Why should I take the time to have my nails professionally manicured?

A Beautiful, well-groomed nail is an important part of your overall look. Attractive nails and hands enhance your appearance, whether you spend your days in a kitchen or in a boardroom. A basic manicure takes between 30-45 minutes. Artificial nail services, such as tips, acrylics and gels, average about an hour. The cost is quite reasonable, and the results are well worth it.

How to Care for Your Hands and Nails with OPI Products?

DAILY USE:

Swiss Blue” Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap: Thoroughly washes away germs and bacteria.
The gentle, non-drying formula is excellent for repeated use.

Swiss Guard’ Antiseptic Handwash Gel: Kills bacteria and germs on contact.
Great for travel, diaper or gym bag Can be used anytime, anywhere without rinsing.

Avoplex’ Moisture Replenishing Lotion: An excellent moisturizer for your entire body!
Soothes and conditions skin and won’t cause lifting of artificial nails.
Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil: Gently massage into cuticles and dry, rough areas twice a day to replenish essential moisture and lipids
FOR EMERGENCY NAIL REPAIRS:

N.A.S. 99* Nail Antiseptic Spray:
Gives nails a clean start and prevents bacteria and fungus growth.

OPI Nail Adhesive:
Repairs nail breaks and cracks fast!
(Be sure to see your nail professional for a proper repair).

OPI Emery Square:
This double-sided square is perfect for smoothing edges and rough spots while being gentle on cuticles.

OPI and Nicole Nail Lacquer All the award-winning fashion shades you need for beautiful nails! Keep on hand for touch-ups.

WEEKLY USE:

Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment:
Smoothes and soothes! Massage into cuticles twice weekly to slough away excess, dry cuticles.

OPI Reusable Cuticle Stick:
Use the soft rubber tip to gently push back cuticles.

POLISH CHANGE:

1. OPI Regular or Non-Acetone Polish Remover and OPI Nail Wipes: Removes nail lacquer quickly without leaving behind lint.

2. Chip Skip: Apply one coat to natural nails, or to regrowth area only of artificial nails, before applying base coat.
Base Coat: On natural nails, apply one coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat or Start-to-Finish Base Coat.
Top Coat & Nail Strengthener or chosen Nail Envy’ formula.
For artificial nails, apply one coat of OPI Acrylic Nail Base Coat.

3. OPI and Nicole Nail Lacquer.
These high-glosses, chip-resistant formulas come in a multitude of award-winning fashion
shades to suit every mood! Apply two coats over chosen base coat or treatment.

4. RapiDry Top Coat and RapiDry Spray or Drip Dry: Use this quick-drying team to protect your manicure and get you out the door fast!

5. OPI Reusable Cuticle Stick: Dip the flat edge into OPI Polish Remover and wipe away any remaining lacquer on skin.
6. Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil: Apply one drop to each cuticle.

How long will a basic manicure or pedicure last?

A basic manicure or pedicure will last one to two weeks, depending on your lifestyle and the type of service you’ve had.
If, for example, you work in the garden without gloves, your manicure probably won’t last long. Artificial nail services, such as acrylics, tips, wraps and gels maintain their fresh appearance much longer.
Maintaining your nails between salon visits with OPI products will give your nails a just-manicured look.

What are the main advantages of artificial nail applications?

For people who have a tendency to bite or pick at their nails, there is a 90 percent success rate of stopping with artificial nail applications. There are two reasons for this.
- First, people are less likely to ruin something they’ve spent time and money on.
- Secondly, nail biters are generally inspired by having beautiful hands for the first time in their lives.
Ask your professional nail technician about OPI’s Competition Formula 3000™ Advanced Acrylic System. It can give you the long, healthy-looking nails you’ve always wanted!

Does OPI manufacture products containing DBP or toluene?

Beginning in Spring 2006, OPI eliminated DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from all Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners it manufactures. Beginning in January 2007, OPI eliminated toluene from all Nail Lacquers it manufactures. Toluene-free formulas have been approved for all of our Nail Treatment and Nail Hardener products; some of these formulas are already being manufactured, and the others will be on the market in the next few months.

Does OPI Nail Lacquer contain formaldehyde as an ingredient?

No.

Will my natural nails continue to grow under the acrylics?

Yes. If your nail technician uses good products, such as the OPI acrylic system, and applies and maintains them correctly.
Artificial nails can actually improve the health of your natural nails by protecting them from biting, picking, excess moisture and other elements that can weaken or damage them.

How are artificial nail applications maintained?

Every two weeks your nail technician will fill in the area near the cuticle between where the natural nail has grown and where the artificial nail or tip is attached.
This “fill” includes re-sanitizing and re-applying the acrylic where it has grown out.

What are gel nails? How do they differ from acrylics?

Gels and acrylics are similar in that they both can be used to extend the length of the nails and make them stronger.
One advantage of gel services is that they are odorless Like acrylic, gels can be applied over the natural nail or over artificial nail tips.

What is a “Pink and White” nail service?

“Pink and White” refers to the use of two colors of acrylic applied to the nails to produce a more permanent, natural-looking “French” manicure look.
OPI calls this the dual-tone nail.
The tips of the nails are sculpted using white acrylic.
The base of the nail is then overlayed with warm or cool pink, depending on your skin tone.
OPI’s Competition Formula 3000™ is the only acrylic product that allows your nail technician to customize the shades of pink and white used for the most natural looking dual-tone nails.

How long do artificial nail applications usually last?

Artificial nail applications should be maintained every two weeks.
It is important to have regular fills because if the acrylic lifts away from the natural nail, moisture and bacteria can accumulate between them.
A professional nail technician can spot problem areas better than someone with an untrained eye.

How long will it take for my nails to return to normal after removing my acrylics?

If your natural nails were filed properly in the beginning, and if you’ve been maintaining your artificial nails with regular visits to the salon, your nails will be in good condition after the acrylic nail is removed.
Be sure to use OPI’s Nail Envy™ Natural Nail Hardener to strengthen your natural nails, condition your cuticles with Avoplex® Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil and have regular manicures to maintain healthy nail growth.

Why do nails split or become yellow ?

Nails can split or yellow for a number of reasons.
Excessive exposure to the elements or chemicals, poor diet, nail biting and other habits can be the cause.
To strengthen nails, use OPI’s Nail Envy™ Natural Nail Hardener.

Does OPI test its products on animals?

No. OPI products are not tested on animals.

What are the rules regarding:sanitation & disinfection of the instruments used for salon nail care services?

While each state’s board of barbering and cosmetology have different regulations pertaining to salon sanitation procedures, it just makes good sense for a salon to do the most, not the least, when it comes to preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
At OPI, we believe that technicians should thoroughly disinfect all implements and surfaces prior to each client’s appointment.
Technicians should also practice a thorough hand sanitation regimen to prevent the spread of germs and fungus.
OPI’s Swiss Clean Professional Salon Sanitation and Disinfection System is designed to fight germs at two important levels in the salon: effective sanitation of the skin and nails, and hard surface and implement disinfection.
Any salon that doesn’t follow conscientious sanitation practices is probably not a good choice for a nail service.

Why is this necessary? What are we being protected from?

Common viruses — such as those that cause colds and flu — are easily spread from hand to hand. Your nail technician is in direct contact with your hands for long periods of time, which makes both of you vulnerable to viruses and other contagious diseases.
The OPI hand sanitation system includes Swiss Blue Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, Swiss Guard Antiseptic Handwash Gel, a waterless hand sanitizer that kills bacteria and germs on contact, and N.A.S. 99 Nail Antiseptic Solution.
A nail technician should never begin a service without using these types of products!

How can I do touch-ups and repairs on my nails at home?

OPI has a Hand and Nail Maintenance Kit which can be purchased at your salon.
It is specifically designed to supply the most essential nail care products for use between professional manicures.
It contains all the products you need to properly care for both natural and artificial nails in an attractive carry-all bag.

FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS

1. How long must I wait before taking a shower or doing the dishes after I’ve applied nail enhancements? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Whenever possible, it is advisable to wait about 2-4 hours. This allows the nail glue to cure completely.

2. Should the numbered end of the nail be applied at the cuticle or tip? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)
The numbered ends of the nails are the tip ends. They should not be placed at the cuticles during application.

3. Will nail enhancements damage my natural nails? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Improper removal is what damages the natural nails. Do not pull nails off! If you are using pre-glued nails, soak nails in warm water for 10-15 minutes and then peel nails off from the side. If you are using nail enhancements that were adhered with regular nail or gel glue, you must soak them off in an acetone-based solution such as Broadway Nails™ Artificial Nail Remover Kit (BPR01). After the nails are completely removed, be sure to re-hydrate the nails and cuticle using your favorite lotion or oil.

4. Having problems applying nail enhancements, acrylics or gels? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)
For nail application video demonstrations, please click on the Virtual Nail Salon section of our website.

5. Can I trim or file nail enhancements? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Full cover nail enhancements and tips can be both trimmed and filed for desired length and shape. When altering the length or shape of a designed nail, be sure to apply 1-2 layers of top coat over the entire nail surface and free edge for design protection.

6. Why are my nails uncomfortable/pinching/falling off easily? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

It is possible that the nail enhancements don’t fit your natural nails properly from sidewall to sidewall. If needed, file sides of nail enhancements to achieve correct fit. If you have a very flat or hi-arched nail bed, this can result in a gap between the two and can make them feel uncomfortable and/or fall off easily. We recommend trying our new CustomFit French Nail Kits. These kits come with 24 regular shaped nails as well as, depending on the kit, either 12 flat shaped nails OR 12 hi-arch shaped nails. These specialized nail kits were designed to provide for the most comfortable, natural looking manicure.

7. How can I get larger nail sizes? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

We at Broadway Nails try to accommodate all of our consumers’ needs by including a variety of nail sizes in our kits. It is our standpoint that the variety of sizes allows every consumer to have a perfect fit on all 10 nails. A kit of 20-24 nails should allow for 1 full application, while a kit of 40 nails should allow for 2 full applications, and so on. Broadway’s objectives are to offer all consumers enough nail sizes for a perfect fit so nails look natural.

8. Can I change my polish color w/o removing the nail enhancements? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Nail polish can be removed from most nail enhancements without removing the actual enhancement. Just be sure that you use a non-acetone nail polish remover. Please note, however, that the plastic in clear full cover nails and tips has been slightly altered from the plastic used to make natural full cover nails and tips. For this reason, it is possible that non-acetone might remove the nails as well as the polish.

9. How do I remove glue from my skin? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

If skin bonding occurs, DO NOT PULL; peel apart gently using acetone-based nail polish remover.

10. How do I remove the glue stain from my furniture/clothing? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Though we do not guarantee nor recommend this, you may try soaking a small portion of the stain with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or a non-acetone remover. The safest way to repair your furniture/clothing is by taking it to a professional furniture repair shop or dry cleaner in your area.

11. The cap of my glue or gel is stuck to the bottle. How can I keep this from happening so I can reuse the bottle? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

It is very important to wipe the neck of the bottle with a paper towel before replacing the cap. Also, be sure to store glue tube in an upright position. If you find you are still having this problem, try wiping the neck of the bottle with an acetone-soaked cotton ball instead of a plain paper towel!

12. Why can I see white spots or air pockets underneath my nail enhancements? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

If your natural nail is much flatter than the nail enhancement, a gap or air pocket will occur between the two. The white spots that you may see are actually moisture that is trapped inside these air pockets. If the gap is not too great, you may be able to reduce air pockets with a varied application technique. You can try using extra gel glue, putting the gel on the natural nail as well as the nail enhancement. Also, try applying the nail using very little pressure. If you are still having trouble with air pockets and/or white spots, we recommend trying our new CustomFit French Nail Kits. These kits come with 24 regular shaped nails as well as, depending on the kit, either 12 flat shaped nails OR 12 hi-arch shaped nails. These specialized nail kits were designed to provide for the most comfortable, natural looking manicure.

13. How do I remove nails after I have glued them on? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

1. Trim off as much nail enhancement as possible and file entire nail surface to break through protective top coat.
2. Soak nails in nail enhancement remover, such as Broadway Nails™ Artificial Nail Remover Kit (BPR01), or acetone-based nail polish remover.
3. Periodically remove nails from solution to wipe off softened plastic and glue. Repeat process as necessary. Removal time can be between 15-30 minutes per hand depending on the nail enhancement used.
4. When nail enhancements have been removed, buff final residue from natural nails. Apply your favorite lotion or oil to the nails and cuticles for re-hydration.

If you find that it is taking a very long time to remove the nails, you may want to try heating the acetone solution. To heat, pour acetone solution in a small, glass bowl. Place small bowl in a larger, glass bowl of warm water, making sure water does not mix with the acetone solution. This double-boiler method will help remove the nail enhancements quicker.

14. Why can I no longer find my favorite Broadway nail design? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Broadway looks to keep our nail designs fresh and in style, this way we always have something new for you. In order to do so we change our design nails 2 times per year – if you find a favorite design, buy a few before it changes! We believe in giving you quality products and designs that are up to date.

15. Why do only some of the nails have rhinestones on them? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Adding special decorations on two nails, one on each hand, is one of the most popular styles of accentuating one’s manicure. The rhinestone accent is usually put on the ring fingers but some people prefer index fingers or thumb. Since all consumers’ nails are different, we felt that putting rhinestones on various nails would give more options to our consumers.

16. Can I buy only the nail sizes that I use? (FULL COVER NAILS AND TIPS)

Currently, Broadway’s nail sizes are not available individually. All Broadway Nails nail kits are made with a variety of nail sizes. Since all consumers’ nails are different, it is our standpoint that various sizes allow every consumer to have a perfect fit on all 10 nails. A kit of 20-24 nails allows for 1 full application. A kit of 40 nails allows for 2 full applications, and so on. Broadway’s objectives are to allow our consumers to achieve an instant salon look at home, and to offer all consumers enough nail sizes for a perfect fit so nails look natural.

GELS AND NAIL WRAPS

1. Can I apply gel glue for Full Cover Nail application? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Broadway Nails designed the gel glue included in its full cover nail kits to be easy for at home consumers to use. It’s thick viscosity and longer dry time allows the consumer to apply the nail enhancements slowly and straight for the most natural looking result.

2. Can I use gel as a nail strengthener? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

YES! This is called a Glue Manicure in the U.S. For someone who has the desired length of their natural nail a glue manicure will add strength and make nail enamel wear longer. This is a great service to offer with a French manicure since the polish will stay looking fresh and longer than when applied on a natural nail.

3. Why do tips glued on with Gel fall off? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Because of the thick viscosity of the glue it takes longer to dry, very thick glues should not be used to apply a nail tip. Some gels can be used to apply tips however, they may take slightly longer to dry thoroughly and we recommend applying all tips to one hand first before starting overlay process.

4. What’s the difference between Glue and Gel? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Traditional nail glue is water thin and will set within 4-5 seconds (Jet Dry Nail Glue BGD150). This type of glue is used for applying nail tips and to repair cracks or temporarily repair lifting problems. It’s great for repair because it can get ‘into’ cracks and underneath to fix and hold the problem until the nail grows out or is removed. Gel glues are thicker in viscosity and tend to dry slower than Glues. Gels are used in professional systems as an overlay to strengthen the nail and/or nail tip application or to apply full cover nails.

5. How do I apply fills? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

For Gels:
# Gel w/powder Remove polish with non-acetone polish remover
# File new growth area around cuticle to make old gel blend into natural nail
# Clean dust with non-acetone polish remover
# Brush on the Brush On Gel to the new growth area by the cuticle making sure not to get any on your cuticle
# Remove any gel that gets on your skin with manicure stick
# Dip finger into powder
# Tap finger to remove excess powder from nail
# Apply a thin layer of Brush On Gel to the entire nail
# Spray activator to set
# Complete on all 10 nails
# To finish - use fine side of file to smooth out surface of entire nail

Gel only
# Remove polish with non-acetone polish remover
# File new growth area around cuticle to make old gel blend into natural nail
# Clean dust with non-acetone polish remover
# Apply a thin layer of Brush On Gel to the new growth area by the cuticle making sure not to get any on your cuticle
# Remove any gel that gets on your skin with manicure stick
# Complete on all 5 nails
# Apply a thin layer of Brush On Gel to entire nail surface on all 5 nails
# Spray activator
# Complete on all 10 nails
# To finish - use fine side of file to smooth out surface of entire nail

For Nail Wraps (fiberglass/silk):
2 weeks growth (1st fill)
# Remove polish with non-acetone polish remover
# File new growth area around cuticle to make old gel blend into natural nail
# Clean dust with non-acetone polish remover
# Apply a thin layer of Brush On Gel to the new growth area by the cuticle making sure not to get any on your cuticle
# Remove any gel that gets on your skin with manicure stick
# Complete on all 5 nails
# Apply a thin layer of Brush On Gel to entire nail surface on all 5 nails
# Spray activator
# Complete on all 10 nails
# To finish - use fine side of file to smooth out surface of entire nail

4 weeks growth (2nd fill)
# Remove polish with non-acetone polish remover
# File new growth area around cuticle to make old gel blend into natural nail
# Clean dust with non-acetone polish remover
# Cut small square piece of silk/fiberglass for the new growth area at the cuticle
# Gently remove backing from silk/fiberglass and place piece onto new growth area
# Trim away excess wrap around cuticle
# Apply Brush On Gel over entire nail surface
# Remove any gel that gets on your skin with manicure stick
# Spray activator
# Apply second layer of gel and activate
# Complete on all 10 fingers
# To finish - use fine side of file to smooth out surface of entire nail

6. Will nail enhancements damage my natural nails? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Improper removal is what damages the natural nails. Do not pull nails off! If you are using pre-glued nails, soak nails in warm water for 10-15 minutes and then peel nails off from the side. If you are using nail enhancements that were adhered with regular nail or gel glue, you must soak them off in an acetone-based solution such as Broadway Nails Artificial Nail Remover Kit (BPR01). After the nails are completely removed, be sure to re-hydrate the nails and cuticle using your favorite lotion or oil.

7. Having problems applying nail enhancements, acrylics or gels? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

For nail application video demonstrations, please click on the Virtual Nail Salon section of our website and select the item you are inquiring about.

8. How do I remove glue from my skin? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

If skin bonding occurs, DO NOT PULL; peel apart gently using acetone-based nail polish remover.

9. How do I remove the glue stain from my furniture/clothing? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Though we do not guarantee nor recommend this, you may try soaking a small portion of the stain with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or a non-acetone remover. The safest way to repair your furniture/clothing is by taking it to a professional furniture repair shop or dry cleaner in your area.

10. How long can I wear these nails (Pre-Glued Nails, Full Cover Nails, Acrylics or Gels)? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

Pre-Glued Nails wear for up to 3 days. Full Cover Nails wear for 10-12 days. Please note we do not recommend leaving them on longer than 12 days. Acrylics/Gels will stay on longer than full cover nails. Just be sure to apply fill-ins every 2 weeks or so. Fill-ins need to be applied near the cuticle area where new nail growth has occurred.

11. The cap of my glue or gel is stuck to the bottle. How can I keep this from happening so I can reuse the bottle? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

It is very important to wipe the neck of the bottle with a paper towel before replacing the cap. Also, be sure to store glue tube in an upright position. If you find you are still having this problem, try wiping the neck of the bottle with an acetone-soaked cotton ball instead of a plain paper towel!

12. How do I remove nails after I have glued them on? (GELS AND NAIL WRAPS)

1. Trim off as much nail enhancement as possible and file entire nail surface to break through protective top coat.
2. Soak nails in nail enhancement remover, such as Broadway Nails Artificial Nail Remover Kit (BPR01), or acetone-based nail polish remover.
3. Periodically remove nails from solution to wipe off softened plastic and glue. Repeat process as necessary. Removal time can be between 30-45 minutes per hand depending on the nail enhancement used.
4. When nail enhancements have been removed, buff final residue from natural nails. Apply your favorite lotion or oil to the nails and cuticles for re-hydration.

If you find that it is taking a very long time to remove the nails, you may want to try heating the acetone solution. To heat, pour acetone solution in a small, glass bowl. Place small bowl in a larger, glass bowl of warm water, making sure water does not mix with the acetone solution. This double-boiler method will help remove the nail enhancements quicker.