Here we’ll be diving deep into the world of OPI, one of the most beloved and trusted brands in the nail industry. You’re in the right place if you’re a salon professional looking to enhance your nail services and provide your clients with long-lasting, salon-quality results. Join us as we explore everything you need to know about OPI and its revolutionary 3-step system, empowering you to achieve stunning manicures and pedicures that will leave your clients returning for more.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of OPI’s world-class products and take your nail game to new heights!
Everything you need to know about OPI 💅🏼
What does OPI Stand for?
OPI stands for Odontorium Products Inc. It was initially founded as a dental supply company in 1981 but later shifted its focus to the nail care industry. Today, OPI is known worldwide for its high-quality nail products and is a leading brand in the professional nail care industry.
Through relentless dedication to quality, trendsetting shades, and groundbreaking formulas, OPI quickly established itself as a frontrunner in the beauty world. Today, OPI’s iconic presence and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to revolutionise the nail industry, inspiring both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
What makes OPI special?
There are several reasons why OPI is considered a unique and beloved brand in the nail industry.
✅ Quality
OPI is renowned for its exceptional quality. From carefully selected ingredients to meticulous manufacturing, OPI ensures that every product meets the highest standards. Their formulas are designed to deliver long-lasting wear, vibrant colours, and professional-grade results.
✅ Extensive Shade Range
OPI is celebrated for its vast range of shades, offering an impressive palette that caters to every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for classic neutrals, bold and vibrant hues, or trendy and seasonal colours, OPI has it all. Their shade selection constantly evolves, staying on top of the latest trends and fashion-forward looks.
✅ Innovative Formulas
OPI has a history of pioneering nail care technologies. They continually strive to develop innovative formulas that provide beautiful results and nourishment and protection for the nails. From their chip-resistant lacquers to their strengthening treatments, OPI consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in nail care.
✅ Collaboration with Nail Professionals
OPI strongly emphasises collaborating with and listening to salon professionals. They actively seek feedback and insights from nail technicians, which helps them create products that cater to salon environments’ specific needs and demands. This dedication to understanding the needs of professionals has earned OPI a loyal following among nail technicians worldwide.
✅ Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
OPI ensures its products’ safety and consumers’ well-being. They adhere to strict manufacturing standards and prioritise ingredient transparency. Additionally, OPI is actively working towards more sustainable practices, including reducing waste, using eco-friendly packaging, and promoting responsible sourcing.
The OPI Product Range
The OPI range comprises various nail care and nail polish products that cater to different needs and preferences. You can buy them all here at Salons Direct!
Here are some of the essential products you can find in the OPI range:
Traditional Nail Lacquers
OPI is renowned for its extensive range of conventional nail lacquers. These non-gel polishes come in vast colours, finishes, and collections, offering options for every occasion and style.
Key Features
- Fast drying formula.
- The chip-resistant professional formula lasts up to 7 days of wear.
- Available in a range of classic nail colours.
- Use a 3-step process- Base coat, Colour and Top Coat for best results.
OPI GelColor
OPI GelColor is a professional gel polish line that provides long-lasting, chip-resistant wear. It requires curing under a UV or LED lamp for a durable and glossy finish. GelColor offers a wide range of colours, including iconic OPI shades.
Key Features
- The gel cures in just 30 seconds and lasts up to 21 days.
- Fast application with OPI custom brush.
OPI Infinite Shine
Infinite Shine is a hybrid lacquer system by OPI, offering gel-like shine and longevity without needing a UV or LED lamp. It consists of a base coat, colour coat, top coat designed for extended wear and a high-shine finish.
Key Features
- No UV lamp is needed for curing.
- Stay-true colour.
- High-definition gel shine that lasts up to 11 days of wear.
- Use a 3-step process- Base coat, Colour and Top Coat for best results.
OPI Treatment, Kits & Accessories
OPI offers a variety of nail treatments to address different nail concerns. These include strengthening treatments, cuticle oils, nail serums, base coats with specific benefits (such as ridge-filling or nourishing properties), and more.
Top Coats: OPI provides a range of top coats to seal and protect the manicure, enhancing shine and prolonging wear. They offer quick-drying top coats, high-gloss top coats, and long-wearing top coats.
What is the OPI 3-step system? And how to use it
The OPI 3-step system refers to a specific nail care routine using OPI products that consists of three essential steps: base coat, colour coat, and top coat. Each step serves a particular purpose and helps to achieve optimal results for a long-lasting, professional-looking manicure.
Here’s a breakdown of the OPI 3-step system:
Step 1: Base Coat
The first step is applying a base coat. OPI base coats are formulated to provide a smooth and even surface for the colour coat to adhere to. They also help to protect the natural nail from staining and promote better adhesion of the colour. OPI offers a range of base coats with different benefits, such as strengthening, ridge-filling, or nourishing properties.
Step 2: Colour Coat
The second step involves applying the desired OPI nail polish colour. OPI offers a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing you to choose from an extensive palette to suit your preferences or the client’s requests. The colour coat provides the desired shade and visual appeal to the nails.
Step 3: Top Coat
The final step is applying a top coat. OPI top coats are designed to seal and protect the colour coat, enhancing its shine and extending the wear of the manicure. Top coats also help to prevent chipping and provide added durability. OPI offers various top coat options, including quick-drying, high-gloss, and long-wearing formulations.
Frequently asked questions about OPI
Is OPI the same as Shellac?
No, OPI and Shellac are not the same thing. They are two different brands offering different types of nail products. OPI is a well-known brand that specialises in a wide range of nail products, including traditional nail lacquers, gel polishes, treatments, and nail care essentials.
On the other hand, Shellac is a specific type of gel polish created by the brand CND (Creative Nail Design). Shellac is a hybrid nail polish that combines the ease of application of polish with a gel’s durability and long-lasting qualities. It is applied in several layers and requires curing under a UV or LED lamp after each coat.
Is OPI or Shellac better?
The question of whether OPI or Shellac is better ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Both brands have strengths and qualities, making them popular choices among nail enthusiasts and professionals.
Here are some factors to consider…
Colour Range: OPI is known for its extensive and diverse colour range, offering a wide variety of shades to suit different preferences and occasions. On the other hand, while Shellac has a good selection of colours, it may not be as extensive as OPI’s range.
Application and Durability: Shellac is specifically formulated as a gel polish, known for its durability and chip-resistant qualities. When properly applied and maintained, Shellac can provide a long-lasting, glossy finish for up to two weeks. OPI’s gel polishes also offer excellent longevity and durability, although the specific wear time may vary depending on individual factors and proper application.
Brand Reputation: Both OPI and Shellac are reputable brands in the nail industry, known for their quality and innovation. OPI has a long-standing presence and is widely recognised for its wide range of nail products, while Shellac is specifically known for its high-performance gel polishes.
Availability and Accessibility: OPI products are widely available in various beauty supply stores and online retailers, making them easily accessible for both professionals and consumers.
Is OPI nail polish or gel?
OPI offers both traditional nail polishes and gel polishes, providing options for different preferences and needs.
OPI Traditional Nail Polish
OPI is widely known for its traditional nail lacquers and regular, non-gel polishes. These nail polishes come in various colours and finishes, ranging from creams and shimmers to glitters and metallics. They require a base coat, colour coat(s), and a top coat for application.
OPI Gel Polish
In addition to traditional nail polishes, OPI offers a line of gel polishes. OPI GelColor is a professional-grade gel system with a longer-lasting and chip-resistant finish than conventional polishes. Gel polishes require curing under a UV or LED lamp after each coat to achieve durable and glossy results. OPI GelColor is known for its extensive colour range, high-quality formulas, and long-lasting wear.
We hope you’ve found this guide on OPI useful!
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