Help! OPI Axxium Gel

[Ginamarie]

Hi Everyone

I recently done the OPI Axxium gel & Axxium Lacquer course, (march). At first i was really impressed. I am now having nothing but problems. I have had which i can only describe as throwing a stone at a window and it looks like its smashed (using the sculpture gel), nails lifting and breaking. Initially the nails look beautiful, clients have been saying they are the best nails they have ever had. I have recently started up a new mobile nail business. Previous to that I have been working as a Beauty Therapist. I have done everything by the book, watched the dvd again and again. I ensure I have carried out the prep work correctly and I am thorough. I now have no idea what to do. I have lost all my confidance and feel like everything is just falling to pieces. I just feel I cant continue doing the clients i have left, I feel like I'm ripping them off. I have contacted my trainer that told me to contact lena white. I'm still waiting for them to return my call. I have spent alot of money from them and i feel let down. I do like the OPI Absolute acrylic but all the other salons have bio-sculpture and no-one wants acrylic. All gel here. I welcome any advice. I just dont know what else to do, I welcome any advice.
Thanks xx

 

[user 35377]

Okay, is this the SOG sculpture gel you are talking about? And are you using this to build a nail enhancement (because it is not for this) or just as an overlay on the natural nail? You are not using it over the top of a laquer color, right? Usually the cracking of the uppermost layer is because it cured and the underlying layers did not cure fully. This sometimes happens with darker more opaque colors. This is why you should apply it in thin layers and cure each one about 15-30 seconds longer. If I could get a little more detail on how you are using the two different systems, I might be able to help a little more.

 

[yaut]

I tried axxium gel too. I used to get hairline cracks along the side walls, I thought it was my fault, but since I switched to nsi gels no more cracks appeared. It must be something to do with opi gels. I love their sculpture gel though.

 

[Ginamarie]

Hi

This is using the axxium sculpture gel to build the nail (this is what I was taught it was for and in my training manual). I'm not applying a colour. The cracking has occurred when I have used it as an overlay and ontop of tips. (The lady had her own natural nails longish and i was told the overlay gel is not strong enough). I have been applying it swirling it from side to side, again how I was taught and in the manual.

I have not had the cracking problem with the colour gels tho, but i have found after about a week they are going soft (my own experience). But I havent had much lifting with the coloured gels.

Thanks x

 

[user 35377]

Okay, you are probably not getting it thick enough across the stress area. You know, building the apex properly. The clear overlay gel is basically a top sealer (and is great for sealing in art). So, you should be laying down your base gel and then laying down a thinnish layer of sculpture, curing, and then laying down another layer of sculpture (using this one to build your apex), curing and then sealing the entire thing with a clear overlay. This will give her natural nail the strength it needs. Because you said her nails were kinda' "longish", it was probably just too thin and cracked when the nail was bent. If she just wants a clear overlay that it is thin and more flexible--I would suggest using the sog's on her.

 

[The Nail Girl]

Hi,
I use these products and have`nt experiensed these problems.
Did you get the Axxium lamp?I wonder if your product is curing properly as I am surprised by both problems you are encountering.Have you contacted the distributor?They may be able to help you more.
I love both these products and they work well for me so I`m sorry to hear you`re having problems.