Gel nails - is this normal?

[17caterpillars1mouse]

I went on a spa day the weekend before last (so 9 days ago) and as part of the package I had gel nails done. I've never had them before but the nail technician said they last 2-3 weeks and need taking off with a special method (buffing and soaking) or at a Salon.

I've just done the washing up (usually use dishwasher so not an every day occurance) and they have all peeled off.

She didn't say to avoid got water. Is this normal? Doesn't seem worth it if it is

[KittyMcKitty]

@quitelikelyto

So it never happens to you but this isn't about you. It happens to many of us so it could quite possibly just be the OPs nails. They will only know for sure by getting them done elsewhere and seeing what happens

Not about me no - never said it was - I just shared my experience which I believe is what you did?!?! However as I’m sure you read up thread the nail tech who commented said it wasn’t normal.

[dontbringthatbirdinhere]

This happens to me, I also have weak oily nailed like a PP. Can't have a bath or do the washing up if I have them as they peel off

[quitelikelyto]

@KittyMcKitty

Meant to add - I’m not careful with my nails either - I don’t wear gloves when washing up / cleaning etc

So it never happens to you but this isn't about you. It happens to many of us so it could quite possibly just be the OPs nails. They will only know for sure by getting them done elsewhere and seeing what happens

[KittyMcKitty]

Meant to add - I’m not careful with my nails either - I don’t wear gloves when washing up / cleaning etc

[KittyMcKitty]

@17caterpillars1mouse

It was just on my nails, no extensions. Base coat, 3 coats of polish then top coat. Under the UV light each layer

They’ve not been done properly. I’ve never had that happen with Shellac. Currently have nearly 4 week old Shellac on my nails (haven’t had the opportunity to get it taken off) and besides it having grown out somewhat it’s still perfect (I’ve even cut my nails and filed them - my nails are v short)

[ClimbingCraze]

@MintyCedricHereWeGoAgain

I have DIY UV gel nail kit and if I use the polish on my own fingernails it will peel after a few days but not if I use the extensions.

I would assume that the products they've used aren't salon quality.

Do you buff your nails beforehand? My nail tech told me getting the shine off your nail and taking that first layer of protein off is critical to making them last when I asked her why mine don't stick

[quitelikelyto]

They never last more than a few days on me before they start lifting. OP it really depends on so many things. It can be the technique was poor or it can be your nails won't hold them. If they have stayed on 9 days, then to me that sound more like your nails are the issue as poor technique/old gel etc wouldn't last 9 days. The only way you will know is to have them again elsewhere and see if they last.

[Calandor]

No it's not. I get gel every month and usually they last until I have it removed but my current ones from a new artist have also peeled off. I believe it's when it's painted on too thick as she cured for a normal amount of time.

[MrsPicklesonSmythe]

Send them a photo, if it's clear they've all come off with no help (eg you haven't peeled them all off yourself) they should refund you no probs as its not normal

[liveforsummer]

@Turnaroundandigone

This happens to me but I have really weak, oily nails.

Same. Had them done various places and they never last the week. Even acrylic tips the nail underneath peels away as soon as it's long enough to be seen.

[HuggyWuggy]

My nails don't take to shellac or regular gel polish, they always peel off no matter where I get them done.

Try asking for a rubber gel base under the gel polish and get them to use an LED lamp - I do this and they easily last for 3 weeks.

[Limescaleandlemons]

I’m a nail tech. Not normal. Most brands claim 2
weeks at least. Most of my customers get 3/4 weeks on hands. My guess is poor nail prep. That’s the main issue for poor retention.

[17caterpillars1mouse]

It was just on my nails, no extensions. Base coat, 3 coats of polish then top coat. Under the UV light each layer

[Hereforthedramaz]

To be honest mine only last 1-2 weeks, 2.5 weeks max. I've always thought I'm just a bit hard wearing on my nails!

My sister used to be able to make her's last a couple of months but I like to think that was by avoiding doing anything with her hands!

[WonderingWanda]

No they shouldn't peel off. Mine last, I get them done every 3 weeks just because my nails grow so fast. Occasionally I have one nail which peels, usually because the base coats didn't cure properly.

[surreygirl1987]

No way, that's rubbish. Definitely should last at least a couple of weeks. Maybe they forgot to use the base coat or top coat.

[Oliveandbay]

Did you have shellac gel on your normal nail? I could see how they could peel off if that is the case. My shellac only ever lasts a week or so hence why I get acrylic & tips if I want them to last longer.

[MintyCedricHereWeGoAgain]

I have DIY UV gel nail kit and if I use the polish on my own fingernails it will peel after a few days but not if I use the extensions.

I would assume that the products they've used aren't salon quality.

[Turnaroundandigone]

This happens to me but I have really weak, oily nails.

[Nejnej2]

I've only had gel nails a few times, but mine survived being in the water daily for 2 weeks on honeymoon - there was a little bit of lifting at the cuticles by the end but certainly none had peeled off!

[fairgame84]

No it's not normal, they shouldn't just peel off. They've not been done correctly. Either not prepped well or not done the uv part right.

[BuffaloCauliflower]

Definitely not normal! That shouldn’t had happened at all. Full gel extensions (where they add extra nail on) or gel polish that’s set under UV? Either way they definitely shouldn’t peel off. Complain.