CROSS-LINK
CROSS-LINK [kraws-lingk]
What it is: A link between two polymer chains. In artificial nails, their function is to create strong, netlike polymer structures out of weaker string-like polymer chains.
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CONTACT DERMATITIS
CONTACT DERMATITIS [kon-takt, dur-muh-tahy-tis]
What it is: Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The rash isn’t contagious or life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable. Symptoms depend on the cause and how sensitive a person is to the substance. There are three types of contact dermatitis; allergic, irritant and photocontact.
What to do: Seek medical advice. Contact dermatitis usually occurs on areas of the body that have been directly exposed to the reaction-causing substance; in the case of hairdressers and nail professionals, it’s the hands that come into contact with the products. The rash usually develops within minutes to hours of exposure and can last two to four weeks.
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COLOR WHEEL
COLOR WHEEL [kuh-lr, weel]
What it is: Laminated color guide in a circle that illustrates and identifies the primary, secondary, tertiary and complementary colors.
How to use it: Used to help understand color relationships by dividing up the spectrum into 12 hues – 3 primary colors, 3 secondary colors and 6 tertiary colors. Used to help choose and conseptualize color schemes and palettes for nail art.
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COLOR POP
COLOR POP [kuhl-er pop]
What it is: Acts as a color chart. Usually a nail tip or multiple nail tips showing nail colors and/or nail art.
How it is used: Used by nail professionals to showcase their colors and designs to clients, to aid in choosing nail color or art. Often placed on the nail to show the color against the client’s skin tone.
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COLOR FADING
COLOR FADING [kuh-lr, fei-duhng]
What it is: AKA ombré. This nail art technique fades one color into another, and the meeting point is a combination of the two. There are no rules to define how many colors can be used.
How to use it: Used for a variety of nail art looks, notably the baby-boomer, which fades pink into a soft white tip.
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COATING
COATING [koh-ting]
What it is: A generic term used for any product that covers the nail plate with a hard film.
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CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION [sur-tuh-fi-key-shuhn]
What it is: An official document attesting to a certain status or level of achievement earned or gained by some form of external review or assessment.
How to use it: To increase their skill level, nail industry professionals can undertake many forms of education to acquire certification.
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CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
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CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME [kaar-pl, tuh-nuhl, sin-drowm]
What it is: A common condition causing pain and numbness of the hand and fingers caused by increased pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel from continual repetitive movements.
How to remove it: See a doctor for diagnosis & treatment.
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CAMPHOR
CAMPHOR [kam-fer]
What it is: An active ingredient distilled from the bark of the camphor tree. It’s use in nail products has been controversial.
How to use it: Known to be active against fungi that can cause nail infections. Synthetic versions have been used in nail polish to help with shine, adhesion and elasticity.
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BRITTLENESS
BRITTLENESS [brit-l-niss]
What it is: A condition of a substance that determines how likely it is to break, crack or fracture.