OPTICAL BRIGHTENER
OPTICAL BRIGHTENER [op-ti-kuhl, brahyt-n-er]
What it is: An ingredient used to make color appear brighter.
How to use it: Found in nail strengtheners to create luminous and healthier nails when used on dull or discolored nails.
OPAQUE
OPAQUE [oh-peyk]
What it is: Not allowing light to pass through; not transparent or translucent.
How to use it: A polish that is opaque will give a solid color. Blacks and whites are always opaque and any color mixed with them will become more opaque.
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ONYCHOLYSIS
ONYCHOLYSIS [on-y-chol-y-sis]
What it is: A condition in which the nail plate and bed become detached and separate.
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OLIGOMERS
OLIGOMERS [uh-lig-uh-mer]
What it is: Part of the acrylic family, an oligomer sits between a liquid and a solid (a semi-solid), sometimes referred to as a pre-polymer. Oligomers are short chains of acrylate monomers that are partially polymerized and usually very thick and stringy, often having a gel-like or resin appearance.
How it is used: UV/LED hard gels are oligomers that require curing under a lamp.
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NAILYMPIA COMPETITIONS
NAILYMPIA COMPETITIONS [neyl-em-pee-uh]
What it is: An international non-biased professional nail competition. It offers a wide range of technical and artistic categories across all skill levels. It has been running in the UK since 2005. Was started in Las Vegas, USA in Y2 by three brand owners: EzFlow, IBD & Too Much Fun.
When & where it’s hosted: Currently hosted in various countries annually (circa 2022: London, Germany, Mexico, USA) , as well as online versions. To learn more visit www.nailympia.com
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NAIL PRIMER
Recommended Products
Artistic Nail Design Opening Act Non Acid Primer
Formulated to bond to the keratin in the natural nail
Artistic pH Nail Prep
Remove moisture and oils on the surface of the nail plate
E-Nail Couture Nail Prep
pH balancer
E-Nail Couture Primer
Natural nail primer
NAIL PRIMER [NAYL PRY-mer]
What it is: A liquid brush-on solution applied to the natural nail prior to product application to assist in adhesion. Primer is applied after the nail has been prepped and all surface debris and oil removed. The application of primer aids the adhesion of artificial nail products and helps eliminate lifting of the produc
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NAIL POLISH
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Artistic Colour Revolution Reactive Nail Lacquer
100% professional
Gotti Lacquer
Assorted Nail Lacquers
NAIL POLISH [neyl-pol-ish]
What it is: AKA lacquer, enamel. A bottle & brush formula of polymer resins, plastisizers, solvents & pigments that create a hard, flexible nail coating.
How to use it: Used to beautify or strengthen the nail.
How to apply it: Most often used with a base coat, then 2 layers of color, then finished with a shiny or matte top coat.
How to remove it: Apply acetone or polish remover on a cotton pad, then gently press to the nail & slowly pull off the nail polish towards the free edge.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place & keep away from heat & light.
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NAIL NIPPER
Recommended Products
E-Nail Couture Cuticle Nipper
Pink Nail Nipper
NAIL NIPPER [neyl-nip-er]
What it is: A metal implement used to carefully trim away dead skin around the nails.
How to disinfect it: Scrub with soap and water, and dry. Then submerge in hospital grade disinfectant.
How to store it: After disinfection and sanitization, store covered, in a clean dry area.
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NAIL GLUE
Recommended Products
Rock Hard Nail Resin
Clear
E-Nail Couture Nail Glue
Brush on nail glue
NAIL GLUE [neyl-gloo]
What it is: A quick-drying type of adhesive that is applied in liquid form, which dries to then hold two materials together.
What it is used for: Adhesive is used to adhere nail tips to the natural nail for a tip and overlay service.
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NAIL FORM
Recommended Products
Artistic Nail Design Get Bent Nail Forms
Strong, black Mylar forms create the perfect surface for sculpting white and clear
E-Nail Couture Luxury Nail Forms
Nail Enhancement Forms
NAIL FORM [neyl-fawrm]
What it is: Often made of paper/mylar coated with adhesive backs, or pre-shaped plastic of aluminum; the nail form is placed under the free edge and used to extend the nail enhancement beyond the fingertip for additional length.
How it is used: Used as the foundation for creating an enhancement when sculpting with UV hard gel or the liquid & powder systems. Available in various sizes since extreme nail styling became popular.