OPI Gel Nail Polish

Many of the people who have tried OPI gel nail polish love the durability and shine that this polish offers. However, many have been disappointed that there simply aren't more color options for them to choose from. However, there really is more color variety to this polish than may first meet the eye.

Mix Colors To Create New Colors
First off, OPI gel nail polish can be mixed just like you would mix paint to create some new and exciting colors and shades. This adds to the color palate and even allows you to create your own unique colors as well. Then of course you can do the tips of your nails in a different shade. Try painting your nails in the Strawberry Margarita and then do the tips in Big Apple Red. The really great thing about making your own colors is that you can come up with some really exciting shades that are out of this world.

If you are looking for a fun stylish look for summer, try painting your toenails each a different color. This looks really hot with white sandals and white shorts. Then choose one of the colors for your nails. You'll be the talk of the beach or that outdoor pool party.

Lasting Color
For those of you who take all your polish off before going to the beach or the pool party for fear of your polish peeling or chipping you don't have to worry. You can wear the bright colors you love and your nails will look as good when you get out of that chlorinated pool as when you went in, no matter how long you stay.

One reason the color last so long is that OPI gel nail polish really isn't polish but lacquer. When this polish is dried under a UV lamp, the lacquer actually bonds with your nails, which means that it is going to stay there until you soak it off. Of course, you aren't going to just be able to soak this polish off in hot water or use alcohol to remove it. You're going to need to soak each nail in acetone for about 15 minutes. In fact the acetone removal is the only really negative part of OPI gel nail polish. Keep plenty of hand cream on hand because acetone can dry out your fingertips especially during these long soaks. However, most people think that this polish is so incredible that the acetone removal is well worth this polishes durability and shine. Plus, you only have to remove the polish every two or three weeks unlike other polishes that last a day or two before they start to peel and chip.

So go ahead, experiment with some new colors and shades. Mix and match was never so much fun or so long lasting. Who knows maybe you can come up with your own bright and unique signature color.
 

When the OPI Company designed their gel nail polish they designed it to be used exclusively in salons. One of the reasons being that this polish must be put on in layers and each layer dried under an ultra violet light. However, with this polish being sold over the Internet in various kits, people are beginning to try using the OPI gel nail polish at home.

While it is possible to use this polish at home, and may save some money over getting those perfect nails done in a salon, it still isn't cheap. Not only is the nail polish kit quite expensive, but you are also going to need to purchase a UV light in order to apply the polish properly. Since this polish is a gel it may also take a bit of practice when applying it. You also need to soak your nails in acetone for fifteen minutes to remove the polish without damaging your nails.

That being said those who have purchased OPI gel nail polish for home use seem to love it and are happy with the money they have spent. For those people, saving the cost of a beauty shop made the product and the UV light worth the price.
However, for those who prefer to have unpainted nails and only use "polish" for special occasions not only find salon visits are cheaper but offer a special treat. Others simply enjoy the being pampered feelings that salons can give. While still others are worried that they will make a mistake and end up spending good money for a product they simply can't use.

For those who are considering getting a UV light and their own OPI gel nail polish kit should at least make one salon visit and make sure that they really like this nail polish before going to the expense of purchasing a kit that is going to cost close to $100 without the purchase of the UV light. Also keep in mind that a regular light is not going to do the job. You have to have the right light for this nail polish to do its job.

Here are a few things to consider before deciding to get your own OPI gel nail polish:

• Can you really afford everything you will need to use this polish successfully?
• How often will you be using this polish?  If you only plan on using it a couple of times a year then going to a salon makes more sense.
• Are you confident that you can get a professional looking job applying this polish yourself?
• Have you tried gel nail polish and if so did you like it?

If you are sure that getting your own OPI gel nail polish kit is the right choice for you then go ahead. This is an incredible polish and the results when applied correctly are absolutely beautiful.

The OPI Company was started in 1981 by George Schaffer and is run as a family business. OPI nail polishes are geared towards salon use and are known to be more chip resistant than most other nail polishes. However, the OPI gel nail polish has proven itself to be almost indestructible at least for two or three weeks. While it is not the only gel nail polish on the market, most salons and customers do feel it is the best. But, this is not a polish that you can just apply at home and rush off to that party. While Do it Yourselfers can buy kits to use this polish at home it is recommended that a beauty salon apply this polish.

The Need For UV Light
One of the main reasons that OPI gel nail polish is best applied by trained personnel at a salon is because there are several layers to apply this polish and each layer must be dried under a UV light for a few minutes before the next layer is applied. While this may seem like it would be rather time consuming, and in fact it is. The results are absolutely stunning. You can get a shiny color that lasts for up to two and sometimes three weeks without chipping or peeling even when your hands are subjected to dish water and your nails get banged.

This is great for the busy working woman who needs to look put together and have a well polished appearance but doesn't have time for the constant repairs needed with using regular polish. And while the gel nail polish application is quite expensive costing around $40, it is long lasting and worry free.

Best of all if you do get tired of wearing that same old color day in and day out for two or three weeks at a time, you can paint over the polish with regular nail polish right at home and then clean it off with a non acetone nail polish remover without hurting the gel nail polish underneath.

Limited Colors
Keep in mind however, that the colors in OPI gel nail polish are quite limited when compared to other nail colors. Some of the more popular of these colors are Pompeii Purple, Hawaiian Orchid, Big Apple Red, and Strawberry Margaritas. Though there are several other colors as well.

Pro And Cons Of OPI Gel Nail Polish
Like anything else on the market today, there are pros and cons to OPI gel nail polish. Let's look at some of the benefits and disadvantages of using this product.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Long lasting
• Great shine that last forever
• No chipping or peeling
• Removes rather quickly
• Can be painted over with regular polish

Cons

• Visiting a salon may be out of some women's budget
• Not many colors to choose from
• Unless you own a UV light can only get the gel nail polish in salons
• Although the polish lasts two or three weeks, new nail growth may make it necessary to get the polish changed more often

While OPI gel nail polish is a great option for women to have, it is not necessarily the right option for every woman.