Nail technician used drill to remove gel polish

[BatBoo]

I am new to getting my nails done but decided to start as a bit of a treat to myself. Went to a local salon and was initially really pleased. Within a few days some of the nails had chipped. She was good about it and offered to redo those affected nails free of charge. So I went back on Saturday.

I was a bit surprised she used one of those drill files to completely remove the gel, down to bare nail and then repainted. No soaking in acetone.

Is this normal? I've only had gel nails twice before and this was years ago and I always thought acetone with cotton wool and foils was standard (and better for the nail). I'm prepared to be told I'm wrong, maybe things have changed.

I don't want to go back there every 3 weeks and have them removed that way if it's going to cause damage.

If she is qualified to use an e-file then yes perfectly fine

Nope. That’s not normal. She should use an efile to remove the top layer and then soak the rest off. Using an efile right to the bare nail risks damaging the nail.

I have gel polish every 2 weeks and it lasts perfectly. Never any chips or breakages. Technicians use e files for speed rather than correct care.

They do that in the rubbish salons.

That's what I do at home not what is generally done in a salon

My nail tech used one for a short while but went back to acetone as she said it gave better results. I got the impression that they could cause a lot of damage if used incorrectly (not that she would!) so was more comfortable when she changed back.

My gel polish lasts a good 3 weeks without chipping - I'm in week 4 at the moment and it's just started to chip at the cuticle.

Yeah 4 nails chipping within a week, bit disappointing so I think I'll try somewhere else next time. Also, the 4 nails she's redone aren't as smooth. They feel a bit bumpy when I run a finger down them. I can only put this down to using the e file!

My nail tech has won awards. She avoids acetone and used a hand file- occasionally an e file. Acetone is terrible for nails, totally dries and weakens them. She always uses a base coat though and only ever files as far down as that, never to the actual nail. She will only use acetone for a soak off, not for a repaint or infills.

Oh, and I’ve had my current set for 4 and a half weeks. Not a single chip. Find a better technician.