What it is: A polish application that mimics the look of the natural nail. A softer version of the French manicure.
How to use it: Usually a sheer pink or peach on the nail bed and a soft white or cream covering the free edge.
How to store it: Store all polishes with lid tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.
What it is: An oval nail shape where the free edge narrows into a delicate point at the tip.
What it is: A term sometimes used to describe a liquid and powder nail enhancement, but is actually the name of a large family of chemicals used to create various plastics. All artificial nails are based on acrylic ingredients and chemistry.
How to use it: This is an outdated slang term used to generalize nail extensions. Professionals should identify each nail enhancement by its specific name or system.
What it is: A water-based paint composed of pigment particles dispersed in an acrylic polymer emulsion, most are water-based, but become water-resistant when dry.
How to use it: This wide range of color can be a cost effective way to create nail designs.
How to apply it: Used with nail art brushes and tools, then applied directly to the nail and sealed with a top coat.
How to remove it: When working, acrylic paints can be easily disolved or removed with water. Once sealed in top coat, acetone is required.
How to store it: Store with lid closed tight in a cool dry place.
Educator and award-winning nail artist, Lauren Wireman, demonstrates how to simply & quickly style what appears as a complicated free style rose design, using the ‘cinnamon swirl’ as her tool of inspiration.
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What it is: Usually made from natural hairs such as Kolinsky or sable blends of varying quality and used to create liquid and powder nail enhancements or 3D nail art.
How to use it: Used with liquid and powder to sculpt or overlay nail enhancements and 3D nail art.
How to clean: To remove any product or contaminates, dip in monomer and use a wood stick to clean the hairs. Always use a lint-free wipe to absorb excess monomer and bring it back to a point.
How to store it: Store in an aerated covered container or with the brush’s cap to protect the hair. Ensure there is a hole in the end of the cap to allow vapors to escape. Store brush laying flat or with hair pointed down if the cap is on.
What it is: A chemical molecule or monomer that binds together in a process called polymerisation to form plastic materials that are known for their transparency, resistance to breakage and elasticity.
How to use it: Acrylates are the base ingredients of most artificial nail products.
Gel Base Coat
What it is: Formulated to bond color to the natural nail, this nitrocelulose or gel-based product is used to promote adhesion of color and prevent staining.
How to use it: Used in manicures or artificial nail services to bond polish or gel polish to the surface of the nail.
How to apply it: Applied in a thin layer smoothly and evenly over a prepared natural nail or enhancement covering the tip.
How to remove it: Removed with acetone-based product remover.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
Assorted Gel Polish Colors
What it is: Any item used to hold art colors for nail art.
How to use it: When small amounts of colored nail paints, polishes and associated art products are needed, use an art palette such as wax paper, glass, ceramic, acrylic, plastic, metal or other material to display the product for ease of use.
How to clean it: Depending on the art products used on the palette, clean with acetone or alcohol, and then wash with soap and water. Dry before storing.
Assorted Nail Lacquers
What it is: Any item used to hold art colors for nail art.
How to use it: When small amounts of colored nail paints, polishes and associated art products are needed, use an art palette such as wax paper, glass, ceramic, acrylic, plastic, metal or other material to display the product for ease of use.
How to clean it: Depending on the art products used on the palette, clean with acetone or alcohol, and then wash with soap and water. Dry before storing.
