Today is a week plus one day since my most recent OPI Axxium Gel mani courtesy of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto. Look! Bright colour! It’s OPI Cajun Shrimp, a cheerful shade so right for this spring/summer time.
The application’s different again. Bless Tips owner Leeanne for her tolerance of my quirky need to experiment a bit with the number of layers of gel she uses (I’m such a geek). This time I’ve got only one layer of basecoat, one layer of colour — Cajun Shrimp is so pigmented that I decided I didn’t need a second coat — and a layer of topcoat. The result is an application no thicker than nail polish, but still much more durable. There’s a tiny bit of wear at the tips of my nails, but that’s it.
My new growth is starting to show. But it doesn’t have to; I can paint over Axxium with the matching nail polish to disguise it if I want to. I could use any colour, actually. And it’s worth saying again that after the next removal, I can decide to leave my natural nails bare, or go for Shellac, or a regular polish manicure. Axxium has not damaged my nails in the least; I’m on my third go-around.
Naturally I’ve been wondering what’s in Axxium, so I asked via OPI’s Canadian PR team. Rather than what’s in it, I received a short list of what’s not:
– ethyl methacrylate (EMA)
– methyl methacrylate (MMA)
– formalin
– toluene
These are toxic ingredients usually found in acrylics; read more here.
It’s also worth saying that not having to worry about unsightly chips in my pretty, happy nail colour is kind of awesome.
To find an Axxium salon in your area, contact OPI via this link.
{ 5 trackbacks }
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
This is the mani that just keeps on givin’!! that colour looks great on you.
I fear I might be a tad obsessed, Jill. I may need a 12-step counselling program!
I added your url to your comment, by the way, so folks can go find out why you have so many secrets. *grin*
Janine – do your nails have that ‘chunky’ look that acrylics get? I’ve always wanted to try them, but i don’t have to have ‘fat’ fingernails. know what I mean?
Axxium is designed to be a bit thinner and certainly more flexible than standard gel nails, Lara. That said, I like the results better with four layers vs five (one base, two colour, one top vs an application that begins with two base coats), and even better with three (one base, one colour, one top) which I’m trying out now as a bit of an experiment. I’m happy to report that I’m at 13 days with only three layers of Axxium, with nary a chip in sight! And the thickness is the same as nail polish.
I’m currently trying Bio Gel polish. Have you tried it yet? If yes, how does it compare to O.P.I Axxium?
I haven’t tried Bio Gel, Anya, but I think it’s a similar deal. Another reader said she didn’t like the removal process, but I’m uncertain how it might differ from Axxium’s process; they’re both soak-offs (at least Axxium and Bio Sculpture Color Gels are). Have a look at the other Axxium posts here, here, here, and here. You’re in a better position, I think, to pick up on what’s different because you’ve already got the deets on Bio Gel. Let me know what you think!
I’ve only had them for two days but I’ll update you on the longevity and removal (now I’m dreading it!).
Don’t dread! It’s fascinating! Truly!
Hi,
I’m trying to find a salon closer to downtown toronto that uses the opi axxium nail system. can you help? thanks
Hi Sue, I wish I had a good answer for you. The OPI website isn’t very helpful at all. The company just hit Twitter and Facebook, though, which should be a good route to go for more info. On Twitter they’re @OPI_Products and on FB they’re http://www.facebook.com/OPIProducts.
Im also looking for a salon that does OPI-gel products in the north end GTA…any ideas????
Hi Janine!
Cajun Shrimp is one of my favorite Axxium Soak-Off colors! It looks great of most skin tones. This service has totally taken off in Atlanta, and I’ve been busy working with new clients. By the way, OPI is releasing some new gel colors this Fall.
Take care!
Shara
Nails by Shara
OPI likes to tease, Shara! A handful of shades each season from a range of different collections, to keep us on our colour-lust toes. *grin* But the brand needs to make a list of Axxium salons available to consumers! Right now all clients can do is look up neighbourhood salons in the phonebook and call to ask whether they do Axxium.
Hi, any advice on whether axxium is safe for pregnant women? Thanks!
Hi Jen, I would expect so, but there is that part of the removal process that involves soaking your fingers in acetone. I’d want to check to make sure that is all right. I don’t expect you’d absorb enough to hit your bloodstream, but it’s worth looking into. I’ll see what I can find out on this side of the screen. Good question!
I need to find an Axxium removable gel salon in SE Wisconsin or norther Illinois.
Hi Denise,
You can send an email to OPI for a list of salons in your area that offer Axxium Soak-Off Gel: http://www.opi.net.au/form.shtml.
Wow, Janine (and Leeanne @ Tips Nail Bar & Salon in Toronto): You are truly the driving force behind this ultimate product. Can’t believe how many queries, comments, and hits you’re receiving from near and far—which only affirms your status as the ultimate beauty geek/empress, as well as pointing up OPI’s lack of consumer and salon marketing for Axxium. What are they thinking? At the risk of repeating myself, you both deserve a lifetime supply of OPI swag—no, make that a block of stock in the company. P@MELA
Just happy to help, Pamela *grin*
Yes or No. Is gel color safe & healthy for natural nails or not? If so are there significant advantages over standard nail polish or e.g., OPI Nail Laquer?
Hi Jerry,
If you’re asking whether soak-off gel colour is safe for natural nails, the answer is that it seems to be. I’ve been having Axxium manicures since last March; my nails haven’t suffered as a result.
The significant advantage for me when it comes to soak-off gel vs standard lacquer is the durability — I get three weeks of glossy, chip-free wear.
But for those who like having the ability to change or remove their colour themselves at will, nail lacquer (OPI or not) is a better choice.
Hi,
I was wondering if you’re able to purchase these nail polishes or can you only get them done at the salon right now?
I doubt it, Diane. Axxium isn’t a nail polish. It’s a professional product, a gel formula that requires specific application know-how, techniques and tools, and UV exposure to cure.
Home application isn’t recommended. The product is tricky enough that even licensed technicians are coming to this site to ask for advice on how to achieve the proper results.
Getting the right finish is worth the visit to an expert salon. :-)
I find that some of the pinks go on too sheer, even with 3 coats of color! I really just want a pale, opaque pink. Any advice?
Hi Christina, sorry that I missed your question! If you still need suggestions, I have two:
Have your technician custom-mix a shade using OPI Axxium Gel in Alpine Snow (white) with a red or pink shade of Axxium Gel to make you a pink.
Or have your technician put a coat of Alpine Snow on your nails as an opaque base for your sheer pinks. It’ll make them look more solid.
Hey
I got the Axxium gel done at Yuya Nails in Tribeca on Monday. Today, Wednesday one of my nails chipped. I was extremely disappointed since this is a some what expensive process. Luckily, I went back and they fixed it. But Is this normal? What can I do or not do so that this doesn’t happen?
Hi Dari,
It does sometimes happen, but it’s usually because of the application. Perhaps the nail wasn’t propperly prepped?
If it happens the next time you have an Axxium mani, then maybe think about switching salons. If it happens only occasionally, and the salon is happy to fix it for no charge when it does, that’s good.