Nail Enhancement Basics
What two products are combined to create acrylic nail enhancements?
Monomer liquid and polymer powder
What does EMA stand for?
Ethyl Methacrylate
What is a preformed nail attached to the natural nail called?
A nail tip
How often should a fill or rebalance be performed?
Every 2–3 weeks
What product is used to soak off acrylic enhancements?
Acetone
What is an artificial nail added to the natural nail called?
An enhancement
What initiator is found in polymer powder?
Benzoyl peroxide
What is an enhancement applied directly over the natural nail called?
An overlay
What is the highest point of an enhancement, providing strength?
The apex
What should you never do when removing enhancements?
Force or pry them off
What is a single-unit molecule in liquid form called?
Monomer
What are three ingredients found in monomer liquid?
EMA, initiators, and plasticizers
What is a nail built using a form instead of a tip called?
A sculptured nail
Which application zone is the free edge?
Zone 1
What can cause lifting of an enhancement?
Improper preparation or oil
What is the combination of many monomers called?
Polymer
Name two problems associated with MMA.
It can damage nails and cause allergic reactions
Name the three types of nail tips.
Full-well, half-well, and well-less
What are the three acrylic application zones?
Zone 1: free edge; Zone 2: stress area; Zone 3: cuticle area
What can cause cracking and cloudiness in acrylic enhancements?
Cracking: thin application; cloudiness: contaminated liquid
What chemical reaction causes acrylic nail product to harden?
Polymerization
What can happen when monomer liquid and polymer powder combine?
A chemical reaction occurs, the product hardens, and heat may be produced
What are two advantages of using nail forms?
They allow custom shapes and create a natural appearance without needing a tip
What are three purposes of a fill or rebalance?
Maintain structure, rebalance the apex, and fill the growth area
Name four safety and sanitation practices for nail enhancements.
Wear gloves when needed, avoid skin contact, maintain ventilation, and disinfect implements properly