BASALT
BASALT [buh-SAHLT]
What it is: Dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that retains heat.
How to use it: Smoothed types are heated and used in hot stone massage.
How to disinfect it: Must be scrubbed with hot soapy water and thoroughly dried, then sprayed with a disinfectant.
How to store it: Covered in a cool, dry place.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
BACTERIA
BACTERIA [bak-teer-ee-uh]
What it is: A one-celled living organism found in every habitat on earth. Some types are good for humans, some detrimental. They are often the culprit behind nail disease.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
AUTOCLAVE
AUTOCLAVE [aw-tuh-kleyv]
What it is: A device used for sterilizing metal implements to hospital grade by means of steam under pressure .
How to use it: May be required by local law for sterilizing nail implements between clients.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
ARTIFICIAL NAIL
Rock Hard Nail Xtensions
Natural
Rock Hard Nail Xtensions
White
Rock Hard Nail Xtensions
White
E-Nail Couture 123 Go! Nails
Pre-made full coverage gel nail tips
Gotti Full Fusion Acrylic Powder Collection
Acrylic Powder System
ARTIFICIAL NAIL [aar-tuh-fi-shl nayl]
What it is: Made by human skill with professional nail enhancement products to imitate a fingernail. Three basic types are an overlay, tip & overlay and sculptured.
When to use it: To lengthen, strengthen, beautify or to correct a flawed natural nail.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
ANTISEPTIC
ANTISEPTIC [an-tuh-sep-tik]
What it is: A chemical that slows or stops the growth of micro-organisms on the surface of the skin. Found in hand sanitizer products and first-aid kits. (Garlic is a natural antiseptic.)
How to use it: Used to kill microorganisms on the skin before a service, or in the case of trauma or damage to the skin.
How to apply it: Antiseptic comes in many forms such as wipes, gel, liquids, creams and sprays, often applied to the hands or affected area.
How to store it: As per manufacturer’s instructions.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
ANALOGOUS COLORS
ANALOGOUS COLORS [uh-nal-uh-guhs kuhl-er]
What it is: Three colors that are located beside each other on the color wheel. For example; red, red-orange, orange. One is dominant, the others are supporting.
How to use it: Used in art applications to complement, highlight or shade.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
AMINO ACIDS
AMINO ACIDS [uh-mee-noh]
What it is: The building blocks of life, these are used to create proteins.
How is it used: Amino acids build muscles, cause chemical reactions in the body, transport nutrients, prevent illness and carry out may other functions. There are about 500 in nature, 20 in the human body
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
ALUMINUM OXIDE
ALUMINUM OXIDE [uh-loo-muh-nuhm aak-side]
What it is: A white abrasive used on files that can be less aggressive on the nail surface than the same grit of other materials.
(NB: In its crystalline phase, as the mineral corundum, varieties form the gem stones ruby & sapphire. Corundum is the most common naturally occurring crystalline form of aluminum oxide.)Â
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
ALKALINE
ALKALINE [al-kuh-line]
What it is: Substances with a pH value greater than 7. The opposite of acid.
VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM
AIRBRUSH
AIRBRUSH [air-bruhsh]
What it is: An air compression machine that forces air through a hose to a hand-held gun that sprays a thin mist of various media, most often paint but can be ink, dye, diluted polish or gel polish. It is held in the hand almost like a pen.
When to use it: When creating nail art that requires a thin application, or an easy way to create color fades or graduations. Also perfect for using with stencils to create intricate art, fast.
How to use it: Airbrushed art is created by holding the airbrush handle and pulling the trigger back at various distances from the nail to spray the color at different opacities. The amount of liquid sprayed is controlled by how far the needle is pulled back with the trigger. Airbrush guns come in two main types, single action (least-expensive option) and dual-action (offers finer control of the spray).
How to disinfect & clean it: Refer to manufacturer’s directions for specific cleaning for the gun. For general cleaning rinse the airbrush gun with a suitable solvent, using a brush if necessary and wash out the cups/ bottles. Then spray through with a suitable solvent until the airbrush is thoroughly clean. This requires patience. If using many colors, have one airbrush for light colors and one for dark.
How to store it: Store clean & dry.