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!

Not the point of the thread I know but do you rate sistaco? Keep seeing it everywhere but quite an initial outlay and I’m currently getting 2 weeks from self applied semi cured gels (decided to give salon gels a rest).

If they are fine after a week that’s a good job. It a bit much expecting even a really good gel manicure to last through to the end of the month. I mean sometimes they do, but it’s not guaranteed and depends on how your nails take/hold the colour as well as the quality of the work.

I think you were robbed spending nearly £50

I have gels and pay £30 with biab

But yes have always had a top coat or else it's sticky

If not sticky then must have had a top coat and maybe you didn't reliese

Had gels for over 10yrs. More like 13

If the top coat wasn't applied they would still be a bit sticky to touch and would come off very easily

I wouldn't go in all guns blazing.

I'd suggest you go back and say

"I love the nails but a pal said they haven't got a top coat and now Im worried. Do these look like they have a top coat to you? Are they supposed to or is the polish designed to not need that? Sorry to be a pest. I love them and just want them to last"

That way you're not pushing them off as much as complaining. There may be nothing to complain about.

They wouldn't be fully cured without a top coat if they need one. Some brands have it built into the colour.

If they feel nice, are shiny and not lifted after a week then I'd say they are good.

However expecting them to look good in another 2 weeks time, so 3 weeks total is ridiculous. They will have grown out loads and look quite tatty by then unless your own nails grow incredibly slowly. I used to get mine done every 15-18days and they'd grown out loads.

I get mine done every 3w and don't look awful

They suggest 3w

Mine are 2 weeks in, they don't look awful but you can see a line of plain nail between cuticle and colour. I'm getting them done on the 23rd so they're nice for Christmas week. I'd 100% be getting new ones if they were already a week gone; I'd have an appointment between Christmas and NYE.

They could last without the top coat, but as I understand it they are less likely too - and the gel bottle definitely recommends a top coat. I would just check with the salon, as long as you're nice about it (which obviously you will be), they'll be fine - they'll want you to be happy with your nails! X

They're quick and easy, look lovely too so yes. Thing to note is you don't UV too long on the base coat. My last painting if you can call it that - more like dab - has so far lasted 5 days with no issues.
Only buy if they've got a good offer on though x