Hello fine folks!
Danielle here giving you the 411 on a hot new nail trend.
So as you know, one of my beauty New Year’s Resolutions this year was to always have a manicure. I have dozens of nail polishes so this couldn’t be that hard. But then we all know how quickly nail polish chips. Even my favorite OPI for Sephora winds up chipping after about 4 days and with a crazy schedule like mine, I don’t always have the time to remove the chips and redo. I was in need of something groundbreaking.
Back in January I explained to the fine folks at the salon I’ve been going to for years, that I had resolved to have a standing manicure appointment every week. But my manicurist explained she could do me one better and talked me into getting OPI Axxium Gel Manicure, a manicure to the tenth power!
Instead of regular nail polish, OPI Axxium Gel Manicure uses a substance that I could only describe as colored gel that is brushed on your nails and then hardened under a UV lamp. My manicurist explained that the gel would last like 2 weeks without chipping or smudging. I was sold–but worried it would cost me like $50 (I’m not playing with my budget this year)–I breathed the hugest sigh of relief when she told me it was just $28. Yes, $28 is still a bit steep considering a regular manicure is around $10-$12 but how many times have you gotten a regular manicure and felt cheated when only 2 days later your nails look shot? Exactly. Plus, you would have to go in for a manicure every week. I’ve had the gel manicure done three times since and the longest lasted me a little more than two weeks.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes. Your nails will be filed, clipped, and buffed like they normally would with a manicure, but then the magic comes. First a coat of a clear OPI Axxium base was applied to my nails. After each coat, my hands would sit under a UV lamp device. After the clear coat dried, then came my base coat. Unfortunately for now, OPI Axxium doesn’t come in the full range of colors like their regular line. The colors they do have come in a good range though. I chose OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and then Russian Navy because I love dark, vampy colors for fall/winter. It didn’t take very long for my nails to dry and when it came time for me to dig in my bag for my wallet to pay—not a single smudge. Perfection. Though not as decorative as Claire’s Wah Nails, you still get a long lasting manicure.
When it’s time to take them off, you go back to your manicurist who will buff your nails a bit, apply some remover, and then wrap your nails with foil until the remaining gel slides off. Your nails will not suffer like they would with acrylics.
If you’re in the Queens area and want to try this out, call and make an appointment at the Aveda Natural Look Salon in Queens Center Mall (where I get my brows threaded to the gods by Rajni). I hear this same procedure is $40 and up in Manhattan salons so bring some extra change with you if you’re city-bound. This procedure is offered at many salons nationwide (and perhaps worldwide), so inquire with your manicurist.
What do you think of the gel manicure? What do you get done at the nail salon? Tell me in the comments!
~Danielle
February 23, 2010 12:23 pm
I’m always up for trying something new. However, I am in the Manhattan area so I’d have to give this a “Hmm” for now and sleep on it, lol. Great job on finding a new way to keep up with your beauty resolution, Danielle!
February 23, 2010 12:36 pm
I love the idea, but I’m not convinced it won’t weaken my nails. I’ve done regular gel nails before and it was just as bad as acrylic. Can we have a pic of what your nails look like after they take off the gel?
February 23, 2010 3:10 pm
@ sun.kissed: I was thinking the same thing. Danielle f you could provide the FB readers with that it would be so appreciated!
February 23, 2010 5:37 pm
I hear that not applying a base coat but just buffing your nails and then painting them can make a manicure last longer… I have of yet to try it out though.
Gel can last but it’s actually flexible which leads to it damaging the nail sometimes like acrylics. I think something must be different about the OPI gel because they’ve made their own product of it, so I would def. try it!
PS I love that bracelet? Where from? :) lol
February 23, 2010 8:27 pm
Hey ladies! I’ll try to take a pic when they take the gel off if I remember.
I like to keep my nails short (as you can see…lol) so when they grow even a slight bit above what they look like in the pic, I have them cut. I’ve been doing this manicure for about the past month and haven’t had the type of damage I used to get when I was a teen when I was obsessed with acrylics…lol. My nails are still strong and still grow (and then I cut them short again). They do need to be buffed a bit after the gel gets soaked off. They also don’t use an automatic filer on my nails (at least they didn’t at my salon) and the remover is the same one they use with regular nail polish.
I had a gel and a glue manicure back in the day that did damage my real nails and this is different from those.
If your nails are prone to breakage, I’d say skip this and any other nail adornment like it until you get your nails back on track.
@Dede—you can get this done at Dashing Diva Salons throughout the city, but it’s a bit more pricey.
@Natalie–I got the bracelet after seeing it here on FB! It’s from Kohl’s :)
February 24, 2010 1:19 am
Thanks Danielle I will definitely be hitting up Queens Center Mall to get my nails done. I used to get a uv gel overlay when I had acrylic over lay on my nails and wondered y I couldn’t get the same uvgel overlay w/ my natural manicure. The gel definitely helps them last longer!
February 24, 2010 5:10 pm
Hey, just found out about your blog today after reading a Clutch mag article. Love your blog to pieces!
I will soon be posting my gel polish experience since I purchased a bottle about a month ago. Your nails look great.
PJD
March 6, 2010 9:58 pm
I live in Manhattan and my neighborhood salon charges $55 for this gel manicure. Not sure if it’s worth it at that price except if I was going on a two week vacation.
March 23, 2010 1:09 am
OK—finally remembered to take a pic with the gel off. I had this manicure for going on 4 weeks (supposed to last 2 weeks, but got it to look good after 3). The gel started to peel off, so I just pulled it off myself (you’re supposed to have it taken off professionally, but my appointment isn’t until Sunday). There is still some of the gel on my tips.
Check it out:
http://twitpic.com/1adhq6
http://twitpic.com/1adi6m
April 28, 2010 10:51 am
Hey!
I’ve been trying to decide if I should get this. I just made an appt with dyanna Body & Nail Salon.
I wanted to get the UV permanent french but I want my real nails so I decided to go for the OPI.
Here its only $25 for a regular manicure and $35 for a french.
Those are pretty good prices for LES.
May 8, 2010 9:58 pm
I’m a nail tech and I love this stuff!! It does not damage them at all. My nails are growing so long and strong. I’ve only had it on for a month and they look better than ever. It’s amazing!
June 3, 2010 10:54 am
I had a gel manicure done last week at the Aveda Natural Salon in Queens this review recommended. Not only did it take 2 HOURS but within 4 days, two entire nails worth of polish popped off. So I spent $36 including tax and tip on a manicure that lasted less than 5 days.
Complete waste of time and money. I will NOT be returning to this salon.
June 3, 2010 3:02 pm
Hi Kate!
Did an older Argentian (I think she’s Argentian) woman do your nails? I’ve been going to that salon for the past 5 years and either Zoila or Cindy (when Zoila was out on maternity leave recently) have done my nails. Make sure you speak with the manager about your experience (she’s super nice) because one of the ladies at the salon kept inspecting my nails last time I went (I got a regular manicure) saying that a lot of customers have been complaining about the older Argentian woman’s work.
It definitely shouldn’t have taken 2 hours. I’ve gotten a gel manicure AND a pedicure there and the two services combined didn’t take 2 hours. I’ve had the Axxium manicure done maybe 5 or 6 times and when the polish peeled on one of my fingers the day after, I went back and they fixed it with no problem. The polish didn’t peel on me every time I got it done (in fact it lasted up to 2 weeks at times), but when it did peel I got it fixed with no problem. Zoila the usual manicurist is now back from maternity leave, but doubt you’d even try again since you had such a bad experience :(
Definitely speak with the manager because that’s not how they do business. I guess they had a hard time finding replacements when the usual manicurist was out on maternity leave.
June 10, 2010 12:24 pm
Hey ladies, so I read this blogg and loved it. I have to say though, I tried the OPI manicure gel before reading this. I was looking for answers about how my nails would be after I take off the gel and have found noone that has taken them out yet. So I said “what the hell” and took them off my self and I AM SO HAPPY!!!, my nails are if anything stronger than before I put the gel on =) when you peel off the gel it comes off as if you have 6 coats of nail polish, not at all hard like you would think. I love it!! I am gonna continue to use the gel because the whole not chipping thing is awesome.
June 14, 2010 1:49 pm
I also had the OPI gel manicure a few weeks ago, and loved it. However, my manicurist did not really explain the removal process to me in detail. I asked her about it, and it sounded like it would be similar to removing regular nail polish, but did say she would probably “soak” my nails. Nothing at all was mentioned about foil,etc. Well, I made the mistake of trying to go back to a regular manicure and went to a salon which does not do gel manicures. Big mistake!! They were not familiar with gel nail polish, and my manicurist attempted to remove the polish the normal way with acetone. I quickly explained why it wasn’t coming off, and so she got the electric “nail file” out and proceeded to buff/sand all of the gel polish off my nails. I was really horrified with the results, and my nails are currently ruined from this — the only solution is to let them grow out and never do this again!! The surfaces of all 10 nails are all bumpy – not smooth at all. At one point, she nearly filed “through” my nail into the skin underneath. It feels really thin & tender in this one spot. Once it was all finished & she applied the nail polish etc., it does look okay but I can really tell, and they feel weak. I’ve never seen my nails this way before … the manicurist told me my nails now look like when someone has fake acrylic nails for a long time & has them removed. I will definitely try a gel manicure in the future – but I learned the HARD way – it is very important to find out HOW the gel polish is removed and follow this procedure. Regular acetone doesn’t do it – go back to the person who did your gel manicure and don’t ever let someone “buff” the gel polish off. It will just ruin your nails and waste your time. I’ll be waiting weeks/months to have my full normal nails grow back in again.
June 16, 2010 6:29 pm
I have gotten this manicure for about a month, and I love it! My nails are growing and they always look great, and I don’t have to worry about the excessive filing and the damage it does to my nails.
I have been wearing the french manicure, but I’m going to try a nail color.
Ladies if you haven’t tried it; please do so. It’s a nice change to your acrylic or gel nails.
June 21, 2010 12:09 pm
I am on my 4th week with the OPI Gel manicure and I can’t believe these are really MY nails! They’ve grown longer than ever before – no cracking or splitting or peeling, I am simply amazed. I can’t wait to go back, have the old gel removed and get it done again. At $25 I could afford it more often but why should I since it still looks great and my nails are FINE underneath! OPI GEL ROCKS!
June 21, 2010 5:38 pm
The OPI Axxium has basically the same harmful effects of the normal acrylic or overlays. I tried it and had 2 applications done in about a 25 day period….bottom line it still damaged my nails. Left them brittle and paper thin. It does look great but it damages your nails just like the other stuff
June 24, 2010 7:19 pm
I live in Montclair NJ. I went to Como Bella Nail Salon in Cedar Grove on Pompton Ave. They do the OPI Axxium gel for $25. My nails look awesome! I am so happy with this product! Horray! No chipping!
June 30, 2010 4:10 pm
I was doing a regular mani/pedi a few weeks ago and a girl there was getting the OPI Gel manicure. She raved about how long it lasts, especially since she works with her hands a lot, how much stronger her nails are, and that it doesn’t cause any damage. When they told me it was $25, I was sold. I just came back from getting it done. I was disappointed about the limited color selection, but chose “I’m Not Really A Waitress” since I love that color in the regular polish.
It didn’t take a long time at all (30-45min max), I love that I could just stick my hands into my purse with no worries. I can’t wait to see how long it lasts. I know my BF is going to propose soon so I want to keep my nails looking nice, but I work as an EMT so my hands/nails take a beating between the rubber gloves, hand washing, moving patients and equipment. … hopefully I’ve found the solution.
July 10, 2010 10:49 am
O.P.I.’s Axxium absolutely *ruined* my nails. I had it done, both in NY and in FL, over a 3 month period. Never any problem prior to that with regular manicures. But I think that ‘jackhammering’ off the old polish just killed my nails. Now it’s been 1 1/2 months without polish; my nails break all the time and are cut down to the quick and dirt is forming under them. Reallllly disgusting. So girls, don’t be fooled by the promise of everlasting manicures; you might have to pay a steep price in the end, as I did, with horrible nails!
July 13, 2010 3:44 pm
$40 in Texas. The same price as solar. Plus next time they charge $5 to remove the gel before re-doing.
July 23, 2010 4:16 pm
We have been doing gel nails for about 3months in my spa. Guests love it, they can’t believe it stays on for 2complete weeks. You do not have to keep having them, so it’s not like acrylics that ruin your nails for months.
Paula,,
Sereni Salon & Wellness Center
August 6, 2010 9:32 pm
I do the Axxium gels in my salon and spa and it’s a huge hit! It does ABSOLUTELY NO harm to your natural nail depending if your nail tech does the prepping/removing application correctly. When you prep the nails, you ‘lightly’ buff away the shine (natural oil) and dehydrate. Any moisture left in the nail during the application will encourage early lifting and peeling. The nails over the two week period will regain their natural moisture back and begin to lift. Removal of the gels is simple and should be non abrasive to your nails. Your nails should be buffed just a little to break the top coat sealer, then soaked in OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover, which is a special mild and less drying acetone for ten minutes and then gently pushed off with a orange wood stick. No harm at all to the nail bed. I’ve done this many times on several clients with soft bendable nails, clients who love acrylics way to much, and to the clients with barely no nails at all and they love it! Even the most active clients like them too! I hate doing acrylics and this is so easy, simple and is about the same, minus the odor, drilling down, damage, dust, cuticle drying and reddening, and the lack of change between fills and back fills. Axxium gels offer so much more with great results. Love it! In my salon I charge $20 for a clear over lay, $30 for a natural french, $35 for any with tips, $25 for a soak-off color and $5 to remove. Fills are $15.
August 9, 2010 6:19 am
It looks new but i don’t like it. It is kinda weird.
August 21, 2010 11:27 am
I pay $35 for the gel manicure and regular pedicure so the price for the gel alone is very responsible. The first manicure I got lasted 3 weeks with no chipping. It just looked like I needed a fill in. The manicurist should NOT be using an automatic filer on your nails. It’s a soak off lacquer. They will need to do some regular filing and buffer to remove any excess polish after soaking for at least 10 minutes. This is my second UV gel manicure and I love it!
September 3, 2010 6:00 pm
I own a spa and salon and we have decided to add gel nails to our natural nail menu. It was very helpful reading all the comments and opinions about Gel nails. We do not want to use anything that will hurt the nails and we want our guest to love the service. I hope you ladies will take Danielle’s advice and always give a salon or spa a chance to make it right when a service doesn’t go as promised. If you purchased a gel manicure with us and two peeled off the next day we would go out of our way to make that right for you and I believe any quality spa would do the same if given the opportunity. We want our guest to love our service, our products and keep coming back so give us the chance to keep you happy. We are excited about adding gels to our spa menu and appreciate such an informative site!
Natural Elements Spa & Salon Chesapeake Va
September 9, 2010 9:21 am
Gel nails are really practical.Once in the month to the nail studio, you doesn’t renew every week the nailpolish.Simply comfortably…
September 18, 2010 1:17 pm
I absolutely LOVE Ranji, she does my eyebrows as well. I didn’t know they did the gel manicure, thanks for the info.
September 27, 2010 6:07 pm
I have had OPI gel for about 3 months. All the salons have roughed up the nail surface (after a long harsh soak to remove the old color) with a dremel. My nails are soft, splitting below the finger tip. I thought it was the greatest thing until time passed. My nails got worse and worse. What a mess.
October 6, 2010 4:16 pm
Does anyone know where I could get an Opi Axxium Gel Manicure at in Jacksonville FL??
October 8, 2010 10:05 pm
I just got my nails geled for the first time. I really like them. so far they have lasted about 3 weeks.
October 18, 2010 9:09 am
About two months ago I decided to go get a manicure. They had a sign posted “gel” manicure for $29.00. I’m in New Jersey so I went to a local place. My nails were not “buffed” but roughed up with the grinder and they begain putting coats of gel on my nails. Several times under the uv and several coats, but they came out pretty nice. When I went back, they did not wrap my nails or soak them off but ground them off with the grinder again. My nails looked horrible and I had no choice but to get another coat of gel just to keep them intact. For my birthday a friend gave me a coupon for another Salon, a fancy high class salon and an upper class neighborhood in New Jersey. I asked for a gel manicure – again my nails were ground down, no soaking and now are all broken. Maybe Opi should be careful who they give their products too and make sure people are doing the manicures properly. I am truly disgusted!!!
October 19, 2010 2:11 pm
I just got my nails done in Nutley NJ and it took the tech/owner and hour to get them on. First she buffed and dehydrated the nails, then she proceed to to a clear base, followed by two coats of colored gel and finally the sealant…only to realize that it was so incredibly uneven and bumpy! At that point, she used the electric file to remove all the “soakoff” Axxium gel color layers and started all over again. Sheesh. What a nightmare. It’s my first time doing it and already I can tell it was a mistake. Wish there was a way to tell before hand whether or not a tech actually knows what shes doing.
October 19, 2010 8:23 pm
To Kia: In Jacksonville, Florida you can get the OPI Axxium at Bella Diva Nail Salon on Gate Parkway. They do an excellent job!
October 20, 2010 8:21 am
Can someone recommend a salon in Union County, Essex County New Jersey that does this manicure properly and removes it properly. I guess I need a new one since my nails were ground to a pulp. Thanks.
October 24, 2010 11:13 pm
Hello i am a nail tech at pinkcombsalon in nutley nj. I have read many comments on OPI color gels and felt the need to clarify the negative side to a product that can actually be beneficial as an alternative to permanent nail enhancements. For starters file a bit of the color from the center of all ten nails and please allow 15-20 minutes of soaking time. If a nail tech pulls out a drill RUN out of the salon. Gently use an orange woodstick to push off any remaning product. Rinse off acetone with mild soap and proceed with proper manicure using cuticle oil which will hydrate nail bed. The nails should be trimmed shaped and lightly buffed if another color gel application is desired. If the nails appear week it is best to shik color gels for two weeks and settle for a manicure to protect the nails from further damage. Color gels work well if the nail tech takes their time and suggest that you alternate manicures. Shellac color gels from creative nails seem to be less damaging on nails. Please feel free to contact me at sonia@pinkcombsalon.com for questions. I am passionate about my job as a nail tech and take pride in the care of nails. In addition I offer many other services sure to meet everyones needs. Lastly, stay away from salons that use drills. It is best to use salons who are certified in product being used in salons. Thanks
October 27, 2010 8:51 am
I had OPI Gel manicure for the first time 2wks ago and I am heading out for my first fill, so thank you for explaining the proper way a fill should go. I love my nails, have worried about damage to the real nail, but we shall see. This has been the best solution for me as I have always had my nails done but now I can try darker colors in hope that it will stay longer then the ride home. Thank you OPI, I have trusted you for years so I put my trust in the fact that this company knows what they are doing. So, I would say, give it a try, if it’s not for you, then it’s an easy stop. I paid $35 up in Upstate New York.
October 27, 2010 12:45 pm
KIA…… A girl named Shelby @ Sole’ Spa in Jax Beach does the OPI ones…
November 5, 2010 12:42 am
i am manicurist . i’ve been doing nails for over ten years. i do use regular hand files to file nails and a nail drill. the grits of a nail file and the drill bits grits are the same grits. it depends on your manicurist strength and how ruff and hard she files your nails.i can do nails both ways and i see how some manicursist abuse the filing techniques by hand filing and by the electric drill. so it depends on where u go to get a service. it could be in an upsale place or a hole in the wall. just ask questions and listen to their answers. if they dont understand or dont know about the product . then u should run. but my advice about gel manicures is that …. anything fake on your nails, acrylics , even just regular polish ,,, will eventually dry out and ruin your nails in the long run. if the nails are not sightly buff then nothing will stick on good. and buffing and filing and drill is all the same. polish needs to stick on a dry dehydrated surface.
November 6, 2010 2:10 pm
I think we can all agree and say that this nail service works for some people and not for others. There are a lot of factors that go into getting any nail service and I think that some people tend to skimp on these factors and that provides you with a horrible service, but on the other hand sometimes things just dont work for certain people. My sister is a cosmo and she followed strict instructions given to here by a certified nail tech in the OPI Axxium product and did my nails they look killer they feel strong and great I am impressed, but on the other hand there are people who it just doesnt work on. I agree with a previous writer that it couldnt hurt to try it if you dont like the aftermath then stop doing it its as easy as that.
November 18, 2010 8:43 pm
I had these done! I’m sold. Acrylics were the death of my nails! There’s a video on Youtube as to how to use the product! Love them!!
November 18, 2010 10:02 pm
I have to express myself again about the use of drills. If the product is applied properly and not thick and lumpy than using a drill is not necessary. I have clients who choose to come to me because I do all the filling by hand. It is important to take classes when introducing a new product in the salon to insure proper techniques. I have taken several gel and acrylic classes from various company and not one instructor used a drill to file. I am a former educator and can tell you first hand that the best nail techs in the industry are using the hand file method. If gels or acrylics are applied a drill is not needed. I strongly suggest to stop using drills and go back to hand file. This is not to bad mouth nail techs but be aware that your clients do not like the use of drills. I am passionate about the health of my clients nails and only want the best for the reputation of our industry. Keep the drills for fine tuning underneath or getting rid of bulk nails from salons who apply products to thick than proceed with soaking in acetone. CND offers amazing classes and technique. The use of almond oil by creative nails on the nail beds offer great results during a manicure and actually before some nail enhancements. Call the company for a full explanation.
November 21, 2010 10:05 am
Im getting this done on wedsenday and im excited but kinda scared cuz iv heard that if they do it wrong then it well only look good for like a day or 2 and after that day it will start getting cracks or the layers will peel off. Also does the french manicure axxium last the same as the axxiums regular color? :)
November 24, 2010 12:30 am
Hi sydney, Have the nail tech start with a manicure that includes shaping nails,applying cuticle softener,trimming cuticles. Make sure she wipes the nails with scrub fresh or her choice of product to remove oils from nail plate to ensure proper adhesion of color gel. Opi requires two coats of base, and shellac requires one coat of base. Take notice and make sure your free edge are covered as this will guarantee your two week service. Lastly, ask question before the start of your service such as asking the nail tech to explain procedure. If she is not able to give you a consultation look for another salon that offers the service. I experienced lumpy areas from applying the product to thick so check the nail when they come out of the light before they apply another coat. This can be fixed before they apply the sealer. I had to redue a few nails and my clients were ok with that . Good luck! sonia@pinkcombsalon.com
November 26, 2010 9:10 am
[...] OPI Gel Manicure – seriously…AH-MAZING. It costs a little more than a manicure but there are oh so many [...]
December 1, 2010 1:40 pm
Does anyone know of a salon in the Matawan-Old Bridge, NJ area who does OPI and also speaks english. Also can you do a French with OPI?
December 14, 2010 12:58 pm
I’m getting my nails done tonight for the first time. Can’t wait but am also hesitant about it. I had acrylics in the past for about 1 year. When I got tired of the maintance I had them removed and my natural nails were RUINED. It took almost 6 months for them to repair/growout. So I’m hoping I dont have to live through that again! Should be interesting. Thanks for all the good info about removal and application. If my nail salon starts going about either the wrong way at least I’ll know and hopeful not risk any/as much damage.
December 19, 2010 1:28 am
I had it done too and I have to say it’s amazing. not only does it last for AT LEAST 2 wks without chipping but it dries INSTANTLY. how’s that for convenient and there is NO damage to nails. so there.
December 21, 2010 11:11 am
Hey girls I just did my gel manicure over a weekend and i love it 3 days after no chips at all and looks natural. I don’t know where you find that expensive ? I did my in Brooklyn 86th street 17 avenue they just charge $20 it is worth that price…Happy Holiday to everyone
December 21, 2010 3:40 pm
I am on day 2 of my gel manicure. I absolutely love it. Mine cost 35 bucks but it was well worth it. I will shop around for a better price though.
December 23, 2010 5:33 pm
I had acrylics for about 9 months, and when I had them removed in august, my nails were completely ruined. My fingers actually hurt because my nails were soft and weak, and offered no protection. I tried the axxiom in sep and was thrilled with the results. It lasted 3 weeks and I only had to remove it because it grew out. What’s even better is that it made my nails so much stronger! I could scratch again without my nails bending back.
I did have trouble with removal because I did it myself. I used 100% acetone and had to soak for about an hour total til it came off! My nail tech told me if I remove it again, to saok a cotton ball with remover, place it on my nail, and wrap in aluminum foil. It’s better to go to the salon though. Unlike some of the previous posters, my nails suffered no damage. But all should keep in mind that the product clearly states “for professional use only” for a reason. Do not try this at home…lol!
December 24, 2010 11:07 am
This is fascinating! I had acrylics on my nails about 10 years ago and drill filing them off left permanent ridges in some of the nail beds that have never gone away. I tried “solar nails” French manicure a couple of months ago and loved it the first two weeks, but then dark gook got under the edges where the product lifted and the nail tech did not get it all out when she filled, so the fill-in lines were really noticeable and and I stopped doing it. But regular manicures chip in 2 days and seem a waste of money AND time. A friend of mine who lives in NJ swears by gel manicures, which I’ve never heard of — I guess she’s talking about this OPI or Shellac stuff. Can anyone recommend a salon in Charlotte, North Carolina that does a really good job with gel manicures?
December 25, 2010 11:52 am
I had this done at the beginning of holiday party season–it was about a week and a half before I started seeing slight chips at the edge. By that time the nail has grown and the bed needs to be filled in anyway.
I don’t like these enough to continue having them done–I think they look a little weirdly “wet.” I like a harder, slicker look.
I soaked my fingertips in alcohol and peeled them off myself while watching a movie in bed. A little buffing afterwards and I was good to go. I’d rather not pay someone five bucks to remove my freaking polish, thanks.
December 25, 2010 11:10 pm
It is so important for people to realize that they should go back to the nail tech who put the soak off lacquer on in order to get the best results, this is a new service and not every salon provides it. If you love how your nails looked after the service why go somewhere else? I have been doing nails professionally for 17 years, & if a nail tech doesn’t do a particular service don’t be the client for them to learn on.
December 29, 2010 9:50 pm
I’ve had gels several times….each with different outcomes. The first one lasted over 2 weeks but then 3 of the gels dropped off totally intact.
I just curious about washing the hands before application, oil on the nails and when to do the cuticles….before
or after. I feel these things are important in how long the gels last. BTW….I think they are fantastic as my nails are soft and I continually have to touch up a regular manicure and can’t nor do I want to do acrylics. I’d love to hear your input on these things.
December 30, 2010 12:26 pm
[...] *smh* But in 2010 I did keep up with my manicures and tried several longer lasting techniques like OPI Axxium and CND Shellac. Then I decided a regular mani with a top coat like Sally Hansen Mega Shine [...]
January 3, 2011 4:36 pm
I’ve just write an article about OPI Axxium…and these days I’ll recive my order from US and I can wait to go at my sloon to get my nails done with OPI Axxium….if you are interested to see my point of view about OPI Axxium: http://ruxtabu.blogspot.com/2011/01/opi-step-by-step.html#links
January 9, 2011 5:27 pm
I just want to know, what is the difference between opi axxium gels for natural nails and the gel for overlays? Last I knew as a licensed nail tech for 16 years they were the same. I see no difference in applying opi color gel and gel without pigment to your nails. Mayb that the clear is a little harder but every step is the same even the ingredients are the same. All I can say is opi has a great marketing team for making it sound like they invented something new for your natural nail. question: what is a gel overlay then? O by the way love cnd shellac because of you not having to buff the nail and it actually stays, now that is something to look into. No damge to nail. I dont care how lightly you buff the nail eventually over time u are going to weaken the nail plate period!
January 12, 2011 9:38 pm
this manicures only work in nails that have perfect conditions and u have to have experiance in gels regulars manicures they do the gels like a polish and that is a big mistake ck the videos before u regulars manicures ruin the reputation of this beautiful products
January 17, 2011 10:41 am
I have been thinking about these nails for some time. I am in north Jersey, and have seent he pricing from $25.00-$40.00. the $40.00 salon used the drill filing. i didn’t understand how this could not ruin your nails, and so i didn’t get it done there. After reading what all of you have said, i will give this a shot, but i will also make sure that the place i go to does not use the dril file. Thanks so much!
January 23, 2011 10:50 pm
I recently had a pedicure and the technician suggested next time I should have a gel manicure. I really didn’t want to spend the extra $20.00 on top of the service for the gel polish. I decided to ask around at other salons and do a price comparison. I went ahead and had them done at a salon at the mall in Temecula for $15. They turned out so horrible! They were uneven and some nails where thicker than others. I let the manager know and she said they looked fine and couldn’t fix them. So needless to say you get what you pay for. I basically peeled them off easily no remover necessary.
January 26, 2011 9:16 am
I had a set of opi gel polish applied to my natural nails last night. The lady wiped them down when she was finished with alcohol. My nails are still sticky the next day. What can I do to get rid of this stickiness? Thanks!
February 9, 2011 8:09 pm
Your nail tech should procede with a regular manicure and make sure that they have removed the cuticle and shine (light buffing of the nail) from your nail plate. Use a dehydrator then procede with one thin coat of base gel followed by a thicker layer of base gel and cure for one min. The first color coat should be thin followed by a thicker color coat cure for 30 sec (flash cure) a final color coat should be applied cure for 2 mins. Apply clear soak off top coat cure for 3 mins!!! then wipe sticky residue off with NAS 99. Each coat of base gel and color gel should be capping the free edge of your nail. Your nail tech should be trained in the use a nail drill and even a hand file can be damaging in the wrong hands. For removal it depends on the nail tech. OPI says soak in a bowl..I personally use the cotton ball with foil method. THIS IS A SOAK OFF GEL and the nail tech should NOT file off the entire color with a file. You are on the other hand suppossed to file the free edge of your nail and lightly file the top to break the seal so the acetone can work better. They should then use an orange wood stick or reusable OPI plastic stick to GENTLY remove the color. Youtube has many OPI videos that one can also watch so you will know that you are receiving a proper OPI Axxium Gel manicure. I am located in Paragould, Ar and can be found on facebook -Nails by Natalie Stone.
February 12, 2011 8:32 am
Gel manicures are cured by a chemical reaction. It needs to be exposed to the correct wavelength. Regardless of how the wavelength is produced, old school bulb or LEDs it’s still wavelength patterns that you are being exposed to.
February 14, 2011 2:47 pm
I had this applied 3 times within a 6 week period. My nails went from being strong and thick to weak and brittle. They are all split as far as possible. I went to the nail salon yesterday to get them fixed. The gave me a regular manicure and applied a heavy duty nail hardener. My nails are so weak that every nail felt like it was on fire. My entire nail bed is sore and sensitive. I made them take everything off and left. I will NEVER get uv gel again. I would rather live with chips that brittle, weak, sore nails. Save your money and get a regular mani.
February 16, 2011 12:28 pm
I had this opi gel done last night and I am very pleased with the results, however after reading the post i am very frightful of what will happen after I have them removed. The tech who did my manicure told me that i shouldn’t experience any damage what so ever and thats why I was sold into letting him do it. He said it should last for 2 weeks but I am hoping for longer. For years I have wanted something thicker than a polish to help my nails grow longer and stronger without the damage of acrylics. He lightly buffed my nails, washed my nails and applied the gel process. I left happy and hope to continue to have this done. I love that it’s odorless and that it doesnt burn or hurt me at all under the UV lamp.
February 18, 2011 12:31 am
Am looking for a reliable place in Pittsburgh, Pa. to have the gel manicure,initally read about OPI axxium, but would like to get the best one. I too suffered from nail damage after having acrylics and now 6 months later, my nails are finally stronger.
February 18, 2011 10:17 am
Since I had to give up acrylics 3 years ago, I have been searching for a nail hardener or top coat to help my weak and brittle nails. I started using a product called “Instant Artificials” that I found at Sally’s Beauty Supply. I LOVE it! My nails are strong and protected. They are growing longer than ever before. It goes on like polish and is removed with acetone. My home manicures last a week before I remove it due to outgrowth. Check it out.
March 6, 2011 10:21 pm
Izzazu in Wexford, PA – Great Gel Manicures in the Pittsburgh Area.
100 Village Club Drive, Wexford, PA 15090 – (724) 933-0100
March 10, 2011 9:28 pm
Interestingly, I always had a problem getting a manicure since my nails would chip the next day or the same day. I just tried the gel manicure yesterday, and have to say that I am extremely disappointed with the fact that one of my nails (the gel) has chipped off. I think I have come to the conclusion that gel manicures are a waste of time which stinks because what woman doesn’t like a manicure to last 2 weeks!….hopeful they can come up with a better solution to chipped nail polish.
March 13, 2011 5:24 pm
[...] Later on, my mom and I headed to our local nail salon to get pampered! I got both a pedicure (my feet really needed it, hello calluses!) and a UV gel manicure. If you’ve never gotten a gel manicure, I would highly recommend it! It NEVER chips and lasts for approximately 2-3 weeks. You definitely get your money’s worth I think! Here is a brief description. [...]
March 14, 2011 7:31 am
When I heard about the gel manicure, it sounded too good to be true. I had the gel applied the day before a planned vacation.
By the next morning, 3 nails had already chipped — big time. I returned to the spa where they had been applied and she fixed those 3 nails. By the afternoon, when I was going to the airport, I noticed that another nail had chipped. Unfortunately, I did not have time to go to have it fixed. By the end of the vacation, the nails looked AWFUL. Almost every nail had chipped. I wasn’t doing anything that would normally cause nail chips –The day before my trip, I was placing clothes in a suitcase. On vacation, I was reading and shopping and relaxing at the beach. I wasn’t doing housework or gardening or anything else that normally would result in chips.
I do not think that I will use this product again. It didn’t last as advertized, I wasn’t able to touch up the chips, and I couldn’t remove it by myself. My nails looked awful the whole time I was on vacation.
March 22, 2011 12:22 pm
After reading about the opi axxium, I knew I wanted to try it. I had my gel nails taken off and then had the opi gel manicure. My nails are very thin after having the acrylic ones on for so long and usually break but the gel kept them hard and I’ve had no problems with my nails breaking. As some stated earlier, there is no automatic drill used, therefor no damage done to your nails. I’ve found that the manicure lasts a little over 2 weeks. I don’t think I could ever make it 3 weeks bc of the regrowth and the gel started to crack on me. Anyway, let’s just say I’m never putting fake nails on again. A lot of salons don’t have many colors to choose from bc this is still fairly new. Luckily I found a salon which had 42 colors to choose from.
March 26, 2011 12:51 am
u be gay
March 29, 2011 6:07 pm
<3 Axxium !
As a nail buter for the better part of my life, i've always gone the acyllic tips route to aid with this issue then just manicure. i did regular gel manicures for a few yrs and liked it. Then my cousin who worked @ Panache Hair and Nails in Tucson said to get this once my nails are long enough to take the tips off and get them as your own nail manicure.
I live in Staten Island and I go to Eco Nail Salon (718) 967-2880
4160 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10308-3312 ).
So last week I took my tips off and opted for the axxium. It took a lil bit to soak off the tips but about 30 minutes for the whole axxium experience.
I love OPI just peeved all their colors aren't an option but thankfully my 3 fav's are in the gel collection (moon over mumbai, russian navy and you don't know jaques). The regular gel manicures retail @ 25.00 and axxium is 30 not big a stretch, I work in the city and don't even want to know what they charge lol, so Staten Island is good :)
I heard it lasts 2-3 weeks so i'll prolly go back a day or two before my birthday with a more spring-like color I still feel in a winter mode because the weather hasn't let up with a warmer temp lol.
April 5, 2011 9:17 pm
Best thing ever to happen to nails… I was big on fake nails… got mine romoved same day got a gel manicure… and it made my nails look amazing… 3 weeks later it is still lasting… It ois so worth it… If you try it you will mos def fall in love with it…
April 18, 2011 2:31 pm
I will be having my 3rd appointment for OPI Axxium on Wednesday. I wore acrylics for over a year and found my nails to be nice and long but horribly thin once they were removed. My daughter, a Cosmo instructor, suggested Axxium. I must say I am “really” rough on my hands and nails. I have not had any one big issue with the Axxium. Maybe a small chip or a lift near the end of my two weeks, nothing that makes the nails look terrible. I probably could go 3 weeks, but I do not like the way they look when the nail grows out. My Nail tech is limited with colors, but her stock is growing. I love it.
April 18, 2011 3:09 pm
I have used the gel nails for 1 month now and I absoultely love them. They do last for 2 weeks. The only thing different is your nail growing from the nail bed that you notice, otherwise I’m sold and just love it!!!
May 4, 2011 4:20 pm
Does anyone know if i can put Axxium color gels on my nails right after i just had my acrylics off.
May 14, 2011 3:29 pm
hi ladies im a beauty therapist from Ireland. im sorry to hear that alot of you are having problems with your nails if the nails are weak and breaking i could caused by incorrect filing all your meant to be doing is just to remove the shine and remaining cuticles also therapists that are not used to using a drill can thin out the nails too much. also therapists being lazy and using a drill to completely remove the gel what you should do is break the seal and then leave the nails soak for ten to fifteen minutes in acetone then gently buff the nails with oil avoplex oil my fav i hope this helps xoxox
May 17, 2011 7:46 pm
yo crissy lampkin, i would not take advice from u bout nails because u give such bad advice period. for ur age u r so immature lady. jim would b a fool to marry u. i c u have been with lots of famous male’s. so, so sorry for u. u really come across like a huge gold digger. u judge other females so hard only because i believe u r jealous and insecure. grow up. oh and before i forget to say, growe up again. i can not stress thiss enough. oh yeah, ur mole on that face of ur’s is ridiculous. poor jim jones. oh but, trust he knows what he is doing.
May 20, 2011 4:35 pm
I’ve had them done and if you go to the right salon (I likeSpa Lotus, 63 W 8th St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011 – 646.654.0808) they don’t damage your nails. You have to go to a good manicurist because it is hard to fix mistakes during polishing. They do last a good 14 days! You can remove them yourself by wrapping cotten pads soaked in acetone around your fingers. The gels should slide right off!
June 8, 2011 9:17 pm
I have had the Axxium manicure 2 times. Yes it does last longer than a normal manicure. But the process to remove it destroys your nails. My nails are so weak almost all of them have broken. I had fake nails for 3 years and my nails weren’t as bad as this after I stopped. I believe it is the process they use to take it off. The Acetone.
June 16, 2011 2:34 am
Hi-I live in LA and I just got a gel manicure today for the first time, and OMG – I’m tainted for LIFE! I went because my friend had gone there that morning for a gel pedicure and they charged her $20, and they had told her that it would be $34 total for a gel mani-pedi. Sounds not too bad, right? So we go and I get a mani-pedi with gel on both…they charged me $68!!!!! They said it was $22 each for the gel manicure on my toes and hands, and THEN another $24 for a REGULAR mani-pedi…like the $22 was just for the gel COLOR. Now, although I’m not stupid enough to think that’s a reasonable price, I don’t know anything about gel manicures, so here’s my question: did they rip me off?? Is it NORMAL to charge for a SEPARATE mani-pedi when you’re DOING a gel manicure? I’m SOOOO mad right now! So, although I doubt I’ll get my money back, I want to let everyone know, DON’T GO TO “TOP NAIL” on Washington blvd. and Lincoln, in Venice, Ca. THEY ARE THE DEVIL!!!!
July 6, 2011 3:20 pm
I have had 4 manicures with this wonderful Opi Axxium Gel. I love it. The technician always says “see you in 2 weeks” but i manage to make it last 3 weeks. Just be careful not to peel off the layers without soaking in polish remover. I soak my nails the night before my next manicure for about 20-30 minutes and then they peel off easily. The place i go to charges $20..well worth it.
July 19, 2011 4:19 pm
I had a gel mani for the first time before leaving for vacation. It was GREAT! Truly no-chip and lasted over 2 weeks. I’m glad I had a light, neutral color, however, as my nails grow fast, so you could see the space between the gel and my cuticle after about a week. I am in Germany now and when I went to a salon, they said the only way to get it off was to use the sanding tool they use on acrylic nails! I argued as much as possible, suggesting acetone, but to no avail. They filed some of my nails a bit too much and are now super sensitive! I am afraid my natural nail has been damaged that all the strength I had while the gels were on will be long lost as I now have to wait for my entire nail to grow out! I do NOT recommend this method for removal! I loved the mani, but have to wonder if it’s worth it for another one based on the rough removal!
September 8, 2011 7:41 pm
Hello all,
I liked the gel nails so much, I decided to bye the equipment myself to save money in the long run. Great for little girls using alternate colors and last for them.
September 15, 2011 11:34 am
Hey looking for a salon in Brooklyn that does gel manicures at a reasonable price. Anybody know of one???? I got a gel manicure in Portugal while on vacation and loved it!!! Lasted a long time and looked good.
November 5, 2011 8:52 am
I’m a guy and lost a bet and have to get a french manicure(long story). The girls are suggesting this Opi technique so I dont mess up the nails. I did a search on it and saw this site. I’m a bit concerned about getting them removed and damage. Any suggestions besides dont make bets. Too late for that one.
November 13, 2011 12:47 pm
false nails…
[...]Try This: OPI Axxium Gel Manicure « The Fashion Bomb Blog /// All Urban Fashion… All the Time – All Urban Fashion // All the Time[...]…
November 21, 2011 7:33 am
Excellent post and i always use opi axxium products.
December 1, 2011 4:44 pm
heyy i live in Staten Island, NY. Does anyone know of a good place that does the OPI uv Gel Manicure the correct way?! thanks !!
December 3, 2011 5:14 am
Terrence Fraizer…
Thanks a lot for the article.Really looking forward to read more. Want more….
January 5, 2012 10:39 am
So glad I found this article b/c I have been looking for some in depth info on this. I too get my nails wrapped w/ acrylic & was looking for analternative b/c I like my nails super short. But I’m going to do this next week. Read other articles & none of them wereas clear as yours u r amazing.
January 18, 2012 5:12 am
Los esmalte de OPI Axxium Gel Manicure son los mejores.
January 25, 2012 4:06 pm
I live in manhattan and Ive been doing this for the last 3 months and it has completely damaged my nails. At first I thought my nails were just breaking because it is normal for natural nails to break, but now they are just HORRIBLE. This took away the beauty from my nails and made them weak and brittle. I spoke to my manicurist and told her about my problem and she told me that she has been getting many complaints about it. I would only suggest using the gel manicure if your going on vacation and dont want your polish chipping while your away. If you want your nails to stay beautiful and healthy do not use this constantly.
March 16, 2012 6:23 am
i had my nail before going on a three week vacation and the polish came off by itself …but my nails have never been so brittle and weak. this stuff in not so good for your nail!!! its been three months and my nails are stil sore..
April 25, 2012 12:25 pm
I have been using color gel by OPI and CND for about 6 months, and have recently stopped because my nails have become very brittle and thin. I definitely know it damages your nails from experience. ;(