Treatment Thursday- Gel Nails

There are many different brands and types of gel nails. Having been in indistry for over 10 years I've been able to watch this treatment develop from gel in a pot applied with a brush, a treatment which used to take about 2 hours to what now takes only 30 minutes and is applied like a polish! 

I now use OPI gel color and am also trained in their Axxium (gel and a mini paint brush) and Shellac. I have worked with Jessica, Creative and OPI on a professional basis and my preference is OPI because of their colours and the quality if their polish. 

Gel nails have been designed for those who are harder wearing on their nails and with whom nail polish only lasts a day or two, no matter how well it's applied. It has also been created to maintain the shine and finish that a client leaves the salon with after a manicure. If you take care if your nails and follow the aftercare then gel nails should last two weeks. 

They need to be professionally removed with acetone pads and foil to help the gel lift from the nail so it isn't damaged. If you peel, bite or scrape the gel off of the nail it will damage the top layer of the nail leaving it weak and rough. Always remember to use a cuticle oil to nourish and promote nail growth. My favourite is OPI the Avoplex cuticle oil to go (£9.60) as I can keep it in my handbag & use it on the go. 

I know there are kits in Groupon that you can buy to do your own nails at home, so wether you are a professional or DIY specialist OPI have created a list of tips to help with gel application.