General Terms
: The hard, translucent portion of the nail that is visible and grows beyond the fingertip.
Nail plate
A combination of liquid monomer and powdered polymer that hardens into a durable overlay.
Acrylic
Creating the nail extension using forms or tips and enhancement products.
Sculpting
The highest point of the enhancement, providing strength.
Apex
When the enhancement begins to separate from the natural nail, often due to improper application or care.
Lifting
The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip.
Free edge
The liquid portion of acrylic systems that works with polymer to form the enhancement
Monomer
Disposable or reusable templates placed under the natural nail to shape extensions.
Nail forms
The curvature of the nail when viewed from the free edge.
C-Curve:
The process of reapplying product to the regrowth area of enhancements.
Refill( fill In )
The thin layer of skin at the base of the nail plate.
Cuticle
The powdered component of acrylic systems.
Polymer
: Pre-formed plastic extensions glued to the natural nail.
Nail Tips
The curved line that separates the nail bed from the free edge in French manicures.
Smile Line
A product used to remove oils and moisture from the nail plate before applying enhancements.
Dehydrator
The living tissue at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix.
Eponychium
A pre-mixed, pre-polymerized product that hardens under a UV or LED light.
Gel
A layer of enhancement product applied directly to the natural nail without extensions.
Overlay
Popular shapes for nail enhancements.
Square, Coffin, Almond, Stiletto:
A bonding agent applied before enhancements to ensure adhesion.:
Primer
The skin under the free edge of the nail.
Hyponychium:
A thicker gel used for creating structure and length in nail enhancements.
Builder Gel:
The coarseness of nail files; lower numbers are coarser (e.g., 100 grit), while higher numbers are finer (e.g., 240 grit).
File Grit:
The chemical process that hardens enhancement products.
Polymerization
Smoothing the surface of the nail enhancement using a buffing block or file.
Buffing
The thickness of gels or liquids used in nail enhancements.
Viscosity:
A finely milled powder applied to nails with a bonding agent, creating a strong and smooth enhancement.
Dip powder
A tool with interchangeable bits used for shaping and finishing enhancements.
E-file (Electric File):
The sticky layer left on gel nails after curing.
Inhibition Layer