Isla Bennett
OPI Gel Nail Polish is a long-lasting nail polish that dries instantly and can be applied at home. Before applying OPI Gel Nail Polish, it is important to prep your nails to ensure the best results and make the polish last longer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prep your nails for OPI Gel Polish: Start by washing and thoroughly drying your hands. Trim and shape your nails with a nail file if needed. Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher and remove any remaining cuticle from the nail plate. Wipe your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them, making the polish last longer. Now you're ready to apply the OPI GelColor base coat and cure it under an LED light for about 30 seconds. Remember, genuine gel nail polishes like OPI do require an LED light.
How to prep nails for OPI gel polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash hands | Wash and dry hands thoroughly |
| Trim nails | Trim and shape nails as desired with a 240-grit nail file |
| Push back cuticles | Use a cuticle pusher to push back the proximal fold and loosen cuticle from the nail plate |
| Remove cuticles | Use a cuticle removal tool to remove remaining cuticles |
| Buff nails | Buff nails, ensuring no nail dust remains in the nail bed |
| Cleanse nails | Scrub nails with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution, changing wipes every 2-3 nails |
| Dehydrate nails | Wipe down nails with alcohol to dehydrate them and make the polish last longer |
| Apply bonding agent | Apply an OPI bonding agent so that the gel adheres more strongly |
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What You'll Learn
Clean hands and nails thoroughly
You can also wipe your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them, which will further enhance the durability of the gel polish. If you have oily nail plates, you can cleanse them with a cleansing solution and a pH-balancing agent. Additionally, if you wish to buff your nails, make sure that no nail dust remains in the nail bed afterward.
After cleaning and shaping your nails, you can apply an OPI bonding agent to further enhance the adhesion of the gel polish. This will help the gel polish bond more strongly to your nails and result in a longer-lasting manicure. By taking the time to thoroughly clean and prepare your hands and nails, you can ensure the best results when applying OPI gel nail polish.
If you are removing an old manicure, you will need to break the top coat by filing the nail to remove the shine. Then, you can use cotton balls or cotton rounds soaked in acetone and wrapped in foil to remove the rest of the polish. This process usually takes around 10 minutes for cotton balls and 25-30 minutes for cotton rounds. A gel removal tool can also be helpful for this step.
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Trim and shape nails
Before applying OPI gel nail polish, it is important to trim and shape your nails. This will ensure that your nails are neat and tidy, providing a good base for the gel polish to be applied. Here is a step-by-step guide to trimming and shaping your nails:
- Wash and dry your hands: Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Dry your hands completely before moving on to the next step. This step is important as it ensures that your nails are clean and free of any dirt or oil that could interfere with the gel polish application.
- Trim your nails: Using a nail clipper or scissors, carefully trim your nails to the desired length. It is recommended to trim your nails when they are dry, as wet nails can lead to uneven cuts. Trim your nails straight across to create a clean and neat edge.
- File your nails: Once your nails are trimmed, use a nail file to shape them. A 240-grit nail file is recommended for effective shaping. Gently file your nails in one direction only, avoiding back-and-forth sawing motions that can weaken the nail. Shape your nails into the desired shape, such as square, round, or oval. File gently and slowly to avoid over-filing and damaging the nail.
- Smooth the edges: After filing, use a buffing block to smooth out any rough edges and create a more polished finish. Gently buff the top of each nail, moving in the same direction as the filing. This step will help to create a smooth and even surface for the gel polish to adhere to.
- Finish and inspect: Once you have finished filing and buffing, wash your hands again to remove any dust or debris created during the process. Dry your hands and nails thoroughly. Inspect your nails to ensure that they are evenly shaped and smooth.
Remember, when trimming and shaping your nails, it is important to take your time and be gentle. Nails are delicate, and aggressive filing or buffing can cause damage and weaken your nails over time. By following these steps, your nails will be well-prepared for the application of OPI gel nail polish, ensuring a neat and long-lasting manicure.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is an important step in preparing your nails for OPI gel polish. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your hands. This is a crucial first step to ensure that your nails are clean and ready for the gel polish application.
Next, you'll want to focus on your cuticles. Take a cuticle pusher and gently glide it along your nail plate, pushing back the proximal fold. Be careful and gentle during this process, as your cuticles are delicate. By pushing back the proximal fold, you are creating a neat and tidy base for the gel polish to be applied.
Once you have pushed back the cuticles, you will need to remove any remaining cuticle from the nail plate. You can use a cuticle removal tool for this step, being careful not to overdo it. Removing the excess cuticle will ensure that your nails are completely ready for the polish.
If you are using an e-file, select a diamond cuticle prep bit and set it to a low speed. Gently guide the bit around the perimeter of your sidewalls and cuticle line. This will help ensure that your cuticles are fully pushed back and prepared for the OPI gel polish.
As a pro tip, consider scrubbing your nails with an appropriate cleansing solution, such as N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution. Change the nail wipes every two to three nails, and continue until your nails appear slightly matte. This step will help ensure that your nails are thoroughly cleansed and ready for the gel polish application.
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Remove remaining cuticles
To remove remaining cuticles, use a cuticle removal tool. Gently glide the cuticle pusher along the nail plate, pushing back the proximal fold and loosening the cuticle from the nail plate. If you are using an e-file, use a diamond cuticle prep bit on a low speed, carefully guiding the bit around the perimeter of the sidewalls and the cuticle line.
You can also use a scrub to remove remaining cuticles. Nail experts recommend using N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution, changing wipes every 2-3 nails. Nails should appear slightly matte once cleansed. If your nail plates are oily or you experience service wear issues, cleanse with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution and BondAid pH Balancing agent, one hand at a time.
If you want 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 to ensure the gel adheres more strongly.
For quicker removal of gel polish, you can lightly file the middle of each nail first to break the seal before soaking. This will help you remove the gel polish faster.
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Wipe nails with alcohol to dehydrate them
When preparing your nails for OPI gel polish, it is important to wipe your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them. This is an important step in the process of gel manicures as it helps to remove any oils or residue from the nails, which can interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish. By wiping your nails with alcohol, you are creating a clean and dry surface for the polish to adhere to, which can help extend the life of your manicure.
It is recommended to use 100% rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, which can be easily found at any drug store. This will ensure that your nails are thoroughly cleaned and dehydrated. Using a nail wipe or a cotton swab, gently wipe each nail, ensuring that they are free of any dust, debris, or natural oils. This process will help ensure that your gel polish adheres properly and lasts longer.
It is worth noting that while wiping your nails with alcohol is generally safe, it can sometimes cause the colour of your gel polish to be affected, especially if it is a cheaper brand. This is because the alcohol can interact with the pigments in the polish, causing them to dissolve or become less vibrant. However, as long as it doesn't remove all of the polish, it shouldn't be a cause for concern.
Additionally, it is important to be cautious when using alcohol around the delicate skin surrounding your nails. Ensure that you only apply it to the nail surface and avoid any contact with the skin to prevent any potential irritation. Follow this step with the application of the OPI GelColor base coat to ensure your nails are fully prepped for the gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash and thoroughly dry your hands. Trim and shape your nails with a 240-grit nail file if necessary. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and remove any remaining cuticle from the nail. You can then buff your nails, but make sure to remove any nail dust from the nail bed.
Yes, you do. With any genuine gel nail polish, an LED light is required to cure the polish.
You can remove the polish by soaking cotton balls in acetone and applying them to your nails for around 10 minutes. You can speed up the process by lightly filing the middle of each nail to break the seal before soaking.
Before applying the polish, wipe down your nails with alcohol to dehydrate them. This will help the polish last longer.
