Do you want to get familiar with the basic nail terminology?
Here is a pretty comprehensive rundown of nail terminology to get you well-versed in the world of manicures and nail art. Feeling more informed or just super excited to try something new? 💅😊
Acrylics: A mix of liquid and powder that hardens to create a protective layer over your natural nails. They’re pretty durable and versatile.
Gel Nails: Made with a gel-based polish and set with a UV lamp. They’re glossy and generally more flexible than acrylics.
Shellac: A brand of gel polish that’s a mix between regular nail polish and gel. Less damaging to the natural nail compared to traditional gels.
Dip Powder: Your nails are dipped into a colored powder, which then hardens when a sealant is applied. No UV lamp needed.
Base Coat: The first layer of polish that goes onto your nails, designed to help the color adhere better and sometimes to protect your nails.
Top Coat: The final layer of clear polish that seals in the color and adds shine. There are also matte top coats if you prefer.
Cuticle: The skin at the base of your nail. Keep ’em moisturized!
Nail Bed: The part of the nail where the nail plate sits on. It’s the skin under your actual nail.
Nail Plate: The hard part of the nail that you paint over.
Free Edge: The part of the nail that grows out over your fingertip.
Nail Fold: The skin that frames each of your nails on three sides.
Quick-Dry: A type of top coat that dries super fast. A lifesaver when you’re in a hurry!
French Manicure: A classic style with a natural base and white tips.
Reverse French/ Half-Moon: Highlighting the moon of the nail near the cuticle instead of the tips.
Nail Art Brushes: Brushes of different shapes and sizes used for intricate nail art.
Dotting Tool: A tool with a rounded tip for creating dots or small designs.
Striping Tape: Thin tape used to create straight lines or other geometric designs.
Nail Forms: Stickers or templates placed under the free edge to help shape acrylic or gel extensions.
Filing: Shaping the nails with a nail file. There are different grit numbers for different levels of coarseness.
Buffing: Smoothing the nail plate with a buffer to prep for polish.
Seche Vite: A popular quick-drying top coat brand. It’s a staple in many nail art kits.
Nail Primer: Used before applying acrylics or gel to help the material adhere to the natural nail.
Curing: The process of hardening gel polish under a UV or LED lamp.
Soak-off: Removing gel or acrylic nails by soaking them in acetone.
Nail Tips: Pre-shaped plastic pieces that can be glued onto the free edge to extend the nail’s length.
Foil Transfers: Thin sheets of foil that are pressed onto the nail to create metallic or holographic effects.
Nail Stamping: Using engraved plates and a rubber stamper to transfer designs onto the nail.
Rhinestones/Crystals: Small gems or stones that can be adhered to the nails for decoration.
Matte: A non-shiny, flat finish.
Holographic: A reflective, rainbow-like effect.
Polygel: A hybrid between acrylic and gel, used for extensions or overlays.
Overlays: A layer of acrylic, gel, or polygel applied over the natural nail for added strength, without extending the length.
Nail Extensions: Adding length to your natural nails using materials like acrylic, gel, or polygel.
Nail Lacquer: Another term for regular nail polish.
Cuticle Oil: Oil specifically made to hydrate and nourish the cuticles.
Cuticle Pusher: A tool used to gently push back the cuticles.
Cuticle Nippers: Small clippers used to trim the cuticle area.