Gel vs. Acrylic Nails: A Customer's Experience & Comparison

Question
I visited a nice nail & spa salon right before Christmas to have my fake nails put back on. I asked for gels and so she dipped her brush in a solution to coat the nail. She brushed on something right before my hands went under the uv light that was a little thick (gel maybe?). They lasted for over 3 weeks and I was very happy. Returned after 3 wks. later and had them filled again. The white part was still white so I didn't think anything of it at this appt. Yesterday I visited a different nail salon that I had a gift certificate to and it was going to expire. As soon as I walked in the door I had a bad feeling. The owner asked me to sit down and I asked her for a gel fill. She told me after looking at my nails that I don't have gel nails and I would need a whole new set put on. I said "no, I do not want a new set. Just a fill." I told her I didn't understand why I couldn't have a fill. She said "your white part has grown out and you would need the pink and white gels which would be $35.oo" I began to get up to say "no thank you" and then she says "okay I can fill". No light, no painting on after the acrylic part. She painted the top of the nail white and covered whole nail with a clear pink coat. Then she says at some point that I had gels before. I left pretty mad because I don't understand all the language of artificial nails.
I do think she tryed to pull one over on me. Can you tell me what you think?

Answer
Yes this is plain lazy behavior. She either didn't know how to do the pink and white fill OR she didn't want to do the pink and white fill. A lot of lazy nail techs would rather put on a whole new set because it is easier. Also they can charge you more.

I suggest that if you find a good tech that puts on your full set. Continue to go to her so she can care and maintain your nails. Only she would know what you started with and what you need. You shouldn't be going to a million nail salons and jumping around. Gift certificate or not. Just like if you got your hair done you wouldn't get your highlights touched up at a new salon every month would you?