CALLUS SOFTENER

CALLUS SOFTENER [KAL-us soff-en-er]
What it is: A corrosive product formulated to soften the thickened skin tissue on the foot prior to reducing and smoothing during a pedicure.
How to use it: Used during a pedicure service to soften hard callused skin on the foot so that it can be easily reduced and smoothed.
How to apply it: Usually squeezed from a bottle or dispensed as a spray directly onto the callus, being careful not to touch any healthy skin tissue.
How to remove it: If needed, wash away with warm soapy water.
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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C-CURVE

C-CURVE [cee-kurv]
What it is: Veiwed down the barrel of the nail, it is the degree of the arch in the free edge or nail extension from sidewall to sidewall.
How to use it: Enhanced in artificial nail extensions to increase strength and provide a beautiful aesthetic.
How to apply it: During the curing process, a C-curve stick is inserted under the extension of the nail and held into place to create a perfect cylinder.
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BUILDING RESIN

BUILDING RESIN [BILL-ding REZ-in]
What it is: Used to build strength and structure during a nail wrap service such as fiberglass or silk.
How to use it: Used to build strength and structure during a nail wrap service such as fiberglass or silk.
How to apply it: Usually squeezed from a tube directly onto the nail and gently spread to thicken the nail enhancement or build the apex. Some versions are self-leveling.
How to remove it: Soak in acetone or product remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to store it: Store in a cool dry place.
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BUFFING

BUFFING [buhf-ing]
What it is: The action of gently removing the natural nail shine in readiness for product application, smoothing an artificial nail surface or creating a high shine by using multiple grits of abrasives.
How to use it: Used to remove superficial staining on the natural nail, to produce a high shine, or create a better bond between the nail and enhancement products.
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BACKFILL

BACKFILL [BAK-fill]
What it is: AKA in-fill, 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 it: Normally performed every two to three weeks on a nail enhancement service.
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BABY BOOMER

BABY BOOMER [bay-bee boo-mer]
What it is: This nail art technique fades a natural pink into a soft white.
How to use it: This faded French manicured look can be acheived using nail polish or gel polish for easy removal, or with hard gels, acrygels, or liquid and powder to create a permanent look on for nail enhancements.
How to apply it: Usually the pink color is applied on the nail bed area and faded towards the tip. Then the off-white product is applied to the tip and faded up to cover the smile line and create a soft u-shaped graduation between the two .
How to use it: Removal will depend on what products were used to perform the nail art look. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions to remove nail products.
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ART BRUSHES

ART BRUSHES [neyl-ahrt-bruhsh]
What it is: A set of brushes designed specifically for small detailed designs on nails.
How to use it: Specific brushes are used for shading, highlighting, detailing, outlining, blending and contouring nail art designs.
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APEX

APEX [ey-peks]
What it is: The highest point of the nail.
How to use it: When creating a nail enhancement the apex should be located over the stress area in order to create balance and stability.
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AMERICAN MANICURE

AMERICAN MANICURE [uh-mer-i-kuhn man-i-kyoor]
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.
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ALMOND NAILS

ALMOND NAILS [ahl-muhnd neyls]
What it is: An oval nail shape where the free edge narrows into a delicate point at the tip.