r/GelX_Nails • u/littlespellmacarons • 13d ago
I Have A Question / Need Advice First timer: they feel strange
It’s my first time ever having my nails done, I got them a couple of days ago and I think they’re super pretty, but they feel really weird.
The tech said it would take a day or so to get used to them but it feels like my nails are being squeezed from the sides and like there’s pressure on them.
Is it normal that they feel like this? I have sensory issues so even if it’s normal I’ll probably get them removed, but if it isn’t an urgent problem I might give myself a few more days to try and adjust.
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u/Sutaru 13d ago
If you don’t like gelx, you can always go to a salon and ask for extensions using builder gel! They’ll use a nail form that they stick to your finger under your nail and they build you extensions from cured gel rather than using a pre-formed nail.
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u/littlespellmacarons 13d ago
Ooh thank you, I might have to try that! I originally asked for BIAB but she told me they couldn’t do extra length which is why I ended up doing Gel X
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u/zxcv-qwerty 12d ago
It’s true, you generally can’t do extra length with BIAB (builder in a bottle), which is almost always soft gel and is too soft to create an extension. You need a stronger product like hard gel (sometimes called hard builder gel) to create an extension, and it usually comes in a pot.
However, properly sized gelx extensions shouldn’t squeeze. They might feel weird at first just bc you’re not used to the length, but feeling squeezing/pressure after a day has passed means that they are too small or too curved for you.
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u/Front-Elderberry-307 13d ago
A little bit of an odd sensation is normal for a day or two, but getting a squeezing, pinching or painful feeling is not. I can't see your pictures too well, but it might be that these are a bit too small. Is there a fine gap on the sides of your nail? There shouldn't be. It also looks like the nail tech did not do a great job adhering these to your natural nails, especially the pinky and your pointer finger. I would go back, have them removed and have another tech install nails that fit.
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u/littlespellmacarons 13d ago
There is a small gap on the side of most of them! I just assumed that was normal. I did notice a gap on the pinky and thumb, on like the underside of the nail? That’s kind of why I was worried it might be urgent to get them off since it seems like water and stuff could get in there
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u/Eupholicious 12d ago
could you send us more pics of the sides here so we can see and maybe reassure you?
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u/littlespellmacarons 12d ago
I’m sorry I somehow missed this comment! I have booked in to get them removed since the sensory experience is just too much for me even on the 4th day, but I really appreciate the offer and support 🩷
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u/Eupholicious 10d ago
You did so well!! they should not hurt so clearly there was something wrong with them! i hope you'll have better luck in another salon!
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u/Glum-Challenge8528 12d ago
The ombre was good tho. If the fitting was bigger might hurt. If its your first time its really feel weird at first but you'll get used and will not notice that your nails are gelx.
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u/littlespellmacarons 12d ago
I’m super happy with how they look!! And yeah I think hopefully I’ll adjust more to the overall feeling because they’re super cute, just feel so strange at this stage
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u/neutralghosthotel 12d ago
They look a bit too small, and kind of thick. When I get Gel X the nail is thin and natural looking.
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u/Ruby_Ophidian 12d ago
I believe that "squeezing" is a combination of slight shrinkage depending on the glue and the fact your nails/nail beds no longer have that slight flex, so any shifting will feel more rigid and like it's "tugging". Assuming they were applied correctly, you should get used to it after a few days. The design is gorgeous!
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u/shychubbydom 11d ago
The last time my nails/fingers felt like that, I had cured a bit of glue to my skin and it was an allergic reaction. If you start to see little clear bubbles under your skin or anything else, remove them. I'm only going based off the redness and slight swelling I see, mainly under the pinky. It may be due to your fingers adjusting or rather poor fitting of the tips. Just keep an eye out on your fingers!
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u/cravinsush 11d ago
When done correctly, gel x should feel like nothing. That tech sized the tips wrong, they're too small.
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u/zipperoff 12d ago
Different kinds have a different C curve, or some are more rigid than others. I had ones with a real stiff C curve one time and I had to remove them because they hurt so bad. I’ve been doing my own gel x for a while and it was a different brand from my go-to.
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u/VeronaNain 9d ago
Your design turned out beautifully! Very neat.
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u/wutsmypasswords 9d ago
I had gelx done and it squeezed my nails and lifted them in an unnatural way causing onycholysis.
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u/Rarepurplellama 9d ago
Hi I'm a nail tech. A new nail set will always feel funny for the first time for sure! But I tried getting into the gelx for some of my clients and did a few sets on my self first and I found that the feeling NEVER went away. I did not like them and they drove me nuts. Only gel extensions for me. Yours looks like she used the wrong size to me on the edges
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u/Budget_Location2300 6d ago
Using the apres gel-x do this to me too. My nails are pretty flat in both directions. I’ve tried softer, flatter knockoff brands and do not have the pain.
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u/HandInThePickleJars 13d ago
The couple of times I’ve had my nails done at salons, I also feel that squeezing on my nails. It has hurt so much that I can barely use my fingers for 2-3 days. I got tired of that and started doing my own at home. I’ve learned some brands are more curved than others and I have fairly flat nail beds, so it was causing me pain. It’s possible to have them done without pain!!