While I wait for a turn at the Shellac mani table (mentioned in this story), I’m playing with OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel, an update on the standard gel nails experience. In the photo above, my Axxium manicure is three weeks old. I’m wearing a tweaked version of Axxium in You Don’t Know Jacques (Tips Nail Bar & Spa owner Leeanne Colley added a little white, and, in her tradition of naming a shade mix after the first client who uses it, called it You Don’t Know Janine).
Unlike standard nail gel (which I’ve never tried), Axxium is designed to go on the natural nail, is flexible, comes in a range of OPI’s most popular colours from clear to Bubble Bath to Miami Beet to My Private Jet, and can be removed without sanding down to the original nail. Like standard gel nails, Axxium is an odourless gel applied with a small brush to a lightly pre-roughened natural nail surface, and requires two minutes in a UV light box to set or cure each layer. (If you’re worried about UV light exposure during your manicure, read this.) After base times two, colour and a non soak-off top coat and the last two minutes under the 9-watt UV bulbs, nails are completely dry and able to withstand a lengthy purse-rummage for your car keys. Mine withstood four weeks, including a week of testing a variety of Aldo nail polish colours and top coat on one hand (below). I got two wee chips in the finish on my way to have it removed. (Do not remove it yourself by chipping it off; you risk nail damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s not called a soak-off gel for nothing.)
A kind of genius thing about gel nails is that you can paint right over them with regular nail polish if you want a different look for a few days. (It’s that non soak-off topcoat — it’s acetone-proof.) I don’t recommend painting over a dark colour with a light colour — I needed three or four coats of the Aldo shades to cover the You Don’t Know Janine (*giggle*) adequately. The Aldo shades, except for the metallic blue, all went on matte, so I topped them with Aldo’s clear top coat. And after a week, which was then three weeks with Axxium, I removed the polish with a Sally Hansen Nail Colour Remover Pad, as you’ll see below. (Note: start with a standard basecoat polish to avoid discolouration of the Axxium underneath.)
What most amazed me is that right up until the Axxium removal the following week, four weeks to the day of its application, my cuticles at the base of the nail were nearly pristine. According to Leeanne at Tips, cuticles grow when they’re in contact with the natural nail. It seems they take a vacation when gel covers the nail. Odd, because the Axxium even when first applied didn’t touch my cuticles.
Removal requires another salon appointment; get the details here.
OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel manicure by Rita Remark at Tips Nail Bar & Spa. Cost there is about $50, the same as two regular polish mani appointments. To find an Axxium salon in your area, contact OPI via this link.
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That is like, wicked cool. Like, wicked. cool.
Know what’s cool, You? I did dishes. Without gloves.
Wow! is it readily available in nail salons yet? can you name a few more places?
It launched about a year ago, actually Sonya, so it should be in a number of salons that use OPI. I’m waiting on info on where to find specifics — the website, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to have a salon locator. In the meantime, you might like to call a couple of your favourite spots?
Hi Sonya — sorry for the delay! Seems like a list of salons is weirdly tricky for OPI to get their hands on. What area do you want to know about? The PR folks gave me a few more downtown locations:
Jeanet Spa & Salon, 140 Yorkville Ave., 416.921.2996
Cosmetic World, 623 Yonge St., 416.964.6188
Toronto Barber & Beauty Supply, 100 Dundas St. W, 416.977.2020
I don’t yet know whether Cosmetic World and Toronto Barber & Beauty Supply are distributors only or whether they do manicures; Axxium isn’t intended for home use (unless you have your own UV lightbox, maybe).
I love how detailed your account is! The shade name rules, too! I need to try this.
I so wanted to do a short post — foiled! To tell you the truth, Kaferine, I never would have considered this type of mani if I hadn’t spotted it on Leeanne. She’d mixed the shade for herself; I was just lucky to be the first client to request it, as soon as she explained how it was different from old-school gel nails.
Neat-o! I read about this stuff in the New York Times a few weeks ago. I was a bit scared because of the whole gel-nail thing. The removal process seemed drying and harsh on your hands, but I’m glad to know you were happy with the results. I will try it out if/when it becomes available in Montreal.
You probably saw it, but here’s the article just in case: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/fashion/22Skin.html?scp=1&sq=axxium&st=cse
Yes, I did read that piece, Lindsay, thanks for the link. It focusses mostly on Shellac, Creative Nail Design’s new launch. Like Axxium it’s a soak-off type that needs UV to harden the surface. Comes in a bottle, unlike Axxium, which comes in little pots. Both need to be done at the salon; I’m looking forward to finding out how they differ from one another.
I think more than the process itself causing damage to nails, it’s about the technician’s skill. I was super-surprised at how healthy my nails looked and felt once the Axxium was removed (I was apprehensive about the acetone soak and the fact that it needed to be flaked off with a cuticle pusher, can’t deny). Granted, it was the first time I’ve done this, but Leeanne and Rita are both really careful as they work; they’re all about nail health. Find the right technician, and you’re on your way. Lemme know what you think when you do!
Also, Lindsay, you have the cutest haircut! I’ve always wanted it, but my texture doesn’t play nice with that style. Pooh. And yay you for having it. I kind of mean that.
Thanks for the info! I’ll be in Toronto in July so maybe I’ll treat myself and go see the technician you recommended. But I have colour choosing anxiety as it is so I should probably decide on a colour in advance. Hah.
I won Chantel’s OPI giveaway when she launched her new book. The Hong Kong collection is lovely, but it really doesn’t help the colour choosing anxiety. So many choices!
And thanks! That is very sweet. It takes about 3 hours to cut my hair. I have thick hair and she thins the poop out of it. My hair stylist is veeeerrrry patient. And there is usually pizza ordering involved.
Pizza and a haircut? Girl, that is a post.
Re: choosing an Axxium colour, go with something pale. That way you can paint over it later for kicks (use a base coat though — I didn’t and the red Aldo colour I put on my thumb nail discoloured the Axxium). Well done re: winning Chantel’s launch giveaway!
I want to get this done tomorrow! 4 weeks?!?! I can attest that when I saw you last week your nails still looked amazing! So just to clarify, I can get Bubble Bath instead of the shade you got, or i have to put it on top? Thanks for a great post!
Absolutely you can get Bubble Bath instead, Chantel! There are 33 or so colours available. There isn’t a direct link to the Axxium section of the OPI site, but once the “brought to you by” opener fades into the main home page, you’ll see an “8 New Axxium Soak-Off Colors” hotlink graphic at the bottom right of the screen. Hit that, and you’ll see what your choices are. Lemme know what you think! And thanks :-)
I need this in my life. Now.
LOL
Great post!
Hi Janine ! Hi ladies.
My name is Shara, I’m a licensed nail tech (8 years experience), and I offer the ‘No-Chip’ Manicure using the OPI Axxium Soak-Gel Lacquers. I’ve been performing this service since last year, and I’ve been trained and certified by OPI. It’s a great service!
OPI Axxium, Shellac, and other similar products are not designed to make your nails healthy. These product do offer protection and most nails grow when they are covered, and not exposed to the elements, chemicals, etc…If your nails are damaged or peel, they will be in the same state after the removal of OPI Axxium Soak-Off Lacquers. I don’t recommend this service for nails that have deep ridges.
Damage to the nail natural is caused by improper application and improper removal. As stated by Janine stated, the skill of the nail technician also plays an important role in proper application & removal of product of this product. As with anything that covers the nail — polish, acrylic, gel, Minx — it should never be removed by biting, ripping, or by peeling the product off.
I offer custom blending. The gel lacquers can be blended and customized to your liking. I offer the OPI Axxium Soak-Off Gel Manicure in Atlanta, GA. I’m listed on the OPI website under the “Where to Buy” section. If you have any questions regarding the service, please email me. I’ll be more than happy to answer your questions. Thank you!
Thank you!
email: nailsbyshara{at}gmail{dot}com
Thanks for the added info, Shara! And thanks, too, for letting any BG readers in Atlanta know where they might find you as well as the tip on checking the “Where to Buy” section at least to see who carries OPI — it’s a starting point for finding salons that use Axxium.
This sounds AWESOME!!! i am a natural nail OPI wearer and would love to add this to my routine. PLEASE please tell me there is a location in Los Angeles. thank you!!!
Hi Rayva, I’m certain there must be salons in LA who provide the service. Your best bet may be just to check your phone book and make a few calls, actually. OPI puts the promotion onus on their salons, so at the moment there isn’t a listing on the company website.
You might consider asking via tweet, however, if you’re on Twitter — they’re @OPI_Products. I’ve just tweeted a question on your behalf, but you can give them more info on where in L.A. would be best for you.
Rayva,
There is the Robb Salon in Studio City that offers Axxium Soak-Off Gels and is an all OPI product salon. Here is the site: http://www.robbsalon.com/
Thanks so much for leaving the above info, OPI!
I”ve used it (in NC) for a year or so already and I love it. Get my mani/pedi and will never go back to regular polish. I sometimes go 4-5 weeks and haven’t had a problem. So many people have asked me about it, but the OPI website is not always up to date. The lady I got to “discovered” how to get herself in the list when we were looking for people offering the service elsewhere. So I’m guessing not everyone that works with Axxium soak off gels is in that list. So, I am still looking for a location in Spring TX. Anyone knows?
Hi Olga — Thanks for your comment! I asked the OPI Facebook page folks; they responded! Well, they responded with “no locations in Spring, TX,” but said they have Axxium salons in neighbouring areas. Hit them up directly to ask about one close to you: http://www.facebook.com/OPIProducts?ref=ts
i just had a question – im totally fascinated by this and really want to try it out. I just have one concern – does it feel strange? I’m very sensitive to change and I’m worried that it will go on and feel like fake nails (which I’ve never tried – I’ve never had more than a basic manicure) – and I’ll hate it.
Thanks
Lindsay
I didn’t find it felt strange at all, Lindsay, although I do prefer it with fewer coats. My favourite application is one base coat, one coat of OPI Cajun Shrimp (it’s really pigmented) and one top coat, because it looks just like nail polish. How long it lasts depends on how it’s applied; I get three weeks without a chip (might be longer except three weeks is usually when I hit the salon for a fresh mani).
Make sure your technician is careful with your nails, however. Mine have suffered ZERO damage, but that isn’t always the case for other people at other salons.
This stuff ruined my natural nails. I had it done 3 times. By the 3rd time my real nails were so weak and thin. They all broke off. Never again!
I have to say that’s down to whoever applied it for you, Karen. My nails weren’t particularly hardy to begin with, yet, despite having had Axxium three or four times (and one Shellac session), they’re no thinner or weaker than they were before my first appointment. Both the ladies at the salon I go to are so gentle with my nails that I haven’t had a single worry.
I’m sorry you’ve had a lousy experience :-(
I just got this done at menlo mall ( tender care nail salon ) and I got a pedi and the axxium gel treatment on my hands. No exaggeration: total? $45 for BOTH !! I love the people, they are talented and professional!!!
$45 for both? And it looks great? SCORE, Damaris!
Axxium is the Maximum. I’ve had it done for two months now.
Just two applications. My natural nails have never looked this good. I just had my technian order the new natural color. I like the fact I can still feel my real nails, but they look fantastic. Axxium is the best product so far.
I love your Axxium rhyme, Danni! My enthusiasm for the stuff hasn’t waned in the months I’ve been having it done, that’s for sure. It’s so good! Well, for me. And clearly for you, too.
I had Shellac put on in Washington DC during a Bussiness trip and it lasted more than 2 weeks. I found NAILSENSE in Toronto in my hood and tried OPI Axxium. I think I like Axxium better because it has most of my favorite OPI colors.
I’m all over the OPI Axxium shades as well, Heather! I suspect it won’t be long before Shellac has a full range, though, so you’ll be able to choose between them depending on what colour you feel like that day — like regular polish.
NAILSENSE also does Shellac but the color selection is very limited.
I really do love this product. I have only had fake nails once many years ago and I hated them. When I had them taken off I hated the way it made my real nails feel. I never got them done again. I was visiting a friend in North Carolina the second week of October and I treated myself to a pedi and mani. It was then I was introduced to this Soak-Off product. I want to get them done on a regular base now but here where I live I can not find a salon that is using it. What do I do? Can anyone help me find a salon that I can go to? I can not believe how good they still look after more than three weeks. I work with my hands all the time and don’t have a dish washer!
It’s amazing stuff, isn’t it Robin? You should be able to find a salon near you via this link: http://www.opi.net.au/form.shtml.
Cheers!
hi there, i tried it twice now. my nails r dull. they aren’t shiney! i don’t know what she is doing wrong, this time just my thumbs were shiney. i did “you don’t know jacques”. her top coat is a blue nail polish bottle, not a jar. i sat for about 9 minutes with the top coat on before she wiped it w alcohol on a cotton ball. help! i really want to like this!
Yikes! Your technician is definitely doing something wrong.
With each coat of You Don’t Know Jacques, are you putting your hand into the UV lightbox for 2 minutes? Between each application?
After the last colour application, and the 2 minutes in the lightbox following, the top coat should come from a blue polish bottle as you mentioned. That top coat needs to be fairly generously applied, and needs TWO sessions in the lightbox for each hand. That means a four-minute exposure.
After that, it shouldn’t matter how long the topcoat is on before she cleans the residue off. But it does need to be a fairly generous application to begin with, and needs a double shot of UV.
She may also need new bulbs in the lightbox.
Please let me know what happens with your next appointment, okay?
Where are you located?
Who, me? Toronto, Ontario, Canada. :-) You?
I LOVE IT!! I did a french tip & it still looks amazing after 3 weeks!! Im that “digging in the purse for keys & everything else” kinda gal. ;-p I acually hit my right thumb hard & chipped a tiny piece but it still looks amazing. Im located in the US, New Mexico to be exact and am soooo glad my tiny town has this!!
I love the enthusiasm Axxium sparks in a new fan! Glad you love it, Heather! Enjoy!
What is the difference between axxium & shellac?
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for your question. Axxium and Shellac are similar in that they are both UV-cured, soak-off formulas, but a bit different in texture and definitely colour range. Axxium goes on with more of a gel texture; Shellac has more of a standard polish consistency. I found Axxium more durable on my nails than Shellac was, and Axxium comes in 30+ shades whereas Shellac has only a few (I’m sure that’s already changing, though. It’s newer than Axxium.)
You might find this post helpful: http://imabeautygeek.com/2010/08/27/f-is-for-fingerpaint-fail-creative-nail-design-shellac-is-not-for-my-nail-type/
Thanks again for your question!
I just got a mani/pedi and tried Axxium on my hands for the first time today. A friend of mine told me about it last year and my salon recently started offering the service. I never, eeeeever get manicures because no matter what I do my nails will chip. I am a faithful user of Stickey base coat and they’ll still chip within a week. Aside from that I’m just too low-maintenance to be bothered with top coats and all that. But since it was Christmas Eve I decided to treat myself. I got Big Apple Red and it looks great! I live in Atlanta and got my mani/pedi for $36. :)
I’m wearing Big Apple Red now! In this photo! And whoa, gagirl, that’s a crazy good price for a mani/pedi.
Wow gagirl….. what is the name of the salon (love that price) you go to for your services? I also live in Atlanta and just got my first set and I’m loving them!
Does anyone know of a nail spa or salon that does Axxium in the Fredericksburg area—or anywhere close? Thanks.
Five Star Nails on the Prince William County Parkway in Woodbridge. Same shopping center with Bed Bath & Beyond and Michaels. When you get off 95 it’s the 2nd traffic light. Make a left-across from Target and Bank of America will be on your right!
I just got my first set today and I’m already obsessed! I also picked “You Don’t Know Jacques” and am amazed at how shiny and natural they look, not thick and fake looking like acrylics. The salon near me is offering the gel for $30, so if it lasts the full 4 weeks it will definitely be worth it. Before making my appointment I found this post and it gave me the final push to try it out, thanks for all the details Janine!
You’re so welcome, Cassie! Hope you get the long-last results I did. I now go for only three weeks (I know, “only!”) because the visible regrowth starts to get to me. *grin*
Enjoy!
Hi Ladies,
I am in serious need of this Axxium gel ! Is there any salons that you know near Mississauga or Brampton or the GTA area that have this service? Please let me know!
I go to Nails in Style in the Georgetown Marketplace.. I haven’t found any others out this way
Hello,
My comment is, that if your natural nail is being covered by gel, shellac or whatever, the nail is not having any exposure to air.
So, in that case how can any of these products be any good for your nails. They all do the same thing because your nails become weakened then split and peel eventually.
I have tried them all!!
Thank you
Thanks, Marilyn. I think that may happen for some — these things aren’t for everyone. I’ve been fortunate, however, in that I’ve experienced no negatives from Axxium. My nails are by nature peely and soft; Axxium helps them stand up to wear-and-tear in a way they never could before. And I tell myself that because I go three weeks before a fresh mani, the regrowth is like a window to let air in. *grin*
So far so good for me, but your comment is noted — anyone having these types of services does need to take stock regularly of how their nails are doing just to be sure.
I just got my second application of axxium and absolutely love it! Like Janine mine lasted a month with no chips. Thanks for letting me know that I can paint over them if I want to. I got a french manicure and think that it may look bad after a couple of weeks, so painting over it is a great option. Thanks!!
Sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship between you and Axxium! :-)
For those who have their hearts set on a gel manicure, but would rather avoid the potential risks of nerve pain, cancer and fungal infections, there may be an alternative. This spring, a company called CND announced the first ‘hybrid’ gel manicure. Called “Shellac,” the hybrid is a marriage between gel and traditional nail polish that may be more nail-friendly.
Hi Suzie,
Thanks for your comment! I mentioned Shellac at the beginning of the post. Axxium is also a soak-off product, with none of the potential risks of standard UV gel nail products.
Here’s another post re: choosing one over the other.
Cheers!
From some quick Googling, looks like Tips and Nailsense both carry Axxium in Toronto. Anyone have a list of central Toronto salons that carry it? Downtown, Yorkville, or Bloor West would be perfect for me. Thanks!
Hi Shopski! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you!
The best way to find a salon in your area (if you haven’t already) is to contact OPI via this link: http://www.opi.net.au/form.shtml
I had the OPI done at Perfect Nails in LaPlace, LA about 3 months ago then they went to another brand of gel nails which peeled off in a week. I told her I would come back if she had OPI but not another brand. I tried to find another place, but so far have not. I live in LaPlace, LA a suburb of New Orleans. Metairie, LA is also close. Is there any salon in this area. I loved the OPI when I had done, but can’t find anyone in this area.
Hi Joy,
That’s not good, to have loved Axxium and then had it taken away! Try contacting OPI via the following link: http://www.opi.net.au/form.shtml
Good luck!
I had the Axxium done yesterday at a local salon. I was actually going to do the Shellac but they did not have silver, which is what I wanted. Cleaned the bathroom today. I use a big huge scrub brush in the shower and scouring powder. Was amazed when I finished and my manicure was still perfect. I might be in love! We shall see after this week. I am a dispatcher for a tow service and work in a very busy office! :)
I think that Axxium gel manicure may be a good product for someone that wants to keep it up and wear it for the duration. I tried it on my nails and found it trashed my nails afterwards. It is nice to have something new into the nail industry, and it also nice to be able to offer another service to clients. As long as my clients know what to expect when wearing it, its all good.
Hi Tracy,
I have to admit to a certain amount of frustration whenever I hear or read that someone’s nails have “been damaged” by Axxium or Shellac or Gelish, etc. Damage is the result of an improper application or removal, faulty technique from the nail technician, not the product. I’ve had Axxium done for just over a year; it’s not adversely affected my nails in the least, and mine are soft, weak and peel-y to begin with. The key is a pro who knows what he or she is doing.
I had OPI Axxium applied on 4/28/2011 and approximately 12 hours later after doing dish duty for church. There was no gel left on the nails at all. I am not sure what happened but this is not what I expected. I am truly disappointed as I had seen a ladies over the Easter holiday and they were beautiful. I don’t think the people that did mine have a clue how to apply this. What a waste of my money. Would love to find a place that knows how to apply as it seems to be a worth while product. Any suggestions on what went wrong with the application?
Could be anything, Nikki. Maybe the technician applied too much, or not enough, or didn’t prepare the nail surface properly or didn’t cure long enough, or needs a new lightbox… so many things are possible. Best to check via this link whether there are other OPI Axxium salons in your area: http://www.opi.net.au/form.shtml
Does anyone know if/where you can purchase the OPI base and gels? I’ve been doing my own manicures for years, and would love to start doing my own gel manicures, but can’t seem to find anywhere that sells to the general public (in Canada, at least – Amazon seems to have some vendors, but they’re in the US and charge an arm and a leg for shipping)
Thanks!
I’m afraid I haven’t a clue, Michelle. OPI may be making general access difficult for a reason. Gel manicures are tricky when they’re done by non-technicians. Heck, they seem tricky even when done by trained technicians, as evidenced by many of the comments on all my Axxium posts.
I tried this a couple of months back, but unfortunately I guess my nails grow too fast for this to really work for me. After about 2 and a half weeks my regrowth was about a third of the way up my nail bed. I did like how I could clip and file my nails though and the gel still stayed on.
The other thing I didn’t like is that the gel coating is quite thick – it was quite a bit thicker than just normal nail polish. I might try the CND Shellac and see how that looks.
I was also too impatient to go back to the salon to get the stuff off, and I peeled it off myself, which completely trashed my nails. It took a couple of months for the damage to grow out!
Shellac actually is a bit thinner than Axxium, Murt. More like regular polish. But please, no more peeling the stuff off yourself! If you must remove it without professional help, at least soak it off as per these tips, for the safety of your poor nails :-)
I have been getting Axxium soak off nails for about 3 months now. I do love them but would really like to know specifically what causes them to be dull after the wipeoff at the end to get rid of the tackiness. Is it too much wiping or not enough? Thanks,
Hi Marilyn,
Your nails shouldn’t be dull after that wipeoff. If they are, chances are the technician hasn’t used enough top coat, or the nails haven’t cured properly. You’re getting the full two minutes under the lamps between each coat, right? If yes, then the technician just needs to try a bit more top coat.
OK. We’ll try more top coat. Thank you.
No problem, Marilyn. One more thing — could be that the lightbox bulbs need replacing. Try the more-topcoat thing first, though.
I had this gel manicure done for the first time today, and I chose the Strawberry Margarita color, however, after about 4 coats of the colored gel (drying in between, of course) my nails look clear! I don’t mind it so much because it still looks nice, but I was really looking to have a color on my nails and I didn’t realize that the color would disappear as each coat dried. Is this normal for this manicure? My nails don’t look anywhere close to the big poster my nail salon has up.
I have searched and can’t find anyone saying anything about having the same experience as i had.
That seems strange to me, Patricia. Usually, if the colour goes on less pigmented than it should, it’s because the technician didn’t give the gel a good stir before applying it. I’m checking into it.
I just finished my nail tech course and i am trying different products,i
find the axxium gel base runny like water so very hard to apply and i
find the “Luminous white overlay gel” too thick and hard to make
a nice french manicure.
I would appreciate your opinion.
Please don’t hate me for saying this, but I’m one of those who thinks “nice” and “french manicure” rarely go together. *shudder*
That said, I know an Axxium French mani can happen; it just takes practice. The best combination, for a classy French manicure (instead of the porn-star type with that stark, super-white tip — yuck) is Bubble Bath + Alpine Snow. Bubble Bath would be the base colour, Alpine Snow is the tip, and one more coat of Bubble Bath over the whole nail, including the white tip, will keep the mani subtle and sophisticated.
My prom is in a few weeks and I am attempting the illusion that I actually have nails…help!
I’m a nail biter, to the point of basically no return. Can i still get an axxium mani?? I’m confused..does it just go over my natural nail, or it is actual fake nails that make my nails look nice (for once)!
Hi Melanie,
Absolutely you can have an Axxium manicure. It goes over the natural nail, and it’s really strong, so if your nails are weak to begin with, Axxium will serve as a protective shield that will allow them to grow without breaking. It should also help deter you from biting.
Another alternative is press-on nails — Broadway Impress nails are terrific. They stay on really well, come in a wide range of amazing shades and patterns, have a super-shiny finish and look totally real. Only thing is that they don’t fit really wide nail beds, but if you don’t have that problem, you’re set!
http://impressmanicure.com/
great. is axxium a polish or a mold of sorts? I am looking to add some length to my nails (not naturally of course.)
thanks for all your help!
Axxium is a soak-off gel — a technician paints each layer (base coat, two coats of colour, one top coat) onto the natural nail with a little brush. Between layer applications, you pop your hands into a UV nail lamp to cure or harden the gel; when you’re finished, your nails are completely dry and shiny. To remove Axxium, you need another appointment to soak the gel off — get the details here. You can have another Axxium manicure right after the soak-off process. You may need a few Axxium manicures to get your nails to the length you want. If you have a good technician, it won’t hurt your nails — I’ve been having back-to-back soak-off manicures for more than two years. :-)
hmmm…i’m looking for more of a glue on, instantly good looking nail. do you know any salons in Toronto that do a good one?!
I don’t know of any salons that do glue-on nails, actually. I think those are more of an at-home, DIY thing.