Natural nails are porous, so when they have had a coating on them which is non porous or not hydrophilic, then moisture can build up in the plate.
When you remove the enhancement, the plate feels softer (never felt a plate that was 'horribly soft')due to the build up of moisture.
24 hours and a buff with SolarOil, and provided the technician has not damaged the plate, it will feel just like normal. If it does not, then the technician has damaged the plate.