Understand all the words used in the field of manicure with this glossary.
HAS
Acrylic: (Resin) Mixture of acrylic powder and monomer liquid creating a paste that is sculpted on the nails with templates or capsules to create nail extensions.
Airbrush: Compressed air machine that sprays paint to create beautiful nail art using airbrush stencils.
Table vacuum cleaner: Small vacuum cleaner on which the client's hand can be placed and which sucks up all the dust when removing false nails with a file or sander.
B
Border the natural nail: Apply the semi-permanent varnish or UV gel on the thickness of the free edge of the nail, returning slightly under the free edge of the nail. This prevents the varnish from chipping at the end of the nail.
Wooden Stick: These are small wooden sticks with 2 ends, which allow to push back the cuticles. In aesthetics, the end of these sticks is covered with a thin layer of cotton and soaked in emollient water to facilitate the push back of the cuticles without hurting the client.
Buffer: A 4-sided rectangular utensil covered with a rough surface for polishing nails and removing any irregularities.
Manicure Bowl: A plastic bowl that allows you to soak your fingertips to make it easier to work on your cuticles. It is often used during hand beauty treatments.
Manicure brush: Small brush that removes all dust and residue from the nails.
Latex Barrier: (Varnish) Latex-based varnish that is applied around the nail, on the cuticles and which, when drying, creates a protection that prevents it from spilling onto the skin when creating gradient nail art, applying nail polish, etc. It is removed using tweezers.
Free edge: End of the nail that extends and protrudes from the pink plate, revealing a milky color of the nail.
Domed: When modeling UV gel or acrylic it is important to create a domed shape, it will strengthen the so-called stress zone (usually the middle of the nail) which is more fragile. This will prevent the extensions from breaking.
Base Coat: Clear varnish that is applied to the natural nail before applying a colored nail polish. It protects the natural nail from pigments and prevents the nail from yellowing.
C
Capsules: (Tips) Plastic capsules with a notch that allows you to lengthen your natural nails. They are glued to the natural nail using capsule glue. They must then be filed to shorten them and give them the desired shape.
Stencil: Self-adhesive paper form that sticks to the end of the nails to be able to sculpt the UV gel or acrylic and thus lengthen the natural nail. Once the application is finished, it can be removed.
Cuticle: Very thin skin located around the nail.
Cellulose cottons: Pre-cut, lint-free cottons. You will usually find them in rolls of 250 cottons, 500 cottons or 1000 cottons.
Cleaner: (Degreaser) Liquid that degreases the natural nail and removes the sticky layer of UV gel that has not hardened after catalyzing under the UV lamp.
Cuticle remover: (emollient water) Liquid that is applied to the cuticles and left on for a few seconds. It makes it easier to work on the cuticles by softening them, which allows them to be pushed back easily.
Catalysis: (Polymerization) Chemical reaction of the UV or LED gel which will harden under the UV or LED lamp
D
Capsule remover: Acetone-based solvent that dissolves the capsule when it is poorly stuck.
Soak off UV gel remover: Remover that allows the melting of soak off UV gels to remove them.
UV Gel Removal: This involves removing false UV gel nails. The UV gel will need to be filed with a coarse grain, then finished with a finer grain and then a polishing block. Removal can also be done with a manicure sander. It is important to nourish the nails after removal with a treatment varnish and cuticle oil.
Removal of Semi-Permanent Varnish or Soak-Off UV Gel: This involves removing semi-permanent varnish or soak-off UV gel. File the top coat with a file. Soak a lint-free cotton pad with semi-permanent varnish remover or soak-off UV gel and place it on the nail. Using a removal tweezer, secure the cotton pad to the nail. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the tweezers and cotton pads and remove the remaining UV gel or semi-permanent varnish using a cuticle pusher. Nourish the nails and cuticles well after removal.
Acrylic resin removal: You will need to use an acrylic resin remover or a capsule remover to remove the resin false nails. In a suitable manicure bowl, pour a small amount of remover and soak the fingertips for 10 to 15 minutes. With a cotton pad soaked in remover and a cuticle pusher, remove the remaining resin. Nourish the nails and cuticles well after removal.
Dotting tool: (Spot Swirl) Tool with a round metal tip that allows you to create nail decorations, dots or polka dots, marbled or even French designs.
Desiccant: (Nail prep) This is a liquid that removes moisture from the nail and thus optimizes the hold of UV gels, acrylic or semi-permanent varnish.
E
Emollient water: (Cuticle Remover) Liquid that is applied to the cuticles and left on for a few seconds. It makes it easier to work on the cuticles by softening them, which allows them to be pushed back easily.
Extension: This is an extension of the natural nail carried out using different techniques such as capsules or templates and UV gel or acrylic resin.
F
Fan Brush: This is a fan-shaped brush that can be used to create gradients, line drawings or to sprinkle glitter on your nails.
French Manicure: This is a style of nail decoration, which consists of applying varnish, UV gel or opaque white acrylic on the free edge of the nail, creating a smile. Which gives an effect of lengthening the nail.
C Curve shape: This is the rounding of the nail seen from the side (on the side)
Foil: Decorated metallic film to be transferred using a special glue onto the nails to decorate them, foils are often sold in the form of rolls in a plastic box.
Fimo: Small, fine decorations (fruits, characters, flowers, etc.) made from fimo paste that are stuck onto nails to decorate them.
Filament: (striping tape) Small self-adhesive colored thread that is stuck on the nails to decorate them. They can also be used to make stencils.
Lipid Film: Film that waterproofs the nail and maintains its hydration. This film is eliminated when the hands come into contact with water or detergents, which leads to excessive hydration of the nail and softens it.
G
Sheathing: (Kapping) Strengthening of the natural nail by applying a UV gel or acrylic resin to the nail without extension.
Monophase UV Gel: (3in1 or onephase UV Gel) allows you to carry out all the steps of applying UV gel with a single pot. It combines a base, construction and finishing gel.
Self-leveling UV gel: Gel which once applied will smooth itself out, very easy to use.
UV Base Gel: (bonder gel) This is the first layer of gel to be applied in a very thin layer. It allows perfect adhesion of all other gels.
UV Camouflage Gel: (Cover or Make up gel) It is a gel that is applied after the base and is completely opaque. Its colors are often nude (from a very light pink to a dark brown) It allows to camouflage all the irregularities of the natural nail. It is often used to make French manicures.
UV Construction Gel: (Modeling gel or builder gel) It allows you to build / model / shape false nails. It is with this gel that we will create the curve.
UV Finishing Gel: (Shining gel) This is the last layer of gel to apply. It allows you to have a shiny finish and to protect the application of false nails and nail art.
Soak Off UV Gel: UV gels that allow false nails to be applied but which are removed by dissolving in soak off UV gel remover.
Cat eye UV gel: (cat eye effect) Magnetic UV gel that reacts to the magnetization of a magnet. This way, you can give the gel an effect, for example with the cat eye magnet you can give your nails a cat eye effect.
French Sticker Guide: Small self-adhesive stencil guide in the shape of a smile, wave or v that sticks to the nails and allows you to create French manicures by applying varnish then removing the guide.
H
Cuticle oil: Often scented oil that intensely moisturizes your cuticles by regularly applying the oil to the cuticles and performing small massages.
I
3D Inlay: (Inclusion of 3D decoration) This involves covering a 3D decoration with a layer of transparent acrylic resin or transparent UV gel, which gives an aquarium effect.
I
K
Kapping: (Gainage) Strengthening of the natural nail by applying a UV gel or acrylic resin to the nail without extension.
L
UV lamp: Lamp equipped with UV neons which emit UV rays and which will have the effect of hardening the UV gel or semi-permanent varnish by chemical reaction. The neons are changed on average every 5 to 6 months. It is important to read the instructions before use. The use of these lamps is regulated and is particularly prohibited for minors under 18 years of age.
LED lamp: Lamp that allows you to cure only semi-permanent varnishes and LED gels. The curing time is shorter than a UV lamp, between 30 and 60 seconds. LEDs do not need to be changed but last a very long time.
Lunula: This is the white part of the nail that is located at the edge of the cuticles and is shaped like a half moon. It can be more or less visible depending on the person.
Liner: Very fine and long brush which allows you to create lines or other decorations with more precision.
Monomer Liquid: Liquid that mixes with an acrylic powder and creates a paste that must then be applied to the nail and sculpted to create false nails.
M
Manicure: This is a treatment that makes hands and nails impeccable.
Marbled: Nail Art style that consists of mixing several colors on the nail using a spot swirl, which gives a marble effect.
Mandrel: Part of the sander that is held in the hand and into which the bits are inserted.
Micro Pearls: Very small colored pearls that are placed on the nails to create decorations. It is with these micro pearls that we will create a caviar manicure.
N
Nail Art: Term in English to refer to nail decoration.
Brush Cleaner: Liquid for cleaning brushes after using UV gel or acrylic.
Nail prep: This is a liquid that removes moisture from the nail and thus optimizes the hold of UV gels, acrylic or semi-permanent varnish.
O
One stroke: Acrylic painting technique on nails. Most often represented by flowers.
P
Guillotine pliers: Pliers that allow you to cut the length of the capsules cleanly without damaging them.
Pincher: Pliers with 2 long rods that are placed along the parallels of the nail and which allow to give a C Curve shape to the nail. It is put on after having catalyzed the UV gel for a few seconds then during the remaining catalysis. It is removed once hardened.
Nail clippers: Clips that remove unsightly dead skin around the nail.
Parallels: These are the 2 sides of the nail that must be parallel. When applying false nails, it is indicated that the parallels must be filed well to have a nice appearance.
Popits: Plastic mold (capsule-shaped) that allows you to easily apply false nails in UV gel or resin. You have to place the gel or resin in the mold and then place it on the nail. Catalyze for UV gel or let dry for acrylic resin. Then remove the mold.
Primer: Adhesion liquid allowing UV gels, semi-permanent varnishes or acrylic resin to adhere well. It dries in the open air and is applied to the natural nail.
Acid-free primer: This is an acrylate acid-free primer. It is applied to the natural nail and the capsule.
Sander: Machine with a mandrel for filing UV gel or acrylic resin nails by rotating an abrasive tip. Do not use the sander on natural nails to avoid damaging them.
Nail preparation: Step that consists of preparing the natural nails for the application of false nails. You must disinfect your hands, push back the cuticles, and polish the natural nail with a buffer block. Then you must dust the nails and degrease them with cleaner. You can apply a nail prep and let it air dry.
Airbrush Stencil: Reusable flexible plastic stencil allowing the creation of Nail Art with an airbrush.
Velour Powder: (Velvet Powder) Powder that is applied on a top coat that is not yet dry to create a velvet effect on the nails.
Acrylic Powder: Powder that mixes with a monomer liquid and creates a paste that must then be applied to the nail and sculpted to create false nails.
Dispenser pump: Plastic pump with a pump cap. It allows you to easily soak cotton pads with liquid.
Removal tweezers: Small tweezers that clip onto the fingertips to hold cotton pads soaked in nail polish remover on the nails during removal.
Polymerization: (Catalyst) Chemical reaction of the UV or LED gel which will harden under the UV or LED lamp
Q
R
Filling: Consists of filing the UV gel or acrylic nails after several weeks of regrowth. Then reapplying over the top.
Protective Tape: Flexible self-adhesive tape that protects your nails when applying them to a client.
Hand Rest: Rectangular shaped cushion that allows your client's hand to rest during the pose.
Glass container: (Godet) Allows you to put the monomer liquid in the container in order to dip the acrylic brush in it. Made of glass, it is easy to clean and disinfect.
S
Spot Swirl: (Dotting tool) Tool with a round metal tip that allows you to create nail decorations, dots or polka dots, marbled or even French nails.
Nail Polish Dryer: Spray liquid that is applied after applying nail polish to quickly dry the polish.
Striping tape: (Filament) Small self-adhesive colored thread that is stuck on the nails to decorate them. They can also be used to make stencils.
T
Top Coat: (Finishing varnish) Clear varnish that dries in the open air and is applied as a finish to a nail polish or nail art application. It provides a shiny finish and protects your nail art.
Top Coat UV: (Top Finish UV / LED) This is a transparent varnish that catalyzes (hardens) under UV or LED lamp. It is applied as a finish to a UV gel or acrylic application and protects the application. Some are degreased with cleaner after catalysis, others are not, they are then said to be residue-free.
Twincoat: 2-in-1 transparent semi-permanent varnish that acts as a base and finish. It is essential for applying colored semi-permanent varnish, as it is what makes the varnish adhere to the nail and provides a shiny finish.
Trolley: Large storage case on wheels, with a telescopic handle for rolling. It can store all your nail, makeup or hairdressing equipment. Ideal for professionals at home.
U
V
Semi-permanent varnish: Colored nail polish that catalyzes (hardens) under a UV or LED lamp. These varnishes last about 3 weeks. It requires the application of a twincoat (2-in-1 semi-permanent varnish) beforehand.
Nail polish: Classic colored polish that is applied to the nails and dried in the open air. These polishes last about 7 days. To protect your nails, it is necessary to apply a base coat and for a longer hold, a top coat.
Top Coat: Clear varnish that dries in the open air and is applied as a finish to a nail polish or nail art application. It provides a shiny finish and protects your nail art.
Base Coat: Clear varnish that is applied to the natural nail before applying a colored nail polish. It protects the natural nail from pigments and prevents the nail from yellowing.
Snails Nail Polish: Nail polish that dries freely. It was designed for children, non-toxic because it does not contain Toluene, formaldehyde, dibutylphthalate (DBP) or bisphenol A (BPA). It has no chemical odor and can be removed with soap and water.
W
Water decal: Decorations resembling a sticker but which are used with water. You will have to cut the pattern from the board, remove the protective film and dip the pattern with tweezers in a small container filled with water for a few seconds. Then place the pattern on the nail and let it dry. You will finish the application with a top coat to fix and protect the pattern.
Z
Stress zone: This is the area generally located in the middle of the nail and which absorbs shocks and twists. When creating false nails in UV gel or acrylic resin, it will be necessary to reinforce this area by creating a curve on it to avoid any breakage or cracking.
