Nails come in all shapes and sizes, and each client’s needs are different. Soft, weak, dry, brittle and ridged nails are among the top concerns that OPI educator Lisa Apo’s clients tend to have. “Nourishing and promoting the growth of healthy nails starts at the base of the nail plate,” said Apo, who owns Pretty Please Salon in Longview, WA. “Using cuticle oil on a regular basis, combined with a treatment on the nail plate, will result in healthy nail growth.” A bestseller in her salon is OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil—a nourishing treatment with avocado lipids and grape seed oil that she applies to clients’ nails regularly.
Depending on the natural nail condition, Apo will choose a custom treatment for clients. “OPI Nail Envy comes in six different formulas for various nail conditions,” said Apo. “Having nail treatments on display in the retail and reception area of my salon is convenient for my clients and sparks the interest of the hairstylists’ clients, which increases sales.”
For male clients she uses OPI Matte formula, which also acts as a binding base coat under lacquer. If peeling is an issue, Apo recommends OPI Sensitive & Peeling formula, which contains vitamin E, kukui nut oil and aloe vera for soothing. For nails that need a little more, Apo uses OPI Soft & Thin formula, which fortifies with extra calcium. OPI Dry & Brittle formula restores flexibility, and for clients with nails that are in overall good condition, Apo uses OPI Maintenance formula or OPI Original formula. “Maintenance formula maintains strong nails,” said Apo. “Original formula strengthens with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium. It comes in three OPI shades, plus one exclusive shade to add a tint of color while strengthening.”