Gel manicure removal- nails all scratched?

[cheshiredog]

I haven’t had my nails done with gel for a loooong time and had them done for the first time 3 weeks ago. I’ve just been for what is advertised as a soak off and manicure which I was told would take about half an hour. The manager left the shop and left two juniors. She has taken nearly an hour to remove the polish, taking foils on and off 3 times and my nails are all covered in scratches. She hasn’t filed the nails themselves or anything like that. I questioned the scratches and she said she’d put some cuticle oil on, but obvs this has soaked up and my nails look awful. I don’t remember them ever looking like this when having gels removed before, but granted it was years ago when I last had them done and don’t really remember. Is this normal and should they settle in a few days?

No they shouldn't look scratched! They should be gently removed and any superficial marks buffed off. Can you go back and get them to at least buff and tidy your nails? I wouldn't be going back there for another set or soak off unfortunately!

Honestly- they’re ALL scratched and feel awful! She didn’t even clean under the nails or tidy them. I’m sat trying to do it now. 😤

Why would they clean under the nails or tidy them? You asked for a soak off, not a manicure. Yes, they should have buffed surface of the nails if they appeared scratched, but a removal doesn't include cleaning or filing the nails. If you're unhappy, go back and tell the manager

It’s advertised as a soak off and manicure.

Apologies, I never read that properly. Well definitely go back and complain then. Don't sit there trying to do your own in case they say you caused the scratches yourself!

Thank you. As I don’t usually have them done, I wasn’t sure if that was just a normal part of the process when gels come off. I’m so disappointed, as having them done was a treat, as it is so expensive.

Post a pic and those of us who regularly get gels can advise.

Did it feel like she was scraping your nail and is 3 weeks longer than you would normally have them on?

I ask because wearing gel for a long time can cause surface damage anyway. The gel becomes more brittle and less flexible over time and even normal use of your hands can cause surface damage that way. This is because the gel is comes away from the nail plate due to the brittleness (usually in tiny amounts). Obviously if you’ve regularly had them on previously for that length of time and not had this issue then it sounds like they’ve been a bit rough.

That said, whatever has caused the issue. there’s not a lot you can do. You can’t fix the nails once damaged and I wouldn’t buff either because all that does is thin the nail plate and weakens it. I’d recommend regular cuticle oil and soaking in oil too until your nail grows out. This will help plasticise the nail plate, helping with strength and also flexibility. If you HAVE to buff because it’s catching, use the finest grade you can and do the least amount you can get away with.

I see you don’t normally get them done. 3 weeks, although not uncommon, is not best practice, hence my description of the brittleness. If you feel they were overly rough, it’s worth feeding back to the salon. Likewise, if you paid for a manicure and they didn’t give you one, then I’d mention that too.

Thanks so much for your advice. In the past, I did used to have them on for about 3 weeks and was always fine. It’s the first time I’ve had Chrome on top, so I wonder if that has contributed to it. I will get some cuticle oil and hopefully, they’ll get back to normal in a couple of weeks. Thank you 👍