MODERN attended the Westchester, Illinois, stop on OPI’s Trend Tour, which certifies nail technicians in GelColor by OPI nail art and technique.
Using gel polishes from the brand’s Venice Collection, instructor LaDonna Waddell-McDonald, an OPI educator and working nail technician, helped participants learn nail design techniques and trends specially created for the Italian-infused collection.
At the start of the four-hour OPI TrendFocus class, nailscapes wereintroduced, a manicure theme that is united by color, shapes or design. Waddell-McDonald discussed manicure trends, many of which were seen at spring/summer 2016 Fashion Week, including negative space, rimmed designs framing the shape of the nail, and the evolution of the French manicure.
“The days of the $1-per-nail art are gone,” Waddell-McDonald said, telling the class they can charge from $5 to $10 per nail in a nailscape.
Waddell-McDonald stressed the importance of nail techs being active on social media, most importantly, having a professional Instagram page where they can showcase their work.
Because of the popularity of gel services, OPI has revamped the GelColor workshops for 2016, focusing solely on the light-cured service. DesignScape classes begin February 2016, in conjunction with OPI’s spring collection, New Orleans.
Class format: Product knowledge presentation, demonstration and hands-on learning in a classroom setting.
Awarded: Certificate of completion, Dotter tool, GelColor samples
Duration: Four hours
Cost: Approximately $35, depending on the distributor
Bring with you: Nail art brushes and OPI LED Light
For the most up-to-date class listings, visit pro.opi.com.
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