Bellus Academy — Local services in Poway

I’m writing this review after my 3rd visit today using their student nail services.

My first two visits (acrylic removal and new acrylic set, then acrylic removal and gel manicure) were positive. The students were gentle and patient, took their time, and I was comfortable with their pace. Each session lasted around 3 hours, which I expected.

I understand you sign a waiver and pay a cheaper fee because it’s a learning environment. That said, I need to share a flawed experience I had today.

⚠️ WARNING FOR ACRYLIC/ENHANCEMENT REMOVAL: Make sure to ask the student to be gentle and check in with you.

I came in with acrylic nails and charms (except my thumbs), glued on strong with UV resin by a home-based tech. The student led me in, had me wash my hands, then pulled out large nail pliers (later called “too big” by an instructor). Without soaking, she grabbed a charm on my pinky and started peeling off the acrylic—dry. I was shocked. She looked at me and said, “Oh, you’re scared.”

She pulled it halfway—I felt a sharp pain and tear. Then she said, “omg/look, it’s so easy.” I gasped in pain and said it hurt. She replied, “Maybe it’s still stuck.” (It had only been 2.5 weeks since application, no lifting.) She moved on and tried picking off the other charms the same way, but they did not budge. Though it didn’t hurt as badly, it was still rough.

Eventually, she went to the back. Her instructor told her to soak my nails in acetone (as was done in my past visits).

When she came back, my pinky was bleeding. I told her. She began soaking my nails, which surprisingly didn’t sting—I think the pinky was numb. As she scraped the melting acrylic, it bled more. The charms wouldn’t budge. The instructor stepped in.

Immediately, I could tell the instructor was more experienced and patient. She commented the pliers were inappropriate, told the student to soak longer, and use an electric buffer for nails without charms. She gently lifted acrylic with a nail tip instead—way less painful. She checked in with me on each nail and explained where it might hurt. I asked her to handle my pinky—I didn’t trust the student anymore.

She removed the charms, noting the resin made soaking ineffective. For the pinky, she held it down to reduce pressure—it still hurt, but was manageable. The student cringed while watching. The instructor said she was scared to hurt me but had to do it. I agreed—I just needed it off.

They called me “tough.” Honestly, I don’t think they realized how bad it hurt. I’d rate the pain an 8.5/10. (For reference: I have 20+ tattoos, most of which I’d rate 4/10.) At a few points, I felt like I’d pass out.

She later mentioned she’d recently removed her own acrylics and that her friends bite theirs off and she was glad I came in.

I left with the rest of my nails smooth and buffed, and my pinky bandaged with a thin acrylic layer left to protect it. The process took about an hour and 15 minutes.

The student apologized for my pinky. I appreciated that. But the instructor saved the day. She was professional, skilled, and someone I completely trusted. Without her, the experience could’ve been traumatic. She’s definitely an asset to the program.

All this is to say—beware. This isn’t a chop shop, but you’re paying $12 for something that could be great or go very wrong. This reminded me: it’s a school.

I don’t blame the student entirely—I don’t know how they’re trained. But everyone deserves to feel safe and cared for during a service. I hope management emphasizes this when preparing students.

I’m okay now. Honestly, I’m glad this happened to me—I can take it. But for someone else, it could’ve been much worse/traumatizing. I usually get my nails done twice a year, and this will probably be it for 2025, so now I can just let it heal and regrow. If imperfect nails, some pain, and a few extra hours of your time are an issue for you, I recommend seeking services elsewhere. It’s a...

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