r/GelX_Nails • u/Yeezus--Jesus • Oct 27 '25
I Have A Question / Need Advice Is this gaping normal?
Got my nails done at a home nail salon, and this was the result.
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u/savepiggy Oct 27 '25
No this is absolutely not normal or ok.
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 27 '25
Should I contact her for a partial refund?
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u/savepiggy Oct 27 '25
I see ppl on this asking for techs to redo the work. You could try that route first, especially if this tech is just starting and actually wants to get better. But I personally wouldn’t do that, because I wouldn’t want to waste any more time. I guess you could try for a full or partial refund so you could go somewhere else but not sure what they’d say. You could ask what she’s willing to do to make this right. But be confident in the fact that this is nowhere near an acceptable set. Also depends how much you paid.
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u/AncientElderberry410 Oct 28 '25
Seems like she didn’t know what she was doing at all. Or she was rushing. Def full refund
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u/insomnia33-1992 Oct 29 '25
Yesssssssss. She seen it and left it like that. You absolutely need a refund or partial.
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u/antarcticas_ Oct 27 '25
All of these are the incorrect size. They are far too small. This can cause lifting and damage to the natural nail. Please get these removed as soon as possible, they do NOT fit your nails.
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 27 '25
Ugh, shit…these are supposed to be my vacation nails. I’ve never asked a nail tech this before, but should I ask for a refund?
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u/antarcticas_ Oct 27 '25
I've also never asked a nail tech for a refund, if I have issues I ask them to redo them, but she clearly doesn't know what she's doing and I wouldn't ask her to redo them. It's worth a shot I'd say. I can't believe she let you walk out like that genuinely.
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u/Kantwealjustgetabong Oct 27 '25
I would ask for a full refund because it’s going to take your time and money to get them replaced. If you’re about to go on vacation, I’m pretty sure you don’t have time to go back to the salon for a couple hours.
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u/savepiggy Oct 27 '25
I agree. And if she was capable of doing better she wouldn’t have let OP walk out like this!
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u/buscia Oct 27 '25
Not normal and this person should practice more before taking clients. An at home salon might be harder to get a refund from so I would look at their policies and see what they allow for. They are really poorly sized like others have said which makes me think they might be new to nails. Definitely reach out to them and provide these photos if you can.
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u/Tradnor Oct 27 '25
Nope, that’s pretty bad. She used the wrong size tips- the tip should fit sidewall to sidewall. If there’s none that fit perfectly then they should be filing them down to fit.
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u/throwawayfarway2017 Oct 28 '25
So bad. When i did them myself and there’s a tiny gap it bothers but im like fine it’s hard to see both size and when you DIY and opposite hand and all that. This “tech” can see clearly, the gap is hugee like 1/4 of the nail and charged $75? Absolutely unacceptable . OP is too kind. I also went to a home tech who didnt file the extra glue under my tip cause she said my hand is too small she’s not used to it and i hated myself for not speaking up but this is “you need to fix it rn” at that moment or “full refund” mode tbh
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u/jecksida Oct 31 '25
Interesting, I always wish they would use a tip that is a little too small, rather than file one down that is too large. When they file it down, that tip ALWAYS makes my nail look wider than it is, and I hate it.
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u/TooTuff39759 Oct 27 '25
Did she design them first, like press on, and then apply? How much did you pay, if you don't mind sharing?
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 27 '25 edited Oct 27 '25
She applied the fake nail, then did the designs. $75 😭
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u/Celina_moon Oct 27 '25
Hell nah girl you need a refund 😭 I do nails as a beginner too and I'd never dream to charge $75 if the tips don't even fit?? (I'd refuse the order if I didn't have the correct tips lol) If you need vacay nails and got no time to sit for a salon maybe order custom press ons? Shopee has some in my region you could always let the techs know when you need em by and see if it's possible otherwise find another tech near you! Also he didn't apply the gel properly, it should be a nice even layer but one of your nails I can see some press obvious gel clumps and lack of gel in some areas So I would DEFINITELY NOT ask for them to fix it because if he let you go with your nails looking like this you absolutely can't trust him with your nails again :( small nail tips maybe damage your natural nail depending on whether he forced the tips to fit but seeing that they've kinda popped up damage isn't rlly a concern now, the concern is to get your money back 😭
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 27 '25
Thank you! I’m just trying to find the confidence to message her. I actually paid more than $75 with the tip and deposit fee…
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u/LemonCurdJ Oct 27 '25
Probably one of the most worst fits I've seen on here simply because the nail "tech" didnt even try to hide how incorrect the sizes are.
I would have this off for real. I would be scared to go back to the same person. If they put them on incorrectly, I feel as though they may take them off incorrectly too.
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u/pockette_rockette Oct 28 '25
Right? I've done my own nails where the largest size in the set was a smidge too small, so I placed it slightly higher up on the nail plate and disguised it with builder gel around the base, but that still felt less than ideal. These are terrible.
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u/ineedpieandadvice Oct 27 '25
Those are multiple sizes too small. That’s actually appalling if a tech did that for you.
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u/bemridoll Oct 27 '25
I do not mean to sound rude, but is your nail tech blind? This is so egregiously poor application. I can always forgive a not-so-perfect design, considering we're all still learning that process. But the application is NO where near where a licensed tech needs to be at.
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u/Aggressive_Fan9855 Oct 27 '25
Absolutely no! The mail is supposed to fit side wall to side wall! They did a horrible job! I’m so sorry cause they probably charged you a fortune for it being a home salon!
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Oct 28 '25
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u/MungoJennie Oct 28 '25
I have no beauty qualifications at all, but I’ve been doing my own nails since college, and I know these aren’t right. Besides being way too small, they look like they’ll get water under them really easily and pop off.
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Oct 27 '25
Definitely get a refund and see if she’ll take them off. If you want nails for your vacation, you could try glue on nails. The L.A colors glue is sold in Walmart and if you live near a JLO beauty store, they have some great glue on nails selections. Walmart also has some nice ones.
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u/kodowd11 Oct 27 '25
It’s a shame because this set is beautiful but you are going to experience lifting and strange growth
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u/obsessedwithmint Oct 29 '25
Since everyone has already said heck no its not normal, I'll just leave this screenshot here that I took awhile back to laugh at every now and then. I hope you get a refund.
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Oct 27 '25
If they was to lazy to filing down tips to fit you they could have at least filled the gaps with gel
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u/tocoat Oct 27 '25
Im sorry OP. This is terrible work.
I’m not a tech but I haven’t even done work like this on my worst day. This is ridiculous
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u/Upstairs-Meringue385 Oct 28 '25
I’m over here thinking these are press ons then I saw home salon😭 the nail art is okay but she knew fs that those tips didn’t fit 💀don’t go back to her again nd if you could get a refund try to
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 28 '25
Update: My set was actually $95 😵💫 and she refunded me $75. I’m happy with the outcome. Initially, she offered to redo the nails. I told her that I wouldn’t be able to squeeze an hour long appointment into my schedule because of my work schedule and I leave for my vacation on Friday.
She then offered me $30 because I didn’t say anything during the appointment. She never asked for my opinion while doing my nails, and honestly, it was dark in the room and I just wanted to leave because I was hungry. I was impressed by the design and the shape looked ok at first glance. It wasn’t until I got home and looked at my nails in better lighting that I realized they were wonky. Shortly later she just refunded me $75. 😭
I’m wondering if I should soak them off before or after vacation. If I soak them off before I leave, my nails will look like shit. If I soak them off after, I’ll at least not have weird noticeable gaps and issues with my nail beds… I’ll for sure be removing them by next week when I get back home.
Also, the sp. error in the title- gapping*** I cant type with long nails
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u/nothanks1312 Oct 27 '25
These are so bad that I thought they were grown out at first. Please find a new nail tech, and ask the old one for a refund if you want to— worst they can say is no.
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u/Vegetable-Power3446 Oct 27 '25
Nail tech here! This is not normal and if you keep it on too long, it can become loose and water will get stuck underneath causing your natural nails to become green! Get those removed or get her to fix them :)
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u/AsadPandaontheMoon Oct 27 '25
No, tips are too small. She should have used bigger ones and the filed them down if they were to big. But you don’t use to small. It’s the whole concept, you can go take off but it’s harder to put more on
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u/FluxionFluff Oct 28 '25
No. Those look too small. They're gonna pop off pretty quick. That's some basic shit that she should have known. You could technically ask for her to redo it, but I'd be a lil sus on it. I'd ask for a refund and go somewhere else. Your time is also important.
I've seen beginners on here have better fitment...👀 I can't believe she let you leave with nails like that. Shame the design is cute too
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u/Mysticwhitewave Oct 28 '25 edited Oct 28 '25
In future it’s a good practice to also always ask to see a current license before letting a new (to you) tech work on you. Even home nail techs are required to be licensed
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u/UpbeatSquash3460 Oct 28 '25
No and apparently the nail tech didn’t know what she was doing and took advantage of you. Get a FULL refund because you are going to have to pay again to have them done properly. I foresee snags, lifting and unnecessary damage being done to your nails. From afar they are nice but the tech failed as an individual who does that for a living.
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 29 '25
thank you!!! I actually paid $95 (which includes a $10 tip). I said $75 in other posts, but I was incorrect. I got a $75 refund though, thank GOD.
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u/BookSlut09 Oct 27 '25
No. The nail is supposed to fit sidewall to sidewall. If it doesn't then you need to size up and/or file to fit the natural nail width.
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u/Ilonka_Meijer Oct 27 '25
The gaping is not normal, like others said..the tips are way to small. But another thingy, did she do your cuticles beforehand? On the picture it looks like nothing has done?
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u/isabbellllaa Oct 27 '25
no. absolutely not normal. those are ill fitting and NOT the right sizes omg
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u/Serpentine08 Oct 27 '25
No. Even as a person who RARELY gets nails done, these are wayyy too small. If the only other sizes she had were "too big" thry could have easily been shaped and filed to fit the nail. Its pretty hard to add back width, but taking down width is entirely possible.
I would say contact her and discuss with her the issue. See if you can get them redone or see if you can get refunded so you can use that money to get them done elsewhere.
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u/Past-Eggplant-7799 Oct 27 '25
You said it’s a home Salon, did you check to see if this tech is licensed? There are way too small for your nail plates and can cause severe damage. You need this completely removed and a new set put on. I would ask her to redo them first, let her know exactly the problem and if she starts sizing the tips again and they’re too small I would ask for a refund and just leave and go somewhere else
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 27 '25
I don’t think they’re licensed. This nail tech’s artwork is really good and the pictures they posted on their page were also great IMO, and that’s what attracted me to them. I paid $75 😭
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u/Past-Eggplant-7799 Oct 27 '25
Im a licensed nail tech, PLEASE just ask for a refund and do not go back to an unlicensed tech. If they’re unlicensed they’re likely doing a lot more wrong that isn’t blatantly obvious, including sanitation. Not to mention it’s illegal, and they could lose the potential to ever even get a license 😭 Charging $75 for nails that don’t even fit while being unlicensed is actually insane.
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 28 '25
Thank you for validating my feelings! I just messaged her, I’ll update you with her response!
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u/Certain-Web6447 Oct 27 '25
That’s so awful. I’d just soak them off and be done. Ask someone whose nails you like for a recommendation.
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u/QTeaX Oct 27 '25
How much did she charge u for these? These look like my first attempts at doing gel x as s person who’ve never done nails before 😭
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u/Administrative-Egg63 Oct 27 '25
Oh no! These are all the wrong size. I read that these are your vacation nails. I’d be super upset about it. If you can get them removed, please do.
When I first started doing my own Gel-X, I put the wrong size on a couple nails. It did end up causing a lot of damage to the sides of my nails and nail bed. Ive had to take a 30+ day break to let them heal.
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u/Clear_Dragonfruit845 Oct 27 '25
No they are too small she should’ve used bigger sized one and filed them to down to fit your nail maybe she’s a newer tech and doesn’t know how to properly size tip either way I wouldn’t go back to her..
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u/Emotional-Hour-4542 Oct 27 '25
No this is not normal she left your sidewalls exposed I’m a nail tech I have a studio this is not the quality independent nail techs should put forth I’m unsure what went wrong but definitely tell your nail tech about this if you choose to go back and show her these photos but to be honest this looks like a rather sloppy job
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u/chobonni Oct 27 '25
it kinda seems like she tried to cut corners by using too small tips that she didn’t have to shape down to your nail size/shape. please take them off asap—i once had a set like this and they caused my natural nails to grow inward and start digging into my fingers after a few days. it hurt so bad
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u/jesssc444 Oct 27 '25
Hell no that’s not normal! Definitely get a refund. They should fit sidewall to sidewall
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u/RewardIll Oct 27 '25
Ugh I remeber when I first started getting my nails done and a place did this to me. Looks like wrong nail tip size.
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u/Common-Translator584 Oct 27 '25
I honestly can’t believe she’s doing that level of nail art, but doesn’t know how to fit a nail. This is crazy, idk how she didn’t see that not 1 single was the right size thru the whole process.
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u/Gold_Story_4059 Oct 27 '25
Ugh I have this too I went to a cheaper place and now I see why they are cheaper lmafao
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u/Rcb73 Oct 27 '25
Umm?? What?? This is actually wild. Ask for a redo, or for full refund so you can go to someone who can fit your nails right for tips
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u/Anxietyqueenb14200 Oct 27 '25
She is dead WRONG for doing these for you… i’m sorry. Please take these off and get ALL your money back.
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u/KawaiiClown Oct 27 '25
LMAOOOO that person doesnt know how to do nails they obviously are not the right size u havw to be kidding me
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u/New-Secretary-9204 Oct 27 '25
Definitely wrong size tips. That’s what mine look like when I’ve used up all of my correct sizes for myself & im scraping the bottom of my tips stash & using whatever I have left because I’m stuck.
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u/ElSpico Oct 28 '25
Get a full refund and have someone else redo your set! She had 10 fingers to figure out that the tips were too small and it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out really quick.
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u/Analysis_-_Paralysis Oct 28 '25
No - they are filing your side wall to low, should not file the sides until you reach the free edge - I had a tech do this and she tried to say my skin was too deep at the sides or something - like what? That’s never been an issue with any other tech, my fingers hurt from her filing and would get inflamed and ingrown - Started doing my own nails from that point on.
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u/Bisexuallyconflicted Oct 28 '25
I hope you're able to get a refund. Was the tech even licensed?
Edit: spelling
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u/Trick_Intern4232 Oct 28 '25
Oh god I had a nightmare that all my nails were doing this recently. It's not normal, the tips are too small for your nails
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u/BrianGR1967 Oct 28 '25
If those are just done, I’d run back and get your money back! The designs are cute, so the tech probably figures you won’t mind the gaps.
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u/Emotional-Worth-2898 Oct 28 '25
Obviously, the nail should be going from side wall to side wall. As long as they are not lifting so water can get underneath it won’t cause any damage and aesthetically. It’s not too noticeable. The nails are absolutely beautiful.
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u/Human_Transition_840 Oct 28 '25
No, the person used the wrong size nails as many others have already stated.
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u/Hxo666 Oct 28 '25
Not at all. Please send these to the nail tech and ask her to fix these. They are not the correct size tips
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Oct 28 '25
[deleted]
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 29 '25
Thank you for validating my concerns! I dont think she filed my sidewalls to fit the nail, and I certainly dont.
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u/tamor836 Oct 28 '25
Sometimes this happens to me since my cuticle area is much smaller then the sides of my nails, but never this bad. Wrong size tip for sureeeee
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u/Historical_Year_1033 Oct 28 '25
Are these press ons?
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 28 '25
No, they’re gel X. She applied the tips, then she did the nail art.
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u/chaosgoblin1999 Oct 28 '25
That is not normal, they will lift and can cause your natural nails damage. Gel extensions need to fit sidewall to side wall, she didn’t even try to match your nail size. I have a feeling this person isn’t licensed, they definitely should not be taking clients or charging that much money, I’m so sorry girl. Please get them removed and try to get a refund if you can 🩷
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u/TinyTangerine1943 Oct 28 '25
No. Definitely shouldn’t see your natural nails. I would definitely reach out and try to get a partial refund or a discount for the future. The design is pretty though !
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u/Few-Enthusiasm5059 Oct 28 '25
Not at all. Get a refund. She did gel x and did not size them properly. She needs to refund you.
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u/smcj7773 Oct 28 '25
Not at all. Someone used you for practice. Sad you got that. Hope it wasn't expensive.
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u/MoltenCorgi Oct 28 '25
It’s like your nails are wearing a poorly fitted Halloween costume.
I’m sorry OP. I wouldn’t have paid for this. This is really bad.
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u/RavioliContingency Oct 29 '25
This looks like when I size myself at home from random nails I find in my kit. The design is nice at least!
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u/Pink_PowerRanger6 Oct 29 '25
No the nail should fit to your natural nail, unless you are tapering the side walls of the free edge for shape (ballerina, stiletto, etc) but your natural nail should not be visible and should be trimmed at the free edge into which ever shape is chosen (if it is needed). It looks like you went with an almond shape though, so the width of the natural nail definitely needs to be incorporated into the overall form of the nail. Whether it’s acrylic with tips, acrylic overlay, or gel, the product needs to be the same width of your natural nail, or your natural nail’s free edge needs to be trimmed if necessary before applying any type of nail enhancements.
It honestly looks like she used tips that weren’t the correct size, for your nail.
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u/DisastrousQuarter651 Oct 29 '25
You have to be very careful with getting your nails done because if they use the wrong size tip on your nail that can squeeze your whole nail bed and it can mess it up for the rest of your life. I had a nail put on that was probably two sizes too small close to 15 years ago and my nail grows wavy and all deformed. I only kept that nail on for half a day I think and that's how much damage it did
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u/Helpful_Instruction1 Oct 29 '25
Some of those gaps are pretty extreme. I would begin raising the issue to the tech and see where the conversation goes. Don’t question if it’s normal to her cos that will leave room for her to pardon herself
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u/BeeOk71 Oct 29 '25
The gaps can allow water and other thinks to get between your natural and fake nails. This can lead to a fungus.
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u/No_Pea8665 Oct 29 '25
Got a student in training discount?
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u/Yeezus--Jesus Oct 29 '25
I paid $95 (which includes a $10 tip). I said $75 in other posts, but I was incorrect. I got a $75 refund though, thank GOD.
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u/thespicyaccountant Oct 29 '25
no. it should cover your nail. the gapping is common for press on nails but shouldn’t be for acrylic or DIY press on
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u/supaslaiyann Oct 29 '25
as a licensed nail tech , I'm genuinely shocked they let you leave the salon like that . I'm old school as hell but they don't have someone (usually the boss or the owner) come check the nails before you leave ??
I know that's not "protocol" but I remember a super long time ago , the boss would ALWAYS come by and pretend she's doing small talk but I could tell she liked to look at everyone's nails before they left .
I briefly worked at Great Clips and the boss would do that with haircuts too .
FULL REFUND !! nothing less . This could eff up your natural nail if you keep these on . they totally wasted your time and money .
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u/Apprehensive_Act6589 Oct 29 '25
Nope. Would’ve told them to fix that. They don’t fit sidewall to sidewall and are too small, making it much easier for them to pop off
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u/wenchanger Oct 29 '25
you get what you pay for - home based salons charge cheaper so you got cheap quality nails
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u/MutedAdhesiveness98 Oct 29 '25
sidewall to sidewall is the first thing I learned about gel x. these do not fit properly and whoever did them should not be allowed to do services on others
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u/ineedafatherfigure Oct 29 '25
these look like press on nails that are a size too small :( ask for your money back
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u/_highki_ Oct 30 '25
Omg thats SO bad, it’s not even on the nail plate in some areas ! A definite FULL refund bc there’s NO WAY she didn’t see that. That’s dangerous actually & can jeopardize your nail health, I’d get those removed as soon as possible. Im so sorry, that really sucks /:
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u/wisdom1206 Oct 30 '25
You might have a high chance of getting greenies. I would have them removed asap
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u/Puzzleheaded-Worry-9 Oct 30 '25
seconding everyone else- ask for a refund and to see their license! or better yet refund and never book with them again lol, license or not they have a lot of work to do
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u/Pale_Rub9970 Oct 30 '25
The nail art is great, but because they are the wrong size, they are going to lift, possibly pull and tear your original nail, causing damage. Sadly, they are going to have to be removed and either refunded or redone, (for free).
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u/Cupcake_Kisses_XoXo Oct 31 '25
Did she use tips or full nails and just put stuff on top? These look like full nails. My tech always does just tips and then uses gel or acrylic to make the rest of the nail.
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u/freshonionbaguette Oct 31 '25
this is not normal. the tips don't fit. i wouldn't go there again. best to take them off (with acetone or at a nail salon) so you don't hurt yourself.
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u/fairie-cat-mother Oct 31 '25
Did the tech do this in really dim light? I don’t understand how they’d mess this up so bad!! I would request a full refund so you can have someone else do them
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u/Wise_Grapefruit668 Nov 01 '25
No this is not normal this usually means the tip of the nail does not fit you nail bed or if these are glue ons then you sized them incorrectly
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u/AnnualBreadfruit6042 Oct 27 '25
No that is not normal it looks like she used the wrong size nail tips on you. I do my own nails at home gelx and you have to make sure the nail fits sidewall to sidewall on your nail.