spent nearly 50 quid on gel nails last week. It was a massive treat as I used to go all the time but haven’t since I had my daughter almost a year ago and I need them to last for a wedding on 30 December!

I suddenly realised that a base coat was put on, then two layers of the actual colour, but no final top coat (which I remember in the past was like a transparent varnish to seal it?)

Does this mean the nails weren’t done correctly? They seem ok so far but I want to contact the salon if this means they won’t last. I know this is very much not a ‘real’ problem but it’s really bothered me!

Yep I've never known them to be done without a top coat! And I must have had mine done hundreds of times xx

@namechangeformeeee i keep going back over it and can’t remember a top coat going on but they also look very shiny and it says online that the top coat produces the shine!

Usually they will put on a top coat but it just makes it shiny. If you had gels rather than acrylics they will last.

@MyrtleStrumpet yes they are gels

Gel doesn't require a top coat as a protective coating like regular nail polish does as it's more durable, it's normally applied to give extra shine and to aid with leveling

It will be fine.

Certain brands/types of gel don’t require a top coat. I actually find that they last better than ones that do! I have some on right now that didn’t require a top coat - 2 weeks in, still shiny and no chips.

@BraveBlueDuck would it be usual for some salons not to use it then? I don’t want to go back to them and make a fuss if it’s standard practice

I would just phone them and ask.

@ThatMauveRaven this was gel bottle x

@snowyglobe i know, I just feel a bit embarrassed to ask and she probably won’t remember if she did or not

If they’re shiny, they’re fine. They’ve either used a top coat or a gel polish that doesn’t require one.

I mainly have BIAB now (way better!), but I've had gels before and they always gave me a topcoat. Maybe it depends on the salon? How do they look? Are they shiny and lasting okay?

Just phone them! Say you’re not happy with the service as you only had colour and your therapist did not apply topcoat. You would like them to fix this.This is the busiest week of the year in nail salons. You need to phone them asap if you want to get in to get it sorted.

@LaineyCee if they look ok do I need it though?! And what if she did apply it but I’m misremembering 🤦🏼‍♀️

I have gels fortnightly and don’t have a topcoat - the gel colour is cured and it cures shiny and hard.

Do you have a photo?

Honestly, if you're not happy just ring them. If how they look is bothering you, try and get another appointment and specifically ask for topcoat for extra shine.

I see you say they're already shiny though? So are you concerned they won't last? Or just don't like them?

Do they look and feel fine? Presumably they've lasted a week and haven't peeled or lifted etc? They'll be growing out a bit by the 30th obviously but if they look fine and aren't damaged then it's likely they've been done correctly,

This. If you want nice nails for the 30th, OP, I'd possibly consider booking a refill in between Christmas and NYE. You will have a bit of grow out by then, and if it's going to stress you out I'd book something now while you can. I usually get mine done every two or 3 weeks.

If there's no problem and you're happy with how they look, why do you need to complain?

Unfortunately alll gels need a top cost. Especially if they have a sticky layer. Please go back and ask for them to amend you deserve it x

Not true x

My salon does not add a top coat. Never had a problem.

I've now bought sistaco, so do them myself. Sistaco needs a sticky base layer, colour and a top coat with 2 mins under UV.

Just go back and ask and they’ll fix it for free. Doesn’t need to be a big deal.