OPI Axxium Gel Manicure: An Update–It WORKS!

A couple of weeks ago I told you about a relatively new procedure where your nails could enjoy a fab polished look that doesn’t chip nor smudge for up to 2 weeks! I was elated as I forked over my $28 for my OPI Axxium Gel Manicure, but wasn’t so happy when the very next day one of the coatings peeled off and then in the passing days a few more. My left hand stayed intact though.

Since I’ve been going to the salon I got them done at for YEARS, I decided to give it another go. I figured maybe the manicurist standing in for the regular person might have put a bit too much gel on my nails. All is forgiven–it’s a new procedure anyway. But you wanna know something—the second time is definitely a charm because my nails look FAB a little over a week after getting them done—check them out:

They also show no sign of letting up for another couple of days which works for me because I plan on going for a new one this Friday.

If you’re in NYC and want to try this out, go to the Aveda Natural Look Salon located in the basement of Queens Center Mall. They also have a manicure program that allows you one free manicure after 5 paid ones. Fab!

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About Danielle

New York City freelance writer, Image Consultant, Makeup Artist, Fashion and Beauty Producer for Bag Ladies Radio, and President of Urban Glamour, LLC. I'm a Hofstra University and Fashion Institute of Technology grad with a penchant for pretty and enjoy bringing out the FIERCE in everyone through personalized thorough image and makeup consultations. Think of me as your style and beauty entourage all wrapped up into one bubbly brown package :) I have had the honor and privilege of working backstage at NYC Fashion Week shows like Karen Walker, Jayson Brunsdon, Sabyaschi, Altuzarra, and Bridal Market Week for Vera Wang. You can also find me running around photo shoots doing makeup and styling. If you have a style or beauty question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site!

27 Comments

  • February 1, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Cool! so is this a cheaper alternative to minx?

  • February 1, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    These are cheaper in price and lasted longer on me than Minx, but with Minx you have unlimited design choices so I guess it depends on what you’re looking for :)

  • February 1, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Nice to learn this.Every part of the body should be maintained to be really beautiful.

  • February 9, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    I’m a little confused– you had it done at the Aveda in Queens Center? I get mine at a small nail place near where my parents live out in Far Rockaway for $25. I’m in Brooklyn and am hoping to find a closer place to get it done for under/around $30.

  • February 9, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Hey Carolyn!

    Yes, I went to the Aveda Salon in Queens Center Mall to get my manicure both times. Dashing Diva (in Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and in Boerum Hill) does the gel manicure as well, but it’s $45. They’re the only places I know of that does gel manicures in Brooklyn although I’m sure there are many others.

    Keep me posted if you find a spot :)

  • February 9, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    that do* gel manicures

  • Rachelle
    March 18, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    I like the gel mani, but the salon I go to in Jersey charges $50.00

  • christina
    March 24, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    This is the best manicure ever !!! i have gotten it twice already.. and i couldn’t be happier. I work in the medical field, and the polish lasts through constant hand washing.
    I recommend this product 100% !
    If you want your nails to always look fresh…. go for it !!!

  • Deb Marsdale
    April 10, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    I just got back from LA and I had the axxium gel mani out there, it’s amazing. I live in Mt. Laurel, NJ, I am trying to find out who may do axxium around here. Any idea where I can find out where to have this done locally. I would go into Phili if necessary, but I would like to go closer to home and work. Let me know. I was going to contact OPI directly.
    Thanks, Deb

    • April 11, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Hey Deb!

      Sorry—I don’t know of any salons on in your area that I could recommend. I’m sure there are some so definitely contact OPI or google it :)

      Thanks for stopping by :)

    • Tawana
      April 18, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      There’s a place in Lumberton called Millenium Nails on Route 38. I found out today they have it, but I didn’t get any details.

  • Tanya
    April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Hello Ladies… I am sooo excited about this new OPI Axxium Manicure. I tried it for the first time the Wednesday before Easter and I am still chip free and shiny two weeks to the date!
    To answer Deb’s question… I go to Le Heritage Salon – 856.764.3300 – in Delran, NJ (I am also from the Mt. Laurel area) and they charge $21.25 for the manicure. CiCi is on my speed dial, but Phil also does a nice job. Their sister salon LA Nails in Delran also does the manicure so there’s no need to go into Philly!

    Now a question for you Danielle… I’m having a Pamper Afternoon w/ my bff in the City this weekend, and I wanted to know your recommendations for a place in NYC that does the gel manicure at a reasonable price. Please advise!

    • April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Wow—$21.25! If it didn’t cost me about as much for gas to drive down there, I’d go…lol

      I get my OPI Axxium at Aveda Natural Look Salon in Queens Center mall, but you have to make an appointment and there’s only one nail station there. They have also been having issues lately getting nail coverage since the usual person is out on maternity, but I’ve had three of the “subs” do my Axxium and it turned out great. But I’d recommend them more if you were going solo and didn’t mind a trip into Queens. Their number is 718-271-7299. See if you can get Cindy if the regular girl isn’t back from maternity yet.

      Dashing Diva does a similar service to OPI using the UV lamp, but it costs about $40-$60. I’ve never had my nails done there, but I hear some good things about them. I hear it’s quite an experience :)

      They have a couple of salons around the city. Go to http://www.dashingdiva.com to find one closest to where you’ll be.

      Have fun and definitely report back on how it all worked out :)

  • CJ
    April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Deb,

    I just had the Axxium gel manicure yesterday at Bernards in Cherry Hill, NJ. I went to Marisa and she did a great job. They charge $40 typically, but are running some type of mid week specials through April 21st, so it only cost $20! I got a french manicure and it looks fantastic. I went to a girl named Marisa and she did a great job. I’ll let you know how it holds up. I am an aesthetician, so my hands are always in oils, creams, lotions, etc. and I am constantly washing my hands. Even if i get a full week out of this, I will be happy, because I can’t even have polish hold up a day with what i do for a living.

    • CJ
      April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Tanya,

      Wow… only $21.25! Looks like I will have to go to Delran for my next one!

  • April 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Thanks for helping Deb out, ladies :)

  • Wendy
    April 28, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    Hey Ladies…Ive heard great things about the axxium gel system. I was wondering if anyone might know of a nail salon that offers it in the Bronx.

    Hope anyone knows a place!!!

    • May 1, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Hope someone chimes in to help out, Wendy. I only know of places in Queens and Manhattan.

      • Candy
        May 21, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

        Danielle,

        I am in the DC area and would like to try this new Opi No- Chip manicure. In your opinion, what Axxium nude shades will look best for dark skin? I want something sort of pink, peach that will work with several outfits. Thanks.

        • May 21, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

          Hey Candy!

          The OPI Axxium doesn’t come in a huge range of colors so far. The salon I go to didn’t have any nudes that I remember (they did have a very faint pink, but one of the ladies who works in the salon said she tried it and it didn’t show up on her—she has dark olive skin so if it didn’t show up on her, it may not show up on chocolately tones like ours). I usually go for the brighter colors that “work” as neutrals. Last time I got cajun shrimp (here’s a pic here: http://twitpic.com/1paixz).

          These are the colors it comes in (or at least the ones my salon currently have to offer): Big Apple Red, Cajun Shrimp, Brisbane Bronze, Russian Navy, Lincoln Park After Dark, I’m Not Really A Waitress

    • Naomi
      December 30, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Yes, there is a location in the Bronx. It is called Canela
      Spa and its located in Parkchester. Its by appointment only

  • Maria
    June 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    There is a place in Astoria that does the gel O.P.I for only $16.00

    • June 14, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

      Girl, you know you need to spill more details! Lol. $16 is great–have you had your nails done there?

  • natasha
    October 16, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    There's a place on Jericho in Floral Park, NY that charges 20 for an opi gel manicure if you just want a color, and 30 if you'd like the french. I think it's called Bellerose Nail and Spa. Ive been going there for a few months, and I definitely recommend Lisa if you're getting the opi. She does a fantastic job. The only thing is, when they take it off, some lady's soak it off for you while others buff it off with the electric file. And that definitely does damage to the nail so I wasn't too happy that one time =/

  • Monica
    December 28, 2010 | Permalink | Reply

    I was very happy with these nails until the salon where I went used a drill to take the polish off and ruined my nails…..anyone know of a salon near Pottstown PA where they would be willing to soak them off and not use a drill.?

  • Jamelle
    March 8, 2011 | Permalink | Reply

    I went to Rt 46 nails in clifton NJ and I paid $25.00. My maincures lasts for about 3 to 4 weeks when they do it! I just love getting my nails done there!

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