The last time I went in for a full gel set, I left the chair feeling completely underwhelmed. The nail prep was rushed; my nail beds were burning under the UV lamp; and the whole experience felt like paying a premium price for unnecessary damage.
Spending nearly $100 every few weeks just to end up with thin, sensitive nails made me rethink the entire cycle. I wanted strong, glossy nails without having to rely on expensive salon visits, or harsh chemicals.