Nail Art Glossary

A strong solvent used to dissolve gel polish, soft gel, and remove regular lacquer.

A nail enhancement created by mixing a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to form a hard, durable coating that cures in air.

The highest, strongest point of an enhancement — the structural peak that gives a nail its strength and natural-looking arch.

"Builder In A Bottle" — a brush-on builder gel that strengthens natural nails while remaining easy to apply.

A thick gel used to add strength, length, and an apex to natural nails or extensions, cured under a lamp.

The curve of the nail when viewed from the free edge, shaped like the letter C — key to a strong, natural-looking enhancement.

Sealing the free edge of the nail by running product or polish along the tip to lock in the coating and prevent chipping.

A mirror-like metallic finish created by rubbing chrome powder onto cured gel.

A tapered nail shape with a squared-off tip, resembling a coffin or ballerina slipper.

The process of hardening gel products by exposing them to UV or LED light.

The thin layer of dead skin (technically the eponychium and cuticle) at the base of the nail that seals and protects the matrix.

A prep liquid that removes oil and moisture from the nail plate so products bond properly.

The living fold of skin at the base of the nail that produces and protects the cuticle and seals the matrix from infection.

A quick maintenance service that fills in the regrowth area at the base of grown-out enhancements with fresh product.

The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip — the white tip on natural nails.

A nail product that stays soft until cured under a UV or LED lamp, producing a flexible, glossy, odor-free finish.

A long-wearing colored coating that cures under UV/LED light, lasting two to three weeks without chipping.

A strong, non-soak-off gel used to build length and structure, removed only by filing.

A common gel ingredient (a monomer) that improves adhesion but is a frequent cause of allergic reactions when uncured product touches skin.

The tough structural protein that makes up the nail plate, hair, and outer skin.

A curing lamp that hardens gel products quickly using LED light, typically in 30–60 seconds.

When an enhancement separates or peels away from the natural nail, usually due to poor prep or product application.

The hidden tissue under the base of the nail where new nail cells are produced — damage here can permanently affect nail growth.

The liquid component (EMA) mixed with powder polymer to create acrylic.

A disposable or reusable template placed under the nail to sculpt extensions to a desired shape and length.

The hard, visible part of the nail made of keratin that rests on the nail bed.

The cleaning, pushing back, buffing, and dehydrating steps done before product application to ensure long-lasting adhesion.

A gradient effect where one color fades smoothly into another across the nail.

A layer of acrylic or gel applied over the natural nail for strength, without adding length.

The powder component that combines with liquid monomer to form acrylic.

A bonding agent applied to the natural nail before product to improve adhesion and prevent lifting.

A maintenance service that restructures grown-out enhancements, moving the apex back into the correct position.

Building an extension freehand on a form rather than using a pre-made tip.

The side edges of the nail where it meets the skin folds — keeping them straight is key to a clean, even enhancement.

A removal method that dissolves gel polish or soft gel using acetone instead of filing.

A hybrid shape that's square with softly rounded corners — durable and flattering on most hands.

A long, dramatic nail shape filed to a sharp point like a stiletto heel.

The architecture of an enhancement — the apex, C-curve, and balanced thickness that give a nail strength and beauty.

Pre-formed plastic nail extensions glued to the natural nail to add length before applying product.