How to Prep Nails for OPI GELevate™ Extension Application

Start with clean, dry hands.

Trim nails if needed and shape as desired with a 240-grit nail file.

Gently glide a cuticle pusher along the nail plate, pushing back the proximal fold and loosening the cuticle from the nail plate.

Fit your e-file with the preferred bit for service type and hold the handpiece like a pencil. Place the machine in forward and set to a low speed.

Pro Tip: When applying enhancements, including acrylics, sculpting gel, and soft gel tips, use a medium grit to remove shine while removing the cuticle.

Secure the finger between your thumb and index finger, gently tensing the skin to open up the nail plate.

Keep the bit parallel to the nail plate and guide the bit along the cuticle line from left to right with light pressure, removing the cuticle from the nail plate.

Turn the finger and pull back the lateral fold, guiding the bit down the sidewall of the nail. Repeat 2-3 times, removing dust to check for any remaining cuticle. Repeat on all nails.

Switch the machine into reverse and use the same technique, working from right to left to remove the cuticle from the opposite side wall.

Change the bit to a medium grit diamond and guide the bit from one side of the nail to the other, covering the entire surface of the nail to remove shine.

Smooth skin around the perimeter of the nail, keeping the bit parallel to the skin and gliding the bit in one direction away from the nail plate.

If needed, trim away any loose dead skin with a cuticle nipper.

Scrub the nail with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution to remove any dust or debris.

Apply a coat of BondAid to each nail. Allow to dry.