Sophia Delgado
OPI is a global leader in the professional nail care industry, offering highly-pigmented nail and gel polish that is long-lasting and chip-resistant. OPI GelColor is a hybrid between gel and nail polish, providing the strength and durability of a gel but with less damage to your nails. OPI GelColor manicures can last up to three weeks, and the polish can be cured under both UV and LED lamps. In this guide, we will cover how to achieve and care for stunning OPI Gel nails at home, including the application and removal process.
OPI Gel Nails Care Guide
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal | Soak cotton balls/rounds in acetone and apply to nails for 10-15 minutes. A gel removal tool, filing nails to break the top coat, and cutting cuticles can speed up the process. |
| Application | Start with clean, buffed, and prepped nails. Apply a thin coat of base, colour, and top gel, curing each coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. |
| Adhesion | Use an OPI bonding agent or OPI Bond Aid to improve adhesion. |
| Durability | OPI Gel Nails can last for up to 3 weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
You can also apply an OPI bonding agent at this stage to help the gel adhere more strongly. This is an optional step but can help to extend the life of your manicure. Buffing your nails is another optional step that you can take. Just be sure to clean away any nail dust that remains in the nail bed when you are finished.
The next step is to apply a base coat to your nails. This will help to protect your natural nails and ensure the gel polish adheres properly. Be careful not to get any product on your cuticles or skin. You can then move on to applying the colour of your choice, followed by the top coat.
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Applying the base coat
To start, you should thoroughly clean your nails. If you wish to buff your nails, ensure that no nail dust remains in the nail bed when you are finished. You can also apply an OPI bonding agent at this point so that the gel will adhere more strongly.
Next, apply a thin, even layer of OPI Gel Color Base Coat to your nails. Be careful not to get any product on your cuticles or skin. Shake the bottle vigorously for one minute to ensure the product is fully dispersed.
Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. This ensures proper adhesion of your nail polish and helps protect your natural nails. Be sure to cap the free edge to prevent shrinkage.
Now you can apply the first coat of your chosen OPI Gel colour. Again, remember to apply it thinly and evenly, avoiding contact with your cuticles as much as possible. Cure the first coat under the lamp for 30 seconds.
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Applying the colour
To apply the colour to your OPI gel nails, start by applying a thin, even layer of OPI Gel Color Base Coat to your nails. Be careful not to get any product on your cuticles or skin. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. This ensures proper adhesion of your nail polish and helps protect your natural nails.
Next, apply the first coat of your chosen OPI Gel colour. Again, remember to apply it thinly and evenly, avoiding contact with your cuticles as much as possible. Cure the first coat under the lamp for 30 seconds.
Follow up with the second coat, and cure it for another 30 seconds. You can use a variety of colours, such as OPI GelColor Cajun Shrimp.
If you wish to buff your nails, make sure that no nail dust remains in the nail bed when you are finished. You can also apply an OPI bonding agent at this point so that the gel will adhere more strongly.
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Applying the top coat
Shake the OPI GelColor Top Coat vigorously for about a minute to ensure the formula is well-mixed and ready for application. This step is crucial as it helps to prevent any separation or clumping of the gel polish.
Now, it's time to apply the top coat. Take your time and work carefully to achieve an even and thin layer, leaving a tiny margin around the cuticle area. Be careful not to flood the cuticles or allow the top coat to touch your skin. Capping the free edge of your nails will help seal in the colour and prevent shrinkage.
Once you have applied the top coat, it's time to cure it. Place your nails under the UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. This step will harden the gel polish and give it that signature salon-quality shine.
After curing the top coat, it is recommended to cure your nails for an additional 60 to 90 seconds. This extra curing time ensures that the gel polish is completely dry and locked in place.
Finally, gently wipe your nails with alcohol to remove any tacky residue and leave your nails with a smooth, flawless finish. This step also helps to dehydrate your nails, which can make the polish last longer.
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Removing the gel polish
Removing OPI gel nail polish can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, use a nail file to gently buff and break the polish seal on the surface of each nail. This will help to speed up the removal process. Next, you will need to soak your nails in acetone. There are a few ways to do this. You can soak cotton balls or cotton rounds in acetone and apply them directly to your nails, wrapping each fingertip with foil to secure the cotton in place. Alternatively, you can use a gel removal tool, which can make the process easier. Allow your nails to soak for around 15 minutes, and then gently remove the foil and cotton. If there is any remaining gel residue, use a cuticle stick to gently push it away. Finally, cleanse your nails and apply cuticle oil to keep the nail bed moisturised and protected.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by cleaning your nails and pushing back your cuticles. You can then apply an OPI bonding agent, followed by a base coat. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds. Apply your chosen OPI gel colour thinly and evenly, avoiding your cuticles. Cure each coat under the lamp for 30 seconds. Finish with a thin layer of OPI top coat and cure for another 30 seconds.
You will need acetone, cotton balls, foil, a nail file, and cuticle oil. First, file the middle of each nail to break the seal. Soak the cotton balls in acetone and place them on your nails, wrapping foil around your fingertips to hold them in place. Leave for 15-30 minutes, then gently push away any remaining gel with a cuticle stick. Cleanse your nails and apply cuticle oil.
OPI gel nails can last for up to 3 weeks.
You can find tutorials on YouTube and Instagram. Some recommended accounts include @jaynetodman, @nailcareereducation, @beautyworksbyamy, @mrslucysharman, and @pennysnailbar.
