What type of nail polish do most salons use?

Most salons use OPI and/or essie. They also offer gel nails and acrylics. Some nail salons use a variety of brands, but often they are not the best quality. Sally Hansen is pretty good but, other than that, you won't be getting that good of a manicure.

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Nail salons are quickly moving to gel polish because it's quick, it lasts a long time, fumes are less, the customer walks out the door with dry nails she or he can't mess up with car keys or seat belts, and (most important to the technician) it's not something most customers can do at home because it cures with a special light. The most popular brands are Shellac, Gelish and OPI.