QuestionI got gel nails (I think) this afternoon. My natural nails were quite short, so the tech applied a fake tip to the ends and then proceeded with the gels and UV light.
Before applying the gels, she used an electronic file on my nails.
Now, my nails are sore. Most of the time it isn't too bad, just a bit of pressure, but it can be quite painful when I am typing, for example. This is very troubling because I am on a computer almost all day at work!
There is no redness around them, so I don't suspect an infection, but should I get them removed?
Thanks in advance
AnswerLet's clarify what the tech actually put on your nails. Was it a product with a honey-like consistency, applied in layers, and cured in the UV light after each layer? Or was it a liquid and powder applied first, with a gel topcoat which was cured under the UV light?
If the first, I would suspect that the pain is from tips that were not fitted properly--they're probably too small, and are putting a squeezing pressure on your nail plates. Give them a day to see if the soreness goes away. If it doesn't, go back and have the gels removed. One full set with tips that are too small probably won't hurt your nails in the long run, but if it keeps happening, you might have problems (such as the nail plate lifting off of the nail bed at the free edge.).
If the second is the case, it could still be the tips, but more likely would be that the liquid and powder product is still curing; as it cures, it shrinks, and if your nail plates are overfiled, or are thin to begin with, you'll feel the pressure from the shrinkage. This will ease after about a day; take an OTC pain reliever if it bothers you too much.
Thirdly, it's possible that your nail tech overfiled your nail plates. Did you notice any burning or pain as she filed? Do you have any red rings on your nail plates (you'd be able to see them through the product if you're not wearing polish)? These would be a sign of overfiling, and since it thins out your nail plate, it can make them quite sensitive. If you still have pain after a day or two, I'd have the enhancement removed; but if it goes away, it's better to leave the product on the nail to protect it as the damage grows out.
I hope this is helpful to you--feel free to follow up if you have any more questions!
