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How to Rebalance and Fill OPI GELevate™ Overlay Services

Tired of doing new sets with every service? You need balance, bestie. Learn how to repair and reset nails for overlay services using OPI GELevate™ Builder.

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Step by Step

  1. Step 1

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Prep those nails! Follow our OPI Salon Pro prep basics.

  2. Step 2

    Pro Tip: Assess the nails for service breakdown, looking under the extension edge to ensure the nail is securely attached. Check for pocket lifts, perimeter lifting and any visible cracks in the product to determine if a simple or more technical rebalance is needed.

    Pro Tip: Assess the nails for service breakdown
  3. Step 3

    OPTIONAL: File prep the nails. Remove GelColor if needed. Use a 100/180-grit file or an e-file with a course bit on medium-high speed to remove the color from the nail. Brush away any dust. Reference OPI’s Hand Filing or E-Filing Map step-by-steps for more detailed instructions.

    OPTIONAL: File prep the nails. Remove GelColor if needed
  4. Step 4

    If desired, reduce the length of the nail and reshape as desired.

    Trim and reshape the nail as desired
  5. Step 5

    Assess the new growth and apex placement to determine amount of product thickness to remove.

    Assess the new growth and apex placement
  6. Step 6

    Reduce the thickness of the product on the nail following the contour of the nail. Reduce between 30-50% based on nail growth and apex growth.

    Reduce the thickness of the product on the nail
  7. Step 7

    Once product has been reduced, perform nail prep to remove cuticle and cleanse the nail. Refer to OPI Salon Prep steps to complete.

    Once product has been reduced, perform nail prep
  8. Step 8

    Apply a coat of Bondex Bonding Agent to each nail and allow to dry.

    Apply a coat of Bondex Bonding Agent to each nail and allow to dry
  9. Step 9

    OPTIONAL: For a HEMA-free* and soak-off friendly service, skip Bondex application and apply a thin coat of GelColor Super Base Base Coat to all nails. Cure for 30 seconds in the Star Light Gel Lamp.

    OPTIONAL: For a HEMA-free* and soak-off friendly service, skip Bondex
  10. Step 10

    Apply a thin coat of GELevate™ 4-in-1 Builder to all 5 nails, leaving a thin free margin around the perimeter of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds in the Star Light Gel Lamp.

    Apply a thin coat of GELevate™ 4-in-1 Builder to all 5 nails
  11. Step 11

    Pick up a small bead of product on one side of the brush. Place the bead in the cuticle area and gently nudge the product towards the cuticle and from side to side, leaving a small free margin.

    Pick up a small bead of product on one side of the brush
  12. Step 12

    Using lighter pressure, guide the gel from side to side while pulling forward to create the apex, leaving a larger free margin at the sides.

    Using lighter pressure, guide the gel from side to side while pulling forward
  13. Step 13

    Use the corner of the brush to guide the gel down the sidewalls, leaving a small free margin.

    Use the corner of the brush to guide the gel down the sidewalls
  14. Step 14

    Review the structure of the nail and use the corner of the bottle brush to perfect the apex and shape. Flip the nail upside down for 3-5 seconds to allow the apex to smooth. Use a detail brush to refine as needed.

    Review the structure of the nail and use the corner of the bottle brush to perfect the apex
  15. Step 15

    Flash cure the nail for 5 seconds with the Lightning Flash Cure Gel Lamp.

    Flash cure the nail for 5 seconds with the Lightning Flash Cure Gel Lamp
  16. Step 16

    Repeat steps 7-12 on remaining nails until builder gel is completely applied to all of the nails on one hand, then cure for 30 seconds in the Starlight Gel Lamp. Repeat on the other hand.

    Repeat on remaining nails until all nails are complete
  17. Step 17

    OPTIONAL: If shape refinement is needed, remove gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99. Freshly applied builder needs a lighter touch, and will file easily using a 240 grit file and padded buffer. Refine shape with a 240-grit file, followed by a 240-grit buffer or an e-file. Cleanse nails thoroughly with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution.

    OPTIONAL: Using gentle pressure, refine shape with a 240-grit file
  18. Step 18

    Finish nails with your choice of OPI GelColor and GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat.

    Finish nails with your choice of OPI GelColor and GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat
  19. Step 19

    Remove gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution.

    Remove gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution
  20. Step 20

    Apply a drop of ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil to the base of each nail and massage in.

    Apply a drop of ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil to the base of each nail

Video Tutorial

How to Rebalance and Fill OPI GELevate™ Overlay Services