HYBRID GEL
HYBRID GEL [hahy-brid jel]
What it is: Designed as an odor-free nail enhancement product that combines polymer and oligomer chemistry to create a thick viscocity formula that cures when exposed to UV or LED light.
How to use: Used to sculpt or overlay a natural nail or nail tip to create a nail enhancement. Can also be used for 3D art.
How to apply: Apply directly to the nail, tip or form with a spatula. The nail brush is then dipped into a slip solution and used to sculpt a strong yet flexible nail enhancement. The enhancement is firm and malleable until cured in an LED or UV lamp.
How to remove: File off the natural nail according to manufacturer’s instructions.
How to store: Store tubes with lids closed tightly in a cool dry place away from heat and light.
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HARD GELS
HARD GELS [hahrd-jels]
What it is: A partially polymerized acrylate, with a gel-like consistency, that includes a photoinitiator that fully cures or polymerizes when exposed to a specialized range of UV or LED light. Available in different viscosities and shades for creating nail enhancements.
How to use: Used as an artificial nail enhancement or a nail art medium for the creation and decoration of nails.
How to apply: Float onto a nail form or over a nail tip to strengthen, extend or color the nail. Also used with gel brushes to create nail designs before curing in a UV or LED lamp.
How to remove: File off according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to store: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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GRIT
GRIT [GRIT]
What it is: How many grains of sand are on the file per square inch. Grit refers to the size of the particles of abrading materials embedded in the paper. These measurements are determined by the amount of the abrasive material that can fit through a square inch filter.
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GEL SYSTEM
GEL SYSTEM [jel sis-tuhm]
What it is: Any artificial system that includes oligomer gels, a UV/LED lamp, primer and pH balancer, used in a professional nail service to create nail enhancements.
How to use: Used in a professional nail service to create a strong yet flexible overlay or nail extension.
How to apply: Applied with a synthetic brush to cover the natural nail for strength, to apply color or sculpt an extension, then cured under a UV or LED lamp.
How to remove: Soft gels can be soaked off with acetone or product remover while hard gels must be filed off with a hand file or electric file.
How to store: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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GEL BRUSH
GEL BRUSH [jel-bruhsh]
What it is: Usually made from synthetic fibers of varying quality and used to create UV/LED gel nail enhancements or nail art.
How to use: Used with various viscosities of gel to sculpt or overlay nail enhancements and nail art.
How to clean: If needed clean the fibers with a brush cleaner as recommended by the manufacturer. Always use a lint-free wipe to remove excess gel and bring the fibers back to the original shape.
How to store: Most nail professionals store their gel brushes with a small amount of gel in the fibers and cover with a cap to protect the hair from light to prevent from curing.
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GEL
GEL [jel]
What it is: An oligomer of varying viscosities that includes a photoinitiater that when exposed to UV/LED light energy polymerizes to create a nail coating.
How to use: Used as a nail enhancement product to create a strong and/or flexible overlay or nail extension.
How to apply: Applied with a synthetic brush to cover the natural nail or sculpt an extension, then cured under a UV or LED lamp.
How to remove: Soft gels can be soaked off with acetone or product remover while hard gels must be filed off with a hand file or electric file.
How to store: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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Fill
FILL [FILL]
What it is: AKA in-fill, back-fill, nail maintenance, rebalance. A two-to three-week maintenance service to fill in the area of new growth with fresh product as well as rebalance the apex and the shape of the nail and perform any repairs needed. Sometimes used when referring to replacing and rebalancing the white portion of a pink and white nail.
How to use: Normally performed every two to three weeks on a nail enhancement service.
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EXTENSION
EXTENSION [ik-sten-shuhn]
What it is: Any artificial product that creates an extension of the fingernail.
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BLOOMING GEL
BLOOMING GEL [bloo-ming jel]
What it is: A clear gel in a polish bottle used in nail art that allows colored gel polish to spread or bloom when applied on top.
How to use it: Often used in nail art to create abstract backgrounds to provide depth and dimension before details are added. Popular product used in marbling and floral designs.
How apply it: Apply and leave wet, then add gel color designs and wait for them to bloom to the desired look before curing.
How to remove it: To remove, soak in acetone or product remover.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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UV LAMP
UV LAMP [yoo-vee lamp]
What it is: A specialized electronic device that powers and controls UV bulbs to emit a specific range of UV light to cure gel nail enhancements.
How to use it: Used for a specified amount of time, according to the manufacturer, to cure or harden gel nail enhancements.
How to clean: Follow manufacturer’s instructions in order to clean with acetone or disinfectant.
How to store: Power off and store in a safe place. Note: UV bulbs must be checked and replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.