Gel Polish Client With Suspected Onycholysis After Two Weeks
A client had a gel polish application 14 days ago. She returns with the free edge of both middle fingernails lifting away from the nail bed, and the nail plate looks slightly yellow under the gel on the right hand. She says she has been swimming twice a week and admits she picked at the gel on one nail. She wants a full soak-off and a new set today because she has a wedding on Saturday. Your salon uses acetone soak, a coarse file, and an e-file for gel removal.
1. Is it safe to proceed with a full removal and new gel set today? Justify your decision.
Read the worked answer
Assess before agreeing. Lifting plus yellowing can suggest moisture trapped under the enhancement, or onycholysis, where the plate separates from the bed. Onycholysis is not something to cover with new product; it needs assessment and often a break from enhancements. Swimming and picking are consistent with trauma and water exposure, which support a mechanical cause, but you cannot diagnose. Do not file or drill over a lifted, discoloured plate, because you risk thinning the plate and driving product or moisture into the gap. Offer a soak-off with gentle filing only on the lifted product, inspect the plate, and if separation or discolouration is clear, advise her to see a doctor or dermatologist and decline a new gel set until it resolves. If the plate looks healthy once product is off, you may proceed with a short extension-free manicure and explain the risks.
2. Describe the safe removal sequence and the infection-control points for this appointment.
Read the worked answer
File the surface layer of gel only, keeping the file flat and away from the lifted edge so you do not catch skin. Soak cotton in acetone, wrap each nail, and leave per product instructions; do not pry or force product off. Use an orange stick gently, never metal, near the gap. If the plate under the gel is intact and dry, buff lightly, apply cuticle oil, and let the nail rest. If there is any discharge, dark discolouration, or a foul smell, stop, treat as possible infection, refer out, and disinfect everything. Wear gloves, use a fresh file or sanitise per policy, disinfect the e-file bit if used, and clean the station. Dispose of contaminated cotton in a lined bin and wash hands afterwards.
3. The client is upset because she has a wedding in four days. What aftercare advice and alternative do you give?
Read the worked answer
Acknowledge the timing pressure and offer a realistic plan. If the plate is healthy after removal, suggest a short, natural nail manicure with regular polish, which is easier to remove and lets you monitor the nail. Avoid gel or acrylic over a lifted plate. Give aftercare: keep nails dry and short, wear gloves for swimming and cleaning, do not pick, and use cuticle oil daily. Explain that nails grow slowly, roughly 3mm a month, so a full recovery takes time. If there is separation or yellowing, advise a GP or dermatologist review before any new enhancement. Book a check in two to three weeks and document the advice and her decision. This manages expectations and protects her nail health.