Nail Inspiration
Your source for the latest nail trends, tips, tricks, and more from the OPI Team and top salon professionals.
17.12.2025
The Truth Behind The Myth: Separating fact from fiction
Myth: Nails need to breathe
Nail pros hear this all the time — especially in January after the festive rush of Christmas manicures! Here’s the truth: nails don’t breathe. They’re made up of dead cells being pushed up the nail plate by new ones forming in the matrix.
When clients say, “I’m giving my nails a breather,” what they really mean is they’re taking a break from having a new set applied. But here’s the spoiler: nails don’t need a break- they need care. Regular professional maintenance every 2-3 weeks keeps nails healthier and stronger than leaving them bare. Systems like OPI Intelli-Gel™ provide protection, while following after-care advice ensures the best results.
For daily care at home, recommend clients apply OPI Nature Strong: Glow Up Nail & Cuticle Oil to keep nails nourished and looking their best.
Every rule has an exception
There are a few exceptions to the rule — this is likely where the myth began. If a nail tech uses harsh prep or removal techniques, applies products that aren’t designed for professional use, or works with formulas containing harmful levels of ingredients, nail damage can occur. In these cases, it’s understandable that a client might think their nails need a break.
Similarly, if a client regularly picks off their nail coatings, this will cause damage too. These situations are the exception rather than the norm, but they help explain why some people believe nails need time off from coatings.
If you notice damage on your clients nails, recommending a course of OPI Repair Mode™ and Nail Envy® will help to repair and strengthen the natural nail (For at home use: Apply Repair Mode 2 x day for 6 days only, proceed with 2 coats of Nail Envy on day 7 and top up daily, remove once a week and repeat).
Myth: Using a hand cream counts as oiling cuticles
If you want to keep nails and cuticles hydrated, OPI Glow Up Nail & Cuticle Oil is your go-to! It’s the ultimate product for hydration, care, and even helping your nail coatings last longer. Many clients assume that using OPI Moisture Mission Hand & Foot Cream will do the same job- but here’s the truth: it doesn’t. Moisture Mission is formulated for the skin, while Glow Up Nail & Cuticle Oil is packed with ingredients designed to penetrate the cuticles and the upper layers of the nail, delivering targeted nourishment where it’s needed most.
Myth: E-files are bad and can cause damage
Like any tool, proper training is essential. An e-file can be a fantastic way to speed up appointments and achieve flawless prep. But, just like nail files, pushers, or nippers, incorrect use can cause damage to the natural nail and surrounding skin. When used correctly, an e-file is a brilliant time-saver for services such as GELevate™ 4-in-1 overlay or Full Coverage tip infills. OPI has a collaboration with Katie Barnes tool range, you can visit The KB x OPI Collection – Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education for tools, e-files and education.
Related articles
07.08.2025
Ask The Educator
30.06.2025
NEW OPI Nature Strong Nails & Skin
07.08.2025
Ask The Educator
30.06.2025
NEW OPI Nature Strong Nails & Skin
07.08.2025
Ask The Educator
30.06.2025
NEW OPI Nature Strong Nails & Skin
07.08.2025
Ask The Educator
30.06.2025
NEW OPI Nature Strong Nails & Skin
07.08.2025