A: Yes! “Gel” nail polish products which do not require an LED or UV light to cure are not real gel nail products—they are regular nail polish being deceptively marketed. With any genuine gel nail polish (like OPI), an LED light is a must.
Similarly, is OPI gel or shellac?
Essentials offers ONLY OPI Gel Polish, but most clients ask to schedule a Shellac Manicure. ( Shellac is just a Brand of a Gel Polish blend) so Shellac and OPI Gel Polish are the same thing! CND Shellac/OPI Gel Polish is a blend of gel and nail polish. Because it is like a polish, it can’t be used to extend your nail.
In this regard, how do you use OPI gel?
Apply 1 thin coat leaving a tiny margin around the cuticle area. Cap the free edge to seal in GelColor. Cure 30 seconds in the OPI LED Light. Remove gel residue with a Nail Wipe saturated with N.A.S.
Can you use OPI with LED light?
Dry nails quickly and easily with OPI LED Light. Use after applying OPI Base and Top Coat System and GelColor shades. …
How do you apply OPI gel polish without UV light?
While only an LED lamp can cure your polish as quickly and effectively as a UV light, using a non-UV gel polish, applying a drying agent, or soaking your nails in ice water could work as well.
Which is kinder to nails gel or shellac?
Essentially gel nails use a semi-permanent gel to color your nails, whereas shellac nails use semi-permanent polish. There are also nearly triple the amount of color options for gel nails as there are for shellac nails, but there are still plenty of shades to choose from for either.
Do gel nails ruin your nails?
Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Is shellac better than gel?
Firstly, both shellac and gel polishes are a great choice. … Shellac benefits from its gel content, but don’t forget that there is regular polish in there too. As such, whilst it is harder to chip than regular polish, it can still chip more easily than gel.
Why is OPI so expensive?
OPI polishes are very popular and can support a higher price because there is a big demand for them. Though there are a bunch of high-end beauty companies that charge a lot more for a bottle of polish than OPI.
What is the most popular OPI color?
And Now, the 20 Best-Selling OPI Nail Colors of All Time—That You Can Still Buy
- Taupe-less Beach. Shop. …
- Funny Bunny. Shop. …
- Barefoot in Barcelona. Shop. …
- Aphrodite’s Pink Nightie. Shop. …
- Samoan Sand. Shop. …
- Berlin There Done That. Shop. …
- Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around. Shop. …
- Sweet Hearts. Shop. OPI Nail Lacquer in Sweet Heart ($7)
Can you use gel nail polish without an LED light?
A: Yes! “Gel” nail polish products which do not require an LED or UV light to cure are not real gel nail products—they are regular nail polish being deceptively marketed. So long as you go into the process with all the supplies you need, you should find that it is an easy matter to apply OPI gel nail polish.
Why is my OPI gel not drying?
One reason is if the product has been applied too thick. The light not only drys the product but hardens it . If the product is applied too thick it can’t dry and harden as it should. (Make sure the product you are using isn’t too old.
How does OPI gel polish cure?
Application
- Prep the nail, then apply ProHealth Base Coat and cure for 30 seconds. …
- Apply two coats of GelColor and cure for 30 seconds after each coat.
- Shake the bottle of ProHealth Top Coat vigorously, then apply it to the nail and cure for 30 seconds.
Why does my OPI gel nail polish peel off?
The reason for this is because oils can accumulate on the free edge of the nail, so the edges need to be filed and cleaned before you begin your gel manicure. If you don’t do this then moisture and oil can get underneath the nails and this can lead to peeling.