What is the purpose of an apex on the nails?

The definition of the apex is that it’s the highest point of the nail. However, when creating a nail enhancement it can vary from artist to artist where the apex is located. Its purpose is to provide a thicker area of product to give the most strength at the weakest point, which is in the center of the nail. In a perfectly balanced nail, there would be 50% nail bed (pink), and 50% free edge (white) and the center of that nail would be the smile line. This is where the apex would be placed. Remember the top of the nail is shaped like an egg. There’s a slight graduation from the cuticle area up to the apex and then down to the end of the extension edge. For nails shorter or longer, a good rule of thumb is to keep the apex near the smile line or, as some call it, the ‘breaking point’. The apex placement should be consistent from nail to nail.